Metal-switching and self-inclusion of functional cavitands

Correlating Solution- and Solid-State Structures of Conformationally Flexible Resorcinarenes: Significance of a Sulfonyl Group in Intramolecular Self-Inclusion

The synthesis of tetramethoxyresorcinarene podands bearing p-toluene arms connected by -SO3 - (1) and -CH2 O- (2) linkers is presented herein. In the solid state, the resorcinarene podand 1 forms an intramolecular self-inclusion complex with the pendant p-toluene group of a podand arm, whereas the resorcinarene podand 2 does not show self-inclusion. The conformations of the flexible resorcinarene podands in solution were investigated by variable-temperature experiments using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic techniques as well as by computational methods, including a conformational search and subsequent DFT optimisation of representative structures. The 1 H NMR spectra of 1 and 2 at room temperature show a single set of proton signals that are in agreement with C4v symmetry. At low temperatures, the molecules exist as a mixture of boat conformations featuring slow exchange on the NMR timescale. Energy barriers (ΔG≠ 298 ) of 55.5 and 52.0 kJ mol-1 were calculated for the boat-to-boat exchange of 1 and 2, respectively. The results of the ROESY experiments performed at 193 K and computational modelling suggest that in solution the resorcinarene podand 1 adopts a similar conformation to that present in its crystal structure, whereas podand 2 populates a more versatile range of conformations in solution.

Mechanically-Driven Vase-Kite Conformational Switch in Cavitand Cross-Linked Polyurethanes

The eligibility of tetraquinoxaline cavitands (QxCav) as molecular grippers relies on their unique conformational mobility between a closed (vase) and an open (kite) form, triggered in solution by conventional stimuli like pH, temperature and ion concentration. In the present paper, the mechanochemical conformational switching of ad hoc functionalized QxCav covalently embedded in an elastomeric polydimethylsiloxane and in a more rigid polyurethane matrix is investigated. The rigid polymer matrix is more effective in converting mechanical force into a conformational switch at the molecular level, provided that all four quinoxaline wings are covalently connected to the polymer.

Crystal structures of two bis-carbamoyl-methyl-phosphine oxide (CMPO) compounds

Two bis-carbamoyl-methyl-phosphine oxide compounds, namely {[(3-{[2-(di-phen-yl-phosphino-yl)ethanamido]-meth-yl}benz-yl)carbamo-yl]meth-yl}di-phenyl-phos-phine oxide, C36H34N2O4P2, (I), and diethyl [({2-[2-(di-eth-oxy-phosphino-yl)ethanamido]-eth-yl}carbamo-yl)meth-yl]phospho-nate, C14H30N2O8P2, (II), were synthesized via nucleophilic acyl substitution reactions between an ester and a primary amine. Hydrogen-bonding inter-actions are present in both crystals, but these inter-actions are intra-molecular in the case of compound (I) and inter-molecular in compound (II). Intra-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions are also present in the crystal of compound (I) with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.9479 (12) Å and a dihedral angle of 9.56 (12)°. Inter-molecular C-H⋯π inter-actions [C⋯centroid distance of 3.622 (2) Å, C-H⋯centroid angle of 146°] give rise to supra-molecular sheets that lie in the ab plane. Key geometric features for compound (I) involve a nearly planar, trans-amide group with a C-N-C-C torsion angle of 169.12 (17)°, and a torsion angle of -108.39 (15)° between the phosphine oxide phospho-rus atom and the amide nitro-gen atom. For compound (II), the electron density corresponding to the phosphoryl group was disordered, and was modeled as two parts with a 0.7387 (19):0.2613 (19) occupancy ratio. Compound (II) also boasts a trans-amide group that approaches planarity with a C-N-C-C torsion angle of -176.50 (16)°. The hydrogen bonds in this structure are inter-molecular, with a D⋯A distance of 2.883 (2) Å and a D-H⋯A angle of 175.0 (18)° between the amide hydrogen atom and the P=O oxygen atom. These non-covalent inter-actions create ribbons that run along the b-axis direction.

