Synthesis of a water-soluble pillar[6]arene dodecaamine and its selective binding of acidic amino acids in water

A water-soluble pillar[6]arene dodecaamine has been synthesized. ¹H NMR and fluorescence studies indicate that pillar[6]arene dodecaamine could selectively and strongly bind acidic amino acids, i.e. glutamic acid and aspartic acid in water. And the complexation behavior of pillar[6]arene dodecaamine towards acidic tripeptide glutathione and short chain length (C₃ to C₈) dicarboxylic acids in water is also investigated.     

Synthesis and Binding Properties of a Tren-Capped Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene

The straightforward synthesis of a new hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene-based ligand capped by a tren subunit was developed and the binding properties of the corresponding zinc complex were explored by NMR spectroscopy. Similarly to the closely related calix[6]tren-based systems, the homooxacalixarene core ensures the mononuclearity of the zinc complex and the metal center displays a labile coordination site for exogenous guests. However, very different host–guest properties were observed: i) in CDCl₃, the zinc complex strongly binds a water molecule and is reluctant to recognize other neutral guests, ii) in CD₃CN, the exo-coordination of anions prevails. Thus, in strong contrast to the calix[6]tren-based systems, the coordination of neutral guests that thread through the small rim and fill the polyaromatic cavity was not observed. This unique behaviour is likely due to the fact that the 18-membered ethereal macrocycle is too small to let a molecule threading through it. This work illustrates the key role played by the second coordination sphere in the binding properties of metal complexes.     

Synthesis and Structure of an Octopus-like Octapropargyl Tetra-iso-butyl-resorcin[4]arene

1 INTRODUCTION Resorcin[4]arene is a cyclic tetramer and can be easily obtained by acid-catalyzed condensation of resorcinol with a variety of aldehydes. The all-cis isomer with crown C4v symmetry is mostly isolated by means of alkyl aldehydes[1]. They have been used as starting materials for the synthesis of cavitands, velc-rands, and even more complex compounds like carce-rands, hemicarceracnds, and holands[2～4]. Of the ob-vious places for the chemical modification of reso-rcin[4]arene…     

Stimuli-Responsive Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Toward Visible-Light-Activated Molecular Grippers

Resorcin[4]arene cavitands, equipped with diverse quinone ( Q ) and [Ru(bpy)₂dppz]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, dppz=dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) photosensitizing walls in different configurations, were synthesized. Upon visible-light irradiation at 420 nm, electron transfer from the [Ru(bpy)₂dppz]²⁺ to the Q generates the semiquinone ( SQ ) radical anion, triggering a large conformational switching from a flat kite to a vase with a cavity for the encapsulation of small guests, such as cyclohexane and heteroalicyclic derivatives, in CD₃CN. Depending on the molecular design, the SQ radical anion can live for several minutes (≈10 min) and the vase can be generated in a secondary process without need for addition of a sacrificial electron donor to accumulate the SQ state. Switching can also be triggered by other stimuli, such as changes in solvent, host–guest complexation, and chemical and electrochemical processes. This comprehensive investigation benefits the development of stimuli-responsive nanodevices, such as light-activated molecular grippers.     

四氨基柱[5]芳烃二聚体的合成、结构及性质研究

构象固定的刚性多环主体分子为构筑高级复杂的机械互锁结构提供了重要平台. 为挑战合成刚性多环主体并进一步构筑多层次机械互锁结构, 氧杂杯[4]芳烃桥连的柱[5]芳烃二聚体经过Raney Ni催化氢化还原硝基、与叔丁氧羰基(Boc)-β-丙氨酸缩合和脱去N-Boc保护基三步反应, 生成了四氨基柱[5]芳烃二聚体. X射线单晶衍射实验表明三环目标主体分子具有双桶望远镜形状, 并且构象刚性, 随取代基不同仅有微小变化. 此外, 该四氨基二聚体可作为主体与己二腈形成高稳定性的1∶2络合物. 该研究为制备复杂超分子体系提供了新的机会.     

