An Unusual Nickel−Copper-Mediated Alkyne Homocoupling Reaction for the Active-Template Synthesis of [2]Rotaxanes

Active template synthesis

The active template synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecular architectures exploits the dual ability of various structural elements (metals or, in the case of metal-free active template synthesis, particular arrangements of functional groups) to serve as both a template for the organisation of building blocks and as a catalyst to facilitate the formation of covalent bonds between them. This enables the entwined or threaded intermediate structure to be covalently captured under kinetic control. Unlike classical passive template synthesis, the intercomponent interactions transiently used to promote the assembly typically do not 'live on' in the interlocked product, meaning that active template synthesis can be traceless and used for constructing mechanically interlocked molecules that do not feature strong binding interactions between the components. Since its introduction in 2006, active template synthesis has been used to prepare a variety of rotaxanes, catenanes and knots. Amongst the metal-ion-mediated versions of the strategy, the copper(I)-catalysed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) remains the most extensively used transformation, although a broad range of other catalytic reactions and transition metals also provide effective manifolds. In metal-free active template synthesis, the recent discovery of the acceleration of the reaction of primary amines with electrophiles through the cavity of crown ethers has proved effective for forming an array of rotaxanes without recognition elements, including compact rotaxane superbases, dissipatively assembled rotaxanes and molecular pumps. This Review details the active template concept, outlines its advantages and limitations for the synthesis of interlocked molecules, and charts the diverse set of reactions that have been used with this strategy to date. The application of active template synthesis in various domains is discussed, including molecular machinery, mechanical chirality, catalysis, molecular recognition and various aspects of materials science.

Synthesis of 'Impossible' Rotaxanes

'Impossible' rotaxanes, which are constituted by interlocked components without obvious binding motifs, have attracted the interest of the mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) community. Within the synthetic efforts reported in the last decades towards the preparation of MIMs, some innovative protocols for accessing 'impossible' rotaxanes have been developed. This short review highlights different selected synthetic examples of 'impossible' rotaxanes, as well as suggests some future directions of this research area.

Azolium Aurates as Pre-Catalysts for the Oxidative Coupling of Terminal Alkynes under Mild Conditions

A simple and efficient method for the oxidative coupling of terminal alkynes is reported for the first time, making use of imidazol(in)ium aurates as pre-catalysts. This approach displays high functional group tolerance and leads to a broad range of 1,3-diyne compounds in moderate to excellent yields using low catalyst loading and is performed in air under mild and sustainable conditions.

Homocoupling of terminal alkynes catalyzed by CuCl under solvent-free conditions

A series of symmetrical 1,4-disubstituted buta-1,3-diynes is prepared with excellent yields (up to 95%) through homocoupling of terminal alkynes catalyzed by a copper salt under solvent-free conditions. This method provides an environmentally friendly process to prepare 1,3-diynes in short reaction times under mild conditions. Furthermore, the method is suitable for a wide substrate scope and has excellent functional group compatibility. The reaction can also be scaled up to gram level.

One-Pot Dual C-C Coupling Reaction via Site Selective Cascade Formation by PdII -Cryptate of an Amino-Ether Heteroditopic Macrobicycle

Selectivity of aryl iodo over ethynyl iodo toward the Suzuki cross coupling reaction is explored by utilizing a palladium complex of amino-ether heteroditopic macrobicycle. Subsequently, unreacted ethynyl iodide undergoes homocoupling reaction in the same catalytic atmosphere, thereby representing a cascade dual C-C coupling reaction. Furthermore, this approach is extended for novel one-pot synthesis of unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes.

Biradical o-iminobenzosemiquinonato(1-) complexes of nickel(ii): catalytic activity in three-component coupling of aldehydes, amines and alkynes

The six-coordinated bis-o-iminosemiquinone complex, NiL2 BIS, in which LBIS is the o-iminosemiquinone 1-electron oxidized form of the tridentate o-aminophenol benzoxazole-based ligand H2LBAP, was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the complex reveals octahedral geometry with a NiN4O2 coordination sphere in which Ni(ii) has been surrounded by two tridentate LBIS ligands. This compound exhibits (S Ni = 1) with both spin and orbital contribution to the magnetic moment and antiferromagnetic coupling between two electrons on two LBIS ligands which results in a triplet spin ground state (S = 1). The electronic transitions and the electrochemical behavior of this open-shell molecule are presented here, based on experimental observations and theoretical calculations. The electrochemical behavior of NiL2 BIS was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and indicates ligand-centered redox processes. Three-component coupling of aldehydes, amines and alkynes (A3-coupling) was studied in the presence of the NiL2 BIS complex, and the previously reported four-coordinated bis-o-iminosemiquinone NiL2 NIS. Furthermore, among these two o-iminobenzosemiquinonato(1-) complexes of Ni(ii) (NiL2 NIS and NiL2 BIS), NiL2 NIS was found to be an efficient catalyst in A3-coupling at 85 °C under solvent-free conditions and can be recovered and reused for several cycles with a small decrease in activity.