Synthesis of tetra-pincer nickel(ii) and palladium(ii) complexes of resorcin[4]arene-octophosphinite [Res(OPR2)8] and rhodium-catalyzed regioselective hydroformylation reaction

This paper describes the synthesis of resorcin[4]arene based octaphosphinite ligands and their tetra-pincer Ni^II and Pd^II complexes and rhodium-octaphosphinite catalyzed hydroformylation of styrene and its derivatives.

Supramolecular ligands for the extraction of lanthanide and actinide ions

A selection of supramolecular ligands designed to extract f-elements.

Fixing the Conformation of Calix[4]arenes: When Are Three Carbons Not Enough?

Calix[4]arenes are unique macrocycles that through judicious functionalisation at the lower rim can be either fixed in one of four conformations or remain conformationally flexible. Introduction of propynyl or propenyl groups unexpectedly provides a new possibility; a unidirectional conformational switch, with the 1,3-alternate and 1,2-alternate conformers switching to the partial cone conformation, whilst the cone conformation is unchanged, under standard experimental conditions. Using ¹ H NMR kinetic studies, rates of switching have been shown to be dependent on the starting conformation, upper-rim substituent, where reduction in bulk enables faster switching, solvent and temperature with 1,2-alternate conformations switching fastest. Ab initio calculations (DFT) confirmed the relative stabilities of the conformations and point towards the partial cone conformer being the most stable of the four. The potential impact on synthesis through the "click" reaction has been investigated and found not to be significant.

Conformational switching via an intramolecular H-bond modulates the fluorescence lifetime in a novel coumarin–imidazole conjugate

Achieving synthetic control over light-driven molecular dynamics is essential for designing complex molecule-based devices.

Attachment of a RuII Complex to a Self-Folding Hexaamide Deep Cavitand

We report the design, synthesis and characterization of a new Ru^II metallocavitand that is catalytically active in alkene epoxidation reactions. The elaboration of the resorcin[4]arene's aromatic cavity produced a self-folding, deep hexaamide cavitand featuring a single diverging terpyridine (tpy) group installed at its upper rim. The construction of the metallocavitand involved the initial chelation of a Ru^III chloride complex by the tpy ligand followed by the incorporation of 2-(phenylazo)pyridine (azpy) as an ancillary ligand. The resulting Ru^II chloro complex was converted into the catalytically active aqua counterpart by a ligand exchange process.

Binding of ion pairs in a thiourea-functionalized self-folding cavitand

A bioinspired supramolecular container with complementary binding sites displays cooperative binding of ion pairs.

Complementary Binding in Urea-Based Self-Folding Cavitands

A new family of cavitands bearing urea groups has been prepared. The hosts display a fluxional behavior akin to that of amide analogues. The ureido functions serve a dual role, stabilizing the folded conformer of the receptor and providing stabilization to guests present in the cavity.

Gated molecular baskets

In this review, we describe the construction of gated molecular baskets, discuss their mechanism of action in regulating the exchange of guests and illustrate the potential of these concave hosts to act as catalysts for controlling chemical reactions. Importantly, a number of computational and experimental studies have suggested that gated baskets ought to unfold their gates at the rim for permitting the passage of guests to/from their inner space. These dynamic hosts are therefore offered as useful models for investigating the process of gating in artificial systems. Furthermore, gated baskets should permit examining the benefit of controlling the rate by which reactants access a gated catalyst for promoting chemical reactions occurring in its confined space.

Ion-mediated conformational switches

Molecular switches are ubiquitous in Nature and provide the basis of many forms of transport and signalling. Single synthetic molecules that change conformation, and thus function, reversibly in a stimulus-dependent manner are of great interest not only to chemists but society in general; myriad applications exist in storage, display, sensing and medicine. Here we describe recent developments in the area of ion-mediated switching.

Bis(carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide) ligands fixed on the arene core via 1,2,3-triazole linkers: novel effective extractants for palladium, lanthanides and actinides

The extraction of U(vi) and Th(iv) from 3 M HNO₃ solutions with 0.01 M solutions of extractants 1–8 in 1,2-dichloroethane.

