Mechanism of complexation of the phenothiazine dye methylene blue with fullerene C60

The complexation of fullerene C₆₀ with the aromatic dye methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution was studied. Spectrophotometric titration revealed a reasonably strong interaction between C₆₀ and MB molecules with an equilibrium constant K = 2110 L/mol and the binding of up to five dye molecules with the surface of C₆₀. The energy analysis of the MB-C₆₀ system showed that the intermolecular and hydrophobic interactions were dominant in the energy profile of the complexation, and while the electrostatic factor played an insignificant role.     

A systematic study of rare gas atoms encapsulated in small fullerenes using dispersion corrected density functional theory

The most stable fullerene structures from C₂₀ to C₆₀ are chosen to study the energetics and geometrical consequences of encapsulating the rare gas elements He, Ne, or Ar inside the fullerene cage using dispersion corrected density functional theory. An exponential increase in stability is found with increasing number of carbon atoms. A similar exponential law is found for the volume expansion of the cage due to rare gas encapsulation with decreasing number of carbon atoms. We show that dispersion interactions become important with increasing size of the fullerene cage, where Van der Waals forces between the rare gas atom and the fullerene cage start to dominate over repulsive interactions. The smallest fullerenes where encapsulation of a rare gas element is energetically still favorable are He@C₄₈, Ne@C₅₂, and Ar@C₅₈. While dispersion interactions follow the trend Ar > Ne > He inside C₆₀ due to the trend in the rare gas dipole polarizabilities, repulsive forces become soon dominant with smaller cage size and we have a complete reversal for the energetics of rare gas encapsulation at C₅₀. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Synthesis of a New Cavitand. 2 C60 Complex

Abstract

A new cavitand 2 and its complexation with fullerene to afford complex 3 was prepared and characterized by spectroscopic methods. Macrocycle 2 was studied in solution by NMR, and in the solid state by ¹³C CP-MAS, NMR and X-ray diffraction. The macrocycle 2 can host 2 fullerene C₆₀ molecules in its structure. For the complex 3, π-π, CH-π and n-π interactions were observed by ¹³C CP-MAS and FTIR spectroscopy. MM and MD calculations were carried out.     

Self-assembling of fullerene C<Subscript>60</Subscript> into (C<Subscript>60</Subscript>)<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> clasters in aromatic solvents

Self-assembling of fullerene C₆₀ into (C₆₀) _n clusters in aromatic solvents was studied. The role of the π-π interactions and dispersion forces in the (C₆₀) _n cluster formation in these media is demonstrated using the data on the solubility of fullerene C₆₀ in these solvents and their ionization potentials and also spectral characteristics of fullerene C₆₀ in the range of 326–340 nm in different solvents.     

Effect of C<Subscript>60</Subscript> fullerene on the boiling point of its solutions in some aromatic solvents

Concentration dependences of the boiling points T _b ^exp of C₆₀ fullerene solutions in four aromatic solvents were determined. For benzene and p-xylene, processing of the increasing dependence in terms of the Raoult law enabled estimation of the cooperativity parameters of the interaction between fullerene and solvent molecules.     

Mechanochemical Encapsulation of Fullerenes in Peptidic Containers Prepared by Dynamic Chiral Self‐Sorting and Self‐Assembly

Molecular capsules composed of amino acid or peptide derivatives connected to resorcin[4]arene scaffolds through acylhydrazone linkers have been synthesized using dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) and hydrogen‐bond‐based self‐assembly. The dynamic character of the linkers and the preference of the peptides towards self‐assembly into β‐barrel‐type motifs lead to the spontaneous amplification of formation of homochiral capsules from mixtures of different substrates. The capsules have cavities of around 800 ų and exhibit good kinetic stability. Although they retain their dynamic character, which allows processes such as chiral self‐sorting and chiral self‐assembly to operate with high fidelity, guest complexation is hindered in solution. However, the quantitative complexation of even very large guests, such as fullerene C₆₀ or C₇₀, is possible through the utilization of reversible covalent bonds or the application of mechanochemical methods. The NMR spectra show the influence of the chiral environment on the symmetry of the fullerene molecules, which results in the differentiation of diastereotopic carbon atoms for C₇₀, and the X‐ray structures provide unique information on the modes of peptide–fullerene interactions.     

