Induced Circular-Dichroism Chirality Probes for Selective Amino Acid Detection through Screening of a Dynamic Combinatorial Library of Lanthanide Complexes

One-pot analysis of enantiomeric excess of free amino acids by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

An electrospray ionization mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous analysis of the enantiomeric excess of free amino acids, without chromatographic separation, was demonstrated using a quasi-racemic mixture of deuterium-labelled and unlabelled chiral copper(ii) complexes. This convenient method enables the simultaneous high-sensitivity determination of the enantiomeric excess of 12 amino acids.

A mass spectrometric method for the simultaneous analysis of the enantiomeric excess of free amino acids, without chromatographic separation, was demonstrated using a quasi-racemic mixture of deuterium-labelled and unlabelled chiral Cu(ii) complexes.

Simultaneous CO2 capture and metal purification from waste streams using triple-level dynamic combinatorial chemistry

A reduction in CO₂ emissions is required to mitigate global warming. Post-combustion carbon capture is one of the most developed technologies that has the potential to meet this goal, but its cost prevents its widespread use. A different approach would be to use CO₂ directly as it is captured, before it is stored. Here we explore spontaneous CO₂ fixation by industrial polyamines as a strategy to generate dynamic libraries of ligands for metal separation and recovery. We identify the CO₂ loadings and solvents promoting the optimal precipitation of each metal from the dynamic libraries of complexes. We demonstrate the separation of lanthanum and nickel using the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine vehicle, and show that the three metal constituents of the La₂Ni₉Co alloys used to manufacture the batteries of electric vehicles can be separated and recovered by successive CO₂-induced selective precipitations. Beyond the concept of CO₂-sourced multi-level dynamic coordination chemistry, this study provides a potential framework for integrated CO₂ capture and use through sustainable processes.

Diasteroselective multi-component assemblies from dynamic covalent imine condensation and metal-coordination chemistry: mechanism and narcissistic stereochemistry self-sorting

Self-assembly of a modified tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine TPMA ligand, zinc(ii) or cobalt(ii) ions, and amino acids have been used effectively as stereo dynamic optical probes for the determination of the enantiomeric excess of free amino acids either using Electronic or Vibrational Circular Dichroism (CD and VCD). Herein, we report the mechanistic and stereochemical study of the self-assembly process which reveals a complex equilibrium in solution where even small variations in the experimental conditions can profoundly affect the final products of the reaction. In particular, variation on the metal stoichiometry switch give rises to an entirely enantio narcissistic self-assembly of the structure.

Enantio narcissistic self-assembly is observed in a multi-metallic structure used as stereodynamic probe for CD measurements.

Dynamic combinatorial/covalent chemistry: a tool to read, generate and modulate the bioactivity of compounds and compound mixtures

Reversible covalent bond formation under thermodynamic control adds reactivity to self-assembled supramolecular systems, and is therefore an ideal tool to assess complexity of chemical and biological systems. Dynamic combinatorial/covalent chemistry (DCC) has been used to read structural information by selectively assembling receptors with the optimum molecular fit around a given template from a mixture of reversibly reacting building blocks. This technique allows access to efficient sensing devices and the generation of new biomolecules, such as small molecule receptor binders for drug discovery, but also larger biomimetic polymers and macromolecules with particular three-dimensional structural architectures. Adding a kinetic factor to a thermodynamically controlled equilibrium results in dynamic resolution and in self-sorting and self-replicating systems, all of which are of major importance in biological systems. Furthermore, the temporary modification of bioactive compounds by reversible combinatorial/covalent derivatisation allows control of their release and facilitates their transport across amphiphilic self-assembled systems such as artificial membranes or cell walls. The goal of this review is to give a conceptual overview of how the impact of DCC on supramolecular assemblies at different levels can allow us to understand, predict and modulate the complexity of biological systems.

Chirality transcription and amplification by [2]pseudorotaxanes

Chirality transcription and amplification by the formation of chiral [2]pseudorotaxanes by an achiral crown ether having the 2',2''-quaterphenyl group and chiral sec-ammonium ions are reported. It was revealed that the absolute configurations of the chiral sec-ammonium ions can be detected directly from the CD spectra of the chiral [2]pseudorotaxanes.

Molecular recognition: from solution science to nano/materials technology

In the 25 years since its Nobel Prize in chemistry, supramolecular chemistry based on molecular recognition has been paid much attention in scientific and technological fields. Nanotechnology and the related areas seek breakthrough methods of nanofabrication based on rational organization through assembly of constituent molecules. Advanced biochemistry, medical applications, and environmental and energy technologies also depend on the importance of specific interactions between molecules. In those current fields, molecular recognition is now being re-evaluated. In this review, we re-examine current trends in molecular recognition from the viewpoint of the surrounding media, that is (i) the solution phase for development of basic science and molecular design advances; (ii) at nano/materials interfaces for emerging technologies and applications. The first section of this review includes molecular recognition frontiers, receptor design based on combinatorial approaches, organic capsule receptors, metallo-capsule receptors, helical receptors, dendrimer receptors, and the future design of receptor architectures. The following section summarizes topics related to molecular recognition at interfaces including fundamentals of molecular recognition, sensing and detection, structure formation, molecular machines, molecular recognition involving polymers and related materials, and molecular recognition processes in nanostructured materials.