Enthalpically and Entropically Favorable Self-Assembly: Synthesis of C4h-Symmetric Tetraazatetrathia[8]circulenes by Regioselective Introduction of Pyridine Rings

Self-assembly of π-conjugated molecules in solution generally occurs owing to either an enthalpic or an entropic gain; however, designing π-conjugated systems that simultaneously exhibit enthalpically and entropically favorable self-assembly behavior is challenging. Herein, the self-assembly behavior of tetraazatetrathia[8]circulenes is disclosed, which is driven by both enthalpy and entropy. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrated that molecules of these tetraazatetrathia[8]circulenes form face-to-face stacked dimers with a 1D columnar structure owing to the circularly arranged dipole moments. Importantly, concentration- and temperature-dependent ¹H NMR spectra revealed that the formation of self-assemblies of tetraazatetrathia[8]circulenes in chloroform and methanol is favored by both enthalpic and entropic factors. The unique association behavior is due to the presence of sp²-hybridized nitrogen atoms, which weakly coordinate to the hydrogen atoms of these solvents and reduce the π-electron density of the circulene cores.     

Supramolecular system composed of B12 model complex and organic photosensitizer: impact of the corrin framework of B12 on the visible-light-driven dechlorination without the use of noble metals

The visible-light-driven dechlorination system without the use of a noble metal has been developed. We screened the combination of cobalt catalysts having square-planar monoanionic ligands (hydrophobic B₁₂ model complex 1/imine-oxime type complex 2) and typical red dyes (Rose Bengal 3/Rhodamine B 4/Nile Red 5) for the construction of a dehalogenation system via a noble-metal-free and visible-light-driven process. The combination of the hydrophobic B₁₂ model complex 1 and Rose Bengal 3 exhibited the highest catalytic activity to 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT) to form the monodechlorinated compound, 1,1-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethane, as the major product. The prolonged photocatalysis of DDT by the B₁₂–Rose Bengal system afforded the tri-dechlorinated compound, trans-4,4′-dichlorostilbene, as the major product. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanism of the dehalogenation cycle using various methods such as UV–vis spectroscopy and laser flash photolysis. Finally, we clarified the advantage of using the hydrophobic B₁₂ model complex 1 as an electron acceptor as well as a cobalt catalyst in the organic dye-involved photocatalysis.