Water-soluble fullerenes using solubilizing agents, and their applications

Host–guest and supramolecular chemistry can produce water-solubilization of fullerenes such as C₆₀, C₇₀, and C_60/70 derivatives by hydrophobic interactions, CH–π interactions, and/or π–π interactions. For materials and biomedical applications, these water-soluble host–fullerene complexes must have the following important properties: (i) high solubility, (ii) high stability, and (iii) functionalization of the host–fullerene complex. These objectives can be achieved by selection of appropriate host molecules, development of novel solubilizing methods, and synthesis of functionalized host molecules. This review describes the introduction of a variety of host molecules that can solubilize fullerenes in water. In addition, we describe applications of host–fullerene complexes, in particular using photoinduced energy- and electron-transfer processes in water.     

Analyzing the adsorption of blood plasma components by means of fullerene-containing silica gels and NMR spectroscopy in solids

The results from studying the adsorption of blood plasma components (e.g., protein, triglycerides, cholesterol, and lipoproteins of low and high density) using silica gels modified with fullerene molecules (in the form of C₆₀ or the hydroxylated form of C₆₀(OH) _x ) and subjected to hydration (or, alternatively, dehydration) are presented. The conditions for preparing adsorbents that allow us to control the adsorption capacity of silica gel and the selectivity of adsorption toward the components of blood plasma, are revealed. The nature and strength of the interactions of the introduced components (fullerene molecules and water) with functional groups on the silica surface are studied by means of solid state NMR spectroscopy (NMR-SS). Conclusions regarding the nature of the centers that control adsorption are drawn on the basis of NMR-SS spectra in combination with direct measurements of adsorption. The interaction of the oxygen of the hydroxyl group of silica gel with fullerene, leading to the formation of electron-donor complexes of C₆₀-H, C₆₀-OH, or C₆₀-OSi type, is demonstrated by the observed changes in the NMR-SS spectra of silica gels in the presence of fullerene.     

Influence of Substitution on the Supramolecular Chemistry of Cycloparaphenylene-Fullerene Complexes

We present a comprehensive host-guest study of four substituted and unsubstituted [10]cycloparaphenylenes with the fullerenes C₆₀ and C₇₀. Within this study, the influence on the complexation behavior was investigated experimentally and computationally. Due to the increased steric demand the substitution on the nanohoop results in an energetic penalty, which could be partially compensated by additional substituent-fullerene interactions. These attractive interactions are intensified in the C₇₀ complexes and with an increased degree of substitution. For the computational investigation conformer ensembles were taken into account, providing reliable structures with Boltzmann weighted energies. An analysis of the noncovalent interactions elucidated the origin of the enhanced substituent-C₇₀ interaction. The ellipsoid fullerene C₇₀ can be considered as a π-extended version of C₆₀, which is able to increase the attractive van der Waals interactions within these supramolecular complexes.     

Scanning tunnelling microscopic investigation of fullerene monolayers

C₆₀ fullerene monolayers have been investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy/spectroscopy. Single C₆₀ molecules have been resolved and a regular surface lattice structure of fullerene – in – surfactant is observed. Tunnel electron spectroscopic measurements results in typical I(V) curves which are interpreted in terms of the two-junction Coulomb blockade effect.     

Unique Separation Behavior of a C60 Fullerene‐Bonded Silica Monolith Prepared by an Effective Thermal Coupling Agent

Herein, we report a newly developed C₆₀ fullerene‐bonded silica monolith in a capillary with unique retention behavior due to the structure of C₆₀ fullerene. N‐Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)‐conjugated C₆₀ fullerene was successfully synthesized by a thermal coupling agent, perfluorophenyl azide (PFPA), and assigned by spectroscopic analyses. Then, NHS‐PFPA‐C₆₀ fullerene was attached onto the surface of a silica monolith in a capillary. The capillary provided specific separation ability for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in liquid chromatography by an effective π–π interaction. Furthermore, corannulene, which has a hemispherical structure, was selectively retained in the capillary based on the specific structural recognition due to the spherical C₆₀ fullerene. This is the first report revealing the spherical recognition ability by C₆₀ fullerene in liquid chromatographic separation.     

