Internal organization and conformational characteristics of star-shaped polystyrene with fullerene C<Subscript>60</Subscript> as a branching center in deuterotoluene

The internal organization of star-shaped polystyrene macromolecules containing fullerene C₆₀ as a branching center is studied via small-angle neutron scattering in deuterotoluene. Analysis of the experimental data according to the Debye-Benoit approximation and the Fourier transformation of the momentum transfer dependences of scattering cross sections for the linear PS precursor and stars is used to determine their molecular masses (9 × 10³ and 5 × 10⁴) and gyration radii (∼2.7 and ∼5.5 nm), the gyration radius of the arm (∼3.4 nm), and the average functionality of the star (5.7). The behavior of scattering cross sections for the fullerene-containing polymer on the whole is described by the law of scattering for stars with Gaussian arms (the Benoit model). However, at the local level (within one chain segment), the fullerene center exerts a specific effect on the conformation of arms. As a result, their statistical flexibility decreases and eventually the size of the star increases by ∼30%. This finding conflicts with the Daoud-Cotton theory.     

The influence of isomerism on the self-assembly behavior and complexation property of 1,3-alternate tetraaminopyridyl-thiacalix[4]arene derivatives

A series of 1,3-alternate conformation thiacalix[4]arenes containing different isomeric aminopyridyl pendent arms have been synthesized. It was found that their self-assembly behaviors and complexation properties strongly depended on the structures of aminopyridyl pendent arms. The crystal structures demonstrate that tetra(meta-aminopyridyl)-thiacalix[4]arene motif is capable of forming intramolecular hydrogen bondings between the sp² nitrogen donors in the meta position of the aminopyridyl groups and the facing amide N-H of the adjacent aminopyridyl groups, and self-assembles via C-H?O weak hydrogen bondings and C-H?π interaction to generate a double stranded rectilineal networks. By contrast, in the case of tetra(para-aminopyridyl)-thiacalix[4]arene, the presence of para-aminopyridyl units enables the formation of N-H?N strong hydrogen bondings between the individual molecules leading to the solid-state structure with water-bridged double strands. Their complexation properties had been also studied by measurement of the stability constants for their complexation in a range of metal cations and investigation of their binding models via ¹H NMR titration and ESI-MS experiments. It was found that the three ligands exhibited high and selective extractability toward Ag⁺, and their stoichiometry of ligand to Ag⁺ was 1:1, while the meta-aminopyridyl derivative showed the best extraction capacity and possessed the most efficient binding sites.     

Molecular and hydrodynamic characteristics of star-shaped polystyrenes with one or two fullerene (C<Subscript>60</Subscript>) molecules as a branching center

The molecular properties of regular star-shaped polystyrenes with different numbers of arms (6, 12, and 22) and different structures of the branching center (one or two covalently bonded fullerene C60 molecules) are studied by static light scattering; translational diffusion; and viscometry in toluene, THF, and chloroform. The lengths of the arms for the studied polymer stars are found to be the same. (The molecular mass of the arm is 8.1 × 10³.) The molecular mass and hydrodynamic sizes of macromolecules are estimated. It is shown that the conformational and hydrodynamic characteristics of polymer stars remain practically unchanged on passage from THF to chloroform. Compared to the linear analog, star-shaped fullerene-containing PSs are characterized by a higher density of the molecular coil. The shape of their macromolecules differs insignificantly from spherical, in consistence with theoretical predictions for polymer stars with relatively short arms.     

