Supramolecular Assembly of Triangulo Pd(II) Diimine Complexes Containing Triply‐Bridging Sulfide Ligands

We report here a substituent effect of diimines on the solid‐state assembly of interesting triangulo Pd(II) complexes, [(Pd(d‐t‐bpy))₃(μJ₃‐S)₂][NO₃]₂ 1 ·[NO₃]₂ and [(Pd(bpy))₃(μ₃‐S)₂][ClO₄]₂ 2 ·[ClO₄]₂ (d‐t‐bpy = 4,4′‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine). 2 ·[ClO₄]₂ shows the intermolecular π···π interactions leading to the formation of one‐dimensional frameworks, whereas 1 ·[NO₃]₂ only shows the discrete structure in the solid state, featuring an interesting herring‐bone arrangement. The variation in structural motifs from 1 ·[NO₃]₂ to 2 ·[ClO₄]₂ is expected to be dominated by the substituent's steric hindrance for the diimine ligand. Thus, the crystal‐engineering approach has proved successful in the solid‐state packing due to a substituent's modification of the diimine ligand.     

New Suberato‐bridged Supramolecular Layers: Crystal Structure of [Cu2(phen)2(C8H12O4)2] · 3 H2O with phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline

The reaction of CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), suberic acid and Na₂CO₃ in a CH₃CN–H₂O solution yielded blue needle‐like crystals of [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₈H₁₂O₄)₂] · 3 H₂O. The crystal structure (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 10.756(2) Å, b = 9.790(2) Å, c = 18.593(4) Å, β = 91.15(3)°, Z = 2, R = 0.043, wR² = 0.1238) consists of suberato‐bridged [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₈H₁₂O₄)_4/2] layers and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules. The Cu atoms are coordinated by two N atoms from one bidentate chelating phen ligand and three carboxyl O atoms from different suberato ligands to form distorted [CuN₂O₃] square‐pyramids with one carboxyl O atom at the apical position (d(Cu–N) = 2.017(2), 2.043(3) Å, basal d(Cu–O) = 1.936(2), 1.951(2) Å and axial d(Cu–O) = 2.389(2) Å). Two [CuN₂O₃] square‐pyramids are condensed via a common O–O edge to a centrosymmetric [Cu₂N₄O₄] dimer with the Cu…Cu distance of 3.406(1) Å indicating no interaction between Cu atoms. The resultant [Cu₂N₄O₄] dimers are interlinked by the tridentate suberato ligands to form [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₈H₁₂O₄)_4/2] layers parallel to (101). These are assembled via π‐π stacking interactions into 3D network with H₂O molecules in the tunnels extending in the [010] direction.     

Anion Controlled Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of Tetraprotonated Tris[2‐(benzylamino)ethyl]amine

The novel supramolecular assembly of composition [{(bz₃tren)H₄}⁴⁺ · (ReO₄)^— · 3(Cl)^—] resulted from the self‐organization of a mixture of tris[2‐(benzylamino)ethyl]amine (bz₃tren), HCl and NH₄ReO₄ at a molar ratio of 1:4.7:1 in methanol. The crystal architecture is characterized by stacks of repeating sandwich‐type building blocks that contain charge‐assisted N—H···O(Re) hydrogen bonds [N···O 2.81‐2.86Å] and weaker C—H···O(Re) interactions [C···O 3.11Å]. The stacks are further linked by N—H···Cl [N···Cl 3.03Å] and weaker C—H···Cl [C···Cl 3.47‐3.74Å] interactions into two‐dimensional layers bordered by the benzyl groups of the [(bz₃tren)H₄]⁴⁺ cations. Edge‐to‐face C—H···π interactions involving the aromatic rings occur within and between the layers. The protonation constants of bz₃tren in methanol were determined by potentiometric titration. The corresponding structures of the ligand in its different protonation states were calculated at the DFT‐level.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Properties of Two Novel Supramolecular Architectures Constructed from [2,3‐f]Pyrazino[1,10]phenanthroline‐2,3‐dicarboxylic Acid

Two new compounds, [Ag(Hppdb)]_n ( 1 ) and {[Ag₂(Hppdb)₂(bpe)] · 5.5H₂O}_n( 2 ) [H₂ppdb = [2,3‐f]pyrazino[1,10]phenanthroline‐2,3‐dicarboxylic acid, bpe = trans‐1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene], were synthesized and characterized. In 1 , Hppdb^– ions link Ag^I cations to form an infinite 1D [–Ag–(Hppdb)–Ag–]_n chain, furthermore, the dimensionality is extended to 2D layers through synergistic π–π stacking, hydrogen‐bonding and weak Ag ··· O interactions. Correspondingly, the dimeric [(Ag)(Hppdb)]₂ subunits in 2 are connected by bpe ligands to generate a loop‐link‐shaped 1D chain motif, which is further joined through a R₂²(18)C–H ··· O hydrogen‐bonding ring to afford interesting diagonal/diagonal inclined catenation 2D + 2D → 3D supramolecular architectures. In addition, solid‐state properties such as photoluminescence and thermal stability of the two compounds were studied.     

