Conformational behavior of pyrazine-bridged and mixed-bridged cavitands: a general model for solvent effects on thermal "vase-kite" switching

The controllable switching of suitably bridged resorcin[4]arene cavitands between a "vase" conformation, with a cavity capable of guest inclusion, and a "kite" conformation, featuring an extended flattened surface, provides the basis for ongoing developments of dynamic molecular receptors, sensors, and molecular machines. This paper describes the synthesis, X-ray crystallographic characterization, and NMR analysis of the "vase-kite" switching behavior of a fully pyrazine-bridged cavitand and five other mixed-bridged quinoxaline-bridged cavitands with one methylene, phosphonate, or phosphate bridge. The pyrazine-bridged resorcin[4]arene cavitand displayed an unexpectedly high preference for the kite conformation in nonpolar solvents, relative to the quinoxaline-bridged analogue. This observation led to extensive solvent-dependent switching studies that provide a detailed picture of how solvent affects the thermal vase-kite equilibration. As for any thermodynamic process in the liquid phase, the conformational equilibrium is affected by how the solvent stabilizes the two individual states. Suitably sized solvents (benzene and derivatives) solvate the cavity of the vase form and reduce the propensity for the vase-to-kite transition. Correspondingly, the kite geometry becomes preferred in bulky solvents such as mesitylene, incapable of penetrating the vase cavity. As proposed earlier by Cram, the kite form is preferred at low temperatures due to the more favorable enthalpy of solvation of the enlarged surface. Furthermore, the kite conformation is more preferred in solvents with substantial hydrogen-bonding acidity: weak hydrogen-bonding interactions between the mildly basic quinoxaline and pyrazine nitrogen atoms and solvent molecules are more efficient in the open kite than in the closed vase form. Vase-to-kite conversion is entirely absent in dipolar aprotic solvents lacking any H-bonding acidity. Thermal vase-kite switching requires fully quinoxaline- or pyrazine-bridged cavitands, whereas pH-controlled switching is also applicable to systems incorporating only two or three such bridges.     

Zn(II)-induced conformational control of amphiphilic cavitands in langmuir monolayers

The reversible switching from the C(4v)-symmetric vase to the C(2v)-symmetric kite conformation of an amphiphilic resorcin[4]arene cavitand was induced by Zn(II) ion coordination. Langmuir monolayers were obtained of both conformers with the area per molecule increasing dramatically from 120 A(2) for the vase to 270 A(2) for the kite form. (1)H NMR spectroscopy in chloroform solution supports the formation of a stoichiometric kite-cavitand[radical dot](Zn(II))(2) complex, with the metal ions coordinating to pairs of neighbouring quinoxaline N-atoms.     

Metal-switching and self-inclusion of functional cavitands

Cavitands bearing both eight (5) and two (13) metal-ligating carboxymethylphosphonate groups on their rims were synthesized by Arbuzov reaction of the corresponding bromoacetamido cavitands with trialkyl phosphites. These exist in the vase conformation in CDCl(3) and are stabilized by a cyclic seam of hydrogen bonds. This structure was also found in the solid state for the octabromoacetamide 4a and diphosphonate cavitand 13 by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Cavitands 5 and 13 form caviplexes in CDCl(3), CD(2)Cl(2), and alcohol solutions with adamantane derivatives 15a,b, quinuclidine 15d, ammonium and phosphonium salts 14, and drugs like ibuprofen 15c, all of which are stable on the NMR time scale at 295 K. NMR spectroscopy reveals that at 223 K octaphosphonate 5b exists in two forms: the major C(4)-symmetrical compound is filled with solvent while the minor species shows intramolecular inclusion of a dialkoxyphosphoryl group. In methanol-d(4) 5 and 13 exist in a lower symmetry vase conformation with self-inclusion of one alkyl group. Interaction of these complexes with La(OTf)(3) results in a change in the conformation of the cavitand from vase to kite with concomitant and quantitative release of the encapsulated guests. Two to three equivalents of the lanthanide salt per equivalent of cavitand 5a-d is necessary for the complete decomplexation of the included guest. The kite and the vase conformers equilibrate slowly on the NMR time scale at 295 K. The addition of good ligands for metal cations (nitrate or CMPO calixarene 16) shifts the equilibrium to the vase-shaped caviplex and allows quantitative control of the binding and release of the guest. The lanthanide complexes of octaphosphonates 5 in methanol-d(4) are velcraplex-like dimers held together by four metal cations.     

