Hydrogen Bonding Directed Supramolecular Polymerisation of Oligo(Phenylene‐Ethynylene)s: Cooperative Mechanism,Core Symmetry Effect and Chiral Amplification

The design of supramolecular motifs with tuneable stability and adjustable supramolecular polymerisation mechanisms is of crucial importance to precisely control the properties of supramolecular assemblies. This report focuses on constructing π‐conjugated oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE)‐based one‐dimensional helical supramolecular polymers that show a cooperative growth mechanism. Thus, a novel set of discotic molecules comprising a rigid OPE core, three amide groups, and peripheral solubilising wedge groups featuring C₃ and C₂ core symmetry was designed and synthesised. All of the discotic molecules are crystalline compounds and lack a columnar mesophase in the solid state. In dilute methylcyclohexane solution, one‐dimensional supramolecular polymers are formed stabilised by threefold intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions, as evidenced by ¹H NMR measurements. Small‐angle X‐ray and light scattering measurements reveal significant size differences between the columnar aggregates of C₃‐ and C₂‐symmetrical discotics, that is, the core symmetry strongly influences the nature of the supramolecular polymerisation process. Temperature‐dependent CD measurements show a highly cooperative polymerisation process for the C₃‐symmetrical discotics. In contrast, the self‐assembly of C₂‐symmetrical discotics shows a smaller enthalpy release upon aggregation and decreased cooperativity. In all cases, the peripheral stereogenic centres induce a preferred handedness in the columnar helical aggregates. Moreover, one stereogenic centre suffices to fully bias the helicity in the C₂‐symmetrical discotics. Finally, chiral amplification studies with the C₃‐symmetrical discotics were performed by mixing chiral and achiral discotics (sergeants‐and‐soldiers experiment) and discotics of opposite chirality (majority‐rules experiment). The results demonstrate a very strong sergeants‐and‐soldiers effect and a rather weak majority‐rules effect.     

Self‐Assembly of Discrete Homochiral,Helical, Hydrogen‐Bonded Nanocages: From Vesicles to Microspheres and Tubules Capable of Gelating Solvents

The chiral tris‐monodentate imidazolinyl ligands 1 a – c exhibit a strong tendency to form the discrete, helical [2+3] nanocages 3 ([ 1 ₂ ?2 ₃]) with tartaric acids 2 . Circular dichroism (CD) spectra and theoretical calculations reveal that supramolecular handedness of capsulelike architectures is determined only by the chirality of the imidazolinyl ligands rather than tartaric acids. The chirality of imidazolinyl ligands is transferred to the helicity of the complexes through the directed hydrogen bonds between the N3 atom of imidazoline rings and the carboxyl of tartaric acids. These hydrogen‐bonded nanocages can spontaneously self‐assemble into spherical vesicles, during which the hydrogen bonding that arises from the hydroxyl groups of tartaric acids plays a crucial issue. The vesicles formed by [{(S,S,S)‐ 1 a }₂( 2 ^L)₃] ( 3 a ) may further evolve into microspheres that gelate organic solvents after being aged at ?20 °C for 24 h, and can also be unprecedentedly transformed to tubular assemblies capable of rigidifying the solvents when subjected to ultrasound irradiation.     

Hierarchical Organization of Ferrocene–Peptides

Hierarchical self‐assembly of disubstituted ferrocene (Fc)–peptide conjugates that possess Gly‐Val‐Phe and Gly‐Val‐Phe‐Phe peptide substituents leads to the formation of nano‐ and micro‐sized assemblies. Hydrogen‐bonding and hydrophobic interactions provide directionality to the assembly patterns. The self‐assembling behavior of these compounds was studied in solution by using ¹H NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopies. In the solid state, attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FTIR spectroscopy, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (XRD), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used. Spontaneous self‐assembly of Fc–peptides through intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions induces supramolecular assemblies, which further associate and give rise to fibers, large fibrous crystals, and twisted ropes. In the case of Fc[CO‐Gly‐Val‐Phe‐OMe]₂ ( 1 ), molecules initially interact to form pleated sheets that undergo association into long fibers that form bundles and rectangular crystalline cuboids. Molecular offsets and defects, such as screw dislocations and solvent effects that occur during crystal growth, induce the formation of helical arrangements, ultimately leading to large twisted ropes. By contrast, the Fc–tetrapeptide conjugate Fc[CO‐Gly‐Val‐Phe‐Phe‐OMe]₂ ( 2 ) forms a network of nanofibers at the supramolecular level, presumably due to the additional hydrogen‐bonding and hydrophobic interactions that stem from the additional Phe residues.     

