Molecular compasses and gyroscopes with polar rotors: synthesis and characterization of crystalline forms

We report the highly convergent synthesis and solid-state characterization of six crystalline "molecular compasses" consisting of a central phenylene rotor with polar substituents, or compass needle, and two trityl groups axially connected by acetylene linkages to the 1,4-positions. Compounds with fluoro-, cyano-, nitro-, amino-, diamino-, and nitroamino substituents are expected to emulate the parent compound which was shown to form crystals where the central phenylene can rotate about its 1,4-axis with rate constants in the 10(3) -10(6) s(-)(1) dynamic ranges near ambient temperature, depending on crystal morphology. With data from single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, solid-state CPMAS (13)C NMR, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), it is shown that a relatively small structural perturbation by a single polar group (F, CN, NO(2), NH(2)) results in isomorphous structures with analogous properties. In analogy to the parent compound, crystals grown from benzene formed clathrate structures in the space group Ponemacr; with one molecular compass and two benzene molecules per unit cell. Solvent-free crystals with the same space group obtained by a first-order phase transition between 60 and 130 degrees C were shown to be spectroscopically identical to those obtained by slow solvent evaporation from a mixture of CH(2)Cl(2) and hexanes. A qualitative analysis of the positionally disordered phenylene groups in terms of the expected solid-state rotational dynamics suggests a nonsymmetric, 2-fold rotational potential, or a process involving full 360 degrees turns.     

Molecular machines: synthesis and characterization of two prototypes of molecular wheelbarrows

Technomimetic molecules are molecules designed to imitate macroscopic objects at the molecular level, also transposing the motions that these objects are able to undergo. This article focuses on the synthesis of two polyaromatic hydrocarbons designed by analogy with macroscopic wheelbarrows. The molecular wheelbarrows are synthesized following a modular strategy based on sequential double Knoevenagel and Diels-Alder reactions. Our strategy allowed to easily vary the chemical nature of the handles, which is crucial for subsequent manipulation with an STM tip.     

Six-membered metalla-coronands. synthesis and crystal packing: columns, compartments, and 3D-networks

Reaction of various N-substituted diethanolamines H(2)L(3) (4) with calcium hydride and iron(III) chloride leads to the self-assembly of six-membered ferric wheels [Fe(6)X(6)(L(3))(6)] (5). Principally, all the iron coronands are isostructural; however, they differ fundamentally with respect to their crystal packing. Exemplarily, this is discussed for selected members of the space groups R, P, P2(1)/c, P2(1)/n, C2/c, and P. Depending on the nature of their sidearms, the ferric wheels create various substructures. For instance, the ferric wheels 5a-i of space group R or P are piled in parallel in cylindrical columns, which are surrounded by six parallel columns alternately dislocated by (1)/(3)c and (2)/(3)c against the central one. Pronounced van der Waals interactions give rise to compartmentation and incarceration of guest molecules as seen for 5e,g. However, in 5h strong pi-pi interactions create a three-dimensional scaffold. The most significant difference of the ferric wheels 5j-p of space groups P2(1)/c, P2(1)/n, and C2/c is that these ferric wheels are arranged in parallel in two orientations. They differ mainly only by the included angle of the two groups of parallel wheels. In the case of 5l, molecular chains are formed in the crystal due to pi-pi interactions. The ferric wheels 5q-y of space group P are packed in the crystal most simply, with all the ferric wheels piled in parallel.     

Molecular interactions and crystal packing in nematogen: Computational thermodynamic approach

A computational thermodynamic approach of molecular interactions in a nematogen p-n-alkyl benzoic acid (nBAC) molecule with an alkyl group butyl (4BAC) has been carried out with respect to translational and orientational motion. The atomic net charge and dipole moment at each atomic center were evaluated using the complete neglect differential overlap (CNDO/2) method. The modified Rayleigh-Schrödinger perturbation theory along with multicentered-multipole expansion method were employed to evaluate long-range intermolecular interactions, while a 6-exp potential function was assumed for short-range interactions. Various possible geometrical arrangements of molecular pairs with regard to different energy components were considered, and the energetically favorable configuration was found to understand the crystal packing picture. Furthermore, these interaction energy values are taken as input to calculate the configurational entropy at room temperature (300 K), nematic-isotropic transition temperature (386 K) and above transition temperature (450 K) during different modes of interactions. An attempt has been made to describe interactions in a nematogen at molecular level, through which one can simplify the system to make the model computationally feasible in understanding the delicate interplay between energy and entropy, that accounts for mesomorphism and there by to analyze the molecular structure of a nematogen.     

