Cucurbit[10]uril-based chemistry

With the biggest cavity in the cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]s) family, CB[10] has shown its unique molecular recognition properties. This review gives a brief summary of the research progresses in the CB[10]-based chemistry, involving its purification and applications in fields such as molecular recognition and molecular assembly.     

A Comparative Study of Complexation of β-Cyclodextrin,Calix[4]arenesulfonate and Cucurbit[7]uril with Dye Guests: Fluorescence Behavior and Binding Ability

The complexation behaviors of acridine red (AR), neutral red (NR) and rhodamine B (RhB) dye guest molecules by three kinds of supramolecular hosts, including β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), calix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (C4AS) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), have been investigated by means of fluorescence spectra in aqueous citrate buffer solution (pH 6.0). The results obtained show that the three hosts, possessing different types of cavity, lead to various complexation-induced fluorescence of dye guests, and present different binding ability and molecular selectivity. The complexation stability constants decrease in the order of NR > AR > RhB for C4AS and CB[7] hosts, while in the order of RhB > AR > NR for β-CD host. Particularly, CB[7] displays the strongest binding ability with NR (K _S = 33300 M^? 1), and provides the molecular selectivity of 4.8 for NR/AR pairs. Although the binding ability of C4AS for present dye guests is weaker than CB[7], but the molecular selectivity of the two hosts are nearly equivalent. β-CD shows stronger binding ability with RhB (K _S = 5880 M^? 1) as comparison with CB[7] and C4AS. Furthermore, the solvent effects and salt effects during the course of complexation have also been investigated.     

Theoretical investigation of inclusion complex formation of Gold (III) – Dimethyldithiocarbamate anticancer agents with cucurbit[n = 5,6]urils

Gold (III)-N,N-dimethyldithiocarbamate [DMDT(Au)X₂] complexes have recently gained increasing attention as potential anticancer agents because of their strong tumor cell growth–inhibitory effects, generally achieved by exploiting non-cisplatin-like mechanisms of action. The goal of our research work is to encapsulate the gold(III) dimethyldithiocarbamate complexes as anticancer with cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n = 5, 6]) by accurate calculations, to predict the inclusion complex formation of gold(III) species with cucurbiturils (CB[n = 5, 6]). The calculations were carried out just for the 1:1 stoichiometric complexes. Upon encapsulation, binding energy, thermodynamic parameters, structural parameters and electronic structures of complexes are investigated. The results of the thermodynamic calculations and the binding energy show that the inclusion process is exothermic and the CB[6]/[DMDT(Au)Br₂] complex is more stable than other complexes. The final geometry of CB[n]/drugs indicates that the drugs were expelled from the cavity of CB[n]. NBO calculations reveal that the hydrogen bonding between CB[n] and drugs and electrostatic interactions are the major factors contributing to the overall stabilities of the complexes.     

Cucurbit[7]uril complexations of bis(isoquinolinium)alkane dications in aqueous solution

The 1:1 and 2:1 host–guest complexation of a series of 1,n-bis(isoquinolinium)alkane dications (Iq(CH₂)_nIq²⁺, n = 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 and 12, and Iq(p-xylene)Iq²⁺) by cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) in aqueous solution has been investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and ESI mass spectrometry. The site of binding of the first CB[7] is dependent on the nature of the central linker group, with encapsulation of the p-xylene group or the polymethylene chain when n = 6–10.With shorter (n = 2–5) or longer (n = 12) chains, the first CB[7] binds over an isoquinolinium group. With a second CB[7], the binding of the central group is abandoned in favour of the CB[7] hosts encapsulating the two cationic isoquinolinium termini. The 1:1 and 2:1 host–guest stability constants are related to modes of binding and the nature of the central linkers, and are compared with dicationic guests bearing different terminal groups.     

