Encapsulation of anions: Macrocyclic receptors based on metal coordination and anion–π interactions

Zwitterionic and Anionic Polycarboxylates as Coligands in Uranyl Ion Complexes, and Their Influence on Periodicity and Topology

The three zwitterionic di- and tricarboxylate ligands 1,1'-[(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene-1,4-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis(pyridin-1-ium-4-carboxylate) (pL1), 1,1'-[(2,3,5,6-tetramethylbenzene-1,4-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis(pyridin-1-ium-3-carboxylate) (mL1), and 1,1',1″-[(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene-1,3,5-triyl)tris(methylene)]tris(pyridin-1-ium-4-carboxylate) (L2) have been used as ligands to synthesize a series of 15 uranyl ion complexes involving various anionic coligands, in most cases polycarboxylates. [(UO₂)₂(pL1)₂(cbtc)(H₂O)₂]·10H₂O (1, cbtc^4- = cis,trans,cis-1,2,3,4-cyclobutanetetracarboxylate) is a discrete, dinuclear ring-shaped complex with a central cbtc^4- pillar. While [UO₂(pL1)(NO₃)₂] (2), [UO₂(pL1)(OAc)₂] (3), and [UO₂(pL1)(HCOO)₂] (4) are simple chains, [(UO₂)₂(mL1)(1,3-pda)₂] (5, 1,3-pda^2- = 1,3-phenylenediacetate) is a daisy chain and [UO₂(pL1)(pdda)]₃·10H₂O (6, pdda^2- = 1,2-phenylenedioxydiacetate) is a double-stranded, ribbon-like chain. Both [UO₂(pL1)(pht)]·5H₂O (7, pht^2- = phthalate) and [(UO₂)₃(mL1)(pht)₂(OH)₂] (8) crystallize as diperiodic networks with the sql topology, the latter involving hydroxo-bridged trinuclear nodes. [(UO₂)₂(pL1)(c/t-1,3-chdc)₂] (9, c/t-1,3-chdc^2- = cis/trans-1,3-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) and [UO₂(pL1)(t-1,4-chdc)]·1.5H₂O (10, t-1,4-chdc^2- = trans-1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) are also diperiodic, with the V₂O₅ and sql topologies, respectively. Both [(UO₂)₂(mL1)(c/t-1,4-chdc)₂] (11) and [(UO₂)₂(pL1)(1,2-pda)₂] (12, 1,2-pda^2- = 1,2-phenylenediacetate) crystallize as diperiodic networks with hcb topology, and they display threefold parallel interpenetration. [HL2][(UO₂)₃(L2)(adc)₃]Br (13, adc^2- = 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylate) contains a very corrugated hcb network with two different kinds of cells, and the uncoordinated HL2⁺ molecule associates with the coordinated L2 to form a capsule containing the bromide anion. [(UO₂)₂(pL1)(kpim)₂] (14, kpim^2- = 4-ketopimelate) is a three-periodic framework with pL1 molecules pillaring fes diperiodic subunits, whereas [(UO₂)₂(L2)₂(t-1,4-chdc)](NO₃)_1.7Br_0.3·6H₂O (15), the only cationic complex in the series, is a triperiodic framework with dmc topology and t-1,4-chdc^2- anions pillaring fes diperiodic subunits. Solid-state emission spectra and photoluminescence quantum yields are reported for all complexes.

A Highly Efficient Neutral Anion Receptor in Polar Environments by Synergy of Anion-π Interactions and Hydrogen Bonding

Herein, it is shown how anion recognition in highly polar solvents by neutral metal-free receptors is feasible when multiple hydrogen bonding and anion-π interactions are suitably combined. A neutral aromatic molecular tweezer functionalized with azo groups is shown to merge these two kinds of interactions in a unique system and its efficiency as an anion catcher in water is evaluated using first-principles quantum methods. Theoretical calculations unequivocally prove the high thermodynamic stability in water of a model anion, bromide, captured within the tweezer's cavity. Thus, static calculations indicate anion-tweezer interaction energies within the range of covalent or ionic bonds and stability constants in water of more than 10 orders of magnitude. First-principles molecular dynamics calculations also corroborate the stability through the time of the anion-tweezer complex in water. It shows that the anion is always found within the tweezer's cavity due to the combination of the tweezer-anion interactions plus a hydrogen bond between the anion and a water molecule that is inside the tweezer's cavity.