Hyperbranched polyesters: synthesis, characterization, and molecular simulations

New types of hyperbranched polyesters were synthesized by the reaction of 2,2-bis(hydroxymethyl) propionic acid as an AB2-type monomer with pentaerythritol, trimethylol propane, or glycerol as the core moiety. The obtained globular networks were characterized by NMR and MALDI-TOF spectroscopic techniques. Molecular weights determined by MALDI-TOF were confirmed by gel permeation chromatography. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used for the quantitative evaluation of hydrogen bonding as well as to study the structure-property relationship. To investigate the changes and types of intermolecular H-bonding interactions in hyperbranched polyesters with a variation in molecular structure, the deconvolution of FTIR spectra was carried out using Origin 6.0 software through the Gaussian curve-fitting method. Molecular simulations were performed through molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics (MD) calculations using the DISCOVER module. Cohesive energy density, solubility parameters, and surface properties of the hyperbranched polyesters were calculated. Further, vibrational analysis was computed using MD simulations for all the hyperbranched polyesters developed in this work.     

Self-assembly of molecular nanoball: design, synthesis, and characterization

The design and self-assembly of two new flexible supramolecular nanoballs are described. These assemblies incorporate two flexible tritopic amide and ester building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (96-97%) via coordination driven self-assembly. The first resulted from the reaction of 4 equiv of a new tritopic ester ligand N,N',N' '-tris(4-pyridylmethyl) trimesic ester and 3 equiv of C4 symmetric Pd(NO3)2. The second analogous structure was obtained by the self-assembly of a flexible N,N',N' '-tris(3-pyridylmethyl) trimesic amide and Pd(NO3)2. The assemblies were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and TGA. Mass spectrometry along with NMR data and TEM view confirms the existence of the two assemblies. MM2 force field simulations of the cages showed a ball shape with the diameter of the inner cavity of about 2.1 and 1.8 nm for 2a and 2b, respectively, which were also corroborated by TEM analysis.     

Shape-persistant macrocycles with terpyridine units: synthesis,characterization, and structure in the crystal

The synthesis of a variety of shape-persistent macrocycles with either one (1a-d, 2) or two (opposing) terpyridine units (3, 4, 5a-c) and inner diameters of up to 2 nm is described. The sequences are mainly based on transition metal cross-coupling reactions and, whenever appropriate, compared with one another regarding their respective efficiency. Typical overall yields and amounts prepared range from 8% (4) to 27% (3) and 25 mg (1a) to 290 mg (1b), respectively. For solubility and processing of the targeted cycles, all precursors have already been decorated with flexible side chains (hexyloxy or hexyloxymethyl). The cycles' characterization is based on MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, 2D NMR spectroscopy, and/or low-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their packing in the crystal is discussed in terms of both number and length of side chains. Cycle 1d was physisorbed into an ordered structure at the solution-HOPG interface and investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM).     

Technologically promising,room temperature luminescent columnar liquid crystals derived from s-triazine core: molecular design,synthesis and characterization

Three fold Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons (HWS) reaction of triphosphonate with achiral/chiral 3,4,5-tris(alkoxy)benzaldehydes yield novel achiral/chiral star-shaped liquid crystals (LCs), in which three fluorophore arms such as 1,2,3-tris(alkoxy)-5-styrylbenzenes are tethered to a central s-triazine core. These LCs, the first of their kind, display a columnar liquid crystalline phase over a wide temperature range existing between well below and above the room temperature, which is evidenced by optical and calorimetric studies. Besides, they show photoluminescence both in solution and mesomorphic states. Thus, given their self-organization into fluid one-dimensional columnar array coupled with light generating capability, these organic ordered-fluids can be regarded as novel media for advanced technological applications.     