Metal ligation regulates conformational equilibria and binding properties of cavitands

A self-folding cavitand binds quinuclidinium cation in its vase conformation and lanthanum ions in its kite conformation. Metal coordination provides a novel switching mechanism for the uptake and release of guests.     

Redox-Switchable Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Molecular Grippers

Diquinone-based resorcin[4]arene cavitands that open to a kite and close to a vase form upon changing their redox state, thereby releasing and binding guests, have been prepared and studied. The switching mechanism is based on intramolecular H-bonding interactions that stabilize the vase form and are only present in the reduced hydroquinone state. The intramolecular H-bonds were characterized using X-ray, IR, and NMR spectroscopies. Guests were bound in the closed, reduced state and fully released in the open, oxidized state.     

Water-stabilized cavitands

Tetrabenzimidazole cavitands 4 were prepared by condensation of ortho esters with octaamino cavitand 3 in 70-80% yield. Molecular modeling predicted that no intramolecular hydrogen bonds are possible between the imidazole fragments in the vase conformation of 4. Instead, this conformation provides four perfect binding sites for hydroxyl-containing molecules through an N-H---O-H---N pattern. Such interactions provide the means for sealing the cavitand's cavity. Accordingly, dry compounds 4 are not soluble in dry CDCl3 but readily dissolve upon addition of small amounts of alcohols or by saturation of the solution with water. 1H NMR spectroscopy revealed that in these solutions molecules 4 adopt a vase conformation while 1D GOESY experiments revealed their monomeric nature. In water-saturated CDCl3, these cavitands 4 form kinetically stable 1:1 inclusion complexes with tetramethylphosphonium bromide and triethylammonium chloride in which the cation is incorporated into the pi-basic cavity. Thus, cavitands 4 are a novel class of open-ended molecular containers capable of the formation of highly kinetically stable complexes upon assistance by hydrogen-bonding water molecules.     

Synthesis of a Zn-salen resorcinarene-based cavitand and its fluorescence response to nitro compounds

The synthesis, spectroscopic characterisation, conformational switching and fluorescence quenching efficiency of a resorcinarene-based cavitand containing Zn-salen (Zn-Cav) are reported. Synthesis of Zn-Cav was accomplished by the condensation of a quinoxaline derivatised with Zn-salen and a resorcinarene-based cavitand containing three quinoxalines. ¹H NMR spectroscopy confirmed that in DMSO, chloroform and acetone Zn-Cav resides in the vase conformation. The molecular geometry of Zn-Cav selectively changes from vase to kite under acidic conditions. Detection by fluorescence quenching of nitro-containing molecules, such as 4-nitrotoluene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene and 2,3-dimethyl-2,3-dinitrobutane was explored by spectrofluorimetry. It was found that the fluorescence of Zn-Cav is efficiently quenched by nitroaromatic compounds.     

Tetraurea calix[4]arenes with sulfur functions: synthesis, dimerization to capsules, and self-assembly on gold

Various calix[4]arene derivatives, fixed in the cone conformation by decylether groups and functionalized at their wide rim by urea residues, were synthesized. In two compounds (,) sulfur functions were attached to the urea groups via different spacers in order to allow binding to metal surfaces. While they exist as single molecules in polar solvents, tetraurea calix[4]arenes of this type () combine to form dimeric capsules in aprotic, apolar solvents. A solvent molecule is usually included in such a capsule, if no guest with a higher affinity is present. In the presence of an equimolar amount of the tetratosylurea, the exclusive formation of heterodimers, consisting of one molecule of and, is observed. The homo- and heterodimerization of the newly prepared derivatives, were studied by 1H NMR to establish the conditions under which they exhibit the desired dimerization behaviour. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were formed using the single calix[4]arenes, and the heterodimeric capsules. Chloroform, dichloromethane and ferrocenium cations were used as guests in these immobilized heterodimeric capsules. The particular supramolecular architecture of the heterodimers should ensure that, after the immobilization on the metal surface, decomposition of the capsules and release or exchange of the guest is impossible or at least hindered. The self-assembly process and the stability of SAMs formed by capsules filled with ferrocenium cations in electrolyte solutions were tested with surface plasmon spectroscopy. The inclusion of guests, such as dichloromethane or ferrocenium, in the immobilized capsules were confirmed by classical surface plasmon spectroscopy, by gold nanoparticle absorption spectroscopy and by time-of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). The film stability and quality was tested by cyclic voltammetry.     

