Competitive formation of helical cycloocta- and cyclododecapyrroles

In connection with a study aimed at the evaluation of electronic effects in spiro-dicorrole (1a) and its binuclear Ni(II) complex (1b) we became interested in gem-dimethyl-substituted cyclotetrapyrrole (2a) and the corresponding Ni(II) complex (2b). Attempts to prepare 2a as the 12,13,16,17-tetraethyl-2,3,7, 8-tetramethyl derivative (5) by an acid-catalyzed (1 + 1) condensation of dimethyldipyrrylmethane 3 and diformylbipyrrole 4 resulted in the formation of the (2 + 2) and (3 + 3) condensation products, i.e., the cyclooctapyrrole 6 and the cyclododecapyrrole 7, respectively, rather than in that of the desired gem-dimethyl cyclotetrapyrrole. The cyclododecapyrrole 7, isolated as the major product, is among the largest cyclopolypyrroles known to date. These two new macrocycles have been structurally characterized by variable temperature 1D and 2D NMR experiments, as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In solution both the cyclooctapyrrole 6 and cyclododecapyrrole 7 exhibit dynamic behavior. At 337 K 6 adopts a D(2)-symmetric conformation, whereas at 196 K two equivalent C(2) conformers that interconvert through the D(2)-symmetric intermediate are observed. The energy barrier for the interconversion process between these two degenerate conformers is found to be 10.6 kcal mol(-)(1). The solution dynamics of 7 could be described in an analogous manner, with the time-averaged conformation at 378 K displaying D(3)(h)() symmetry. X-ray analyses showed that for both macrocycles, 6 and 7, the solid state structures were nearly identical to the low-temperature solution conformers.     

Characterization of polymer networks by measurements of the freezing point depression

Based on the phenomenon of freezing point depression of a solvent byT, experimental evidence is presented to show that the distance between the junction points can be calculated fromT. Direct measurements of the temperature-time-curve of the cooling network and the Differential Scanning Calorimetry offer the determination ofT. Except the mean distances ¯d _c in dependence on cross-linking density, swelling degree, and other network parameters, the distribution of the distance between the junction pointsH(d_c) can be determined, which allows conclusions on the course of cross-linking reaction. This paper attempts to give experimental evidence of influences of the breadth ofH(d_c) on application-relevant properties.     

Quencing of perylene fluorescence by Ag+ ions via exciplex formation

The fluorescence of perylene in alcoholic solution is dynamically quenched by AgClO₄ resulting in a new emission band with its maximum around 480 nm. Analysis of fluorescence decay curves at various emission wavelengths proves the formation of a perylene/Aa⁺ ion exciplex in the quenching reaction.     

Fluorescence quenching of alternant and non-alternant polycyclic hydrocarbons by electron transfer

Rate constants of fluorescence quenching by electron acceptors are greater for alternant than for non-alternant hydrocarbons with equal E_oo. The reverse is true for quenching by electron donors. This is consistent with the lowering of the π-orbital energies of non-alternant compared to alternant polycyclic hydrocarbons of equal E_oo.