Binding modes of cucurbit[6]uril and cucurbit[7]uril with a tetracationic bis(viologen) guest

Binding behaviors of two cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]) hosts with the [CH3bpy(CH2)6bpyCH3]4+ (bpy = 4,4'-bipyridinium) guest were investigated by 1H NMR and MALDI-TOF-MS experiments. While the CB[6] and CB[7] form [2]pseudorotaxanes with the host located over the hexamethylene chain of the guest, only the CB[7] forms a [3]pseudorotaxane with both host molecules residing over the bipyridinium groups. The initial CB[7] host vacates the inclusion of the hexamethylene chain as a result of the electrostatic and steric repulsions that would arise in simultaneous binding of adjacent aliphatic and aromatic portions of the guest.     

Sequence recognition and self-sorting of a dipeptide by cucurbit[6]uril and cucurbit[7]uril

Cucurbit[7]uril forms very strong complex with zwitterionic dipeptide Phe-Gly with affinity exceeding 10(7) M(-1) and effectively recognizes peptide sequence of Phe-Gly over Gly-Phe as well as Tyr-Gly over Gly-Tyr and Trp-Gly over Gly-Trp with relative affinities of 23 000, 18 000 and 2000, respectively.     

pH-responsive movement of cucurbit[7]uril in a diblock polypseudorotaxane containing dimethyl beta-cyclodextrin and cucurbit[7]uril

[Structure: see text] A polypseudorotaxane consisting of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7])/N,N'-(3-phenylenebis(methylene)dipropargylamine (PMPA), [2]pseudorotaxane, and 2,6-O-dimethyl beta-cyclodextrin (DM-beta-CD)/alpha,omega-bisazidopropylene glycol 400 [2]pseudorotaxane was synthesized using the "click" reaction. The polypseudorotaxane structure was maintained in aqueous solution over a wide range of pH values with the DM-beta-CD units contributing to increased solubilization of the polypseudorotaxane without dethreading. The pH-responsive movement of the CB[7] units in the polypseudorotaxane was also observed.     

A hemicyanine and cucurbit[n]uril inclusion complex: competitive guest binding of cucurbit[7]uril and cucurbit[8]uril

The interaction between the hemicyanine indole derivative H and the cucubit[n]urils Q[7] and Q[8] has been studied using ¹H NMR and UV spectroscopy as well as by fluorescence experiments. Competitive studies on the inclusion of H by Q[7] and Q[8] have also been conducted, and reveal that on changing the size of the Q[n] cavity, the binding behaviour can be very different.     

Cyclodextrin-driven movement of cucurbit[7]uril

The movement of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) driven by alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD) is investigated by various experimental techniques including NMR, ESI-MS, UV-vis, and ITC. CB[7] can form stable pseudorotaxanes with N-methyl-N'-octyl-4,4'-bipyridinium (MVO2+) and N,N'-dioctyl-4,4'-bipyridinium (OV2+) dication in aqueous solution. CB[7] shuttles between the octyl and bipyridinium moieties in MVO2+, but docks at one of the octyl moieties in OV2+. The addition of alpha-CD pushes CB[7] from the octyl moiety of MVO2+ or OV2+ to the bipyridinium moiety. Thermodynamically, the movement of CB[7] is mainly driven by exothermic enthalpy changes coming from the complexation of the octyl moiety of MVO2+ or OV2+ with alpha-CD.     

Inclusion complexation of diquat and paraquat by the hosts cucurbit[7]uril and cucurbit[8]uril

The binding interactions in aqueous solution between the dicationic guest diquat (DQ(2+)) and the cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) hosts were investigated by (1)H NMR, UV/Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy; mass spectrometry; single-crystal X-ray diffraction; and electrochemical techniques. The binding data were compared with previously reported results for the related paraquat guest (PQ(2+)). DQ(2+) was found to bind poorly (K=350 m(-1)) inside CB7 and more effectively (K=4.8 x 10(4) m(-1)) inside CB8. One-electron reduction led to increased binding affinity with both hosts (K(r)=1 x 10(4) m(-1) with CB7 and K(r)=6 x 10(5) m(-1) for CB8). While (1)H NMR spectroscopic data revealed that DQ(2+) is not fully included by CB7, the crystal structure of the CB8DQ(2+) complex-obtained from single-crystal X-ray diffraction-clearly establishes its inclusion nature. Overall, both diquat and its one-electron reduced radical cation are bound more effectively by CB8 than by CB7. In contrast to this, paraquat exhibits selectivity for CB7, but its radical cation forms a highly stable dimer inside CB8. These differences highlight the pronounced sensitivity of cucurbit[n]uril hosts to guest features such as charge, charge distribution and shape.     

