Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of four-ring liquid crystals containing cyclohexyl,phenyl and pyridyl units

Two series of chiral and achiral 4-[(3-n-alkoxycarbonylpyridyl)-6-ethynyl]phenyl 4-(trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexyl)benzoate liquid crystals have been synthesized. Their mesomorphic properties were observed and measured by polarizing optical microscopy and DSC. A broad chiral smectic C phase was observed when terminal chains contained a chiral centre.     

Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of tetranuclear ruthenium hydrido clusters containing chiral phosphine ligands

The chiral clusters [H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(12-n)(L)(n)] (n = 1, 2; L = NMDPP), 1,1-[H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(L-L)] (L-L = DUPHOS, DIPAMP), 1,2-[H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(DIOP)] and [{H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(DIOP)}(2)] have been synthesized by derivatizing the parent carbonyl cluster [H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(12)] with the appropriate mono- or didentate chiral phosphine ligand. The phosphine-substituted clusters were found to be able to catalyze the (asymmetric) hydrogenation of tiglic acid albeit with relatively low selectivity (enantiomeric excesses varying from 0 to 23%). It was found that the stability of the chiral ruthenium hydride clusters and the product distribution obtained in the catalytic reactions are dependent on the nature of the chiral phosphine. The crystal structures of [H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(12-n)(L)(n)] (n = 1, 2; L = NMDPP), 1,1-[H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(L-L)] (L-L = DUPHOS, O-DUPHOS (partially oxygenated ligand), DIPAMP), 1,2-[H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(DIOP)] and [{H(4)Ru(4)(CO)(10)(DIOP)}(2)] are presented.     

One-dimensional azido-bridged chiral metal complexes with ferromagnetic or antiferromagnetic interactions: syntheses, structures, and magnetic studies

One-dimensional chiral copper(II) and manganese(II) coordination polymers with single asymmetric end-to-end (EE) azide bridges, [Cu(R-L)2(N3)]n(ClO4)n (1), [Cu(S-L)2 (N3)]n(ClO4)n (2), [Mn(R-L)2(N3)]n(ClO4)n (3), and [Mn(S-L)2(N3)]n(ClO4)n (4) (R-L or S-L = R- or S-pyridine-2-carbaldehyde-imine), have been synthesized, using azide ions as bridging groups and chiral Schiff bases as auxiliary ligands, and characterized. The crystal structure determination of complexes 1 and 2 reveals the formation of one-dimensional chiral chains, in which the central Cu(II) ion is six-coordinate in the form of an elongated octahedron. Complex 3 consists of chiral helical polymeric chains, in which the central Mn(II) has a slightly distorted octahedral geometry. They all crystallize in the chiral space group P2(1). Complexes 1 and 2 are rare examples that exhibit ferromagnetic interaction between copper(II) ions through the single end-to-end azido bridge. Fitting the susceptibility data for 1 using a 1D uniform chain model led to the parameters J = 0.70(3) cm(-1), g = 2.06(2), and zj' = 0.07(2) cm(-1). The magnetic studies on 3 and 4 show that there is weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the manganese(II) ions.     

Direct observation of odd-even effect for chiral alkyl alcohols in solution using vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy

The odd-even effect of chiral alkyl alcohols, (S)-CH(3)CHOHC(n)()H(2)(n)()(+1) (n = 2-8), in solution state has been observed spectroscopically for the first time. The vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) bands at 1148 cm(-)(1) exhibit a clear odd-even effect. The observed VCD bands of (R)-(-)-2-hexanol correspond well to those predicted (population weighted). Density functional theory calculations indicate that the most prevalent conformations in solution are the all-trans forms. The odd-even effect of the VCD bands is ascribed to the alternating terminal methyl motions in the alkyl chains relative to fixed motions near the chiral center in the trans conformations. The conformational sensitivity of VCD for the chiral alcohols in the solution state may be useful for the design of liquid crystals and ligands in the future.     