α,α′,α″,α′″-meso-tetrahexyltetramethyl-calix[4]pyrrole: an easy-to-prepare,isomerically pure anion extractant with enhanced solubility in organic solvents

α,α′,α″,α′″-meso-Tetrahexyltetramethyl-calix[4]pyrrole is easily obtained as a single diastereomer in a one-pot reaction. It exhibits enhanced solubility in organic solvents, including aliphatic solvents, relative to its parent meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (1). Somewhat surprisingly, the tetrahexyl derivative 2 complexes with tributylmethylammonium chloride in chloroform more strongly than does 1 as shown by NMR titrations. However, 1 and 2 exhibit comparable complexation strength in extraction experiments, the difference between the NMR and extraction results being attributed to the effect of organic-phase water in the extraction systems. Mass-action analysis indicates the formation of the predominant complex TBMA⁺(1 or 2)Cl^? in both NMR and extraction systems, and equilibrium constants are reported. x-Ray crystal structures were obtained for the free ligand 2 and its complex with tetramethylammonium chloride. The free ligand crystallises in the 1,3-alt conformation with equatorial hexyl arms. In the chloride complex with 2 in its cone conformation, the hexyl arms adopt an axial orientation, enveloping the anion. DFT calculations show this binding conformation to be the most stable, mostly owing to destabilising steric interactions involving the pyrrole C–H and alkyl C–H groups positioned equatorially.     

Solid state and solution structures of alkaline-earth complexes with lariat ethers containing aniline and benzimidazole pendants

Herein we report the synthesis and structural characterization of Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) complexes with bibracchial lariat ethers derived from 1,7-diaza-15-crown-5 and 1,7-diaza-12-crown-4 containing aniline or benzimidazole pendant arms. The solid state structures of most of them have been determined by using single crystal X-ray crystallography. A coordination number of seven was observed for the Mg(II) complexes in the solid state, while the Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) complexes are 8-, 9- and 11-coordinate, respectively. The Ca(II), Sr(II) and Ba(II) complexes show a syn conformation, with the two pendant arms of the ligand disposed on the same side of the macrocyclic mean plane. However, the Mg(II) complex with the largest ligand derived from 1,7-diaza-15-crown-5 containing benzimidazole pendants presents an anti conformation in the solid state. ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy reveal that this conformation is maintained in acetonitrile solution.     

Effect of fullerene C60 branching center on the conformational properties of arms and the structure of star-shaped polystyrenes in solutions

The effect of the fullerene C₆₀ branching center on the structure and conformation of star-shaped polystyrenes with different arm lengths at equal concentrations in deuterotoluene (c = 1 g/dL) is studied by the method of small-angle neutron scattering. The analysis of neutron scattering for linear PS precursors and stars (the molecular masses of arms are ～7 × 10³ and ～4 × 10⁴) shows that the stars have ～6 arms that form a dense excluded-volume zone around a core inaccessible to other macromolecules. In low-molecular-mass stars (the molecular mass of the arm is ～7 × 10³), strengthening of the static rigidity of arms is observed; as a result, the size of arms increases relative to the size of free PS chains in a good solvent. At a greater length of arms (M ～ 4 × 10⁴), their individual properties are weakly pronounced in the correlation spectrum of the arm because of the interpenetration of arms, thereby demonstrating similarity in the structures of stars and their linear analogs. The mechanism controlling the effect of fullerene C₆₀ on the conformations of stars via solvent structuring by fullerene is discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of L‐leucine containing chiral vinyl monomer and its polymer,poly(2‐(methacryloyloxyamino)‐4‐methyl pentanoic acid)

A chiral monomer containing L ‐leucine as a pendant group was synthesized from methacryloyl chloride and L ‐leucine in presence of sodium hydroxide at 4 °C. The monomer was polymerized by free radical polymerization in propan‐2‐ol at 60 °C using 2,2′‐azobis isobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator under nitrogen atmosphere. The polymer, poly(2‐(Methacryloyloxyamino)‐4‐methyl pentanoic acid) is thus obtained. The molecular weight of the polymer was determined to be: M_w is 6.9 × 10³ and M_n is 5.6 × 10³. The optical rotation of both chiral monomer and its polymer varies with the solvent polarity. The amplification of optical rotation due to transformation of monomer to polymer is associated with the ordered conformation of chiral monomer unit in the polymeric chain due to some secondary interactions like H‐bonding. The synthesized monomer and polymer exhibit intense Cotton effect at 220 nm. The conformation of the chain segments is sensitive to external stimuli, particularly the pH of the medium. In alkaline medium, the ordered chain conformation is destroyed resulting disordered random coils. The ordered coiling conformation is more firmly present on addition of HCl. The polymer exhibits swelling‐deswelling characteristics with the change of pH of the medium, which is reversible. The Cotton effect decreases linearly with the increase of temperature which is reversible on cooling. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 2228–2242, 2009     

