Axle length- and solvent-controlled construction of (pseudo)[1]rotaxanes from mono-thiourea-functionalised pillar[5]arene derivatives

A series of thiourea-functionalised pillar[5]arene derivatives 3ⁿm were constructed from a series of mono-amide-functionalised pillar[5]arenes 2ⁿ. The formation of their free forms or (pseudo)[1]rotaxane structures were controlled by their axle lengths or solvents, which were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Some of (pseudo)[1]rotaxane structures were also supported by their single-crystal structures.     

Synthesis of pillar[7]arene

The first synthesis of pillar[7]arene is reported with two methods.Method A:the FeCl₃-catalyzed condensation reaction of 1,4- dimethoxybenzene（1） with paraformaldehyde in CHCl₃ gave dimethoxypillar[7]arene（3）.Method B:the p-toluenesulfonic acid catalyzed condensation reaction of 2,5-bis（benzyloxymethyl）-1,4-dimethoxybenzene（2） in CH₂Cl₂ gave compound 3.Demethylation of 3 with BBr₃ gave pillar[7]arene（4）.The pillar[7]arene might be a perspective macrocyclic host in host-guest chemistry.     

Guest induced morphology transitions of star shaped pillar[5]arene trimer via endo host-guest and "exo-wall" electron-transfer interactions

Star shape bridged pillar[5]arene trimer(C3-PLT) based on benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxamide(BTAs) was successfully synthesized,which exhibited outstanding guest responsive morphology transition properties.The morphology tining studies was efficiently achieved with the addition of competitive guest molecules G1 and G2 by various self-assembly mechanisms.C3-PLT itself displays nanofiber morphology through H-type π-π stacking,and this nanofiber morphology can be completely transformed into spherical vesicles by host-guest interaction Gl,while upon addition of G2 into C3-PLT by means of "exo-wall" electron-transfer interactions,sheet superstructures can be observed.SEM,~1 H NMR,DOSY,fluorescence spectroscopy,and viscosity have verified the formation of supramolecular polymers and morphological transitions between C3-PLT with both guests.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new pillar[5]arene-based [1]rotaxane

In this study, we reported the synthesis of three kinds of mono-functional pillar[5]arene derivatives PRI, PRII and R and their structures were studied by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and mass spectra. The 2D NMR spectra including ¹H-¹³C HSQC, ¹H-¹H COSY and NOESY spectra indicated that PRI and PRII are both stable self-included pseudo[1]rotaxanes in CDCl₃. These original structures are promising compounds for the design of pillar[5]-based [1]rotaxane. And the results showed that R could exist stable in CDCl₃ and DMSO because of the coordination of N-H?O hydrogen bonding interaction and C-H?π interaction.     

Design and synthesis of self-included pillar[5]arene-based bis-[1]rotaxanes

Two strategies for the design of new pillar[5]arene-based mechanically self-interlocked molecules (MSMs) are reported here. The first strategy is based on the construction of an intermediate pseudo[1]rotaxane followed by the desired bis-[1]rotaxane. The other one is based on the construction of the desired bis-[1]-rotaxane directly via a condensation reaction through host-guest interactions between a mono-functionalized pillar[5]arene and the axle. This compound has interesting self-assembly properties in methanol and some extended applications of this compound will be reported in the near future.     

Monofunctionalized pillar[5]arene-based stable [1]pseudorotaxane

A new monofunctionalized pillar[5]arene bearing imidazolium moiety that formed stable [1]pseudorotaxane even at high concentration (100 mmol/L) was reported. [1]Rotaxane was obtained effi ciently through thiol-ene reaction from [1]pseudorotaxane which further confi rmed the formation of [1]pseudorotaxane.     

A Bodipy-bearing pillar[5]arene for mimicking photosynthesis: Multi-fluorophoric light harvesting system

Herein, we submitted to the original synthesis, characterization, energy transfer mechanism of the Bodipy-bearing pillar[5]arene Bodipy and its reactants by employing of infrared, ¹H, ¹¹B, ¹³C, ¹⁹F-NMRs, UV–vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, melting point apparatus, CHN elemental analysis and mass spectroscopy. Preliminary UV–vis, fluorescence and excitation measurements were carried out in CH₂Cl₂ and the results revealed an effective fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system based on the interaction of pillar[5]arene and Bodipy derivative. ε_max of target molecule reached to a maximum value and it was found as 955 000?M^?1?cm^?1. This fluorescent macromolecule worked well for mimicking a light harvesting system with an energy transfer efficiency up to 92%.     