Effect of nature of organic solvent on the absorption spectrum of C60 fullerene

Absorption spectrums of C₆₀ fullerene in 10 various organic solvents in the range of 300–620 nm was studied. In all the solvents the C₆₀ fullerene has four absorption maxima in the range under study. When an aromatic solvent has an ionization potential of 8.1 eV or lower a new additional absorption band appears in the absorption spectrum of C₆₀ fullerene, caused by the formation of a charge-transfer complex (CTC) of the solvent and C₆₀ fullerene.     

Fullerene–Coumarin Dyad as a Selective Metal Receptor: Synthesis,Photophysical Properties,Electrochemistry and Ion Binding Studies

A coumarin derivative with a malonate unit has been synthesized and used for the preparation of a fullerene–coumarin dyad through the Bingel cyclopropanation method. The newly synthesized dyad is soluble in organic solvents and has been fully characterized with traditional spectroscopic techniques. Electronic interactions between the two components of the dyad were probed with the aid of UV/Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence emission, and electrochemistry measurements. Our studies clearly show the presence of electronic interactions between C₆₀ and modified coumarin in the ground state; efficient electron‐transfer quenching of the singlet excited state of the coumarin moiety by the appended fullerene sphere was also observed. Time‐resolved fluorescence measurements revealed lifetimes for the coumarin–C₆₀ dyad at a maximum of 50 ps, while the quantum yield was reaching unity. Additionally, the redox potentials of the C₆₀–coumarin dyad were determined and the energetics of the electron‐transfer processes were evaluated. Finally, after alkaline treatment of C₆₀–coumarin, which resulted in the deprotection of carboxylate units, the dyad was tested as a metal receptor for divalent metal cations; ion competition studies and fluorescence experiments showed binding selectivity for lead ions.     

Toxic Effect of Fullerene and Its Derivatives upon the Transmembrane β2-Adrenergic Receptors

Numerous experiments have revealed that fullerene (C₆₀) and its derivatives can bind to proteins and affect their biological functions. In this study, we explored the interaction between fullerine and the β₂-adrenergic receptor (β₂AR). The MD simulation results show that fullerene binds with the extracellular loop 2 (ECL2) and intracellular loop 2 (ICL2) of β₂AR through hydrophobic interactions and π–π stacking interactions. In the C₆₀_in1 trajectory, due to the π–π stacking interactions of fullerene molecules with PHE and PRO residues on ICL2, ICL2 completely flipped towards the fullerene direction and the fullerene moved slowly into the lipid membrane. When five fullerene molecules were placed on the extracellular side, they preferred to stack into a stable fullerene cluster (a deformed tetrahedral aggregate), and had almost no effect on the structure of β₂AR. The hydroxyl groups of fullerene derivatives (C₆₀(OH)_X, X represents the number of hydroxyl groups, X = 4, 8) can form strong hydrogen bonds with the ECL2, helix6, and helix7 of β₂AR. The hydroxyl groups firmly grasp the β₂AR receptor like several claws, blocking the binding entry of ligands. The simulation results show that fullerene and fullerene derivatives may have a significant effect on the local structure of β₂AR, especially the distortion of helix4, but bring about no great changes within the overall structure. It was found that C₆₀ did not compete with ligands for binding sites, but blocked the ligands’ entry into the pocket channel. All the above observations suggest that fullerene and its derivatives exhibit certain cytotoxicity.     

Selective Encapsulation and Chiral Induction of C60 and C70 Fullerenes by Axially Chiral Porous Aromatic Cages

Chiral induction has been an important topic in chemistry, not only for its relevance in understanding the mysterious phenomenon of spontaneous symmetry breaking in nature but also due to its critical implications in medicine and the chiral industry. The induced chirality of fullerenes by host–guest interactions has been rarely reported, mainly attributed to their chiral resistance from high symmetry and challenges in their accessibility. Herein, we report two new pairs of chiral porous aromatic cages (PAC), R- PAC-2 , S- PAC-2 (with Br substituents) and R- PAC-3 , S- PAC-3 (with CH₃ substituents) enantiomers. PAC-2 , rather than PAC-3 , achieves fullerene encapsulation and selective binding of C₇₀ over C₆₀ in fullerene carbon soot. More significantly, the occurrence of chiral induction between R- PAC-2 , S- PAC-2 and fullerenes is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and the intense CD signal within the absorption region of fullerenes. DFT calculations reveal the contribution of electrostatic effects originating from face-to-face arene-fullerene interactions dominate C₇₀ selectivity and elucidate the substituent effect on fullerene encapsulation. The disturbance from the differential interactions between fullerene and surrounding chiral cages on the intrinsic highly symmetric electronic structure of fullerene could be the primary reason accounting for the induced chirality of fullerene.     

An oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine-bis(Zn-porphyrin) tweezer as a selective receptor towards fullerene C70

An oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine-bis(Zn^II-porphyrin) conjugate was readily prepared via nucleophilic aromatic substitution of a phenolic AB₃-Zn-porphyrin on the upper rim of a (1,3-alternate) 5,17-bis(methylsulfonyl)oxacalix[4]arene precursor. Efficient 1:1 complex formation between the ‘jaws’ bisporphyrin tweezer and fullerene C₇₀ was evidenced by ¹H NMR titrations (K = 3.0 × 10⁴ M⁻¹), while no detectable complexation could be observed with C₆₀. On the other hand, an analogous oxacalix[4]arene-bis(Cu-corrole) conjugate did not show any measurable (C₆₀ or C₇₀) fullerene binding.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the molecular complex of fullerence C60 with 2-(4-thiono-1,3-dithiolan-5-ylidene)-4,5-dimethyl-1,3-diselenol (C60·2DTDS)

A new molecular complex of fullerene C₆₀ with 2-(4-thiono-1,3-dithiolan-5-ylidene)-4,5-dimethyl-1,3-diselenol (C₆₀·2DTDS) was synthesized for the first time. The crystal and molecular structures of C₆₀·2DTDS were established by X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal structure of C₆₀·2DTDS is layered: the layers of fullerene C₆₀ molecules alternate with those of DTDS molecules. The molecules of C₆₀ and DTDS are associated by shortened C...Se, C...S, and C...C contacts forming a three-dimensional network of secondary interactions in the crystal. The C₆₀·2DTDS crystals have a specific feature: the absence of shortened C...C contacts between the nearest C₆₀ molecules despite the short distances between their centers, 9.948(2) and 10.054(2) Å. The electrochemical properties of DTDS were studied by cyclic voltammetry in CH₂Cl₂/0.05M Bu₄NPF₆ at room temperature. DTDS undergoes reversible one-electron reduction to a radical anion [E ^o=?1.81 V (Fc^0/+)] and reversible one-electron oxidation to a radical cation [E ^o=+0.37 V (Fc^0/+)]. The degree of charge transfer in C₆₀·2DTDS, ΔN=0.18, calculated from the electrochemical parameters of DTDS and C₆₀ indicates that this compound is a molecular complex with a partial charge transfer.     

Anisotropy time dependence of photoexcited C60 and C70 in transient grating experiments. Solvent effect

Anisotropy time dependence of photoexcited C₅₀ and C₇₀ has been measured by picosecond transient grating techniques at room temperature in various solvents. The monoexponential anisotropy decay was observed for the C₆₀ molecule and biexponential anisotropy decay was observed for the C₇₀ molecule. Both for the C₆₀ and for the C₇₀ molecules anisotropy time decay is very fast. The data obtained were analyzed in terms of the rotational reorientation of fullerene molecules in solvents. Hynes-Kapral-Weinberg theory reasonably explains the observed reorientation times of fullerenes molecules. The dielectric friction effect on the C₇₀ rotational reorientation on the short axis is reported.     

Supramolecular complexation studies of [60]fullerene with calix[4]naphthalenes—a reinvestigation

Estimations of equilibrium or association constant (K_ASSOC) values reported by many other groups for the supramolecular complexation between [60]fullerene (‘C₆₀’) with different macrocyclic hosts, in solvents such as toluene or carbon disulfide, for example, is often conducted by UV-vis absorption and/or ¹H NMR spectroscopy. In this paper, the complexation behaviour of two calix[4]naphthalene hosts with C₆₀ in toluene and carbon disulfide has been re-examined, using both of these methods. An analysis is presented of the data newly obtained, in light of recent advances and understanding published by others of the limitations of, in particular, the absorption spectroscopic methods. The discussion presented is also intended to aid those who may be unfamiliar with the nuances and limitations of the analytic models involving C₆₀ supramolecular complexation. Also presented is a general mechanism for C₆₀ supramolecular complexation studies, which lay the groundwork for further experiments.