A Structural Study of Tautomerism and Hydrogen-Bonding in Supramolecular Assemblies

The synthesis and X-ray structures of four new crystalline materials incorporating ’dimers’ assembled from two different units possessing complementary hydrogen bonding motifs are reported; namely, phthalimide and 3-iminoisoindolinone or 2-guanidinobenzimidazole (or selected methylated derivatives) and 2-guanidinobenzoxazole. The bonding within each dimer involves a triplet of hydrogen bonds. The extended supramolecular structures are compared with each other as well as with two related structures described previously. The effect of using complementary DAD/ADA motifs that are not symmetrical on the respective supramolecular structures is also examined as is the prospect of incorporating different tautomeric components into the supramolecular structures. The presence of a very short, proton-transferred hydrogen bond within the respective triplets is also discussed.     

A Zipper‐like Supramolecular Double‐Chain based on 1 D π‐π Stacking Interactions: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Cu(phen)(C4H4O4)(H2O)]2 · C4H6O4 (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

[Cu(C₁₂H₈N₂)(C₄H₄O₄)(H₂O)]₂ · C₄H₆O₄ was prepared by the reaction of succinic acid, CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen = C₁₂H₈N₂), and Na₂CO₃ in a CH₃OH–H₂O solution. The crystal structure (triclinic, P 1 (no. 2), a = 7.493(1), b = 9.758(1), c = 13.517(1) Å; α = 68.89(1)°, β = 88.89(1)°, γ = 73.32(1)°, Z = 1, R = 0.0308, wR² = 0.0799 for 3530 observed reflections (F ≥ 2σ(F ) out of 3946 unique reflections) consists of hydrogen bonded succinic acid molecules and succinato bridged 1 D zipperlike supramolecular [Cu(phen)(C₄H₄O₄)_2/2(H₂O)]₂ double chains based on 1 D π‐π stacking interactions between the chelating phen systems at distances of 3.71 Å and 3.79 Å. The Cu atoms are fivefold trigonal bipyramidally coordinated by two N atoms of the bidentate chelating phen ligand and three O atoms of one water molecule and two bidentate bridging succinate ligands. The water O atom and one phen N atom are at the apical positions (equatorial: d(Cu–O) = 1.945, 2.254(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.034(2) Å; axial: d(Cu–O) = 1.971(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 1.995 Å).     

A New Polymer of Mixed‐Anions Complex [Pb(phen)(O2CCH3)(O2NO)]n (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

The single crystal X‐ray data of a mixed anions complex of Pb^II with 1,10‐Phenantroline, [Pb(phen)(O₂CCH₃)‐ (O₂NO)], shows the complex to be polymeric as a result of acetate ligand bridging. The Pb atom has an asymmetrical eightfold coordination of two nitrogen atoms of the 1,10‐phenanthroline ligand and six oxygen atoms of the nitrate and acetate anions. The arrangement of the 1,10‐phenantroline ligand, acetate and nitrate anions suggest a gap in the coordination around the Pb^II ion, occupied possibly by a stereoactive lone pair of electrons on lead(II) where the coordination around the lead atoms is hemidirected. There is a π‐π stacking interaction between the parallel aromatic rings of an adjacent chain in the compound which might help to increase the ‘gap' in the coordination around the Pb^II ion.     

Supramolecular networks with 1-substituted benzotriazole ligands and transition metals

1-(2-Pyridyl)benzotriazole (L1) and 1-(4-pyridyl)benzotriazole (L2) with transition metal cations Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) give four coordination complexes, [{Cu(L1)₂(H₂O)₂} · 2NO₃] (1), [{Co(L1)₂(H₂O)₂} · 2NO₃] (2), [Ni(L2)₂(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂] (3), and [Cu₂(L2)₂(CH₃COO)₄] (4). In 1–4, different supramolecular frameworks are formed through hydrogen bonding and/or π–π interactions.     

Supramolecular [60]Fullerene Liquid Crystals Formed By Self‐Organized Two‐Dimensional Crystals

Fullerene‐based liquid crystalline materials have both the excellent optical and electrical properties of fullerene and the self‐organization and external‐field‐responsive properties of liquid crystals (LCs). Herein, we demonstrate a new family of thermotropic [60]fullerene supramolecular LCs with hierarchical structures. The [60]fullerene dyads undergo self‐organization driven by π–π interactions to form triple‐layer two‐dimensional (2D) fullerene crystals sandwiched between layers of alkyl chains. The lamellar packing of 2D crystals gives rise to the formation of supramolecular LCs. This design strategy should be applicable to other molecules and lead to an enlarged family of 2D crystals and supramolecular liquid crystals.     