Construction and investigation of photo-switch property of azobenzene-bridged pillar[5]arene-based [3]rotaxanes

Series of azobenzene-bridged pillar[5]arene-based [3]rotaxanes with different alkyl chain length of guest molecules were constructed by threading-endcapping method with alkylenetriazole as axile and tetrahydrochromene as endcapping group.The encapsulation of pillar[5]arenes were proved by highresolution mass,¹ H NMR and NOESY spectra.The photo-responsive property were examined by irradiation of the synthesized [3]rotaxanes with 365 nm and blue light LED,which caused trans to cis and cis to trans isomerization,respectively.Irradiation of corresponding model guest compounds without pillar[5]arene encapsulation resulted in near completely trans to cis and cis to trans isomerization,indicating the existence of pillar[5]arenes is the determining factor for the comprised photo isomerization efficiency.     

Theoretical study on conformational features and cation-binding properties of a diquinone calix[4]arene

Theoretical studies of a diquinone calix[4]arene and its interactions with the cations Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ag⁺ have been performed. Conformational features and cation-binding properties were evaluated with the restricted hybrid Becke three-parameter exchange functional method using the 6-31G(d) basis set and its relativistic effective core potentials. To model the effect of medium, the polarisable continuum model was also used. Four typical conformations of the parent diquinone calix[4]arene were studied. The calculated results show that the most stable conformers are 1,3-alternate and partial cone in the gas phase and in CH₂Cl₂ solution, respectively. The optimised geometric structures were used to perform natural bond orbital analysis. The two main types of driving force metal–ligand and cation–π interactions are investigated. The calculated binding energy for cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ag⁺) is discussed. The calculated results indicate that cone complexes are the most stable.     

An Interesting Approach to Bis-calix[5]arene Analogue from Calix[6]arene

Calix [n] arenas {n = 4, 6 or 8} are easily prepared from formaldehyde and para-substituted phenols via cyclic condensation under alkaline conditions in one step. It is not surprising that the calyx [n] arene (n = 4, 6, 8) chemistry has been developing very rapidly during the latest 20 years1. However, it is not the case for calixarenes with odd benzene rings (for example, n = 5). The yield of p-tert-butylcalix [5] arene synthesized in one-step from p-tert-butylphenol and formaldehyde was a…     

Self-assembly and proton conductance of organic nanotubes from pillar[5]arenes

Organic nanotubes have been assembled from pillar[5]arenes 1 and 2. Compound 1 gelates organic solvents through the formation of tubular fibers which are evidenced by TEM and XRD experiments, while 2 assembles into two different channels under the template effect of water wires. In addition, the water wires in the nanotubes of 2 can be under selective proton conductance. The results described herein represent a new strategy for building tubular structures.     

A pillar[5]arene-based molecular grapple of hexafluorophosphate

A symmetric pillararene-based receptor formed 1:1 complexes instead of 1:2 with different halide anions. The cooperative multivalent hydrogen-bond interactions changed its structure from pillar to conical. By the addition of F, it can work like an excavator grapple selectively grasps a PF₆^- anion.     

Supramolecular control over LCST behavior of hybrid macrocyclic system based on pillar[5]arene and crown ether

A hybrid system containing a pillar[5]arene unit and ten crown ether moieties was developed. The LCST behavior and thermo-responsiveness were successfully introduced into this pillar[5]arene-crown ether system. Both host-guest interactions and salting-out effect displayed great effects in realizing the supramolecular control over LCST properties and thermo-responsiveness. Compared with the individual macrocycles, this hybrid macrocycle system dramatically amplified the supramolecular control effect over LCST behavior.     

