Selbstorganisation zu einer Helix durch Wasserstoffbrückenbindungen

Probing Structural Effects on Replication Efficiency through Comparative Analyses of Families of Potential Self-Replicators

A formidable synthetic apparatus for the creation of nanoscale molecular structures and supramolecular assemblies through molecular structures can potentially be created from systems that are capable of parallel automultiplication (self-replication). In order to achieve this goal, a detailed understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and replication efficiency is necessary. Diastereoisomeric templates that are capable of specific and simultaneous autocatalysis have been synthesised. A systematic experimental and theoretical evaluation of their behaviour and that of structurally-related systems reveals the key determinants that dictate the emergence of self-replicative function and defines the structural space within which this behaviour is observed.

Comparative Analyses of a Family of Potential Self-Replicators: The Subtle Interplay between Molecular Structure and the Efficacy of Self-Replication

It is envisioned that protocols based on self-replication will emerge as a formidable synthetic apparatus for the production of nanoscale assemblies through molecular structures that are capable of automultiplication with high reaction rates and selectivities. To achieve this goal, a complete understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and replication efficiency is necessary. Rigorous experimental and theoretical analyses of a series of self-complementary scaffolds that are intimately related in a constitutional sense, manufactured through the Diels-Alder reaction of complementary subunits, were undertaken. Experimental and computational methods were employed to map the key determinants that dictate the emergence of self-replicative function, as well as the efficiency, rate and selectivity of the self-replicative processes.

Pulsed Gradient Spin Echo (PGSE) Diffusion Measurements as a Tool for the Elucidation of a New Type of Hydrogen-Bonded Bicapsular Aggregate

Compounds formed by linking two tris(ureidobenzyl)amine modules with a hexamethylene tether are described. These compounds self-assemble to form bicapsular aggregates featuring two rings of six hydrogen-bonded ureas. (1)H and (1)H/(1)H ROESY NMR spectroscopy, together with pulsed gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR diffusion measurements, have been used to characterize the dimers in solution. The results have been compared with energy-minimized structures. The new compounds are kinetically stable on the NMR timescale, and their thermodynamic stabilities are comparable to other capsular aggregates derived from tris(ureidobenzyl)amines.

Self-Assembly of Folic Acid Derivatives: Induction of Supramolecular Chirality by Hierarchical Chiral Structures

Hierarchical chiral structures made up of dendritic oligo(L- or D-glutamic acid) moieties of folic acid derivatives induce supramolecular chirality in the self-assembled columnar structures of the folic acids. These folic acids self-assemble through the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the pterin rings to form disklike tetramers. In the neat states, the stacked tetramers form thermotropic hexagonal columnar phases over wide temperature ranges, including room temperature. Addition of alkali metal salts induces chirality in the columnar phases. In dilute solution states in a relatively polar solvent (chloroform), the folic acid derivatives form non-chiral, self-assembled structures. In the presence of sodium triflate, the folic acid forms chiral columnar assemblies through the oligo(L-glutamic acid) moiety, similar to those formed in the liquid-crystalline (LC) states. The enantiomer of the folic acid induces columnar assemblies with reversed helicity. In the case of the diastereomer, no induced helicity is observed. Application of an apolar solvent (dodecane) drives the folic acid derivatives to form chiral assemblies in the absence of ions. In this case, lipophilic interactions promote nanophase segregation, which enhances the formation of chiral columns. Interestingly, the chiral supramolecular structure of the diastereomer induces the most intense circular dichroism. In both cases, the molecular chirality in the oligo(glutamate) moieties yields supramolecular chirality of the folic acids that self-assemble through cooperative molecular interactions.

Noncovalent Synthesis Using Hydrogen Bonding

Hydrogen bonds are like human beings in the sense that they exhibit typical grouplike behavior. As an individual they are feeble, easy to break, and sometimes hard to detect. However, when acting together they become much stronger and lean on each other. This phenomenon, which in scientific terms is called cooperativity, is based on the fact that "1+1 is more than 2". By using this principle, chemists have developed a wide variety of chemically stable structures that are based on the reversible formation of multiple hydrogen bonds. More than 20 years of fundamental studies on these phenomena have gradually developed into a new discipline within the field of organic synthesis, and is nowadays called "noncovalent synthesis". This review describes noncovalent synthesis based on the reversible formation of multiple hydrogen bonds. Starting with a thorough description of what the "hydrogen bond" really is, it guides the reader through a variety of bimolecular and higher order assemblies and exemplifies the general principles that determine their stability. Special focus is given to reversible capsules based on hydrogen-bonding interactions that exhibit interesting encapsulation phenomena. Furthermore, the role of hydrogen-bond formation in self-replicating processes is actively discussed, and finally the review briefly summarizes the development of novel materials (nanotubes, liquid crystals, polymers, etc.) and principles (dynamic libraries) that recently have emanated from this intriguing field of research.

Self-assembled helices from 2,2'-biimidazoles

2,2'-Biimidazoles were synthesized by palladium(0)-catalyzed coupling of 2-iodoimidazoles bearing an alkyl and an ester group at the 4- and 5-positions, respectively. The products were found to be fluorescent and moderately soluble in organic solvents. Three biimidazoles were subjected to single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In all three instances, adjacent molecules were found to be bound together in the solid state by pairs of N-H...N hydrogen bonds, forming twisted ribbon-like columns which resemble double helices. The amount of helical twist observed between neighboring biimidazole subunits in these helices varies with the identity of the alkyl and ester groups; in two cases it is approximately 60 degrees, whereas in the third it is about 90 degrees. Mass spectra of six different biimidazoles display ions with masses corresponding to dimers; this indicates that these compounds retain some affinity for each other in the gas phase. The three most soluble biimidazoles also show mass spectrometric peaks ascribable to trimers and tetramers. The solution-phase aggregation tendencies of these latter three compounds were studied by vapor pressure osmometry. In each case, the apparent molecular weight in 1,2-dichloroethane solution is higher than would be expected for free monomers.

Transition Metal Complexes of Cyanoisocyanoarenes as Building Blocks for One-, Two-, and Three-Dimensional Molecular Solids

The complexes trans-[MI(2)(CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4)(2)], (M = Pd and Pt), trans-[FeI(2)L(4)] (L = CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4 and CNC(6)H(2)-Me(2)-2,6-CN-4), and [Mn(CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4)(6)][SO(3)CF(3)] were prepared. The compounds are thermally stable up to 230 degrees C or higher. The molecular structure of trans-[FeI(2)(CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4)(4)] was determined by X-ray crystallography: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 11.570(2) Å, b = 10.1052(8) Å, c = 28.138(7) Å, beta = 92.034(9) degrees, Z = 4, 3464 unique reflections, R = 0.074, R(w) = 0.089. The complexes contain the peripheral cyano groups in linear, planar, and octahedral dispositions, respectively. Solids were obtained by combining solutions of [PdI(2)(CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4)(2)] and [Cu(hfacac)(2)], [FeI(2)(CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4)(4)] and AgSO(3)CF(3), [FeI(2)(CNC(6)H(2)-Me(2)-2,6-CN-4)(4)] and [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)], and [Mn(CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4)(6)][SO(3)CF(3)] and [Rh(2)(O(2)CCF(3))(4)]. [PdI(2)(CNC(6)H(4)-CN-4)(2)] and [Cu(hfacac)(2)] in a ratio of 1:2 form a crystalline, one-dimensional solid: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/c, a = 8.317(2) Å, b = 13.541(1) Å, c = 22.568(5) Å, beta = 100.45(1) degrees, Z = 2, 3279 unique reflections, R = 0.037, R(w) = 0.047.