Control of thermal properties and hydrolytic degradation in poly(lactic acid) polymer stars through control of isospecificity of polymer arms

The synthesis of a family of polymer stars with arms of varied tacticities is discussed. The effect of polymer tacticity on the physical properties of these polymer stars is dramatic. Dipentaerythritol cores support six poly(lactic acid) arms. Lewis acidic tin and/or aluminum catalysts control the polymerization to afford polymer stars of variable tacticity. Analysis of these polymers by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry reveals the effects of tacticity control on the physical properties of the polymer stars. Hydrolytic decomposition studies suggest that the degradation profile of a polymer star may also be tuned by stereochemical control. Differences between isotactic samples derived from rac‐lactide and L ‐lactide are heightened by longer arms of 50 and 100 monomer units. Control of polymer isospecificity shows that a ～70% isotacticity bias is necessary to induce crystallinity and alter the thermal and degradation properties of the material. Above 70% isotacticity, the degradation properties and thermal transitions can be further tuned across a relatively wide range. This technique allows for significant tunability to the physical properties of aliphatic polyester polymer stars. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012     

Morphological transition of nanostructures of self-assembled block copolymers by stimuli-induced conformational changes in the hydrophilic block

The morphological control of nanostructures created by the self-assembly of macromolecular building blocks in solution has practical importance because the structural parameters of nanostructures greatly affect their physical and chemical behavior in solution, for example, pharmacokinetics. Herein, we report that the stimuli-induced changes to the conformation of the hydrophilic polymer block of a block copolymer (BCP), in this case branched-linear poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(styrene) BCPs, are translated to changes in the morphology of the BCP self-assemblies in solution. Specifically, the cone angle between the poly(ethylene glycol) arms in the tri-arm hydrophilic block equipped with pyridyl units in the scaffold can be changed by varying the self-assembly conditions, thus affecting the packing parameter (p) of the BCP. Upon increasing the cone angle by protonating the pyridyl units, the self-assembled BCP structures underwent changes consistent with a reduction in the p value. In contrast, the chelation of zinc metal cations (Zn²⁺) to the pyridyl groups resulted in the conformation of the hydrophilic block taking on a closed form, resulting in an apparent increase in the p value of the BCP. Our results could be applied to stimuli-dependent morphological transitions of other self-assembled BCP nanostructures in solution.     

Probing Polymer Chain Conformation and Fibril Formation of Peptide Conjugates

Covalent conjugates between a synthetic polymer and a peptide hormone were used to probe the molecular extension of these macromolecules and how the polymer modifies the fibril formation of the hormone. NMR spectroscopy of ¹⁵N labeled parathyroid hormone (PTH) was employed to visualize the conformation of the conjugated synthetic polymer, triggered by small temperature changes via its lower critical solution temperature. A shroud-like polymer conformation dominated the molecular architecture of the conjugated chimeras. PTH readily forms amyloid fibrils, which is probably the physiological storage form of the hormone. The polyacrylate based polymers stimulated the nucleation processes of the peptide.     