Theoretical insights into the formation, structure, and electronic properties of anticancer oxaliplatin drug and cucurbit[n]urils n = 5 to 8

Geometries, formation and electronic properties of cucurbit[n]uril-oxaliplatin n = 5–8, host-guest complexes are investigated with DFT calculations. The formation of inclusion complexes of CB[n]-oxaliplatin are facile in CB[n] n = 6–8. In the complex, the cyclohexyl group is found to be deep inside the cavity, with the formation of a hydrogen bonding between the portal oxygen atoms and the amine nitrogen of the oxaliplatin guest. NBO analysis shows the transfer of charge from the metal center to the CB[7] unit and the existence of hydrogen bonding between the oxygen portal and amine nitrogen. The HOMO orbital is localized on the carboxylate group and the LUMO orbital are localized on the cucurbituril unit in CB[7]-oxaliplatin complex. The strength of the interaction determined here reflects the ability of CB[n] to act as a host for suitably oxaliplatin guests, even in aqueous solution.     

Inclusion complex of α-cyclodextrin and the extended viologen dication: a model of an insulated molecular wire

An extended viologen dication 1, containing one viologen subunit, was used as a model for the inclusion complex formation between cyclodextrin (CD) molecules and molecular wires comprising several subunits. UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements confirmed the formation of two types of the inclusion complexes 1:1 and 2:1 between αCD and 1 in the aqueous solution containing 20% of ethanol. The complex formation constants were obtained from the fluorescence spectral changes: K _a  = 25 ± 3 mM^?1 for [αCD–1] complex and K _a  = 0.21 ± 0.07 mM^?2 for [(αCD)₂–1] complex, respectively. Cyclodextrins βCD and γCD do not form the inclusion complexes with 1 in these aqueous solutions. The time-dependent differential capacitance measurements confirmed the adsorption of 1 in the form of a complex at the electrode/electrolyte interface. These studies were conducted with the aim to find the most suitable CD cavity that would separate individual molecular wires from each other on the electrode/electrolyte interface.     

Synthesis,characterization, and thermochemical property of a novel mixed alkali metal borate: NaCs[B10O14(OH)4]

A novel mixed alkali metal hydrated borate NaCs[B₁₀O₁₄(OH)₄] was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Its structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and further characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, TG-DTA, powder X-ray diffraction, and chemical analysis. NaCs[B₁₀O₁₄(OH)₄] crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2/c with a = 7.6588(3) Å, b = 9.0074(3) Å, c = 11.8708(6) Å, and β = 115.682(3)°. The crystal structure of NaCs[B₁₀O₁₄(OH)₄] consists of Na–O, Cs–O polyhedral, and [B₁₀O₁₄(OH)₄]^2? polyborate anions. [B₁₀O₁₄(OH)₄]^2? units are connected together through common oxygen atoms forming a 1D helical chain-like structure, which are further connected by O–H···O hydrogen bonds forming a 3D supramolecular structure. Through a designed thermochemical cycle, the standard molar enthalpy of formation of this borate was determined to be ?7888.6 ± 8.1 kJ mol^?1 by using a heat conduction microcalorimeter.     

Study of spectroscopic properties of Europium (III) Tris(β-diketonate) complex and α-Cyclodextrin in aqueous medium

The solubilization of an europium (III) β-diketonate chelate in aqueous medium and the changes in its photophysical properties upon its inclusion into an α-cyclodextrin hydrophobic cavity are described. The complex [Eu(tta)₃·(H₂O)₂] (tta = 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(thiophen-2-yl)butane-1,3-dione) was synthesized, characterized, and incorporated into the hydrophobic cavity by stirring in an α-cyclodextrin aqueous solution. The inclusion was confirmed by ¹H NMR, and the stoichiometry of association was obtained by the Job method. The maximum in the excitation spectrum of the α-CD inclusion compound in aqueous solution was shifted 28 nm compared with the maximum of non α-CD complex. The emission spectrum of the association is similar to that of the free solid complex and displays the characteristic ⁵D₀ → ⁷F_0-4 Eu³⁺ transitions.     

Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Material Based on Strandberg-Type Polyanion [Se2Mo5O21]4− and 2-Aminopyridine Ions

A new organic–inorganic hybrid compound (2-AMP)₄[Se₂Mo₅O₂₁]·2H₂O (1) [2-AMP = 2-aminopyridinium] has been synthesized and characterized by IR spectrum, UV–Vis spectra, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, cyclic voltammetry measurements and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic system with space group P-1 and a = 11.451(6) Å, b = 13.478(3) Å, c = 14.037(2) Å, α = 108.956(2)°, β = 96.260(2)°, γ = 97.174(3)°, Z = 2. The title compound contains four protonized 2-AMP cations, five distorted MoO6 octahedra and two SeO3 pyramids by sharing vertices and edges. These five Mo atoms are nearly coplanar, and two SeO3 pyramids lie on both sides of this plane. The interactions between [Se₂Mo₅O₂₁]^4? clusters are established through hydrogen contacts which involve selenium, water molecules and 2-aminopyridine cations to form a three-dimensional structure.     

Acyclic cucurbit[n]uril type receptors: secondary versus tertiary amide arms

ABSTRACT

Two acyclic CB[n]-type hosts (1 and 2) which possess four 2° or 3° amide arms are reported. Host 2 has four 3° amide arms that exist as a mixture of E- and Z-isomers. ¹H NMR was used to qualitatively investigate the binding properties of 1 and 2 which indicates they retain the essential binding features of macrocyclic CB[n] hosts. We measured the K_a values of 1 and 2 toward guests 6–14 by ITC. Neutral hosts 1 and 2 bind less tightly than tetraanionic hosts M1, ACB1, and ACB2. We attribute the lower K_a values to the absence of secondary ion-ion electrostatic interactions for host?guest complexes of 1 and 2. The secondary amide functionality on 1 decreases affinity by the formation of intramolecular NH???O=C H-bonds. Tertiary amide host 2 binds even more weakly than 1 due to backfolding of the amide N-CH₃-groups of 2 into its own cavity.     

Unimolecular and hydrolysis channels for the detachment of water from microsolvated alkaline earth dication (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+) clusters

We examine theoretically the three channels that are associated with the detachment of a single water molecule from the aqueous clusters of the alkaline earth dications, [M(H₂O) _n ]²⁺, M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, n ≤ 6. These are the unimolecular water loss (M²⁺(H₂O) _n?1 + H₂O) and the two hydrolysis channels resulting the loss of hydronium ([MOH(H₂O) _n?2]⁺ + H₃O⁺) and Zundel ([MOH(H₂O) _n?3]⁺ + H₃O⁺(H₂O)) cations. Minimum energy paths (MEPs) corresponding to those three channels were constructed at the Møller–Plesset second order perturbation (MP2) level of theory with basis sets of double- and triple-ζ quality. We furthermore investigated the water and hydronium loss channels from the mono-hydroxide water clusters with up to four water molecules, [MOH(H₂O) _n ]⁺, 1 ≤ n ≤ 4. Our results indicate the preference of the hydronium loss and possibly the Zundel-cation loss channels for the smallest size clusters, whereas the unimolecular water loss channel is preferred for the larger ones as well as the mono-hydroxide clusters. Although the charge separation (hydronium and Zundel-cation loss) channels produce more stable products when compared to the ones for the unimolecular water loss, they also require the surmounting of high-energy barriers, a fact that makes the experimental observation of fragments related to these hydrolysis channels difficult.     