Synthesis and structural,electrochemical, and optical properties of Ru(II) complexes with azobis(2,2'-bipyridine)s

Two new ditopic ligands, 5,5"-azobis(2,2'-bipyridine) (5,5"-azo) and 5,5"-azoxybis(2,2'-bipyridine) (5,5"-azoxy), were prepared by the reduction of nitro precursors. Mononuclear and dinuclear Ru(II) complexes having one of these bridging ligands and 2,2'-bipyridine terminal ligands were also prepared, and their properties were compared with previously reported Ru(II) complexes having 4,4"-azobis(2,2'-bipyridine) (4,4"-azo). The X-ray crystal structure showed that 5,5"-azo adopts the trans conformation and a planar rodlike shape. The X-ray crystal structure of [(bpy)(2)Ru(5,5"-azo)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4) (Ru(5,5"-azo)Ru) showed that the bridging ligand is in the trans conformation and nearly planar also in the complex and the metal-to-metal distance is 10.0 A. The azo or azoxy ligand in these complexes exhibits reduction processes at less negative potentials than the terminal bpy's due to the low-lying pi level. The electronic absorption spectra for the complexes having 5,5"-azo or 5,5"-azoxy exhibit an extended low-energy metal-to-ligand charge-transfer absorption. The ligands, 5,5"-azo and 5,5"-azoxy, and the mononuclear complex, [(bpy)(2)Ru(5,5"-azo)](2+), isomerize reversibly upon light irradiation. The low-energy MLCT state sensitizes the isomerization of the azo moiety in this complex. While [(bpy)(2)Ru(4,4"-azo)Ru(bpy)(2)](PF(6))(4) exhibits light switch properties, namely, significant electrochromism and a large luminescence enhancement, upon reduction, Ru(5,5"-azo)Ru does not show these properties. The radical anion formation upon reduction of these complexes has been confirmed by ESR spectroscopy.     

Polyethylated aromatic rings: conformation and rotational barriers of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octaethylanthracene, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaethylfluorene, and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octaethylfluorene

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-Octaethylanthracene (5), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaethylfluorene (7), and 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octaethylfluorene (8) were synthesized by Friedel-Crafts ethylations of 9,10-dihydroanthracene and fluorene. MM3 calculations indicate that the two ethylated six-membered rings of 5 and 7 are conformationally independent. According to the calculations, two low-energy conformers of each compound are possible with the ethyl groups attached to the external aryl rings arranged in an alternated "up-down" orientation. MM3 calculations indicate that in the lowest energy conformation the central fluorene core of 8 adopts a twisted conformation to avoid repulsive steric interactions between the ethyls at the bay region. Two fully alternated up-down conformations are possible for 8, differing in the orientation ("in" or "out") of the ethyls in the bay region. MM3 calculations predict that the lowest energy conformer is the fully alternated "out" form of C(2)() symmetry. The rotational barriers of 5, 7, and 8 are in the 8.7-11.3 kcal mol(-1) range, the largest barrier corresponding to the more crowded octaethylfluorene 8. Anthracene 5 adopts in the crystal a conformation of approximate C(2)(h) symmetry with pairs of peri groups on the same edge of the molecule oriented syn. The conformations adopted in the crystal by 7 and 8 do not correspond to the calculated lowest energy form. In the conformation of 7 in the crystal the ethyl groups on the trisubstituted ring adopt the unusual all syn arrangement. Octaethylfluorene 8 adopts a conformation with a twisted central fluorene core but with a syn arrangement of a pair of vicinal ethyl groups.     