Thermodynamics of Hydrophobic Interactions: Entropic Recognition of a Hydrophobic Moiety by Poly(Ethylene Oxide)–Zinc Porphyrin Conjugates

The recognition of 4‐alkylpyridines by water‐soluble poly(ethylene oxide)–zinc porphyrin conjugates was studied with a focus on the thermodynamic parameters of binding. Microcalorimetric studies indicated that binding of the alkyl group of the guest in water is driven by the entropic term (δΔH⁰=ΔH⁰(4‐pentylpyridine)? ΔH⁰(4‐methylpyridine)=+1.7 kJ mol^?1, δTΔS⁰=TΔS⁰(4‐pentylpyridine)? TΔS⁰(4‐methylpyridine)=+11.8 kJ mol^?1 at 298 K), thus showing the significance of water reorganization during host–guest interaction. The enthalpy–entropy compensation temperature of binding of 4‐alkylpyridines was as low as 38 K; only below this temperature could the enthalpic term be a driving force. The binding affinity was modulated by the addition of cations and by varying the degree of polymerization of poly(ethylene oxide), which suggests that guest binding is coupled with polymer conformation.     

Cation binding properties of crown ether-modified polyethylenimines

Crown ether-modified polyethylenimines (PEI-CR) were prepared to elucidate their cation binding efficiency and selectivity by liquid-liquid and solid-liquid extraction methods. With alkali metal cations it was found that polyethylenimines containing benzo-15-crown-5 moieties (Ia and Ib) extracted all cations examined more efficiently than their monomeric analogs, especially in the cases of K⁺ and Rb⁺ cations. The solid-liquid extraction revealed clearly that the polymers complexed with K⁺ and Rb⁺ cations according to a 1:2 cation-to-crown stoichiometry. The high selectivities of the polymers for K⁺ and Rb⁺ were interpreted in terms of the favourable conformation of the polymer chain for the formation of intramolecular 1:2 complexes. On the contrary, these polymers bound alkali earth cations less effectively with low selectivities.     

Dual Role of the 1,2,3‐Triazolium Ring as a Hydrogen‐Bond Donor and Anion–π Receptor in Anion‐Recognition Processes

Several bis(triazolium)‐based receptors have been synthesized as chemosensors for anion recognition. The central naphthalene core features two aryltriazolium side‐arms. NMR experiments revealed differences between the binding modes of the two triazolium rings: one triazolium ring acts as a hydrogen‐bond donor, the other as an anion–π receptor. Receptors 9²⁺?2BF₄ ^? (C₆H₅), 11²⁺?2BF₄ ^? (4‐NO₂?C₆H₄), and 13²⁺?2BF^4? (ferrocenyl) bind HP₂O₇^3? anions in a mixed‐binding mode that features a combination of hydrogen‐bonding and anion–π interactions and results in strong binding. On the other hand, receptor 10²⁺?2 BF₄ ^? (4‐CH₃O?C₆H₄) only displays combined Csp₂?H/anion–π interactions between the two arms of the receptors and the bound anion rather than triazolium (CH)⁺???anion hydrogen bonding. All receptors undergo a downfield shift of the triazolium protons, as well as the inner naphthalene protons, in the presence of H₂PO₄^? anions. That suggests that only hydrogen‐bonding interactions exist between the binding site and the bound anion, and involve a combination of cationic (triazolium) and neutral (naphthalene) C?H donor interactions. Theoretical calculations relate the electronic structure of the substituent on the aromatic group with the interaction energies and provide a minimum‐energy conformation for all the complexes that explains their measured properties.     

Differential Recognition of Anions with Selectivity towards F− by a Calix[6]arene–Thiourea Conjugate Investigated by Spectroscopy,Microscopy, and Computational Modeling by DFT