Comparison and correlation of in vitro, in vivo and in silico evaluations of alpha, beta and gamma cyclodextrin complexes of curcumin

In the present study investigated the effect of curcumin (CUR) alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) cyclodextrin (CD) complexes on its solubility and bioavailability. CUR the active principle of turmeric is a natural antioxidant agent with potent anti-inflammatory activity along with chemotherapeutic and chemopreventive properties. Poor solubility and poor oral bioavailability are the main reasons which preclude CUR use in therapy. Extent of complexation was β-CD complex (82 %) > γ-CD (71 %) > α-CD (65 %). Pulverization method resulted in significant enhancement of CUR (0.002 mg/ml) solubility with CUR α-CD complex (0.364 mg/ml) > CUR β-CD complex (0.186 mg/ml) > CUR γ-CD complex (0.068 mg/ml). Gibbs-free energy and in silico molecular docking studies favour formation of α-CD complex > β-CD complex > γ-CD complex. With reference to CUR, relative bioavailability of CUR α-CD, CUR β-CD and CUR γ-CD complexes were 460, 365 and 99 % respectively. CUR–CD complexes exhibited increased bioavailability with an increase in t_½, tmax, Cmax, AUC, Ka, and MRT; and a decrease in Ke, clearance and Vd values. AUC increase was CUR α-CD complex > CUR β-CD complex > CUR γ-CD complex. Significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between CUR α-CD complex and CUR γ-CD complex by one-way ANOVA and Dunnett’s post hoc test for multiple comparison analysis. Correlation observed between in vitro, in vivo and in silico methods indicates potential of in silico and in vitro methods in CD selection.     

Formation of aqua and tetraammine Cu(II) complexes inside the cavities of cucurbit[6,8]urils: A DFT forecast

Results of DFT calculations of the structure and thermodynamics of formation of aqua and tetraammine Cu(II) complexes inside CB[n] (n = 6,8) are presented in this study. Formation thermodynamics of the complexes in the cavitands was evaluated by taking into account the most probable number of water molecules inside CB[n]. In this methodology, the complexation was first considered as a substitution reaction in which the guest complex displaces partially or completely the water molecules that are located inside the cavity. The water molecules present in the cavitand were shown to play an important role in the fixation of the guest complex inside the cavity due to the hydrogen bonds with the oxygen portals. The hydration of Cu(II) ion inside CB[6] leads to the formation of an inclusion compound with the formula {[Cu(H₂O)₄]²⁺·2H₂O}@CB[6] while in CB[8] {[Cu(H₂O)₆]²⁺·4H₂O}@CB[8] is formed. For the binding of tetraammine Cu(II) complex, CB[8] was determined to be a significantly more suitable “container” than CB[6]. Both a direct embedding of this complex into the CB[8] and another mechanism in which ammonia molecules replace the water molecules in the Cu(II) aqua complex, preexisting in CB[8] were determined to be thermodynamically possible. Both these lead to the formation of the resultant inclusion compound described by the formula {[Cu(NH₃)₄(H₂O)₂]²⁺·4H₂O}@CB[8].     

Inclusion compounds of cucurbit[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]urils with metal complexes

A new class of supramolecular compounds—inclusion compounds of metal complexes encapsulated in organic macrocyclic cavitands cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n], C_6n H_6n N_4n O_2n , n = 7−10)—has been surveyed. A unique combination of a rather rigid hydrophobic intramolecular cavity and negatively charged portals favors the formation of stable host-guest compounds. Basic methods of synthesis of inclusion compounds of CB[n] with metal complexes have been reported, and the structures of the resulting products isolated as crystals and characterized by X-ray crystallography have been considered. The effect of encapsulation on the geometric and spectral characteristics of the complexes and their redox properties has been traced. It has been shown that encapsulation in CB[n] can lead to a change in the reactivity of the complexes in thermolysis and isomerization and aquation reactions. Encapsulation of biologically active metal complexes in CB[n] is a promising strategy for designing new-generation prolonged-action pharmaceuticals.     

