The first approach to a new family of macrocycles: synthesis and characterization of thiacalix[2]thianthrenes

Synthesis, Structure, and Characterization of Thiacalix[4]-2,8-thianthrene

Sulfur-containing macrocycles have attracted substantial interest because they exhibit unique characteristics due to their polygonal ring-shaped skeleton. In this study, a thianthrene-based cyclic tetramer with the sulfur linker, thiacalix[4]-2,8-thianthrene (TC[4]TT), was successfully prepared from a cyclo-p-phenylenesulfide derivative using acid-induced intramolecular condensation. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that TC[4]TT adopts an alternative octagonal form recessed to the inner side. Its internal cavity included small solvents, such as chloroform and carbon disulfide. Due to its polygonal geometry, TC[4]TT laminated in a honeycomb-like pattern with a porous channel. Furthermore, TC[4]TT showed fluorescence and phosphorescence emission in a CH₂Cl₂ solution at ambient and liquid nitrogen temperatures. Both emission bands were slightly redshifted compared with those of the reference compounds (di(thanthren-2-yl)sulfane (TT₂S) and thianthrene (TT)). This work describes a sulfur-containing thiacalixheterocycle-based macrocyclic system with intriguing supramolecular chemistry based on molecular tiling and photophysical properties in solution.

Synthesis and crystal structure of a sulphur-bridged molecular hoop consisting of 5,7,12,14-tetrathiapentacene

A cyclic dimer consisting of 5,7,12,14-tetrathiapentacene (TC[2]TTP) forms a new extended series of thiacalix[n]arenes, and was successfully synthesized by an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts-type condensation of the macrocyclic precursor. TC[2]TTP was characterized using ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Its hoop-shaped molecular structure was determined by X-ray crystallography. The two-tub-shaped TTP formed a hexagonal geometry via a sulphur linker, and TC[2]TTP adopted a honeycomb structure with columnar stacking in the crystal structure. Furthermore, TC[2]TTP exhibited crystal polymorphism, which incorporated appropriate organic solvents such as CHCl₃, benzene, and toluene into its internal cavity. This suggests that TC[2]TTP is a candidate for the components of cavity-assembled porous solids based on molecular tiling.

5,7,12,14-Tetrathiapentacene (TC[2]TTP) was synthesized by an intramolecular Friedel–Crafts-type condensation, adopting a honeycomb structure with columnar stacking. X-ray crystallography revealed polymorphisms with organic solvents incorporated into its internal cavity.

A self-assembled M2L2 truncated square and its application as a container for fullerenes

An unprecedented bisthianthrene dipyridyl ligand was designed and synthesized for coordination driven self-assembly. The combination of this conformationally dynamic linker with a 90° convergent metal corner exclusively afforded a novel M₂L₂ truncated square-like metallamacrocycle. The single crystal X-ray structure reveals a belt-shaped geometry with a cavity diameter of ca. 13.7 Å. The breathable cavity and electron-rich thianthreno panels enable the highly efficient binding of the fullerenes C₆₀ (K_a = 5.1 × 10⁶ M^-1) and C₇₀ (K_a = 3.7 × 10⁶ M^-1). The encapsulation of C₆₀ is fully confirmed by NMR, mass spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. The cyclic voltammograms further reveal that the truncated square is redox active. The strong binding affinity, adaptive complexation, and redox activity of the thianthrene-incorporated metallamacrocycle provide new insights into the design of supramolecular hosts.

Heterocyclic Nanographenes and Other Polycyclic Heteroaromatic Compounds: Synthetic Routes, Properties, and Applications

Two-dimensionally extended, polycyclic heteroaromatic molecules (heterocyclic nanographenes) are a highly versatile class of organic materials, applicable as functional chromophores and organic semiconductors. In this Review, we discuss the rich chemistry of large heteroaromatics, focusing on their synthesis, electronic properties, and applications in materials science. This Review summarizes the historical development and current state of the art in this rapidly expanding field of research, which has become one of the key exploration areas of modern heterocyclic chemistry.

1,3-Diiodocalix[4]arene: synthesis by Ullmann-type iodination of 1,3-bistriflate ester of calix[4]arene, conformational analysis, and transformation into 1,3-dicarboxy-, diformyl-, and dialkylcalix[4]arenes

A facile synthesis of 1,3-diiodocalix[4]arene 6 has been achieved by copper-catalyzed iodination of the 1,3-bistriflate ester 2a of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. After protection of the hydroxy groups with iodomethane, diiodide 6 is subjected to halogen–lithium exchange with butyllithium, followed by carbonation with CO2 or formylation with N-formylpiperidine and subsequent deprotection of the hydroxy groups to give novel dicarboxylic acid 11 or dialdehyde 16 in practical yields. The iodo groups of diiodide 6 pass through the calixarene macrocycle; the activation free energy for the conversion of the more stable syn conformer 6syn to the less stable anti conformer 6anti is ΔG(⧧) = 104 kJ mol(–1) at 298 K. Dialdehyde 16 shows fast self-exchange between two equivalent species with a cone conformation, ΔG(⧧), being 63.2 kJ mol(–1). Dicarboxylic acid 11 adopts a cone conformation and forms a dimer in solution as suggested by 1H NMR and X-ray crystallographic analyses. The arrangement of the iodide groups of compound 6 can be fixed predominantly to anti (17a and 17b) by introducing bulky alkyl groups (e.g., propyl groups) onto the hydroxy groups. The stereospecific alkylation of the iodo groups of the resulting di-O-alkylated anti-1,3-diiodides provides access to the anti-1,3-dialkylcalixarenes 19, which is otherwise difficult to obtain.