Fluorescence probe studies on the complexation between poly(methacrylic acid) and poly(N, N-diethylacrylamide)

The complexation between poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) and poly(N, N-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAM) in aqueous phase was studied by UV-vis and fluorescence probe techniques. It was demonstrated that the complexation of PMAA with PDEAM occurs within a pH range of 1-6.5 and along with the complexation, the conformation of PMAA changed from a hypercoiled to a loose coiled form. The complex ratio between the two polymers is 1:1 (PMAA:PDEAM, in monomer unit). Salt effect studies showed that the complexation occurred due to formation of hydrogen bonds between the two polymers. Based upon these conclusions and the "compact micelle-like structure" for PMAA at low pH, a "ladder" model was proposed for the structure of PMAA-PDEAM complex formed at low pH.     

Synthesis of electrochemically responsive TTF-based molecular tweezers: evidence of tight intramolecular TTF pairing in solution

We report the synthesis and conformational studies of TTF-containing molecular tweezers based on a 1,2,4,5-tetramethylbenzene scaffold. In the neutral form the tweezers are expected to adopt the closed conformation, while, upon oxidation, the open conformation should be preferred due to electrostatic repulsion between the oxidized TTF moieties. Cyclic voltammetry studies demonstrate electronic pairing with formation of mixed-valence [TTF]₂⁺ species and opening of the tweezers upon the full oxidation of the TTF groups. Variable-temperature (VT) NMR studies evidence tight intramolecular TTF pairing at low temperature. Molecular modeling studies showed clear preference for an open conformation of tweezers in a fully oxidized state.     

Do pentaurea calix[5]arenes form hydrogen bonded dimeric capsules?

Calix[5]arenes substituted at their wider rim by five urea residues do not form hydrogen bonded dimeric capsules in aprotic, apolar solvents, in contrast to their calix[4]arene analogs, although molecular dynamic simulations predict very similar geometrical parameters for both cases. The reason for this different behavior is most probably the higher energetic cost which must be paid to arrange the calix[5]arene skeleton in the C₅-symmetrical conformation required for the dimerization.     

Guest recognition with micelle-bound cavitands

We report that a benzimidazole cavitand is incorporated in aqueous phosphocholine (PC) micelles, folds into the vase conformation, and functions as small-molecule host. As a micelle-bound host it has the ability to sequester selective hydrophobic guest "anchors" into its interior. These anchors include cycloalkanes, adamantanes, and nitrogen heterocycles that compete favorably with the large excess of PC alkyl side-chains that make up the micelle interior. The adamantyl anchor was further functionalized with a fluorophore, and in another instance a dipeptide and both guests retain their recognition properties with the micelle-bound cavitand. Additionally, we report that variations in the cavitand periphery and rim are well-tolerated under our experimental conditions. We find that enhanced binding toward certain guests in both micelles as well as in solution occurs in response to titration with base; this previously unknown property of benzimidazole cavitands is reported in detail.     

Bilayers, corrugated bilayers, and coordination polymers of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene

Exploration into the host-guest supramolecular chemistry of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene with pyridine N-oxide and 4,4'-dipyridine N,N'-dioxide has resulted in the characterization of three new structural motifs with the calixarene in the "up-down" double partial cone conformation. Two are hydrogen-bonded network structures formed with pyridine N-oxide and either nickel or lanthanide metal counterions (1 and 2, respectively). Complex 1 displays host-guest interactions between pyridine N-oxide and the calixarene in the presence of hexaaquanickel(II) counterions. Complex 2 demonstrates selective coordination modes for different lanthanides involving the calixarene and pyridine N-oxide. The third structure, 3, is a coordination polymer which is formed with 4,4'-dipyridine N,N'-dioxide molecules which span a hydrophilic layer and join lanthanide/p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene fragments. Although complexes 1-3 all have the calixarene in the "up-down" double partial cone conformation, 1 and 3 form bilayer arrangements within the extended structures while 2 forms a previously unseen corrugated bilayer arrangement.     