N-Tris[(2-aminoethyl)-2-(diphenylphosphoryl) acetamide)] — novel CMPO tripodand: synthesis, extraction studies and luminescent properties of lanthanide complexes

A ligand system containing three carbamoylmethylphosphine oxide (CMPO) moieties attached to a tripodal platform with a central nitrogen atom has been synthesized for metal complexation and extraction from neutral and nitric acid solutions. Liquid-liquid extractions performed for Ln(III), both from neutral and acidic media, show excellent extraction properties which exceeded those for the known mono- and di-CMPO derivatives as well as the related tripodands. A considerable enhancement of the DLn values was observed in the presence of IL ([bmim][Tf2N]) in the organic phase towards lanthanide ions from 3M HNO3 solutions. The protonation of the central amine nitrogen atom of the ligand 1 in the acidic media provides also the effective extraction of the perrhenate anionic complexes. The europium complexes formed by mono- and tris-CMPO ligands in the solid state, as well as Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes generated in solutions, possess intensive luminescence at 300K

Guest Recognition with Micelle-Bound Cavitands

We report that a benzimidazole cavitand is incorporated in aqueous phosphocholine (PC) micelles, folds into the vase conformation, and functions as small-molecule host. As a micelle-bound host it has the ability to sequester selective hydrophobic guest "anchors" into its interior. These anchors include cycloalkanes, adamantanes, and nitrogen heterocycles that compete favorably with the large excess of PC alkyl side-chains that make up the micelle interior. The adamantyl anchor was further functionalized with a fluorophore, and in another instance a dipeptide and both guests retain their recognition properties with the micelle-bound cavitand. Additionally, we report that variations in the cavitand periphery and rim are well-tolerated under our experimental conditions. We find that enhanced binding toward certain guests in both micelles as well as in solution occurs in response to titration with base; this previously unknown property of benzimidazole cavitands is reported in detail.

Hybrid cavitand-resorcin[4]arene receptor for the selective binding of choline and related compounds in protic media

[structure: see text] A hybrid cavitand-resorcin[4]arene receptor capable of displaying pH-modulated binding affinity toward trimethylalkylammonium ions is proposed as an alternative to the low selectivity exhibited by other receptors used in supramolecular fluorescent sensor systems for choline.

Synthetic molecular motors and mechanical machines

The widespread use of controlled molecular-level motion in key natural processes suggests that great rewards could come from bridging the gap between the present generation of synthetic molecular systems, which by and large rely upon electronic and chemical effects to carry out their functions, and the machines of the macroscopic world, which utilize the synchronized movements of smaller parts to perform specific tasks. This is a scientific area of great contemporary interest and extraordinary recent growth, yet the notion of molecular-level machines dates back to a time when the ideas surrounding the statistical nature of matter and the laws of thermodynamics were first being formulated. Here we outline the exciting successes in taming molecular-level movement thus far, the underlying principles that all experimental designs must follow, and the early progress made towards utilizing synthetic molecular structures to perform tasks using mechanical motion. We also highlight some of the issues and challenges that still need to be overcome.

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Structure Investigation of Copper Complexation in a Hemicarcerand

The double-bridged hemicarcerand [A,B-(CH2OH)2-cavitand]-(CH2NHCH2)2-[A,B-(CH2OH)2-cavitand] 23 (and several other related compounds) was synthesized by the condensation of the two complementary precursors A,B-(CH2NH2)2(CH2OH)2-cavitand and A,B-(CH2Br)2(CH2OAc)2-cavitand followed by hydrolysis of the acetate groups. This hemicarcerand has nitrogen and oxygen donor atoms located on the interior of the spherical cavity and thus allows endohedral coordination of metal ions. The cavity has a volume of approximately 0.12 nm3, a value obtained by calculating a Connolly-type contact surface and the molecular electrostatic potential. The Cu2+ complex of hemicarcerand 23 was studied in detail by EPR and DFT calculations at the UB3LYP/6-31G level to verify the anticipated endohedral nature of the metal complex. It could be shown that the copper ion is coordinated to four oxygen donor atoms and no deviation from axial symmetry at the copper site could be detected. No direct coordination to nitrogen atoms of the hemicarcerand could be observed; however, complexation with DMF solvent molecules was detected by ESEEM and HYSCORE experiments. The closed structure of the hemicarcerand was also confirmed by an evaluation of proton-copper distances. Results from DFT calculations are in accord with the EPR results, and further support suggested coordination of the Cu(II) within the hemicarcerand cavity by four oxygen donor atoms.