Odd-even behavior of ferroelectricity and antiferroelectricity in two homologous series of bent-core mesogens

Two chiral bent-core mesogens Pn-O-PIMB(n - 2)* (n = 9 and 10) and their oxygen analogues Pn-O-PIMB(n - 2)*-(n - 4)O (n = 8, 9, and 10) with omega-[(S)-amyloxy]alkoxy terminal groups were prepared, and their phase structures were investigated by means of electro-optic, polarization reversal current and second harmonic generation measurements in order to clarify the effect of the interlayer steric interaction on the emergence of polar orderings. The odd-even behavior for the alternative appearance of ferroelectricity and antiferroelectricity was observed in two homologous series; the bent-core mesogens P10-O-PIMB8*, P8-O-PIMB6*-4O, and P10-O-PIMB8*-6O in addition to the previously reported P6-O-PIMB4* and P8-O-PIMB6*, where the length of chains n is even, exhibited ferroelectric phases. On the contrary, the mesogens P7-O-PIMB5*, P9-O-PIMB7*, and P9-O-PIMB7*-5O, where n is odd, showed antiferroelectric phases. It is obvious that the interlayer steric interaction plays a major role for the emergence of a variety of phase structures.     

Synthesis and structural chemistry of alkali metal tris(HMDS) magnesiates containing chiral diamine donor ligands

Six alkali metal tris(HMDS) magnesiate complexes (HMDS, 1,1,1,3,3,3,-hexamethyldisilazide) containing chiral diamine ligands have been prepared and characterised in both the solid- and solution-state. Four of the complexes have a solvent-separated ion pair composition of the form [{M·(chiral diamine)(2)}(+){Mg(HMDS)(3)}(-)] [M = Li for 1 and 3, Na for 2 and 4; chiral diamine = (-)-sparteine for 1 and 2, (R,R)-TMCDA for 3 and 4, (where (R,R)-TMCDA is N,N,N',N'-(1R,2R)-tetramethylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine)] and two have a contacted ion pair composition of the form [{K·chiral diamine}(+){Mg(HMDS)(3)}(-)](n) [chiral diamine = (-)-sparteine for 5 and (R,R)-TMCDA for 6]. In the solid-state, complexes 1-4 are essentially isostructural, with the lithium or sodium cation sequestered by the respective chiral diamine and the previously reported anion consisting of three HMDS ligands coordinated to a magnesium centre. As such, complexes 1-4 are the first structurally characterised complexes in which the alkali metal is sequestered by two molecules of either of the chiral diamines (-)-sparteine (1 and 2) or (R,R)-TMCDA (3 and 4). In addition, complex 4 is a rare (R,R)-TMCDA adduct of sodium. In the solid state, complexes 5 and 6 exist as polymeric arrays of dimeric [{K·chiral diamine}(+){Mg(HMDS)(3)}(-)](2) subunits, with 5 adopting a two-dimensional net arrangement and 6 a linear arrangement. As such, complexes 5 and 6 appear to be the only structurally characterised complexes in which the chiral diamines (-)-sparteine (5) or (R,R)-TMCDA (6) have been incorporated within a polymeric framework. In addition, prior to this work, no (-)-sparteine or (R,R)-TMCDA adducts of potassium had been reported.     

Chiral discrimination studies of (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid by high-performance liquid chromatography and NMR spectroscopy

Chiral discrimination studies using (+)-(18-crown-6)-2,3,11,12-tetracarboxylic acid (18-C-6-TA) as a chiral selector were performed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and NMR spectroscopy. The enantiomers of alanine (Ala) or alanine methyl ester (Ala-ME) were well separated on the chiral stationary phases (CSPs) derived from (+)-18-C-6-TA by HPLC. The chiral selector, (+)-18-C-6-TA, used in the CSP was also applied for the chiral discrimination of the Ala and Ala-ME enantiomers, and it discriminated these enantiomers successfully by NMR spectroscopy. The chemical shift differences (Delta Delta delta) of the alpha-proton of these enantiomers in the presence of an equimolecular solution of 18-C-6-TA were observed to be 0.10 ppm for Ala in methanol-d4 containing 10 mM H2SO4 and 0.11 ppm for Ala-ME in methanol-d4. The observed NMR results agreed with the chromatographic data on the (+)-18-C-6-TA-derived CSP by HPLC in terms of both the elution order and solvents effects.     