Physicochemical characterisation and cyclodextrin complexation of erlotinib

Erlotinib (ERL), the anticancer drug of poor bioavailability, was quantified in terms of bio-relevant physicochemical parameters, such as acid–base properties, lipophilicity and solubility, and a comprehensive study on its inclusion complexation was carried out. The protonation constant of ERL (log K = 5.32) indicates that it exists mainly in deprotonated form at the pH of blood plasma. The high lipophilicity (log p = 2.75) explains its good permeability, while the very low solubility (S₀ = 12.46 μM) causes its low bioavailability and renders injection formulation a difficult job. This problem could be alleviated by enhancing ERL solubility through cyclodextrin (CD) inclusion complexation. Therefore, ERL–CD interactions were studied by a number of analytical techniques. The apparent stability constants of ERL with seven different CDs were determined using affinity capillary electrophoresis. Results indicated that the seven-membered β-CD and its derivatives were the most suitable hosts. Using UV Job plot titration 1:1 stoichiometry was determined, confirmed by electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry experiments. The geometry of the inclusion complex was investigated by 2D ROESY NMR techniques, revealing that the ethynylphenyl ring enters the β-CD cavity. Phase-solubility analysis shows greatly enhanced solution concentration by CD complexation. The determined equilibrium and structural information offer molecular basis to elaborate improved drug formulation with enhanced bioavailability.     

Determination of the inclusion complex constant between oleuropein and cyclodextrins by complexation theory

Oleuropein (OLE) is a major phenolic compound of olive leaf (Olea europaea) and has many therapeutic properties associated with olive leaf extracts. This work concerns the determination of the inclusion complex constant between OLE and cyclodextrins (CDs), based on the competition of two guests for the CD cavity, one being a dye and the other OLE. The dye used was methylorange (MO) and pH 3 was selected, since MO molar absorptivity at 500 nm is at maximum in this condition. A solution of MO, OLE, and α-CD or β-CD, with citrate buffer was used for determining the absorbance values. From these data and by appropriate mathematical modeling, the equilibrium constant for the formation of OLE:CD complexes were obtained: for OLE:α-CD K = 1,352.4 L mol^?1 (R ² = 0.9975) and for OLE:β-CD K = 1,827.9 L mol^?1 (R ² = 0.9991). The results show that OLE has a greater affinity for β-CD than for α-CD and given the relatively high constants, OLE:CD complexes have potential for giving longer shelf lives for OLE medicinal and food additive preparations.     

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of a New 1D Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Compound Based on Keggin-Type Heteropolyanions and Isopolyanions Decorated by Transition Metal Fragments

A new chain-like organic–inorganic hybrid compound composed of the heteropolyanions and isopolyanions, [{Cu^II(2,2′-bpy)}₆(Mo^VMo^VI ₅O₂₂)] [PMo^VI ₁₂O₄₀] · H₂O 1 (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, XPS spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal data for compound 1: monoclinic, space group P _2(1)/c, a = 13.9382(14) Å, b = 20.0300(19) Å, c = 17.1757(17) Å, β = 94.054(2)°, V = 4783.2(8) ų, Z = 2. The Keggin-heteropolyanion [PMo₁₂O₄₀]^3? and the Cu-supporting isopolyanion [{Cu(2,2′-bpy)}₆(Mo₆O₂₂)]³⁺ building units are bridged through the O–Cu–O bridges into 1D infinite chain. Note that, the [{Cu(2,2′-bpy)}₆(Mo₆O₂₂)]³⁺ unit, which contains a rarely reported isopolyanion [Mo₆O₂₂]^9? decorated by six [Cu(2,2′-bpy)] fragments. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of a 1-modified carbon paste electrode (1-CPE) and its electrocatalytic reduction of nitrite were investigated.     