A novel three‐dimensional framework constructed by 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole and infinite chains of hydrogen‐bonded water molecules

A novel three‐dimensional framework of 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole dihydrate, C₁₁H₁₀N₄·2H₂O or L·2H₂O, (I), in which L acts as both hydrogen‐bond acceptor and donor in the supramolecular construction with water, has been obtained by self‐assembly reaction of L with H₂O. The two independent water molecules are hydrogen bonded alternately with each other to form a one‐dimensional infinite zigzag water chain. These water chains are linked by the benzimidazole molecules into a three‐dimensional framework, in which each organic molecule is hydrogen bonded by three water molecules. This study shows that the diversity of hydrogen‐bonded patterns plays a crucial role in the formation of the three‐dimensional framework. More significantly, as water molecules are important in contributing to the conformation, stability, function and dynamics of biomacromolecules, the infinite chains of hydrogen‐bonded water molecules seen in (I) may be a useful model for water in other chemical and biological processes.     

Tetraaquabis[5‐(3‐pyridyl‐κN)pyrimidine]zinc(II) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate): a novel cationic complex and three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded network

The title compound, [Zn(C₉H₇N₃)₂(H₂O)₄](CF₃O₃S)₂, contains an octahedral [ZnL₂(H₂O)₄]²⁺ cationic complex with trans geometry (Zn site symmetry ), and each 5‐(3‐pyridyl)pyrimidine (L) ligand is coordinated in a monodentate fashion through the pyridine N atom. In the extended structure, these complexes, with both hydrogen‐bond acceptor (pyrimidine) and donor (H₂O) functions, are linked to each other by intermolecular water–pyrimidine O—H...N hydrogen‐bonding interactions, resulting in a double chain along the crystallographic a axis. The trifluoromethanesulfonate anions are integrated into the chains via O—H...O hydrogen bonds between the coordinated water and sulfonate O atoms. These double chains are associated into a novel three‐dimensional network through interchain water–pyrimidine O—H...N hydrogen bonds. The asymmetric ligand plays an important role in constructing this unusual supramolecular structure.     

Rietveld refinement of the cocrystal 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid–N′‐(propan‐2‐ylidene)nicotinohydrazide (1/1)

A further example of using a covalent‐bond‐forming reaction to alter supramolecular assembly by modification of hydrogen‐bonding possibilities is presented. This concept was introduced by Lemmerer, Bernstein & Kahlenberg [CrystEngComm (2011), 13 , 55–59]. The title structure, C₉H₁₁N₃O·C₇H₆O₄, which consists of a reacted niazid molecule, viz.N′‐(propan‐2‐ylidene)nicotinohydrazide, and 2,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, was solved from powder diffraction data using simulated annealing. The results further demonstrate the relevance and utility of powder diffraction as an analytical tool in the study of cocrystals and their hydrogen‐bond interactions.     

Homochiral [2.2]Paracyclophane Self‐Assembly Promoted by Transannular Hydrogen Bonding

[2.2]paracyclophane (pCp), unlike many π‐building blocks, has been virtually unexplored in supramolecular constructs. Reported here is the synthesis and characterization of the first pCp derivatives capable of programmed self‐assembly into extended cofacial π‐stacks in solution and the solid state. The design employs transannular (intramolecular) hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds), hitherto unstudied in pCps, between pseudo‐ortho‐positioned amides of a pCp‐4,7,12,15‐tetracarboxamide (pCpTA) to preorganize the molecules for intermolecular H‐bonding with π‐stacked neighbors. X‐ray crystallography confirms the formation of homochiral, one‐dimensional pCpTA stacks helically laced with two H‐bond strands. The chiral sense is dictated by the planar chirality (R_p or S_p) of the pCpTA monomers. A combination of NMR, IR, and UV/Vis studies confirms the formation of the first supramolecular pCp polymers in solution.     