The molecular structure and orientation of antiferroelectric liquid crystal using the density-functional theory and two-dimensional correlation-polarized infrared spectroscopy

The structure and vibrational frequencies of the chiral antiferroelectric liquid-crystal molecule, 4-(1-methyheptyloxycarbonyl) phenyl-4-(4'-octyloxy) benzoate (MHOCPOOB), have been calculated using the density-functional theory (DFT) with the Becke-3 Lee-Yang-Parr/6-31G(d,p) level. The observed vibrational spectra have been resolved and assigned in detail by comparison to the computed values. The results indicate that the computed and observed spectra are in good agreement with each other. The stable molecular structure obtained with the DFT theory shows that the two hydrocarbon chains are all-trans zigzag conformer and nearly perpendicular to each other. The orientation of the mesogen part and the hydrocarbon chains for MHOCPOOB in the Sm-C*A phase are investigated by employing the polarization-angle-dependent infrared spectra in the electric-field induced and the two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. After combining the experimental and theoretical results, it can be concluded that the azimuth of the achiral and chiral chains is opposite to each other, the orientation of the achiral chain is almost the same direction as the mesogen core, and the orientation of the chiral chain is nearly perpendicular to the mesogen part. The achiral and chiral CH2 chains are both a probable all-trans zigzag conformer.     

Chiral recognition of PVBA on Pd(111) and Ag(111) surfaces

An asymmetric planar molecule, 4-trans-2-(pyrid-4-yl-vinyl) benzoic acid (PVBA), has been used to establish the organic chiral recognition on fcc(111) metal surfaces. The strong correlation between the orientation and chiral recognition of PVBA on both Ag(111) and Pd(111) guides the choice of a model potential, which determines the relative binding energy of PVBA on fcc(111). An angle-dependent calculation of relative binding energy reproduces the experimental observation of the chiral recognition of PVBA on Ag(111) but not on Pd(111).     

Photophysics and redox behavior of chiral transition metal polymers

The absorption and emission spectra, excited-state lifetimes, quantum yields, and electrochemical measurements have been obtained for a new series of chiral complexes based on three different chiral 2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine ligands, (-)-ctpy, (-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy], and (-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy], with one, two, or multiple Ru metal centers. The room-temperature absorption and emission maxima of [[((-)-ctpy)Ru]-(-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy]-[Ru((-)-ctpy)]](PF(6))(4) and ((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n) were shifted to lower energies and also exhibited significantly longer luminescence lifetimes when compared to [Ru((-)-ctpy)(2)](PF(6))(2), [[((-)-ctpy)Ru]-(-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy]-[Ru((-)-ctpy)]](PF(6))(4), and ((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n). In terms of their electrochemical behavior, all of the complexes studied exhibited one Ru-centered and two ligand-centered redox waves and the [[((-)-ctpy)Ru]-(-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy]-[Ru((-)-ctpy)]](PF(6))(4), ((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-x-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n), and ((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])-[[Ru((-)-[ctpy-b-ctpy])](PF(6))(2)](n)() complexes were found to electrodeposit upon ligand-based reduction. The difference between the formal potentials of the Ru-centered and the first ligand-centered (least negative) waves corresponded linearly with the changes in the observed emission energies. The shifts in energy are discussed using a particle-in-a-box model, and the luminescence lifetimes are discussed in terms of the structure of the excited-state manifold.     

From achiral ligands to chiral coordination polymers: spontaneous resolution, weak ferromagnetism, and topological ferrimagnetism

