Ein Helicat-basierter Schalter mit drei adressierbaren Zuständen

Catechol Thioesters: Ligands for Hierarchically Formed Lithium-Bridged Titanium(IV) Helicates and Helicate-Based Switches

The thioester moiety is introduced as a lithium binding unit for the hierarchical formation of titanium(IV) catecholate-based lithium-bridged helicates. In solution, the coordination compounds show a monomer-dimer equilibrium which -in comparison to the oxo esters- is significantly shifted towards the monomers. In addition, the influence of the thioester side chain on the dimerization behavior is investigated and an expansible/compressible molecular switch is synthesized. In the latter case expansion and compression are performed reversibly in methanol, whereas in DMSO spontaneous expansion occurs.

Molecular Springs: Integration of Complex Dynamic Architectures into Functional Devices

Molecular/supramolecular springs are artificial nanoscale objects possessing well-defined structures and tunable physicochemical properties. Like a macroscopic spring, supramolecular springs are capable of switching their nanoscale conformation as a response to external stimuli by undergoing mechanical spring-like motions. This dynamic action offers intriguing opportunities for engineering molecular nanomachines by translating the stimuli-responsive nanoscopic motions into macroscopic work. These nanoscopic objects are reversible dynamic multifunctional architectures which can express a variety of novel properties and behave as adaptive nanoscopic systems. In this Minireview, we focus on the design and structure-property relationships of supramolecular springs and their (self-)assembly as a prerequisite towards the generation of novel dynamic materials featuring controlled movements to be readily integrated into macroscopic devices for applications in sensing, robotics, and the internet of things.

Remote Control of the Synthesis of a [2]Rotaxane and its Shuttling via Metal-Ion Translocation

Remote control in an eight-component network commanded both the synthesis and shuttling of a [2]rotaxane via metal-ion translocation, the latter being easily monitored by distinct colorimetric and fluorimetric signals. Addition of zinc(II) ions to the red colored copper-ion relay station rapidly liberated copper(I) ions and afforded the corresponding zinc complex that was visualized by a bright sky blue fluorescence at 460 nm. In a mixture of all eight components of the network, the liberated copper(I) ions were translocated to a macrocycle that catalyzed formation of a rotaxane by a double-click reaction of acetylenic and diazide compounds. The shuttling frequency in the copper-loaded [2]rotaxane was determined to k 298=30 kHz (ΔH ≠=62.3±0.6 kJ mol-1, ΔS ≠=50.1±5.1 J mol-1 K-1, ΔG ≠ 298=47.4 kJ mol-1). Removal of zinc(II) ions from the mixture reversed the system back generating the metal-free rotaxane. Further alternate addition and removal of Zn2+ reversibly controlled the shuttling mode of the rotaxane in this eight-component network where the ion translocation status was monitored by the naked eye.

Diastereoselective Control of Tetraphenylethene Reactivity by Metal Template Self-Assembly

The reaction of 4,4',4'',4'''-(ethene-1,1,2,2-tetrayl)tetraaniline with 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde and iron(II) chloride resulted, after aqueous workup, in the diastereoselective formation of an [Fe₂ L₃ ]⁴⁺ triple-stranded helicate structure, irrespective of the stoichiometry employed. The helicate structure was characterized in solution by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The reaction of iron(II) tetrafluoroborate or iron(II) bistriflimide with the tetraaniline and 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde allowed the formation of an [Fe₈ L₆ ]¹⁶⁺ cube when the appropriate stoichiometry was used, but these structures were unstable with respect to hydrolysis. The pendant amine groups on the helicate can be functionalized by reaction with acid chlorides or anhydrides, and the resulting functionalized tetraphenylethene (TPE) units were isolated by the reaction of the helicate with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine. The emission properties of the TPE units were studied in THF/water mixtures, and they were found by dynamic light scattering to self-assemble into large (av. diameter 250 nm) structures.

From Hierarchical Helicates to Functional Supramolecular Devices

Catechol ligands with aldehyde, ketone or ester groups attached in 3-position form, in the presence of titanium(IV) triscatecholate, titanium(IV) complexes. If lithium cations are the counterions, they can bind in a successive step to the salicylate units of the complex and form a dimeric triple-lithium-bridged dinuclear helicate. In solution, the dimer is in equilibrium with the monomer and the thermodynamics of the dimerization can be easily evaluated. Thus, the hierarchically assembled titanium(IV) helicates represent a lithium-dependent molecular switch. The investigation of different derivatives of the complex allows for an estimation of the influence of side chain functionalities on the energetics of the dimerization. Thus, the hierarchically assembled helicates can be used as a kind of molecular balance to determine weak interaction energies (solvophobic effects and even dispersive effects). In addition, tethering of two ligands leads to "classical" helicates. Removal or addition of lithium cations allows for a reversible switching between a compressed and expanded state, which in the case of chiral ligands can be even performed stereospecifically.