Mimicking Biological Recognition: Lessons in Binding Hydrophilic Guests in Water

Selective molecular recognition of hydrophilic guests in water plays a fundamental role in a vast number of biological processes, but synthetic mimicry of biomolecular recognition in water still proves challenging both in terms of achieving comparable affinities and selectivities. This Review highlights strategies that have been developed in the field of supramolecular chemistry to selectively and non-covalently bind three classes of biologically relevant molecules: nucleotides, carbohydrates, and amino acids. As several groups have systematically modified receptors for a specific guest, an evolutionary perspective is also provided in some cases. Trends in the most effective binding forces for each class are described, providing insight into selectivity and potential directions for future work.

A theoretical insight into the formation of chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions involving coordinated DMSO molecules as σ-hole donors and benzoate groups as σ-hole acceptors in a dinuclear copper(ii) complex

The formation of two chalcogen bonding (ChB) interactions involving coordinated DMSO molecules as σ-hole donors and the O atoms of carboxylate groups as acceptors in a dimeric copper(ii) complex has been described.

Synthesis and crystal structure of the simultaneous binding of Ni(ii) cation and chloride by the protonated 2,4,6 tris-(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5 triazine ligand: theoretical investigations of anion⋯π, π⋯π and hydrogen bonding interactions

A new octahedral Ni(ii) complex of a protonated 2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine ligand has been synthesized and X-ray analysis exhibited cooperative anion–π and H-bonding interactions.

The effect of cation-π interactions on the stability and electronic properties of anticancer drug Altretamine: a theoretical study

The present work utilizes density functional theory (DFT) calculations to study the influence of cation-π interactions on the electronic properties of the complexes formed by Altretamine [2,4,6-tris(dimethylamino)-1,3,5-triazine], an anticancer drug, with mono- and divalent (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Be²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺) metal cations. The structures were optimized with the M06-2X method and the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set in the gas phase and in solution. The theory of `Atoms in Molecules' (AIM) was applied to study the nature of the interactions by calculating the electron density ρ(r) and its Laplacian at the bond critical points. The charge-transfer process during complexation was evaluated using natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The results of DFT calculations demonstrate that the strongest/weakest interactions belong to Be²⁺/K⁺ complexes. There are good correlations between the achieved densities and the amounts of charge transfer with the interaction energies. Finally, the stability and reactivity of the cation-π interactions can be determined by quantum chemical computation based on the molecular orbital (MO) theory.

A resorcinarene-based tetrabenzoimidazolylidene complex of rhodium

A tetrabenzoimidazolium-resorcinarene cavitand was used for the preparation of a tetra-benzoimidazolylidene of rhodium, which is unprecedented in the field of poly-NHC metal complexes. Both the experimental and computational analyses of the molecule reveal a distorted vase conformation as the most stable one, although several non-interconverting conformational isomers due to the restricted rotation about the Rh-C(carbene) bond coexist in the product. There is a fluxional behaviour involving the vase-kite interconversion. The main interactions between the arms of the cavitand are mostly concentrated on the terminal organometallic fragments attached to NHC, along with those between -CH₃ and a N-heterocyclic carbene ring from benzoimidazoles.

A theoretical insight into non-covalent supramolecular interactions in the solid state structures of two octahedral iron(iii) complexes

The nature and characteristics of the C–H⋯π interactions that play an important role in crystal packing of two iron(iii) complexes have been discussed. The DFT calculations have been conducted to determine the interaction energies in these complexes.

Versatile coordination behaviour of the chloro-tetrazine-picolylamine ligand: mixed-valence binuclear Cu(i)/Cu(ii) complexes

The 3-Cl-6-amino-(2'-picolyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine ligand HL¹ has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Its versatile coordination behavior has been evidenced through reactions with Cu(Hfac)₂ and Cu(triflate)₂ precursors, which provided mixed-valence bimetallic Cu^1.5Cu^1.5 complexes [Cu₂(μ-Cl)(L¹)₂] 2 and [Cu₂(μ-triflate)(L¹)₂] 5. Changing the Cu(ii) precursor and the solvent leads to the formation of mononuclear octahedral Cu(ii) complexes [CuCl₂(HL¹)₂]·2CH₃CN 3 and [Cu(Hfac)₂(HL¹)] 4, in which only the amino-pyridine unit is involved in the coordination of the metal center. In contrast, in complexes 2 and 5, the ligands are deprotonated and bridge the metal centers as pyridine-amido-tetrazine fragments, while a bridging chloride or triflate ligand completes the coordination sphere of the metal ions. The Cu-Cu distances of 2.4313(4) Å in 2 and 2.5198(10) Å in 5 lie among the shorter values within mixed-valence bimetallic Cu complexes. Mixed-valence character is strongly supported by DFT calculations, showing the equal repartition of the unpaired electron between the two metal centers.