Anion recognition studies were performed with triazole‐appended thiourea conjugates of calix[6]arene (i.e., compound ⁶ L ) by absorption and ¹H NMR spectroscopy by using nineteen different anions. The composition of the species of recognition was derived from ESI mass spectrometry. The absorption spectra of compound ⁶ L showed a new band at λ=455 nm in the presence of F^? due to a charge transfer from the anion to the thiourea moiety and the absorbance increases almost linearly in the concentration range 5 to 200 μm . This is associated with a strong visual color change of the solution. Other anions, such as H₂PO₄^? and HSO₄^?, exhibit a redshift of the λ=345 nm band and the spectral changes are associated with the formation of an isosbestic point at λ=343 nm. ¹H NMR studies further confirm the binding of F^? efficiently to the thiourea group among the halides by shifting the thiourea proton signals downfield followed by their disappearance after the addition of more than one equivalent of F^?. The other anions also showed interactions with compound ⁶ L , however, their binding strength follows the order F^?>CO₃^2?>H₂PO₄^?≈CH₃COO^?>HSO₄^?. The NMR spectral changes clearly revealed the anion‐binding region of the arms in case of all these anions. The anion binding to compound ⁶ L indeed stabilizes a flattened‐cone conformation as deduced based on the calix‐aromatic proton signals and was further confirmed by VT ¹H NMR experiments. The stabilization of the flattened‐cone conformation was further augmented by the interaction of the butyl moiety of the nBu₄N⁺ counterion. The structural features of the anion‐bound species were demonstrated by DFT computations and the resultant structures carried the features that were predicted based on the ¹H NMR spectroscopic measurements. In addition, SEM images showed a marigold flower‐type morphology for compound ⁶ L and this has been transformed into a chain‐like structure of connected spherical particles in the presence of F^?. The anion‐induced microstructural features are reflective of the binding strength, size, and shape of the anions. The binding strengths of the anions by compound ⁶ L were further compared with that of compound ⁴ L , a calix[4]arene analogue of compound ⁶ L , in order to address the role of the number of arms built on the calixarene platform based on absorption spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and DFT computations and it was found that compound ⁶ L is a better receptor for F^?, which extends its interactions from all the three arms.     

Preparation of a Star Network PEG-based Gel Polymer Electrolyte and Its Application to Electrochromic Devices

A star network polymer with a pentaerythritol core linking four PEG-block polymeric arms was synthesized, and its corresponding gel polymer electrolyte based on lithium perchlorate and plasticizers EC/PC with the character being colorless and highly transparent has been also prepared. The polymer host was characterized and confirmed to be of a star network and an amorphous structure by FTIR, ^1H NMR and XRD studies. The polymer host hold good mechanical properties for pentaerythritol cross-linking. Maximum ionic conductivity of the prepared polymer electrolyte has reached 8.83 × 10 ^-4 S·cm^-1 at room temperature. Thermogravimetry （TG） of the polymer electrolyte showed that the thermal stability was up to at least 150 ℃. The gel polymer electrolyte was further evaluated in electrochromic devices fabricated by transparent PET-ITO and electrochromically active viologen derivative films, and its excellent performance promised the usage of the gel polymer electrolyte as ionic conductor material in electrochrornic devices.     

Conformation of Azobenzene‐Modified Poly(α‐L‐Glutamate) (AZOPLGA) in Thin Films: Solid State NMR Studies

Abstract

The conformations of azobenzene‐modified poly(α‐L‐glutamate)s (AZOPLGA) with a different degree of functionalization were examined by solid state ¹³C NMR. The polymer main chain conformations in AZOPLGA powders (precipitated from reaction system) changes from α‐helix to β‐sheet when the degree of functionalization increases from 12% to 56%. In addition, the solvent used for fabricating films plays an important role in organizing AZOPLGA backbones into characteristic conformation. For AZOPLGA56 (AZOPLGA with 56% of functionalization) cast films, the polymer backbones can assume conformations ranging from order state (β‐sheet) to random coil by changing the solvent for fabrication. In contrast, the effect of solvent on the conformation of AZOPLGA23 (AZOPLGA with 23% of functionalization) is not so significant. When compared with AZOPLGA23 powder (precipitated from reaction system), the helical conformation increases for AZOPLGA23 film cast from TFA. However, the fractions of α‐helix and β‐sheet conformation in AZOPLGA23 films (cast from DMF or pyridine) are nearly identical to that of AZOPLGA23 power. Moreover, even though the polymer backbones are random coil in AZOPLGA56 films when cast from TFA, some locally ordered domain can be observed. Lastly, the effect of the azo content appears to play a dominant role over the effect of solvents in directing the conformation of these polymers.     