Using the achiral diazine ligands bearing two bidentate pyridylimino groups as sources of conformational chirality, five azido-bridged coordination polymers are prepared and characterized crystallographically and magnetically. The chirality of the molecular units is induced by the coordination of the diazine ligands in a twisted chiral conformation. The use of L(1) (1,4-bis(2-pyridyl)-1-amino-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene) and L(2) (1,4-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,4-diamino-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene) induces spontaneous resolution, yielding conglomerates of chiral compounds [Mn(3)(L(1))(2)(N(3))(6)](n) (1) and [Mn(2)(L(2))(2)(N(3))(3)](n)(ClO(4))(n).nH(2)O (2), respectively, where triangular (1) or double helical (2) chiral units are connected into homochiral one-dimensional (1D) chains via single end-to-end (EE) azido bridges. The chains are stacked via hydrogen bonds in a homochiral fashion to yield chiral crystals. When L(3) (2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)-3,4-diaza-2,4-hexadiene) is employed, a partial spontaneous resolution occurs, where binuclear chiral units are interlinked into fish-scale-like homochiral two-dimensional (2D) layers via single EE azido bridges. The layers are stacked in a heterochiral or homochiral fashion to yield simultaneously a racemic compound, [Mn(2)(L(3))(N(3))(4)](n) (3a), and a conglomerate, [Mn(2)(L(3))(N(3))(4)](n).nMeOH (3b). On the other hand, the ligand without amino and methyl substituents (L(4), 1,4-bis(2-pyridyl)-2,3-diaza-1,3-butadiene) does not induce spontaneous resolution. The resulting compound, [Mn(2)(L(4))(N(3))(4)](n) (4), consists of centrosymmetric 2D layers with alternating single diazine, single EE azido, and double end-on (EO) azido bridges, where the chirality is destroyed by the centrosymmetric double EO bridges. These compounds exhibit very different magnetic behaviors. In particular, 1 behaves as a metamagnet built of homometallic ferrimagnetic chains with a unique "fused-triangles" topology, 2 behaves as a 1D antiferromagnet with alternating antiferromagnetic interactions, 3a and 3b behave as spin-canted weak ferromagnets with different critical temperatures, and 4 also behaves as a spin-canted weak ferromagnet but exhibits two-step magnetic transitions.     

Synthesis and variable-temperature FTIR study of five chiral liquid crystals induced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding

Five new chiral liquid crystal systems induced by intermolecular hydrogen bonding between 4-[(s)-2-chloro-3-methyl]butyroyloxy-4'-stilbazole (MBSB, proton acceptor) and 4-alkoxybenzoic acids (nBA, proton donors) were prepared. Their liquid crystalline properties were investigated by DSC and polarized optical microscopy. Chiral nematic and chiral smectic phases were observed, and the thermal stability of one complex was studied through temperature dependent infrared spectroscopy.     

Selective reflection and textural studies of free-standing films of a chiral liquid crystal

Abstract

We present a detailed study of selective reflection from free-standing films of chiral smectic phases. Free-standing films are drawn of the chiral compound 2-(4-hexyloxyphenyl)-5-[4-(1-chloro-3-methylbutanoyloxy)phenyl]pyrimidine (2f-6) possessing a chiral smectic C and the recently discovered chiral smectic M phase, both phases showing the phenomenon of selective reflection of visible light in a certain temperature range. With linearly polarized incident light two selective reflection maxima are observed which are caused by the presence of π-walls in the film. The wavelength of the selective reflection maxima is independent of the film thickness, whereas the intensity decreases with decreasing film thickness. The dependence of the reflection maxima on temperature and enantiomeric excess is studied.     

1D, 2D and 3D luminescent zinc(II) coordination polymers assembled from varying flexible thioether ligands

Using a series flexible thioether ligands, 4-(2-pyridylmethylthio)benzoic acid (HL(1)), 4-(4-pyridylmethylthio)benzoic acid (HL(2)) and 4-(3-pyridylmethylthio)benzoic acid (HL(3)), a 1D infinite chain [Zn(3)(L(1))(6)](n) (), a 2D interpenetrating sheet [Zn(L(2))(2)](n) (), and a chiral 3D framework [Zn(L(3))(2)H(2)O](n) () were obtained. Luminescent properties of these compounds were also studied.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of three- and four-ring liquid crystals containing cyclohexyl, phenyl and pyridyl units

Two series of 4-(3-alkoxycarbonylpyridyl-6-ethynyl)phenyl trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexylcarboxylates and 4-(3-alkoxycarbonylpyridyl-6-ethynyl)phenyl 4-(trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexyl)benzoates have been prepared. Their mesmorphic properties were observed and measured by polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The relationship between structures and properties is discussed, showing that the ferroelectric phase can be observed when chiral terminal chains exist.     

Chiral N-alkyl-2,4,6-triphenylpyridiniums as enantioselective triplet photosensitizers. laser flash photolysis and preparative studies

Three N-alkylpyridinium photosensitizers having chiral alkyl groups have been prepared by reacting 2,4,6-triphenylpyrylium tetrafluoroborate ion with (1R,2S)-(-)-norephedrine, (S)-(+)-2-(aminomethyl)pyrrolidine, and (R)-(-)-1-cyclohexylethylamine. Laser flash photolysis allows detection of the corresponding triplet excited states that are quenched by hydrogen atom donors and electron donors. Asymmetric quenching of the chiral triplet excited state was observed using enantiomerically pure 1,2-diamino cyclohexane as quencher. Low enantiomeric excess values (up to 7%) were measured for the photochemical cyclization of 5-methyl-4-hexenoic acid to its corresponding gamma-lactone using these chiral N-alkylpyridinium as photosensitizers.     