Energetic cuprous azide complex: synthesis,crystal structure,and characterization

An energetic cuprous azide complex, [Cu₂(2apyz)(N₃)₂] _n (1) (2apyz?=?2-aminopyrazine), has been synthesized through hydrothermal method by utilizing the reducibility of H₃PO₃ and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 has a 2-D layer structure constructed from copper(I) bridged by azide and pyrazine. Catalysis research shows 1 can promote the burning rate of the main component of rocket propellant.     

Iron carbonyl cluster complexes with monophosphine ligands: synthesis,characterization, and crystal structure

Three new monophosphine-substituted iron carbonyl cluster complexes [(μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₅L] [(PDT = SCH₂CH₂CH₂S, L = P(CH₂Ph)₃, 1; P(C₆H₁₁)₃, 2; PPh₂(PhMe-p), 3)], which can be regarded as active site mimics for [FeFe]-hydrogenase, have been prepared in 40–70 % yields by reactions of the parent complex (μ-PDT)Fe₂(CO)₆ (A) with monophosphine ligands in the presence of the decarbonylating agent Me₃NO·2H₂O. All three complexes were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques, as well as by X-ray crystallography for complex 1. The IR spectra of the complexes reveal that the electron-donating abilities of the different monophosphine ligands follow the order PPh₂(PhMe-p) > P(C₆H₁₁)₃ > P(CH₂Ph)₃.     

Molecular tweezers for hydrogen: synthesis, characterization, and reactivity

The first ansa-aminoborane N-TMPN-CH2C6H4B(C6F5)2 (where TMPNH is 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl) which is able to reversibly activate H2 through an intramolecular mechanism is synthesized. This new substance makes use of the concept of molecular tweezers where the active N and B centers are located close to each other so that one H2 molecule can fit in this void and be activated. Because of the fixed geometry of this ansa-ammonium-borate it forms a short N-H...H-B dihydrogen bond of 1.78 A as determined by X-ray analysis. Therefore, the bound hydrogen can be released above 100 degrees C. In addition, the short H...H contact and the N-H...H (154 degrees) and B-H...H (125 degrees) angles show that the dihydrogen interaction in N-TMPNH-CH2C6H4BH(C6F5)2 is partially covalent in nature. As a basis for discussing the mechanism, quantum chemical calculations are performed and it is found that the energy needed for splitting H2 can arise from the Coulomb attraction between the resulting ionic fragments, or "Coulomb pays for Heitler-London". The air- and moisture-stable N-TMPNH-CH2C6H4BH(C6F5)2 is employed in the catalytic reduction of nonsterically demanding imines and enamines under mild conditions (110 degrees C and 2 atm of H2) to give the corresponding amines in high yields.     

Spiro-fused bicyclo[3,2,2] octatriene-cored triptycene: synthesis,molecular packing,and functional aggregates

Science China Chemistry - Aggregate science has led to the existence of functional properties at the aggregate level that significantly differs from those of corresponding single-molecule species,...     

Aceno[2,1,3]thiadiazoles for field-effect transistors: synthesis and crystal packing

An efficient synthetic approach to a series of aceno[2,1,3]thiadiazole derivatives is described. 2-TIPS and 2-TES molecules exhibited different crystal packings, and 2-TIPS show good device performances with hole mobility up to 0.4 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) and an average mobility of 0.15 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1) as the active material for organic field-effect transistors. All of the results demonstrate these aceno[2,1,3]thiadiazole derivatives as promising materials for optoelectronic devices.     

Cyclometalated platinum complexes: High-yield synthesis, characterization, and a crystal structure

The one-pot reaction of K₂PtCl₄ and various 2-arylpyridines, HC^∧N, in a 3:1 (v/v) mixture of 2-ethoxyethanol and H₂O at 80 °C for 16 h affords cyclometalated platinum complexes, Pt(C^∧N)(HC^∧N)(Cl), in high yield. These have been fully characterized and, in one case, the X-ray structure has been determined.     