“Lp⋯synthon” interaction as a reason for the strong amplification of synthon-forming hydrogen bonds

A new type of interaction is presented.

Surface-grafted lanthanoid complexes of the tungstosilicate polyanion [SiW12O40]4−: a synthetic, structural and computational investigation

As an extension of our continued interest in the preparation of inorganic–organic hybrids, we report the successful hydrothermal synthesis of sodium tris[triaqua(μ-1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylato)dysprosium(III)] silicododecatungstate dodecahydrate, {[DyNa(C14H6N2O4)3(H2O)9(SiW12O40)]·12H2O}nor Na[Dy(PDA)(H2O)3]3[SiW12O40]·12H2O (1), and sodium aqua tris[tetraaqua(μ-4-hydroxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylato)praseodymium(III)] silicododecatungstate dodecahydrate, {[NaPr(C7H3NO5)3(H2O)13(SiW12O40)]·12H2O}nor Na(H2O)[Pr(pydc-OH)(H2O)4]3[SiW12O40]·12H2O (2) (in which H2PDA is 1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-dicarboxylic acid and H2pydc-OH is 4-hydroxypyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid or chelidamic acid). Both compounds have been characterized using elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods. Structural characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that these compounds consist of [SiW12O40]4−Keggin-type polyoxometalates (POMs), where a single {W3O13} triad is decorated with a trinuclear Ln complex. Moreover, the decorated polyanions are involved in a series of intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds and anion–π interactions, resulting in three-dimensional supramolecular architectures. Density functional theory (DFT) studies were conducted to support these intermolecular interactions in both1and2, and have been rationalized using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface calculations.

Silver(i) complexes of bis- and tris-(pyrazolyl)azine derivatives - dimers, coordination polymers and a pentametallic assembly

Silver(i) complexes of 2,4,6-tri(pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (tpp), 2,4,6-tri(pyrazol-1-yl)pyrimidine (tpym), 2,4,6-tri(pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (tpt) and 2,4-di(pyrazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine (bpt) are reported. Dinuclear [Ag2(μ-tpp)2(MeCN)2][BF4]2·2MeCN and [Ag2(μ-tpym)2(MeCN)2][BF4]2 are formed from approximately planar [AgL(NCMe)]+ (L = tpp or bpym) centres, which dimerise via apical interactions to the pendant pyrazolyl donor on each ligand. Two polymeric solvatomorph phases [Ag2(μ-tpp)2][BF4]2·nMeNO2 were obtained by crystallising AgBF4 and tpp from nitromethane solution. One is composed of the same dimeric [Ag2(μ-tpp)2]2+ motif as the MeCN solvates, but with semibridging pyrazolyl substitutents replacing the solvent ligands. The other form has helicate [Ag2(μ-tpp)2]2+ dimers linked into chains by unsupported AgAg interactions. In contrast, [Ag5(μ3-tpym)4][BF4]5·2MeNO2 contains discrete pentametallic assemblies, of a flattened [Ag4(μ-tpym)4]4+ molecular square centred by the fifth silver ion. Three helical or linear 1D coordination polymer topologies are described for [Ag(μ-tpt)]X (X- = BF4- or ClO4-), where ditopic tpt ligands bind one silver ion in a [2 + 1] geometry and the other in bidentate, [1 + 1] or monodentate fashion. Finally, [Ag(bpt)]BF4 is a polymer of square planar silver ions linked by bis-bidentate bpt ligands. Most of the tpt and bpt structures include short anionπ contacts to the ligand triazinyl rings. Electrospray mass spectra confirm the oligomeric nature of the Ag/tpym and tpt complexes in MeNO2 solution.

A novel naphthalenediimide-based lanthanide-organic framework with polyoxometalate templates exhibiting reversible photochromism

The first visible-light-responsive photochromic polyoxometalate-templated lanthanide-organic framework (LOF) has been constructed from a carboxyphenyl-substituted naphthalenediimide (NDI) derivative, which displays an unusual four-fold interpenetration of an srs topological network, featuring a variety of anion-π interactions between polyoxoanions and π-acidic NDI moieties, and undergoes a rapid reversible photochromic transformation upon blue light irradiation.