Formation of o‐Phenylenediamine Oligomers and their Self‐Assembly into One‐Dimensional Structures in Aqueous Medium

Summary: Uniform one‐dimensional (1D) structures of o‐phenylenediamine (oPD) oligomers are obtained by direct mix of AgNO₃ and oPD aqueous solutions at room temperature. The formation of the 1D structures involves two stages: (1) oxidation of oPD by AgNO₃, yielding individual oPD oligomers; and (2) self‐assembly of the oligomers, forming the 1D structures. Upon decreasing medium pH, the 1D structures can break‐apart to form individual oligomers, or vice versa. It is also found that both the concentration and molar ratio of reactants can influence the morphology of the structures thus formed.

Schematic illustration of the formation mechanism of 1D structures from oPD and AgNO₃, and energy‐dispersed spectrum of the precipitate.     

Self‐Healing Polymers via Supramolecular Forces

As polymers and polymeric materials are “the” smart invention and technological driving force of the 20th century, the quest for self‐healing or self‐repairing polymers is strong. The concept of supramolecular self‐healing materials relies on the use of noncovalent, transient bonds to generate networks, which are able to heal the damaged site, putting aspects of reversibility and dynamics of a network as crucial factors for the understanding and design of such self‐healing materials. This Review describes recent examples and concepts of supramolecular polymers based on hydrogen bonding, π–π interactions, ionomers, and coordinative bonds, thus convincingly discussing the advantages and versatility of these supramolecular forces for the design and realization of self‐healing polymers.     

Supramolecular fluoride and chloride anions

The Cambridge Structural Database has been searched for supramolecular anions of the form H_nX_n + 1⁻ where X is fluorine (n = 1 to 6) and chlorine (n = 1 to 5); no credible evidence was found for comparable bromine or iodine species. Several structural isomers have been identified, and an experimental measure has been developed which seems to distinguish between two-centre and three-centre bonded species. There are also examples of suprafluoride and suprachloride anions as ligands in organometallic complexes. Most of these anions have not been previously described.     

One‐pot Preparation,Spectroscopic and Structural Characterization of Mercury(II) Complexes of Bulky Diimines with Halides and Pseudohalides

The preparation and characterization of two novel HgCl₂ and Hg(SCN)₂ complexes with bis[N‐(2‐tert‐butylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene is here described. One‐pot reaction techniques were used, leading to high yields of 75 % and 81 %, respectively. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, i.r. and ¹HNMR spectroscopy, and by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes present similar characteristics, the most outstanding being the formation of dimers via intermolecular interaction. Whereas the HgCl₂ complex shows a unidimensional network due to strong π–π interactions, its Hg(SCN)₂ counterpart displays a supramolecular arrangement resulting from non classical hydrogen bond formation.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis of Two New Transition Metal Coordination Polymers with Mixed Ligands

Hydrothermal reactions of 1, 2, 4‐benzenetricarboxylic acid, 1, 10‐phenanthroline and transition metal cations including Zn^II or Co^II, in basified aqueous solution gave rise to two complexes, [Zn₃(btrc)₂(1, 10‐phen)₂(H₂O)₂]_n ( 1 ), and [Co₃(btrc)₂(1, 10‐phen)₂(H₂O)₂]_n ( 2 ) (btrc = 1, 2, 4‐benzenetricarboxylate, and 1, 10‐phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline). 1 2 crystalize isotypically in the triclinic space group P1¯. The btrc ligand acts as multi‐dentate bridging ligand in both compound 1 and 2 to link up transition metal atoms into lamella networks, which are further attached into three‐dimensional frameworks through complex hydrogen bonding and π‐π interactions. The photoluminescence spectrum for compound 1 has also been studied. The corresponding reaction with Cu²⁺ follows another pathway.     

From Random Coil Polymers to Helical Structures Induced by Carbon Nanotubes and Supramolecular Interactions

A simple method is reported for the preparation of double‐helical structures through a series of achiral random and block copolymers poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylbenzyl triazolylmethyl methylthymine) (PS‐co‐PVBT) with various T units on the side chains through click reactions of poly(styrene‐co‐4‐vinylbenzyl azide) (PS‐co‐PVBN₃) with propargyl thymine (PT) and also the synthesis of the A‐appended pyrene derivative (A‐Py) through click chemistry. This double‐helical structure is observed from achiral random‐coil polystyrene (PS) main chains, stabilized through the combination of multiple A–T hydrogen bonds, and π–π stacking between pyrene units and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs).