N‐Benzoyl‐N′,N′‐dibutylselenourea and its palladium(II) complex

The crystal and molecular structures of N‐benzoyl‐N′,N′‐dibutylselenourea (HL), C₁₆H₂₄N₂OSe, and the corresponding complex bis(N‐benzoyl‐N′,N′‐dibutylselenoureato‐κ²Se,O)palladium(II), [Pd(C₁₆H₂₃N₂OSe)₂], are reported. The selenourea molecule is characterized by intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the selenoamidic H atom and the Se atom of a neighbouring molecule forming a dimer, presumably as a consequence of resonance‐assisted hydrogen bonding or π‐bonding co‐operativity. A second dimeric hydrogen bond is also described. In the palladium complex, the typical square‐planar coordination characteristic of such ligands results in a cis‐[Pd(L‐Se,O)₂] complex.     

The Origin of Hierarchical Structure Formation in Highly Grafted Symmetric Supramolecular Double‐Comb Diblock Copolymers

Involving supramolecular chemistry in self‐assembling block copolymer systems enables design of complex macromolecular architectures that, in turn, could lead to complex phase behavior. It is an elegant route, as complicated and sensitive synthesis techniques can be avoided. Highly grafted double‐comb diblock copolymers based on symmetric double hydrogen bond accepting poly(4‐vinylpyridine)‐block‐poly(N‐acryloylpiperidine) diblock copolymers and donating 3‐nonadecylphenol amphiphiles are realized and studied systematically by changing the molecular weight of the copolymer. Double perpendicular lamellae‐in‐lamellae are formed in all complexes, independent of the copolymer molecular weight. Temperature‐resolved measurements demonstrate that the supramolecular nature and ability to crystallize are responsible for the formation of such multiblock‐like structures. Because of these driving forces and severe plasticization of the complexes in the liquid crystalline state, this supramolecular approach can be useful for steering self‐assembly of both low‐ and high‐molecular‐weight block copolymer systems.     

High Degree of Polymerization in a Fullerene‐Containing Supramolecular Polymer

Supramolecular polymers based on dispersion forces typically show lower molecular weights (MW) than those based on hydrogen bonding or metal–ligand coordination. We present the synthesis and self‐assembling properties of a monomer featuring two complementary units, a C₆₀ derivative and an exTTF‐based macrocycle, that interact mainly through π–π, charge‐transfer, and van der Waals interactions. Thanks to the preorganization in the host part, a remarkable log K_a=5.1±0.5 in CHCl₃ at room temperature is determined for the host–guest couple. In accordance with the large binding constant, the monomer self‐assembles in the gas phase, in solution, and in the solid state to form linear supramolecular polymers with a very high degree of polymerization. A MW above 150 kDa has been found experimentally in solution, while in the solid state the monomer forms extraordinarily long, straight, and uniform fibers with lengths reaching several microns.     

The self‐assembling zwitterionic form of L‐phenylalanine at neutral pH

The title zwitterion (2S)‐2‐azaniumyl‐1‐hydroxy‐3‐phenylpropan‐1‐olate, C₉H₁₁NO₂, also known as L‐phenylalanine, was characterized using synchrotron X‐rays. It crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁ with four molecules in the asymmetric unit. The 0.62 Å resolution structure is assumed to be closely related to the fibrillar form of phenylalanine, as observed by electron microscopy and electron diffraction. The structure exists in a zwitterionic form in which π–π stacking and hydrogen‐bonding interactions are believed to form the basis of the self‐assembling properties.     