Fingerprinting the Nature of Anions in Pyrylium Complexes: Dual Binding Mode for Anion-π Interactions

The interplay between noncovalent interactions that involve oxygenated heteroaromatic rings have been studied for the first time in this work. In particular, we report an advance in knowledge-based anion-π interactions together with (C-H)⁺ ⋅⋅⋅anion contacts. To understand how the anion modulates these interactions, the synthesis of pyrylium salts with a variety of anions was performed by using an anionic metathesis methodology. The synthesized pyrylium complexes were classified in series, for example, anions derived from halogens, from oxoacids, from p-block elements, and from transition metals. Crystallographic data, DFT calculations, and NMR spectroscopy methods provided access to an overall insight into the noncovalent behavior of the anion in this kind of system. Based on the DFT calculations and ¹ H NMR spectroscopy, pyrylium protons can be used as chemical tags to detect noncovalent interactions in this type of compound.

Air-oxidation from sulfur to sulfone-bridged Schiff-base macrocyclic complexes showing enhanced antimicrobial activities

Two embedded sulfur atoms in a novel [2 + 2] Schiff-base macrocyclic dinuclear Zn(II) complex were found to be easily autoxidized to the sulfone units on air exposure, and the resultant sulfone-functionalized macrocyclic complex was obtained by the post-modification strategy exhibiting enhanced antimicrobial activities because of the presence of dual active sites in comparison with the sulfur-containing Schiff-base macrocycle.

σ-holes and π-holes: Similarities and differences

σ-Holes and π-holes are regions of molecules with electronic densities lower than their surroundings. There are often positive electrostatic potentials associated with them. Through these potentials, the molecule can interact attractively with negative sites, such as lone pairs, π electrons, and anions. Such noncovalent interactions, "σ-hole bonding" and "π-hole bonding," are increasingly recognized as being important in a number of different areas. In this article, we discuss and compare the natures and characteristics of σ-holes and π-holes, and factors that influence the strengths and locations of the resulting electrostatic potentials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anion Recognition Strategies Based on Combined Noncovalent Interactions

This review highlights the most significant examples of an emerging field in the design of highly selective anion receptors. To date, there has been remarkable progress in the binding and sensing of anions. This has been driven in part by the discovery of ways to construct effective anion binding receptors using the dominant N-H functional groups and neutral and cationic C-H hydrogen bond donors, as well as underexplored strong directional noncovalent interactions such as halogen-bonding and anion-π interactions. In this review, we will describe a new and promising strategy for constructing anion binding receptors with distinct advantages arising from their elaborate design, incorporating multiple binding sites able to interact cooperatively with anions through these different kinds of noncovalent interactions. Comparisons with control species or solely hydrogen-bonding analogues reveal unique characteristics in terms of strength, selectivity, and interaction geometry, representing important advances in the rising field of supramolecular chemistry.

The first X-ray structure of a silver–nucleotide complex: interaction of ion Ag(i) with cytidine-5′-monophosphate

The synthesis and X-ray characterization of an unprecedented complex of Ag(i) with cytidine-5′-monophosphate (HCMP) is reported. The coordination of Ag(i) to HCMP is via both the N3 and O2 atoms of two cytosine moieties and the phosphate group, generating a MOF.

π-Hole aerogen bonding interactions

In this manuscript we combine high level ab initio calculations (RI-MP2/aug-cc-pVTZ) and the analysis of several crystal structures to demonstrate the existence of π-hole aerogen bonding interactions in Xe(iv) compounds. The ability of XeF4 and Xe(OMe)4 to interact with electron rich molecules is rationalized using several computational tools, including molecular electrostatic potential surfaces, energetic and geometric features of the complexes and "atoms in molecules" (AIM) and Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analyses. We have found support for the π-hole interaction involving the xenon atom from the solid state architecture of several X-ray structures retrieved from the crystal structural depot. Particularly, π-hole aerogen bonding interactions are quite common in the solid state of Xe(IV) compounds.

Host-Guest Chemistry: Oxoanion Recognition Based on Combined Charge-Assisted C-H or Halogen-Bonding Interactions and Anion⋅⋅⋅Anion Interactions Mediated by Hydrogen Bonds

Several bis-triazolium-based receptors have been synthesized and their anion-recognition capabilities have been studied. The central chiral 1,1'-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) core features either two aryl or ferrocenyl end-capped side arms with central halogen- or hydrogen-bonding triazolium receptors. NMR spectroscopic data indicate the simultaneous occurrence of several charge-assisted aliphatic and heteroaromatic C-H noncovalent interactions and combinations of C-H hydrogen and halogen bonding. The receptors are able to selectively interact with HP2 O7 (3-) , H2 PO4 (-) , and SO4 (2-) anions, and the value of the association constant follows the sequence: HP2 O7 (3-) >SO4 (2-) >H2 PO4 (-) . The ferrocenyl end-capped 7(2+) ⋅2 BF4 (-) receptor allows recognition and differentiation of H2 PO4 (-) and HP2 O7 (3-) anions by using different channels: H2 PO4 (-) is selectively detected through absorption and emission methods and HP2 O7 (3-) by using electrochemical techniques. Significant structural results are the observation of an anion⋅⋅⋅anion interaction in the solid state (2:2 complex, 6(2+) ⋅[H2 P2 O7 ](2-) ), and a short C-I⋅⋅⋅O contact is observed in the structure of the complex [8(2+) ][SO4 ]0.5 [BF4 ].