Conformational Behavior of Pyrazine-Bridged and Mixed-Bridged Cavitands: A General Model for Solvent Effects on Thermal “Vase–Kite” Switching

The controllable switching of suitably bridged resorcin[4]arene cavitands between a "vase" conformation, with a cavity capable of guest inclusion, and a "kite" conformation, featuring an extended flattened surface, provides the basis for ongoing developments of dynamic molecular receptors, sensors, and molecular machines. This paper describes the synthesis, X-ray crystallographic characterization, and NMR analysis of the "vase-kite" switching behavior of a fully pyrazine-bridged cavitand and five other mixed-bridged quinoxaline-bridged cavitands with one methylene, phosphonate, or phosphate bridge. The pyrazine-bridged resorcin[4]arene cavitand displayed an unexpectedly high preference for the kite conformation in nonpolar solvents, relative to the quinoxaline-bridged analogue. This observation led to extensive solvent-dependent switching studies that provide a detailed picture of how solvent affects the thermal vase-kite equilibration. As for any thermodynamic process in the liquid phase, the conformational equilibrium is affected by how the solvent stabilizes the two individual states. Suitably sized solvents (benzene and derivatives) solvate the cavity of the vase form and reduce the propensity for the vase-to-kite transition. Correspondingly, the kite geometry becomes preferred in bulky solvents such as mesitylene, incapable of penetrating the vase cavity. As proposed earlier by Cram, the kite form is preferred at low temperatures due to the more favorable enthalpy of solvation of the enlarged surface. Furthermore, the kite conformation is more preferred in solvents with substantial hydrogen-bonding acidity: weak hydrogen-bonding interactions between the mildly basic quinoxaline and pyrazine nitrogen atoms and solvent molecules are more efficient in the open kite than in the closed vase form. Vase-to-kite conversion is entirely absent in dipolar aprotic solvents lacking any H-bonding acidity. Thermal vase-kite switching requires fully quinoxaline- or pyrazine-bridged cavitands, whereas pH-controlled switching is also applicable to systems incorporating only two or three such bridges.

Cavitands with Revolving Doors Regulate Binding Selectivities and Rates in Water

A water-soluble self-folding cavitand has been prepared, featuring four benzoate groups attached to the open end. These benzoates act as rapidly "revolving doors" to the cavity. The cavitand shows increased selectivity for small hydrophobic guests and slower rates of guest exchange.

Water-Soluble Calix[4]resorcarenes as Enantioselective NMR Shift Reagents for Aromatic Compounds

A tetra L-prolinylmethyl derivative of a tetra-sulfonated calix[4]resorcarene (1) is an effective chiral NMR solvating agent for water-soluble compounds with phenyl, pyridyl, bicyclic aromatic, or indole rings. These aromatic compounds form host-guest complexes with the calix[4]resorcarene in water. Complexation of substrates with the calix[4]resorcarene is likely promoted by hydrophobic effects, and bicyclic substrates have association constants with the calix[4]resorcarene larger than those of similar phenyl-containing compounds. Aromatic resonances of the substrates show substantial upfield shifts because of shielding from the aromatic rings of the calix[4]resorcarene, and several resonances in the 1H NMR spectra typically exhibit enantiomeric discrimination. The extent of enantiomeric discrimination depends in part on interactions of the substituent groups of the substrates with the prolinylmethyl groups of the calix[4]resorcarene. The effectiveness of a calix[4]resorcarene prepared from N-methyl-L-alanine (2) as a chiral NMR discriminating agent is compared to the L-prolinylmethyl derivative.

