Structural characterization of artificial self-assembling porphyrins that mimic the natural chlorosomal bacteriochlorophylls c, d, and e

We report two crystal structures of a synthetic porphyrin molecule which was programmed for self-assembly. The same groups which ensure that bacteriochlorophylls c, d, and e can self-assemble into the chlorosomal nanorods, the photosynthetic antenna system of some green bacteria, have been engineered into desired positions of the tetrapyrrolic macrocycle. In the case of the 5,15-meso-substituted anchoring groups, depending upon the concentration, by using the same crystallization solvents, either a tetragonal or a layered structure of porphyrin stacks were encountered. Surprisingly, pi-pi interactions combined with extensive dispersive interactions, which also encompass cyclohexane, one of the crystallization solvents, win over putative hydrogen bonding. We are aware that our compounds differ considerably from the natural bacteriochlorophylls, but based upon our findings, we now question the hydrogen-bonding network, previously proposed to organize stacks of bacteriochlorophylls. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) on various isomeric compounds support our challenge of current models for the chlorosomal antenna as these show structures, astonishingly similar to those of chlorosomes.     

Cycloaddition Reactions and Dendritic Polymer Architectures – A Perfect Match

Summery: The potential of cycloaddition (CA) reactions for the synthesis of dendritic polymers is pointed out. The [4 + 2] Diels Alder cycloaddition as well as 1,3-dipolar CA reactions including “click chemistry” are addressed, and the advantages of these reactions like high selectivity, thus high tolerance towards additional functionalities, high yields and synthesis under mild reaction conditions are highlighted. New perfectly branched dendrimers as well as hyperbranched polymers have been prepared and modified using the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of azines with alkynes. The 1,3-dipolar CA reaction of bisazine with maleimides results in hyperbranched and thus, irregular and broadly distributed polymers though with a degree of branching of 100% due to special intermediate formation. The [4 + 2] Diels Alder cycloaddition was successfully applied for the synthesis of highly branched polyphenylene structures using the AB₂ + AB and the A₂ + B₃ approach. CA reactions are also very suitable for highly efficient polymer analogous reactions and thus, they can also be used to prepare complex polymer architectures like dendronized polymers.