Tuning the structure and solubility of nanojars by peripheral ligand substitution, leading to unprecedented liquid-liquid extraction of the carbonate ion from water into aliphatic solvents

Nanojars, a novel class of neutral anion-incarcerating agents of the general formula [Cu(II)(OH)(pz)]n (Cun; n = 27-31, pz = pyrazolate anion), efficiently sequester various oxoanions with large hydration energies from water. In this work, we explore whether substituents on the pyrazole ligand interfere with nanojar formation, and whether appropriate substituents could be employed to tune the solubility of nanojars in solvents of interest, such as long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons (solvent of choice for large-scale liquid-liquid extraction processes) and water. To this end, we conducted a comprehensive study using 40 different pyrazole ligands, with one, two or three substituents in their 3-, 4- and 5-positions. The corresponding nanojars are characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and/or electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The results show that Cun-nanojars with various substituents in the pyrazole 4-position, including long chains, phenyl and CF3 groups, can be obtained. Straight chains are also tolerated at the pyrazole 3-position, and favor the Cu30-nanojar. Homoleptic nanojars, however, could not be obtained with phenyl or CF3 groups. Nevertheless, if used in mixture with the parent non-substituted pyrazole, sterically hindered pyrazoles do form heteroleptic nanojars. With 3,5-disubstituted pyrazoles, only heteroleptic nanojars are accessible. The crystal structure of novel nanojars (Bu4N)2[CO3⊂{Cu30(OH)30(3,5-Me2pz)y(pz)30-y}] (y = 14 and 15) is presented. We find that in contrast to the parent nanojar, which is insoluble in aliphatic solvents and water, nanojars with alkyl substituents are soluble in saturated hydrocarbon solvents, whereas nanojars based on novel pyrazoles, functionalized with oligoether chains, are readily soluble in water. Liquid-liquid extraction of carbonate from water under basic pH is presented for the first time.

Electrostatically enhanced F⋯F interactions through hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding and metal coordination: an ab initio study

In this manuscript the ability of hydrogen and halogen bonding interactions, as well as metal coordination to enhance F⋯F interactions involving fluorine substituted aromatic moieties has been studied at the RI-MP2/def2-TZVPD level of theory.

Covalent non-fused tetrathiafulvalene–acceptor systems

The main families of non-fused TTF–acceptors are discussed with a special focus on their characteristics and properties.

Towards design strategies for anion–π interactions in crystal engineering

This highlight article summarizes some of the fundamental aspects of the anion–π interaction leading to several design strategies for generating it in solids. In the main body we highlight some relevant examples that illustrate the viability of these strategies and the importance of anion–π interactions in crystal engineering.

Structural, photophysical and magnetic properties of transition metal complexes based on the dipicolylamino-chloro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine ligand

The ligand 3-chloro-6-dipicolylamino-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (Cl-TTZ-dipica) , prepared by the direct reaction between 3,6-dichloro-1,2,4,5-tetrazine and di(2-picolyl)-amine, afforded a series of four neutral transition metal complexes formulated as [Cl-TTZ-dipica-MCl2]2, with M = Zn(II), Cd(II), Mn(II) and Co(II), when reacted with the corresponding metal chlorides. The dinuclear structure of the isostructural complexes was disclosed by single crystal X-ray analysis, clearly indicating the formation of [M(II)-(μ-Cl)2M(II)] motifs and the involvement of the amino nitrogen atom in semi-coordination with the metal centers, thus leading to distorted octahedral coordination geometries. Moreover, the chlorine atoms, either coordinated to the metal or as a substituent on the tetrazine ring, engage respectively in specific anion-π intramolecular and intermolecular interactions with the electron-poor tetrazine units in the solid state, thus controlling the supramolecular architecture. Modulation of the emission properties is observed in the case of the Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes when compared to the free ligand. A striking difference is observed in the magnetic properties of the Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes. An antiferromagnetic coupling takes place in the dimanganese(II) compound (J = -1.25 cm(-1)) while the Co(II) centers are ferromagnetically coupled in the corresponding complex (J = +0.55 cm(-1)), the spin Hamiltonian being defined as H = -JSA·SB.