Correlation of structure and phase behaviour for a series of modular,chiral liquid crystal diacrylates based on lactic acid

The mesogenic properties of a family of chiral liquid crystal (LC) diacrylates based on a 4-[4-(1R-methyl-2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]phenyl 4-hydroxybenzoate core were studied as a function of different tail lengths. In general, this family of LCs was found to exhibit a strong preference for adopting the chiral smectic A phase. Systematic variation of the alkyl spacer lengths on either side of the chiral core revealed that the onset of smectic A behaviour is highly sensitive to the length of the tail adjacent to the chiral unit. However, no correlation between phase transition temperatures and the length of the spacer on the other side of the core was observed. With a fixed spacer length on the chiral side of the core, systematic changes in the length of the other tail resulted in the formation of a monotropic smectic B phase and an increased tendency to supercool.     

Spectrophotometric and calorimetric titration studies on molecular recognition of camphor and borneol by nucleobase-modified beta-cyclodextrins

A series of modified beta-cyclodextrins with nucleobase substituents, that is, mono(6-ade-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin (2) and mono(6-ura-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin (3) as well as mono(6-thy-6-deoxy)-beta-cyclodextrin (4), were selected as molecular receptors to investigate their conformation and inclusion complexation behaviors with some chiral molecules, that is, (+)-camphor, (-)-camphor, (+)-borneol, and (-)-borneol, by spectrophotometric and microcalorimetric titrations in aqueous phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.2) at 298.15 K. Circular dichroism and NMR studies demonstrated that these nucleobase-modified beta-cyclodextrins adopted a co-inclusion mode upon complexation with guest molecules; that is, the originally self-included nucleobase substituents of the host did not move out from the beta-cyclodextrin cavity, but coexisted with guest molecule in the beta-cyclodextrin cavity upon inclusion complexation. Significantly, these nucleobase-modified beta-cyclodextrins efficiently enhanced the molecular binding ability and the chiral recognition ability of native beta-cyclodextrin, displaying enantioselectivity up to 3.7 for (+)-camphor/(-)-camphor pair by 2 and 3.5 for (-)-borneol/(+)-borneol pair by 3. The enhanced molecular/chiral recognition abilities of 2-4 toward (+/-)-camphor were mainly attributed to the increased entropic gains due to the extensive desolvation effects, while the favorable enthalpic gains originating from the good size-fit relationship as well as the hydrogen bond interactions between host and guest result in the enhanced molecular/chiral recognition abilities of 2-4 toward (+/-)-borneol.     

A Highly diastereoselective synthesis of (1R)-(+)-camphor-based chiral allenes and their asymmetric hydroboration-oxidation reactions

Synthesis of camphor derived chiral allenes and their hydroboration-oxidation reactions are described. Reaction of (1R)-(+)-camphor with alkynyllithium followed by the reduction of the resulted propargyl alcohol derivatives using AlH3 furnished chiral allenes 2a-g in excellent yields with high diastereoselectivity. Reduction of the propargyl alcohols with aluminum hydride proceeded through selective intermolecular anti-addition of hydride ion. The stereochemistry of the chiral allenes 2 was assigned based on lanthanide shift studies and chemical correlations. Diastereoselectivity was observed in the hydroboration-oxidation of 2 which produced a mixture of (E,R) and (E,S) stereoisomers in a ratio of 6:1 to 18:1.     

Synthesis and mesomorphic properties of three- and four-ring liquid crystals containing cyclohexyl,phenyl and pyridyl units

Two series of 4-(3-alkoxycarbonylpyridyl-6-ethynyl)phenyl trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexylcarboxylates and 4-(3-alkoxycarbonylpyridyl-6-ethynyl)phenyl 4-(trans-4-n-alkylcyclohexyl)benzoates have been prepared. Their mesmorphic properties were observed and measured by polarizing optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The relationship between structures and properties is discussed, showing that the ferroelectric phase can be observed when chiral terminal chains exist.