Ultralong carbon-carbon bonds in dispirobis(10-methylacridan) derivatives with an acenaphthene, pyracene, or dihydropyracylene skeleton

Acenapthalene, pyracene, and dihydropyracylene attached to two units of spiroacridan are a novel class of hexaphenylethane (HPE) derivatives that have an ultralong Csp3-Csp3 bond (1.77-1.70 A). These sterically challenged molecules were cleanly prepared by C-C bond formation through two-electron reduction from the less-hindered dications. These ultralong bonds were realized based on several molecular-design concepts including enhanced "front strain" through "multiclamping" by means of fusing or bridging aryl groups in the HPE molecule. The lengths of these ultralong bonds and their relation to the conformation (torsional angle) were also validated by means of theoretical calculations. Bond-fission experiments revealed that the bonds are more easily cleaved than standard covalent bonds to produce the corresponding dication upon oxidation with an increase in the length of the C-C bond.     

Interaction between polymer capsules with hydrophobic cores and a model cellular membrane at an air–water interface

Submicrocapsules have been prepared from diethylaminoethyl dextran and xanthan gum on oil cores by ultrasonic treatment. These capsules have been modified with poly-L-lysine via electrostatic adsorption. The behavior of the capsules has been investigated at an air–water interface after their introduction into the aqueous subphase. The interaction of the capsules with a 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine monolayer formed on the water surface (model cellular membrane) has been studied both upon their introduction under the condensed monolayer and with the use of a dilute colloidal solution of the capsules as a subphase.     

Reagentless, reusable, ultrasensitive electrochemical molecular beacon aptasensor

A bifunctional derivative of the thrombin-binding aptamer with a redox-active Fc moiety and a thiol group at the termini of the aptamer strand was synthesized. The ferrocene-labeled aptamer thiol was self-assembled through S-Au bonding on a polycrystalline gold electrode surface and the surface was blocked with 2-mercaptoethanol to form a mixed monolayer. By use of a fluorescent molecular beacon, the effect of counterions on quadruplex formation was established. The aptamer-modified electrode was characterized electrochemically by cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The modified electrode showed a voltammetric signal due to a one-step redox reaction of the surface-confined ferrocenyl moiety of the aptamer immobilized on the electrode surface in 10 mM N-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-N'-2-ethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) buffer of pH 8.0. An increase in the DPV current signal was evident after blocking with 2-mercaptoethanol, effectively removing aptamer nonspecifically absorbed rather than bound to electrode surface or due to the formation of the aptamer-thrombin affinity interaction. The impedance measurement, in agreement with the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), showed decreased Faradaic resistances in the same sequence. The "signal-on" upon thrombin association could be attributed to a change in conformation from random coil-like configuration on the probe-modified film to the quadruplex structure. The DPV of the modified electrode showed a linear response of the Fc oxidation signal to the increase in the thrombin concentration in the range between 5.0 and 35.0 nM with a linear correlation of r = 0.9988 and a detection limit of 0.5 nM. The molecular beacon aptasensor was amenable to full regeneration by simply unfolding the aptamer in 1.0 M HCl, and could be regenerated 25 times with no loss in electrochemical signal upon subsequent thrombin binding.     

A case study of 2,2-dimethylthiazolidine as locked cis proline amide bond: synthesis, NMR and molecular modeling studies of a delta-conotoxin EVIA peptide analog

The delta-conotoxin EVIA from the Conus ermineus venom, a recently characterized toxin, exhibits cis-trans isomerism of the Leu12-Pro13 bond associated with the triggering of its biological activity. In this paper we use the pseudoproline concept to target the presumed bioactive cis conformation. We report the design and the synthesis of loop 2 analogs from residue 8 to 18 containing either the cis-inducing Cys(PsiMe,MePro)13 unit or the natural proline residue. NMR studies in water and molecular modeling allowed us to identify the amide bond "locked" in a cis conformation for as in the suggested bioactive form of the natural toxin.     

Hydrogen‐Bonding‐Mediated Dynamic Covalent Synthesis of Macrocycles and Capsules: New Receptors for Aliphatic Ammonium Ions and the Formation of Pseudo[3]rotaxanes

Dynamic covalent synthesis! Intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding induces amino‐ and aldehyde‐appended aryl amides to adopt a rigid “V”‐shaped conformation. As a result, stable two‐layered capsules can be assembled quantitatively through the one‐step formation of six imine bonds. The new capsules form complexes with aliphatic diammonium ions to give unique two‐layered pseudo[3]rotaxanes (see figure).