Cation binding effect on imidazole tautomerism

Binding of Zn²⁺ to imidazole (Im) and methyl imidazole (MeIm) is studied by ab initio methods as a model for the effect of cation binding on tautomeric energies. Gradient energy optimized conformations were obtained for all neutral and ionic structures, including the deprotonated molecules and the ylides. The N3? H tautomer of MeIm is calculated to be more stable than N1? H by about 1 kcal/mole. However, binding of a Zn²⁺ cation to the available nitrogen site is found to reverse the order of binding, leaving N1? H more stable by 1 kcal/mole. Binding of Zn²⁺ produces a significant perturbation in the electronic structure, a smaller shift in the equilibrium conformation of the imidazole ring, and only a small absolute shift in the relative tautomer energies. Methyl substitution at C5 has a small effect on both conformation and energetics. A high-energy ylide tautomer is produced by moving the proton bound to C2 to the N1 atom. The binding of Zn²⁺ to the C2 site is substantially stronger than to the N1 site, yielding nearly isoenergetic ZnIm²⁺ conformations for binding to either N or C atoms. For the deprotonated salts the lowest energy conformation has the C2? N3 bond bridged by Zn²⁺.     

A theoretical study of malonate ion and its metal binding by ab initio and semiempirical techniques

STO-3G and CNDO calculations have been performed on malonate ion and its Mg²⁺ complexes. The parallel carboxyl group arrangement is found to be the single minimum energy conformation with both techniques. In the metal binding studies, the binding of a Mg²⁺ to a single carboxyl is preferred over binding symmetrically to both carboxyls in their parallel conformation. These results are consistent with X-ray structure results on calcium malonate.     

Inhibition of Ligand Binding Ability of Three Porphyrins by an Organic Effector

A stimulus‐responsive receptor 1 was designed and prepared to control the ligand‐binding ability of three active sites, two zinc tetraphenylporphyrin units (P1) and one zinc diethynyldiphenylporphyrin unit (P2), with one effector molecule 2 . Bulky hexarylbenzene units were incorporated as shielding panels in the middle of the flexible side arms of 1 . Spectroscopic titrations indicated that a stable supramolecular complex 1 ? 2 (K _{1 ? 2} =6.7×10⁶ m ^?1) was produced by the cooperative formation of multiple hydrogen and coordination bonds. As a result, the binding of a ligand to P1 was inhibited by 2 in a competitive manner. Additionally, the formation of 1 ? 2 brought about conformational restriction of the side arms to cover both faces of P2 with the shielding panels. The binding constant of 4‐phenylpyridine with P2 in 1 ? 2 decreased to 8.9 % of that in 1 . Namely, the ligand‐binding ability of P2 was inhibited according to an allosteric mechanism.     

Circular dichroism of polyethylenimine containing optically active thymine derivatives as grafted pendants

Optical properties of linear polyethylenimine containing optically active (+)- or (?)-2-(thymin-1-yl)propionyl group as grafted pendant were investigated by circular dichroism (CD) and compared with those of the related monomer and dimer model compounds. CD spectra of the polymer in neutral aqueous solution were different from those of related model compounds, which suggest that the polymer exists in some ordered conformation (at least locally) to allow exciton coupling of π–π^* (B_2u) transition in the base chromophores along the polymer chain. This ordered conformation tends to be randomized on heating. The effects of complementary base pairing on the CD spectra have also been studied by using a linear polyethylenimine containing (±)-2-(adenin-9-yl) propionyl grafts and its related monomer and dimer models.