     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of ZnII α‐Diimine Complexes with Chloride and Thiocyanate Co‐Ligands

The preparation and spectroscopic and structural characterization of three Zn^II complexes with bis[N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L¹, and with bis[N‐(2‐ethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L², are decribed herein. Two of the complexes were prepared from ZnCl₂ and the third from Zn(NCS)₂. One‐pot reaction techniques were used, leading to high yields. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes are significantly different, with the chloride‐containing species forming distorted tetrahedra around the metal, whereas its thiocyanate analog is dimeric, with each metal at the center of a distorted square pyramid, with bridging and terminal [SCN]^– ligands.     

A Novel 1D Coordination Polymer [Pb(phen)(μ‐N3)(μ‐NO3)]n with the First Pb2‐(μ‐N3)2 Unit (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

A novel 1D polymeric lead(II) complex containing the first Pb₂‐(μ‐N₃)₂ motif, [Pb(phen)(μ‐N₃)(μ‐NO₃)]_n (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), has been synthesized and characterized. The single‐crystal X‐ray data showed the coordination number of Pb²⁺ ions to be eight (PbN₄O₄) with the Pb²⁺ ions having “stereo‐chemically active” electron lone pairs; the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The chains interact with each other via π‐π interactions to create a 3D framework.     

Hydrogen Bonding Assembled 3D Supramolecular Structures Formed by 5-Amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic Acid and N-Heterocyclic Aromatic Ligands

Three salts constructed by 5-amino-2,4,6-triiodoisophthalic acid(ATIPA) with N-heterocycles aromatic coformers such as pyridine tetrazolium, tetramethylpyraziiie and cyanuric acid were synthesized by slowing evaporation of solvent. X-Ray single crystal analysis shows that hydrogen protons of the carboxyl groups transfer to nitrogen atoms of the N-heterocyclic coformers to form N-H…0 hydrogen bonds in all the three compounds. A huge amount of H-bonds play significant role in tlie construction of these compounds and all of them generate 3D structures through strong O-H…N, O-H…O, N-H…O and weak C-H…O hydrogen bonds. Moreover, solvent water molecules are indispensable in the formation of compounds 1 and 3, which constitutes different supramolecular synthons to bridge individual molecules and chains to form stable structures. In addition, these crystal structures were further characterized by themiogravimetric analysis and infrared spectroscopy.     

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of Two Metal Succinates Modified by Bipyridines

Two new metal succinates modified by rigid bipyridines, Cd(4, 4′‐bpy)(C₄H₄O₄)·1/4H₂O ( 1 ) and Cu(2, 2′‐bpy)(C₄H₄O₄)_0.5(NO₃)(H₂O) ( 2 ) (bpy = bipyridine), have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and structurally determined. Complex 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmca with the cell parameters a = 11.696(2), b = 15.554(2), c = 15.874(3) Å, α = β = γ = 90.00°, V = 2888(3) ų, Z = 8. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic space group with a = 7.077(1), b = 9.838(2), c = 10.461(2) Å, α = 71.941(3)°, β = 73.078(3)°, γ = 74.502(3)°, V = 649.8(2) ų, Z = 2. In complex 1 , a 2‐D network was formed by Cd‐succinato bonding. The 2‐D networks are pillared by 4, 4′‐bpy ligands, forming a 3‐D grid framework. The 2‐fold interpenetration of the resulting 3‐D frameworks completes the molecular structure. In complex 2 , the Cu^II atom adopts a distorted octahedral in which the Cu^II atoms are bridged by two H₂O molecules into an infinite zigzag chain, [Cu₂(H₂O)₂(C₄H₄O₄)]_n. The neighboring chains are further linked by π‐π stacking interactions into a 2‐D network, and the interlayer hydrogen bonds lead to the final 3‐D crystal structure.     

Controlling Aqueous Self‐Assembly Mechanisms by Hydrophobic Interactions

We report an innovative template‐assisted synthetic protocol for the selective functionalization of terminal triple bonds in oligophenyleneethynylenes (OPE) by pre‐organization in aqueous solution. By this approach, three new OPE‐based bolaamphiphiles substituted with hydrophilic poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline) (PEtOx) chains of different length have been synthesized. The chain length was observed to strongly influence the aqueous supramolecular polymerization: bolaamphiphiles with longer hydrophilic chains aggregate into spherical nanoparticles in a stepwise fashion, whereas 2D anisotropic platelets are formed cooperatively if shorter PEtOx chains are used. Our results demonstrate that hydrophobic interactions can be strong enough to trigger cooperative effects in aqueous self‐assembly processes.