A pillar[5]arene-based side-chain pseudorotaxanes and polypseudorotaxanes as novel fluorescent sensors for the selective detection of halogen ions

A pseudorotaxane and its polypseudorotaxanes formed between pillar[5]arene moieties and noctylpyrazinium cations as novel fluorescent sensors for the selective detection of halogen ions were reported.A collapse of these pillar[5]arene-based pseudorotaxanes and polypseudorotaxanes occurred upon the addition of Cl,Br,and I（tetrabutylammonium salts）,respectively,leading to their fluorescence recovery.The fluorescence enhancement of the pseudorotaxane and the polypseudorotaxanes increases in the order of I     

CO2 and photo-controlled reversible conversion of supramolecular assemblies based on water soluble pillar[5]arene and coumarin-containing guest

In this communication,a new supramolecualr amphiphile was successfully constructed based on water soluble pillar[5]arene and a unique guest which contain a CO₂ responsive tertiary amine unit and a UV responsive coumarin group.When guest molecule 1 dispersed in water,it self-assembled into sheet-like structures.Upon bubbling CO₂,1 transformed into 1 H due to the tertiary amine unit was protonated,accompany the nano-sheets transformed into vesicles.Further irradiation of 1 H with 365 nm light for 3 h,the coumarin group reacted with each other to form bola-type amphiphie 2 H.In this case,vesicles collapsed and re-assembled into nano-tubes.However,when addition of WPS into the solution of 1 H,the vesicles transformed into micelles,this is due to the formation of supramolecular amphiphile WP5&1 H.Upon irradiation of WP5&1 H with 365 nm light for 3 h,nano-ribbons observed instead of micelles in the solution.Notably,nanotubes from 2 H could also transform into nano-ribbons after adding WPS.The selfassembly process and the resultant assemblies were characterized by TEM,SEM,DLS,SAXS and NMR technologies.Due to both CO₂ and light are "green" for living organisms,we anticipated our system can offer the possibilities in "on demand" drug absorption and release.     

Hydrazides of glycine-containing decasubstituted pillar[5]arenes: Synthesis and encapsulation of Floxuridine

Hydrazides of glycine-containing decasubstituted pillar[5]arenes were synthesized and characterized. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that self-assembly into monodisperse spherical nanoparticles (28?nm) was typical in water for pillarene hydrazides containing glycylglycide fragments (1?×?10^?3?M). Binding of the antitumor drug Floxuridine in water by the substituents of the macrocycle was established by NMR spectroscopy. It was shown by DLS and TEM, that heating the macrocycle-Floxuridine system in a 1:1 ratio at 1?×?10^?4?M led to its self-organization into monodisperse spherical particles 132?nm in diameter.     

Enhanced head-to-head photodimers in the photocyclodimerization of anthracenecarboxylic acid with a cationic pillar[6]arene

The complexation behaviors of anthracenecarboxylic acid and water-soluble cationic pillararenes have been investigated by ¹H NMR, UV-vis and ITC methods. The cationic pillar[6]arene was found to stepwise form 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, having a large K₁ and a relatively small K₂ values. Photocyclodimerization of AC within the pillar[6]arene improved the yield of the head-to-head photodimers. Up to 4.97 HH/HT ratio has been reached by optimizing the reaction conditions.     

Pillar[5]arene based conjugated macrocycle polymers with unique photocatalytic selectivity

The development of heterogeneous catalysts with substrate shape, size or electronic constitution selectivity is a huge challenge in photocatalysis. Reported herein is a host-guest interaction strategy to endow photocatalysts with special selectivity. By adjusting the precursors, conjugated macrocycle polymers (CMPs) with pillar[5]arene struts (CMP-1 and CMP-2) and a corresponding non-pillar[5]arene-contained conjugated organic polymer (COP-1) were prepared and the photocatalytic activities toward sulfide derivatives were investigated. The sulfides showed similar conversions when COP-1 was used as a photocatalyst, but exhibited significant differences when it turned to the CMPs. Remarkably, the conversion yield of S-1 achieved near 18 folds over the one of S-2 when CMP-2 was used as a catalyst. Mechanism studies confirmed that the “host-guest” effect of pillar[5]arene struts in CMPs was the main cause of the difference. The present work establishes CMPs as novel heterogeneous photocatalysts with substrate selectivity, and such a method will inspire the researchers concerning preparation of heterogeneous catalysts with excellent selectivity.     

A one-pot synthesis of a self-included bisester-functionalized copillar[5]arene

A bisester-substituted copillar[5]arene was synthesized by a one-pot reaction presenting a symmetrical selfincluded conformation in solution and an asymmetrical structure with only one selfincluded side in the cavity of pillar[5]arene in the solid state. This compound was characterized by 1D and 2D NMR and X-ray diffraction.