Vase‐Kite Equilibrium of Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands Investigated Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Ball‐and‐Stick Local Elevation Umbrella Sampling

A key feature of resorcin[4]arene cavitands is their ability to switch between a closed/contracted (Vase ) and an open/expanded (Kite ) conformation. The mechanism and dynamics of this interconversion remains, however, elusive. In the present study, the Vase ‐Kite transitions of a quinoxaline‐based and of a dinitrobenzene‐based resorcin[4]arene are investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in three environments (vacuum, chloroform, and toluene) and at three temperatures (198.15, 248.15, and 298.15 K). The challenge of sampling the Vase ‐Kite transition, which occurs experimentally on the millisecond time scale, is overcome by calculating relative free energies using ball‐and stick local elevation umbrella sampling (B&S‐LEUS) to enhance the statistics on the relevant states and to promote interconversion transitions. Associated unbiased MD simulations also evidence for the first time a complete Vase ‐to‐Kite transition, as well as transitions between degenerate Kite 1 and Kite 2 forms and solvent‐exchange events. The calculated Vase ‐to‐Kite free‐energy changes ΔG are in qualitative agreement with the experimental magnitudes and trends. The level of quantitative agreement is, however, limited by the force‐field accuracy and, in particular, by the approximate treatment of intramolecular interactions at the classical level. The results are in line with a less stable Vase state for the dinitrobenzene compared to the quinoxaline compound, and a negative entropy change ΔS for the Vase ‐to‐Kite transition of the latter compound. Relative free energies calculated for intermediates also suggest that the Vase ‐Kite transition does not follow a concerted mechanism, but an asynchronous one with sequential opening of the flaps. In particular, the conformation involving two adjacent flaps open in a parallel direction (cis‐p) represents a likely intermediate, which has not been observed experimentally to date.     

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.     

One-dimensional Hydrogen-bonded Polymer Based on Tetra-iso-butyl-resorcin[4]arene and 2,6-Diacetylpyridine

1INTRODUCTIONResorcin[4]arenesarecavity-shapedmacro-cycleswhichcanbeeasilysynthesizedfromresor-cinolandaldehydesinthepresenceofacidiccataly-sis[1].Theyareattachedmuchinterestinthefieldofsupramolecularchemistryasartificialreceptorsandstartingmaterialsforthepreparationofmoresophis-ticatedmolecules[2].Duetotheirstructuralfeaturestheyplayanimportantroleashostmoleculesforavarietyofneutralandchargedguestcompounds[3].Theresorcin[4]arenesusuallyadoptfourdifferentcon-formers,crown(rccc,C4),boat(rc…     

手性杯[4]芳烃氨基醇的合成及自组装

用25,27-二(2-溴乙氧基)-26,28-二羟基-5,11,17,23-四叔丁基杯[4]芳烃与光学纯的(1S,2R)-(+)-2-氨基-1,2-二苯基乙醇合成了手性杯[4]芳烃氨基醇2. 2能在极性的甲醇中组装成二聚体,通过¹H NMR滴定测定其结合常数K_a为34.7 M^-1,并提出了自组装机理.     

Pyridinium encapsulation within a novel cyano-footed pyrogallol[4]arene nanocapsule

A novel polar solvent-soluble tetra-functionalised cyano-footed calixarene forms a dimeric capsule, sealed via a hydrogen-bonding network between the two macrocycles, a single water molecule and a chloride anion, resulting in the encapsulation of a pyridinium guest, as shown in both solution and the solid state.     

Singly bridged double resorcin[4]arene bearing sixteen hydroxyl groups. Formation of capsular-type inclusion complexes in methanol

The Sc(OTf)₃-catalyzed mixed cyclocondensation of bis-1,2-(2,6-dihydroxyphenyl)ethane and 2-hexylresorcinol gave a singly bridged double-resorcinarene bearing sixteen hydroxyl groups at the peripheral positions. In methanol, the double-resorcinarene binds quaternary ammonium ions to form capsular-type 1:1 complexes.     

Thioether‐Functionalized Quinone‐Based Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Electroswitchable Molecular Actuators

The utility of molecular actuators in nanoelectronics requires activation of mechanical motion by electric charge at the interface with conductive surfaces. We functionalized redox‐active resorcin[4]arene‐quinone cavitands with thioethers as surface‐anchoring groups at the lower rim and investigated their propensity to act as electroswitchable actuators that can adopt two different conformations in response to changes in applied potential. Molecular design was assessed by DFT calculations and X‐ray analysis. Electronic properties were experimentally studied in solution and thin films electrochemically, as well as by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy on gold substrates. The redox interconversion between the oxidized (quinone, Q ) and the reduced (semiquinone, SQ ) state was monitored by UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroelectrochemistry and EPR spectroscopy. Reduction to the SQ state induces a conformational change, providing the basis for potential voltage‐controlled molecular actuating devices.     