Supramolecular amide and thioamide synthons in hydrogen bonding patterns of N-aryl-furamides and N-aryl-thiofuramides

The supramolecular synthon of amide group in the primary and secondary amides is well recognized to be infinite chains of the C(4) type formed by the intermolecular hydrogen bond of the type N–HO=C. On the other hand, there is a lack of structural data for the thioamides. Three compounds belonging to the class of N-aryl-fura-mides (N-(4-bromophenyl)-5-bromo-2-furancarboxamide, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-5-bromo-2-furancarboxamide) and to the class of N-aryl-thiofuramide (N-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-furanthiocarboxamide) are prepared and characterized by the NMR spectroscopy in solution; molecular and crystal structures in the solid state have been determined by X-ray single crystal diffractometry and the structures in the gas phase by DFT and AM1 calculations. The investigation is carried out in order to establish supramolecular amide and thioamide synthons of hydrogen bonding patterns in these crystal structures. The geometry of the N–HO=C and the N–HS=C type of hydrogen bonds are compared due to the possibility of the N–H amide group to form intramolecular hydrogen bond with the furan oxygen atom, thus, commonly, leading to the three-center hydrogen bond pattern. The competition between the S=C proton acceptor of thioamides and the other proton acceptors (such as methoxy group) for the amide N–H proton donor group has been investigated. In that context, the above-mentioned compounds are correlated with the others of this class, structurally determined, so far.     

Two polymorphs of (2‐carboxyethyl)(phenyl)phosphinic acid

Two polymorphs of (2‐carboxyethyl)(phenyl)phosphinic acid, C₉H₁₁O₄P, crystallize in the chiral P2₁2₁2₁ space group with similar unit‐cell parameters. They feature an essentially similar hydrogen‐bonding motif but differ slightly in their detailed geometric parameters. For both polymorphs, the unequivocal location of the hydroxy H atoms together with the expected differences in the P—O bond lengths establish unequivocally that both forms contain the S isomer; the protonated phosphinic acid and carboxy O atoms serve as hydrogen‐bond donors, while the second phosphinic acid O atom acts as a double hydrogen‐bond acceptor and the remaining carboxy O atom is not involved in hydrogen bonding. Thus, an undulating two‐dimensional supramolecular layer aggregate is formed based on an R₄³(20) ring unit. Such polymorphism derives from the rotation of the C—C single bonds between the two hydrogen‐bond‐involved carboxy and phosphinic acid moieties.     

A Supramolecular Sorting Hat: Stereocontrol in Metal–Ligand Self‐Assembly by Complementary Hydrogen Bonding

A combination of self‐complementary hydrogen bonding and metal–ligand interactions allows stereocontrol in the self‐assembly of prochiral ligand scaffolds. A unique, non‐tetrahedral M₄L₆ structure is observed upon multicomponent self‐assembly of 2,7‐diaminofluorenol with 2‐formylpyridine and Fe(ClO₄)₂. The stereochemical outcome of the assembly is controlled by self‐complementary hydrogen bonding between both individual ligands and a suitably sized counterion as template. This hydrogen‐bonding‐mediated stereoselective metal–ligand assembly allows the controlled formation of nonsymmetric discrete cage structures from previously unexploited ligand scaffolds.     

Self‐recognition in a flexible bis(pyrrole) Schiff base derivative: formation of a one‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded polymer

The title Schiff base compound, N,N′‐bis­(pyrrol‐2‐yl­methyl­ene)­propane‐1,2‐di­amine, C₁₃H₁₆N₄, forms an interesting supramolecular structure (a one‐dimensional ladder‐like polymer) in the solid state that is based on the existence of complementary intermolecular N—H⋯N=C hydrogen bonds between the monomer units. The polymer axis is collinear with the c axis of the orthorhombic unit cell. Quantum‐chemical AM1 calculations clearly indicate that self‐recognition in this system by hydrogen bonding is favoured on electrostatic grounds, since the partial atomic charge on the H atom of the pyrrole NH group (0.274 e) complements the partial atomic charge of the N atom of the C=N group (−0.239 e) on a neighbouring mol­ecule.     

Ethyl N‐phenyl­oxamate

The oxamate group in the title compound, C₁₀H₁₁NO₃, is almost coplanar with the phenyl ring because of intramol­ecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions, and the structure can be described as an anilide single bonded to an ethyl carboxyl­ate group. The supramolecular structure is achieved through intermolecular hard N—H⋯O and soft C—H⋯X (X = O and phenyl) hydrogen‐bonding interactions.     