Proton driven vase-to-kite conformational change in cavitands at an air-water interface monitored by surface SHG

The conformational changes of quinoxaline-bridged cavitands deposited as Langmuir films were monitored at different pH values of the subphase using surface second harmonic generation during the compression of the monolayer at the water surface. A quantitative analysis of the susceptibility tensor elements was performed for methylene (MeCav)- and quinoxaline (QxCav)-bridged cavitands for pH values varying between 5.7 and 0.1. For MeCav (reference compound), no significant changes were observed for different pHs, confirming that the cavity does not undergo protonation or a drastic conformational change. For the QxCav, however, the results suggest a partial opening of the cavity on the basis of analysis of the compression curves.

Structural Properties of Benzimidazole Cavitand and Its Selective Recognition toward 4-Methylbenzamide over 4-Methylanilide

The conformations and properties of cavitand 5 with four benzimidazole flaps are studied by (1)H NMR. The benzimidazole cavitand 5 can form very stable vase structures with an enforced concave cavity by intermolecular hydrogen bonding with four hydroxyl-containing molecules, X-OH, such as methanol (X = Me), acetic acid (X = CH(3)CO), and trifluoroacetic acid (X = CF(3)CO). The stronger hydrogen bond donor strengths of X-OH are, the stronger hydrogen bonds are formed between the NH and N atoms of the neighboring benzimidazole fragments and the more vase structures of 5.4HOX are stable. The annular tautomerism of 5 in CDCl(3)/CD(3)OD (9:1, v/v) due to the proton exchange between NH and N atoms of the neighboring benzimidazole fragments is observed by 400 MHz (1)H NMR, and the free energy of activation is measured as DeltaG++(210) = 10.2 kcal/mol at a coalescence temperature of 210 K. Cavitand 5 forms inclusion complexes with 4-methylbezamide guests such as 4-methyl-N-p-tolylbenzamide 6 and N,4-dimethylbenzamide 7 in water-saturated CDCl(3). However, an isomorphic 4-methylanilide guest such as N-4-tolylacetamide 8 cannot be recognized in the concave cavity of 5. This high selectivity toward 4-methylbenzamide over 4-methylanilide seems attributable to the hydrogen-binding interaction between the NH proton of 4-methylbezamide guest 7 and the oxygen atom of the closest water molecule.

Binding properties of cavitands in aqueous solution—the influence of charge on guest selectivity

The charge of the upper rim has influences on the binding properties of cavitands in aqueous media.

Binding of inorganic cations by p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene monitored through competitive fluorophore displacement in aqueous solution

A new working principle for detecting inorganic cation binding by water-soluble calix[4]arenes involves the displacement of a fluorescent azoalkane as guest. Fluorescence regeneration is observed for various metal ions, and binding of monovalent cations (alkali and ammonium) to p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene is detected and quantified for the first time.

Kinetically stable complexes in water: the role of hydration and hydrophobicity

We describe here the synthesis and characterization of a molecular receptor that forms kinetically and thermodynamically stable host-guest complexes in water. This cavitand-based host is composed of a preorganized aromatic pocket whose rim is decorated with four negatively charged carboxylate groups. (1)H NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry have been used to characterize the behavior of the resulting complexes in response to changes in pH, buffer identity, and salt concentration and in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles.

A synthetic receptor for choline and carnitine

A synthetic receptor is described with the appropriate shape and size for alkylated trimethylammonium ions such as choline and carnitine. The structure features a deep, concave binding site, lined with aromatic walls that provide cation-pi interactions between host and guest. Molecular mechanic calculations suggest that the host's shape is maintained through intermolecular hydrogen bonding with DMSO solvent molecules. The cavity is too small to accommodate larger ions. Choline and carnitine are recognized and bound with high affinity even though no complementary charges are involved in the process.