Two new polyoxometalate-based organic-inorganic hybrids: synthesis,crystal structure and characterization

Two new organic-inorganic hybrids, (4,4′-bipy)[Cu^I(2,2′-bipy)₂]₂[W₆O₁₉] (2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyrine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyrine) (1) and (C₆H₅NO₂)₄{Mn^III(H₂O)}[As^IIIW₉O₃₃]₂{W(OH)}- {W(H₂O)}?～18H₂O (2), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG, UV–Vis, XRPD, XPS, electrochemical analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that 1 is a new Lindqvist-type polyoxoanion bisupported by copper(I) coordination cations and 2,2′-bipy ligands and exhibits a three-dimensional (3-D) supermolecular framework by aromatic π–π stacking interactions. Compound 2 is constructed from a manganese(III)-substituted sandwich-type polyoxoanion based on [α-AsW₉O₃₃]^9? units and dissociative, protonated pyridine-4-carboxylic acid molecules, which act as the charge compensation cations. The cyclic voltammogram of 2 shows an irreversible redox process for Mn³⁺ ions.     

Solubilizing sodium fluoride in acetonitrile: synthesis, molecular structure, and complexation behavior of bis(organostannyl)methyl-substituted crown ethers

The synthesis of the crown-ether-substituted bis(organostannyl)methanes Ph(3)SnCH(2)Sn(Ph(2))-CH(2)-[16]crown-5 (1) and Ph(2)ISnCH(2)Sn(I)(Ph)-CH(2)-[16]crown-5 (2) is reported. Both compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, (1)H, (13)C, (19)F, and (119)Sn NMR spectroscopy, and in the case of compound 2 also by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed for the aqua complex 2.H(2)O trigonal-bipyramidal-configured tin atoms with intramolecular Sn(1)-O(1) and Sn(2)-O(1W) distances of 2.555(2) and 2.440(3) A, respectively. The water molecule is trapped in a sandwich-like fashion between the crown ether oxygen atoms O(2) and O(4) and the Sn(2) atom. NMR spectroscopy unambiguously proved the ability of compound 2 in acetonitrile to overcome the high lattice energy of sodium fluoride and to complex the latter under charge separation.     

Isoflavone-based trimer liquid crystals: synthesis,characterization, thermal and mesomorphic properties evaluations

ABSTRACT

A new homologous series of mesogens with isoflavone heterocycle have been synthesised and characterised. The symmetric molecular structure consists of middle ethylene/phenylenediamine and peripheral isoflavone and biphenyl cores as trimer fragments. Chemical structures were evaluated using IR, NMR and CHN techniques. Thermal, mesophase behaviours and textural types are studied by DSC and POM instrumentations. Most of the compounds are favouring liquid crystalline behaviours with Smectic and nematic mesophases.     

Bio-based bisfuran: synthesis,crystal structure,and low molecular weight amorphous polyester

Discovery of renewable monomer feedstocks for fabrication of polymeric demand is critical in achieving sustainable materials. In the present work we have synthesized bisfuran diol (BFD) monomer from furfural, over four steps. BFD was examined via X-ray crystallography to understand the molecular arrangement in space, hydrogen bonding, and packing of the molecules. These data were further used to compare BFD with structurally related bisphenol A (BPA), and its known derivatives to predict the potential estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activities in BFD. Further, BFD was reacted with succinic acid to generate polyester material, bisfuran polyester (BFPE-1). MALDI characterization of BFPE-1 indicates low molecular weight polyester and thermal analysis reveals amorphous nature of the material.     

Hexathiapentacene: structure, molecular packing, and thin-film transistors

In this communication we report the electrical characteristics of hexathiapentacene (HTP) and emphasize the unusual chemical structure and molecular packing. We report field-effect mobilities as high as 0.04 cm2 V-1 s-1 and current on/off ratios of >105. With crystallographic evidence of unusually long S-S bonds compared to normal S-S bonds, we have suggested a unique resonance structure similar to trithiapentalene, which well explains the bonding characteristics of HTP. This work appears to be the first to determine its molecular structure/packing mode and to study its application in organic transistors.