Bis{μ‐3‐[3‐(2‐pyridyl)pyrazol‐1‐ylmethyl]pyridine}disilver(I) bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate): effect of counter‐anions on the self‐assembly of coordination complexes

As part of a study on the effect of different counter‐anions on the self‐assembly of coordination complexes, a new dinuclear Ag^I complex, [Ag₂(C₁₄H₁₂N₄)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂, with the 3‐[3‐(2‐pyridyl)pyrazol‐1‐ylmethyl]pyridine (L) ligand was obtained through the reaction of L with AgCF₃SO₃. In this complex, each Ag^I center in the centrosymmetric dinuclear complex cation is coordinated by two pyridine and one pyrazole N‐atom donor of two inversion‐related L ligands in a trigonal planar geometry. This forms a unique box‐like cyclic dimer with an intramolecular nonbonding Ag...Ag separation of 6.379 (7) Å. Weak Ag...CF₃SO₃ and C—H...X (X = O and F) hydrogen‐bonding interactions, together with π–π stacking interactions, link the complex cations along the [001] and [10] directions, respectively, generating two different one‐dimensional chains and then an overall two‐dimensional network of the complex running parallel to the (110) plane. Comparison of the structural differences with previous findings suggests that the presence of different counter‐anions plays an important role in the construction of such supramolecular frameworks.     

catena‐Poly­[[tetra­aqua­iron(II)]‐μ‐succinato‐κ2O:O′]

The title complex, {[Fe(C₄H₄O₄)(H₂O)₄]}_n, is an infinite poly­meric compound bridged by the succinate dianion. Two carboxyl­ate groups coordinate in a monodentate manner to the Fe^II atom, in a trans fashion, with an O—Fe—O bond angle of 175.72 (6)° and Fe—O distances of 2.0886 (14) and 2.1008 (15) Å. One of the uncoordinated carboxyl­ate O atom forms an intramolecular hydrogen bond with a coordinated water mol­ecule. Extensive hydrogen bonding between parallel poly­meric complex chains results in a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure.     

Fabrication of Supramolecular Semiconductor Block Copolymers by Ring‐Opening Metathesis Polymerization

ω‐Telechelic poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) species (PPVs) are prepared by living ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of a [2.2]paracyclophane‐1,9‐diene in the presence of Hoveyda–Grubbs 2nd generation initiator, with terminating agents based on N¹,N³‐bis(6‐butyramidopyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐hydroxyisophthalamide (Hamilton wedge), cyanuric acid, Pd^II–SCS‐pincer, or pyridine moieties installing the supramolecular motifs. The resultant telechelic polymers are self‐assembled into supramolecular block copolymers (BCPs) via metal coordination or hydrogen bonding and analyzed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The optical properties are examined, whereby individual PPVs exhibit similar properties regardless of the nature of the end group. Upon self‐assembly, different behaviors emerge: the hydrogen‐bonding BCP behaves similarly to the parent PPVs whereas the metallosupramolecular BCP demonstrates a hypsochromic shift and a more intense emission owing to the suppression of aggregation. These results demonstrate that directional self‐assembly can be a facile method to construct BCPs with semiconducting networks, while combating solubility and aggregation.     

Hexaaquanickel(II) bis[2‐carboxylato‐2‐(isothiouronium‐S‐ylmethyl)propane‐1,3‐diyl phosphate] hexahydrate

In the title complex, [Ni(H₂O)₆](C₆H₁₀N₂O₆PS)₂·6H₂O, the asymmetric unit consists of one‐half of an Ni atom (which lies on an inversion centre) with three coordinated water molecules, one complete 2‐carboxylato‐2‐(isothiouronium‐S‐ylmethyl)propane‐1,3‐diyl phosphate anion and three noncoordinated water molecules. The hexaaquanickel(II) cations have distorted octahedral coordination and are connected via water chains to form two‐dimensional supramolecular networks parallel to the ab plane. The phosphate ester anion is linked via N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, thus creating various ring, dimer and chain hydrogen‐bonding patterns, and building up a second two‐dimensional supramolecular network parallel to the ab plane. The crystal structure is further stabilized by an intra‐ and interlayer hydrogen‐bond network. This work illustrates that a carboxylate with a caged phosphate ester can open its ring in the presence of dichloridotetrakis(thiourea)nickel, and the resulting polyfunctional anion can be used for constructing a complex hydrogen‐bonding scheme.