A study of binding interactions between terpyridine derivatives and cucurbit[10]uril

The binding interactions of a series of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (TPY) derivatives and their metal complexes with cucurbit[10]uril (CB[10]) were investigated by ¹H NMR, UV/Vis, emission spectroscopy, and ESI mass spectrometry. ¹H NMR titrations revealed CB[10] could encapsulate methylated TPY (MTPY), and the binding ratio between guest MTPY and host was 1:1 and 2:1 via ESI-MS characterization. For the transition metal complexes composed of Fe(II) or Ru(II) or Rh(III) and TPY derivatives, the octahedral TPY?metal?TPY core can be included in the cavity of CB[10]. Three binding modes (1:1, 1:2 and 1:3) have been detected for the binding of the metal?MPTY complexes with CB[10] by ESI-MS.     

Co-crystallization of Resorcin[4]arene Tetracarboxylic Acid with Triethylamine: Synthesis and Crystal Structure

Treatment of resorcin[4]arene tetracarboxylic acid 1 with triethylamine in the presence of Co(CH3COO)2·4H2O and 4,4'-bipyridine gave a co-crystallization 14-·4Et3NH+(C32H20O164-·4Et3NH+,Mr=1069.27) from ethanol and water.The compound was structurally determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.The crystal belongs to monoclinic,space group P21/n,with a=8.1763(18),b=12.913(3),c=28.724(7) ,β=97.574(4)o,V=3006.3(12) 3,Z=2,Dc=1.181 g/cm3,F(000)=1152,Rint=0.0275,T=293(2) K,μ=0.086 mm-1,the final R=0.0634 and wR=0.1752 for 5082 observed reflections with Ⅰ 2σ(Ⅰ).The co-crystallization is very stable at room temperature.Possibly,a network of N-H···O(=C) plays an important role in the structure.Meanwhile,the compound emits a weak cyan luminescence with peak maximum band at 458 nm.     

Spatially Directional Resorcin[4]arene Cavitand Glycoconjugates for Organic Catalysis

The synthesis of novel spatially directional multivalent resorcin[4]arene cavitand glycoconjugates (RCGs) and their ability to catalyze organic reactions is reported. The β‐d ‐glucopyranoside moieties on the upper rim of the “bowl”‐shaped resorcin[4]arene cavitand core are capable of multiple hydrogen‐bond interactions resulting in a pseudo‐cavity, which has been investigated for organic transformations in aqueous media. The RCGs have been demonstrated to catalyze thiazole formation, thiocyanation, copper(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), and Mannich reactions; they impart stereoselectivity in the three‐component Mannich reaction. Thermodynamic values obtained from ¹H diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments suggest that the upper saccharide cavity of the RCG and not the resorcin[4]arene cavity is the site of the complexation event.     

Structural Study of C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene Solvate with Dioxane

The crystal structure of the molecular complex of C-undecylcalix[4]resorcinarene with dioxane has been determined by X-ray analysis. The asymmetric unit contains one host and four guest molecules. The calix[4]resorcinarene moiety adopts a bowl conformation with C_4v symmetry. Four undecyl chains are axially oriented. Calix molecules are packed in a bowl-to-bowl fashion with alternating hydrophilic and hydrophobic layers. One of the hydrophilic dioxane molecules is located at the rim of the calix moiety and is hydrogen bonded to the other one. There is no interaction to attract, or direct the dioxane molecule into the interior of the cavity. There is an exo complex formed. The dioxane molecules – located in the hydrophobic part – are highly disordered.     

An Antitumor Dual-Responsive Host-Guest Supramolecular Polymer Based on Hypoxia-Cleavable Azocalix[4]arene

The exploitation of specific guests which can respond to external stimuli is the main approach for the construction of stimuli-responsive supramolecular polymers (SPs) based on host–guest interactions. Most functional guests, however, fail to manifest stimuli-responses. Herein, a hypoxia-responsive dimeric azocalixarene (D-SAC4A) with outstanding hosting properties was used as the macrocyclic building block for the preparation of host stimuli-responsive SPs. Since azocalixarenes can also be compatible with stimuli-responsive guests, an antitumor drug, camptothecin (CPT), was chosen and linked via a disulfide-containing linker to afford a glutathione (GSH)-responsive ditropic guest (D-CPT). A unique dual-responsive SP was obtained by 1 : 1 mixing of D-SAC4A and D-CPT in water, which further assembled into SP nanoparticles (DSPNs). DSPNs displayed outstanding stability against dilution and biological interferants, as well as precise CPT-release under GSH and hypoxia conditions. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated the good biosafety and tumor-suppressive effects of DSPNs.