Interaction between cucurbit[6]uril and bispyridinecarboxamide

The interaction between cucurbit[6]uril and N,N′-(m-bispyridinecarboxamide)-1,n-alkane (m = 2, 3, 4; n = 4, 6, 8) has been investigated by ¹H-NMR, ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The results show that cucurbit[6]uril can form pseudorotaxanes with N,N′-(m-bispyridinecarboxamide)-1,6-hexane (m = 2, 3, 4) easily. When the alkyl chain length increases (n = 8), the binding mode is identical, but the binding ability of the host towards guest decreases. In both two cases cucurbit[6]uril shows no selectivity towards positional isomers. However, in the case of n = 4, the binding mode is different, having relations with positional substitution of the guest. Only N,N′-(m-bispyridinecarboxamide)-1,4-butane (m = 2) can form pseudorotaxane with cucurbit[6]uril, while the other two (m = 3, m = 4) form external complex with cucurbit[6]uril. The possible reason for the difference has been discussed.     

Binding behaviors of para-dicyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril and meta-tricyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril with dialkyl viologens

The binding behaviours of para-dicyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril (Cy₂Q[6]) and meta-tricyclohexanocucurbit[6]uril (Cy₃Q[6]) with a series of dialkyl viologens (MV²⁺, EV²⁺, PV²⁺, BV²⁺, FV²⁺ and HV²⁺) have been investigated by various methods. In the aqueous solution, ¹H NMR spectra suggest that the alkyl chains are more favourably encapsulated into the hydrophobic cavities of both hosts than the aromatic rings. Cyclic voltammograms (CV) curves show that the Cy₂Q[6] or Cy₃Q[6] bind the charged viologens more strongly than the reduced viologens. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) data reveal that the binding processes of both hosts with viologens are enthalpic driven. In the solid state, the PV²⁺, BV²⁺ guests and two Cy₃Q[6] hosts generated dumbbell-shaped structures, with two Cy₃Q[6] hosts residing over two terminal alkyl chains of the guests.     

Supramolecular complexation of homocysteine and cysteine with cucurbit[7]uril

Supramolecular complexation of two bio-thiols, homocysteine (Hcys) and cysteine (Cys), by cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) has been fully investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, isothermal titration calorimetry, and the results were further verified with computational investigations. NMR titration experimental results obviously indicate that the binding stoichiometry of CB[7] to Hcys is 1:1 and to Cys is 1:2 in aqueous solution. The binding constants and thermodynamic parameters associated with the complexation between CB[7] and the bio-thiols were determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. The energy-minimized structures of the supramolecular complexes of CB[7] with Hcys and Cys were determined and provide good agreement with the experimental results. The CB[7] cavity is sufficient to include the two Cys, but is unable to accommodate two Hcys due to steric hindrance. The differing binding abilities of Hcys and Cys in aqueous solution towards CB[7] host may lead to discriminate them.     

Absolute and relative binding affinity of cucurbit[7]uril towards a series of cationic guests

We determined the relative binding constants (K_rel) for guests 1–19 towards cucurbit[7]uril by ¹H NMR competition experiments in 100 mM Na₃PO₄-buffered D₂O. In these experiments, we use guest 11 as the reference guest because of its strong binding towards CB[7] and its advantageous spectroscopic properties (e.g. slow exchange on NMR timescale and distinct resonances for key protons). To convert the determined K_rel values to absolute binding constants, we performed a direct UV–vis titration of 1 with CB[7] to determine K_a for CB[7]√1. The trends in the determined values of K_rel and K_a are discussed with respect to the importance of the concentration of metal ions in the buffer, the influence of hydroxyl groups located at the portals or inside the CB[7] cavity, geometry of the guest (e.g. regioisomers), the number of guest C atoms and secondary electrostatic interactions.     

Complexation behavior of cucurbit[6]uril with short polypeptides

The binding properties of cucurbit[6]uril towards various peptides have been investigated in acidic aqueous solution. Stability constants and thermodynamic values of the complex formation between following peptides: glycyl-l-alanine, l-leucyl-l-valine, glycyl-l-asparagine, l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine, l-leucyl-l-tryptophan, glycyl-l-histidine, l-glutathione reduced (γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH), and dl-leucyl-glycyl-dl-phenylalanine) with cucurbit[6]uril in aqueous formic acid (50%, v/v) have been calculated from calorimetric titrations. From these results it can be seen that the peptides form exclusion complexes with cucurbit[6]uril. Due to the polar peptide bond they are not included within the hydrophobic cavity of cucurbit[6]uril. The complex formation is favoured by entropic contributions. The release of water molecules from the polar amino groups of the peptides and the carbonyl groups of cucurbituril are responsible.     

