Multipoint Recognition of Catecholamines by Hydrindacene-Based Receptors Accompanied by the Complexation-Induced Conformational Switching

Covalently Templated Syntheses of Mechanically Interlocked Molecules

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MiMs), such as catenanes and rotaxanes, exhibit unique properties due to the mechanical bond which unites their components. The translational and rotational freedom present in these compounds may be harnessed to create stimuli-responsive MiMs, which find potential application as artificial molecular machines. Mechanically interlocked structures such as lasso peptides have also been found in nature, making MiMs promising albeit elusive targets for drug discovery. Although the first syntheses of MiMs were based on covalent strategies, approaches based on non-covalent interactions rose to prominence thereafter and have remained dominant. Non-covalent strategies are generally short and efficient, but do require particular structural motifs which are difficult to alter. In a covalent approach, MiMs can be more easily modified while the components may have increased rotational and translational freedom. Both approaches have complementary merits and combining the unmatched efficiency of non-covalent approaches with the scope of covalent syntheses may open up vast opportunities. In this review, recent covalently templated syntheses of MiMs are discussed to show their complementarity and anticipate future developments in this field.

1 Introduction

2 Tetrahedral Templates

2.1 A Carbonate Template for Non-Rusty Catenanes

2.2 All-Benzene Catenanes on a Silicon Template

2.3 Backfolding from Quaternary Carbon

3 Planar Templates

3.1 Rotaxanes Constructed in a Ring

3.2 Hydrindacene as a Dynamic Covalent Template

3.3 Templating on Tri- and Tetrasubstituted Benzenes

4 Conclusion

Supramolecular complexations of natural products

Complexations of natural products with synthetic receptors as well as the use of natural products as host compounds are reviewed, with an emphasis on possible practical uses or on biomedical significance. Applications such as separation, sensing, enzyme monitoring, and protection of natural drugs are first outlined. We then discuss examples of complexes with all important classes of natural compounds, such as amino acids, peptides, nucleosides/nucleotides, carbohydrates, catecholamines, flavonoids, terpenoids/steroids, alkaloids, antibiotics and toxins.

Pseudopeptidic ligands: exploring the self-assembly of isophthaloylbisglycine (H2IBG) and divalent metal ions

We present a systematic study of the complexation of the new pseudopeptidic ligand isophthaloylbisglycine (H(2)IBG) with divalent metal ions of varying ionic radius. This work represents the initial employment of H(2)IBG in the coordination chemistry of alkaline earth, 3d transition, Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal elements. Infrared, NMR, thermal, magnetic, adsorption and theoretical studies of these compounds are also discussed.

Synthesis of phototrappable shape-shifting molecules for adaptive guest binding

We have designed and synthesized oligosubstituted bullvalenes 1 and 2 as adaptive molecules that can change their shapes in order to bind tightly to a suitable guest. By incorporation of a photolabile o-nitroveratryloxycarbonate (NVOC) group into bullvalenes 1 and 2, tightly binding species can be selectively isolated from a population of hundreds of interconverting structural isomers. Spontaneous strain-assisted Cope rearrangements allow these shape-shifting molecules to exist in a dynamic equilibrium of configurationally distinct valence isomers, as revealed by dynamic NMR and HPLC studies. When NVOC bullvalenes 1 and 2 were exposed to UV light, the cleavage of the NVOC group resulted in a mixture of static isomers of the corresponding bullvalone. Binding studies of NVOC bisporphyrin bullvalene 1 demonstrated that the dynamic isomeric equilibrium shifted in the presence of C(60), favoring configurations with more favorable binding affinities. Irradiation of a mixture of 1 and C(60) with UV light and isolation of the major static isomer yielded an isomer of bisporphyrin bullvalone with a binding affinity for C(60) that was ∼2 times larger than that of the nonadapted isomer bisporphyrin bullvalone 41.

Highly Efficient Synthesis of Stereodefined Multisubstituted 1,4-Dicyano- and 1-Cyano-1,3-butadienes and Their Reactions with Organolithium Reagents

Stereodefined multisubstituted 1-cyano- and 1,4-dicyano-1,3-butadiene derivatives were obtained in excellent yields of the isolated product from their corresponding monohalo- and dihalobutadienes and CuCN. This reaction proceeded with high stereoselectivity and retention of the stereochemistry of the starting halobutadienes. A study of the utility of the thus-obtained 1-cyano- and 1,4-dicyano-1,3-butadiene derivatives was demonstrated by their reactions with organolithium reagents. 2H-Pyrrole or iminocyclopentadiene derivatives were formed in high yields from 1-cyano-4-halo-1,3-butadienes and organolithium reagents. When 1,4-dicyano-1,3-butadienes were treated with organolithium reagents followed by trapping with electrophiles, a tandem process took place to afford 2H-pyrrolyl nitriles in excellent yields. Reduction of 1,4-dicyano-1,3-butadiene derivatives with LiAlH4 showed novel reaction patterns relative to normal nitriles.

A supramolecular switch with molecular memory

A supramolecular switch is demonstrated that maintains a stable ON state even in the absence of guest at room temperature.

Stereospecific change in conformation upon complexation of an exoditopic tetraamide host with a bis(ammonium) guest: chiral recognition and strong CD signaling

Upon complexation of a rectangular-shaped achiral macrocyclic host with chiral guests, twisting deformation occurs to induce exciton-type bisignated CD, whereas a chiral rectangular host undergoes a similar structural change only with the matching enantiomer of a chiral guest.