Multisensor system for determination of polyoxometalates containing vanadium at its different oxidation states

The electronic tongue (ET) multisensor system has been employed for the detection of metal-oxygen cluster anions (polyoxometalates) containing vanadium (IV/V) atoms. Sensitivity of a variety of potentiometric chemical sensors with plasticized polyvinyl chloride and chalcogenide glass membranes was evaluated with respect to vanadyl/vanadate ions, decavanadate and a series of Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POM) such as α-[SiW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁷⁻, α-[BW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁶⁻, α-[PW₁₁V^IVO₄₀]⁵⁻ and α-[PW_12−nV_n^VO₄₀]⁽³⁺ⁿ⁾⁻ (n = 1, 2, 3). Sensor's responses to vanadium complexes were evaluated in the pH range of 2.4-6.5 and a set of sensors appropriate for detecting a variety of vanadium species was selected. Such sensor array was able to distinguish different vanadium complexes allowing their simultaneous quantification in binary (V(IV)/V(V)) mixtures. The vanillyl alcohol oxidation with α-[SiW₁₁V^VO₄₀]⁵⁻ was monitored using ET to evaluate the capacity of proposed analytic system to detect simultaneously V(IV)/V(V) in POM under dynamic equilibrium. ET was demonstrated to be a promising tool for the discrimination and quantification of vanadium-containing POMs at different oxidation states. In particular, such a system could represent a significant interest for the mechanistic studies of redox reactions with POMs.     

Transformative Supramolecular Vesicles Based on Acid-Degradable Acyclic Cucurbit[n]uril and a Prodrug for Promoted Tumoral-Cell Uptake

Smart supramolecular vesicles constructed by host–guest interactions between “acid-degradable” acyclic cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) and a doxorubicin prodrug are reported. “Acid-degradable” acyclic CB[n] is a high-affinity host for several common antitumor drugs, and its degradation leads to a more dramatic decrease in binding affinity than that observed for “acid-sensitive” hosts. Supramolecular complexation between acid-degradable acyclic CB[n] and a doxorubicin prodrug resulted in the formation of negatively charged supramolecular vesicles. The prodrug strategy allowed doxorubicin to be conjugated to vesicles in a stable manner with a high drug-loading ratio of 20 %. The resulting supramolecular vesicles were responsive to tumor acidity (pH 6.5). Induced by mildly acidic conditions (pH 6.5–5.5), acid-degradable acyclic CB[n] could be degraded, and this led to a vesicle-to-micelle transition to form positively charged micelles. This transition resulted in a pH-dependent change in size and surface charge, which improved tumoral-cell uptake for doxorubicin.     

Comparison between 2-hydroxypropyl-��-cyclodextrin and 2-hydroxypropyl-��-cyclodextrin for inclusion complex formation with danazol

Complexation in solution between danazol and two different cyclodextrins [2-hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-??-cyclodextrin (HP-??-CD)] was studied using phase solubility analysis, and one- and two-dimensional ¹H-NMR. The increase of danazol solubility in the aqueous cyclodextrin solutions showed a linear relationship (A_L profile). The apparent stability constant, K _1:1, of each complex was calculated and found to be 51.7 × 10³ and 7.3 × 10³ M^?1 for danazol?CHP-??-CD and danazol?CHP-??-CD, respectively. ¹H-NMR spectroscopic analysis of varying ratios of danazol and the different cyclodextrins in a mixture of EtOD?CD₂O confirmed the 1:1 stoichiometry. Cross-peaks, from 2D ROESY ¹H-NMR spectra, between protons of danazol and H3?? and H5??of cyclodextrins, which stay inside the cyclodextrin cavity, proved the formation of an inclusion complex between danazol and the cyclodextrins. For HP-??-CD, the inclusion complex is formed by entrance of the isooxazole and the A rings of danazol in the cyclodextrin cavity. For HP-??-CD, two different inclusion structures may exist simultaneously in solution: one with the isooxazole and A ring in the cavity and the other with the C and D ring inside the cavity. DLS showed that self-aggregation of the CD??s was absent in the danazol HP-??-CD system up to a CD concentration of 10% and in the danazol HP-??-CD system up to a CD concentration of 5%.