Molecular-recognition properties of a water-soluble cucurbit[6]uril analogue

The molecular-recognition properties of the cucurbit[6]uril analogue (1) in aqueous buffer (sodium acetate, 50 mM, pH 4.74, 25 degrees C) toward a variety of guests including alkanediamines (6-12), aromatics (14-32), amino acids (33-36), and nucleobases (37-42) were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. For the alkanediamines studied (H2N(CH)nNH2, n = 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12), the association constants increase as the length of the alkane (n) is increased. Host 1 is capable of forming strong complexes with guests containing aromatic rings with association constants (Ka) ranging from 10(2) to 10(6) M(-1) as a result of the favorable pi-pi interactions that occur between host 1 and the aromatic rings of the guest when bound in the cavity of 1. Biologically relevant guests such as amino acids and nucleobases are also bound in the cavity of 1 with Ka values ranging from 10(3) to 10(6) M(-1). Consequently, cucurbit[6]uril analogue 1 functions as a versatile fluorescent sensor for the presence of a wide range of chemically and biologically important substances in aqueous solution including nitroaromatics, neurotransmitters, amino acids, and nucleobases.     

Voltammetric studies of the interaction of 6-mercaptopurine with cucurbit[7]uril and DNA

The interaction of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP), an antitumor drug, with cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and DNA in an acetate buffer solution was studied by differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) and cyclic voltammetry(CV). The electrochemical data indicated a 1:1 complex formation of 6-MP with Q[7] and DNA. The formation constants of these complexes were determined based on the variations in the current. Moreover, the interactions of the 6-MP-Q[7] inclusion complex with DNA have been investigated by means of voltammetry. The results suggested that 6-MP displayed a high affinity for Q[7] and that the inclusion complex did not decompose when it bound to DNA. It can be inferred from the experimental data that the binding model of 6-MP to DNA may be ??electrostatic binding??. In addition, the formation of inclusion complexes between Q[7] and 6-MP was confirmed by UV-Vis spectroscopy and the ¹H NMR technique.     

Effects of cucurbit[7]uril on enzymatic activity

The macrocyclic host cucurbit[7]uril exhibits highly specific inhibitory effects on the activity of proteases, which can be analyzed by a host-substrate complexation model.     

Supramolecular chemistry of macrocyclic cavitand cucurbit[7]uril with isoleucine

Russian Chemical Bulletin - The l-isoleucine — cucurbit[7]uril system in solution was studied at various concentrations by NMR spectroscopy. The 1H NMR spectra of the L-isoleucine complex...     

Supramolecular assembly of Hoechst-33258 with cucurbit[7]uril macrocycle

Molecular assemblies of potential guest molecules through non-covalent host-guest interactions have found immense use in many applied areas. In this study supramolecular interaction of a biologically important dye Hoechst-33258 (H33258) has been investigated in aqueous solutions at different pHs, in the presence of a macrocyclic host, namely, cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). The pH dependent emission behaviour of H33258 is inherently connected with its protolytic equilibria which allow the dye in different geometrical conformations. This pH dependent structural orientation is greatly affected by the complexation with CB7. The significant structural changes in the monocationic H33258 brought out by CB7 at pH 7 have been documented in the fluorescence emission and lifetime data, which are comparatively less affected in case of the dicationic form, which is prominent in dye solutions at pH 4.5. The strong ion-dipole interactions provided by the carbonyl portals of the CB7 host adequately stabilize the CB7-H33258 complex, both in 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometries at both the pH conditions. The Job's plot method, fluorescence anisotropy, NMR measurements and geometry optimization calculations confirm the stoichiometric arrangement and are found to be tunable with the addition of metal ions. The non-covalently stabilized assembly brings out large enhancement in the fluorescence emission due to the unique structural orientation attained by H33258, which reduces the non-radiative relaxation pathways. Comparison of the spectral data of the dye at different pH conditions in the absence and presence of CB7 proposes a large upward pK(a) shift due to CB7 encapsulation, thus providing a handy tool to modulate the photophysical characteristics of the guest molecules.     

Recognition of glycine by cucurbit[5]uril and cucurbit[6]uril: A comparative study of exo- and endo-binding

Recognition features of glycine (Gly) with cucurbit[5]uril (Q[5]) and cucurbit[6]uril (Q[6]) both in aqueous solution and solid state were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. ¹H NMR data indicate that the Gly is located outside of the portals of the Q[5], exhibiting exo binding with the Q[5]. In the case of the Q[6], the Gly shows endo binding or a dual binding mode (endo and exo binding) with the host, which depends on the amount of the host in the aqueous solution. X-ray crystallography clearly display that the Gly forms 2:1 exclusion complex with the Q[5], and 2:1 inclusion complex with the Q[6]. Interestingly, hydrogen bondings between the encapsulated Gly molecules in the Q[6] were observed.     

Binding interactions between the host cucurbit[7]uril and dendrimer guests containing a single ferrocenyl residue

The stability of the inclusion complexes formed between the host cucurbit[7]uril and dendrimers containing a single ferrocene residue is strongly affected by the solution pH and the growth of the dendrimer, reaching its highest values on the second and third generation dendrimers, whereas no complex is formed with the first generation compound.     

Synthesis and binding behaviors of monomethyl cucurbit[6]uril

By reacting 3a-methylglycoluril and glycoluril with paraformaldehyde, monomethyl cucurbit[6]uril was synthesized in 14% yield. The new host molecule forms stable inclusion complexes with diamine and hexylaminocarbazole derivatives.