Oxidative Addition of a Mechanically Entrapped C(sp)-C(sp) Bond to a Rhodium(I) Pincer Complex

By use of a macrocyclic phosphinite pincer ligand and bulky substrate substituents, we demonstrate how the mechanical bond can be leveraged to promote the oxidative addition of an interlocked 1,3-diyne to a rhodium(I) center. The resulting rhodium(III) bis(alkynyl) product can be trapped out by reaction with carbon monoxide or intercepted through irreversible reaction with dihydrogen, resulting in selective hydrogenolysis of the C-C σ-bond.

Ancillary ligand electro-activity effects towards phenyl acetylene homocoupling reaction by a nickel(ii) complex of a non-innocent O-amino phenol ligand: a mechanistic insight

A new Ni(ii) complex, was synthesized from the reaction of a non-innocent o-aminophenol ligand, and Ni(OAc)2. The crystal structure of NiIIL2 NIS (in which, IS stands for iminosemiquinone radical ligand with cyanide (shown by N in NIS) substituent on phenolate rings) exhibits the square planar environment of Ni(ii). The complex has been crystalized in the monoclinic system and Ni(ii) was surrounded by two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms of two ligands. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement for crystalline samples of complex shows the effective magnetic moment per molecule (μ eff) of near zero and the diamagnetic nature of the complex (S = 0) which emphasize that strong antiferromagnetic coupling prevailed between the two unpaired electrons of LNIS ligands and Ni(ii) high spin electrons. The complex is EPR silent which confirms the diamagnetic character of the Ni(ii) complex. Electrochemical measurement (CV) indicates the redox-active character of ligand and metal. NiIIL2 NIS complex proved to be effective for free metal- or base counterpart homocoupling of phenyl acetylene at room temperature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of using Ni(ii) complex without using any reducing agent due to the promotion ancillary effect of non-innocent o-aminophenol ligand which acts as an "electron reservoir" and can reversibly accept and donate electrons in the catalytic cycle. The theoretical calculation confirms the magnetostructure, electronic spectrum and confirmed the suggested mechanism of phenyl acetylene homocoupling with emphasis on the role of non-innocent ligand electro-activity and the effect of ligand substituent on the efficiency and stability of the complex.

Ligand and additive free aerobic synthesis of diynes using Pd–CuFe2O4magnetic nanoparticles as an efficient reusable catalyst

Herein, we present the synthesis of Pd–CuFe₂O₄magnetic nanoparticles as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the oxidative homocoupling of various terminal alkynes to form symmetric 1,3-diynes.

Syntheses, Structures, and Spectroscopic Properties of 1,10-Phenanthroline-Based Macrocycles Threaded by PtC8 Pt, PtC12 Pt, and PtC16 Pt Axles: Metal-Capped Rotaxanes as Insulated Molecular Wires

The platinum polyynyl complexes trans-(C₆ F₅ )(p-tol₃ P)₂ Pt(C≡C)_n/2 H undergo oxidative homocoupling (O₂ , CuCl/TMEDA) to diplatinum polyynediyl complexes trans, trans-(C₆ F₅ )(p-tol₃ P)₂ Pt(C≡C)_n Pt(Pp-tol₃ )₂ (C₆ F₅ ) (n=4, 2; 6, 5; 8, 8; 92-97 %) as reported previously. When related reactions are conducted in the presence of CuI adducts of the 1,10-phenanthroline-based macrocycles 2,9-(1,10-phenanthrolinediyl)(p-C₆ H₄ O(CH₂ )₆ O)₂ (1,3-C₆ H₄ ) (10, 33-membered) or 2,9-(1,10-phenanthrolinediyl)(p-C₆ H₄ O(CH₂ )₆ O)₂ (2,7-naphthalenediyl) (11, 35-membered), excess K₂ CO₃ , and I₂ (oxidant), rotaxanes are isolated that feature a Pt(C≡C)_n Pt axle that has been threaded through the macrocycle (2⋅10, 9 %; 5⋅10, 41 %; 5⋅11, 28 %; 8⋅10, 12 %; 8⋅11, 9 %). Their crystal structures are determined and analyzed in detail, particularly with respect to geometric perturbations and the degree of steric sp carbon chain insulation. NMR spectra show a number of shielding effects. UV/Vis spectra do not indicate significant electronic interactions between the Pt(C≡C)_n Pt axles and macrocycles, although cyclic voltammetry data suggest rapid reactions following oxidation.

Active template rotaxane synthesis through the Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling of alkylzinc reagents with redox-active esters

The synthesis of unsymmetrical axle [2]rotaxanes through a recently developed Ni-catalyzed C(sp3)-C(sp3) cross-coupling of redox-active esters (formed directly from carboxylic acids) and organozinc reagents (derived from alkyl bromides) is reported. The method also furnishes, as a minor product, the symmetrical axle [2]rotaxanes resulting from the homo-coupling of the organozinc half-thread. The rotaxanes are formed in up to 56% yield with the ratio of unsymmetrical rotaxane increasing with the cavity size of the macrocycle. In the absence of the redox-active ester neither rotaxane is formed, even though the homo-coupling rotaxane product does not incorporate the redox-active ester building block. A Ni(iii) intermediate is consistent with these observations, providing support for the previously postulated mechanism of the Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction.

Cu/Cu2O Nanoparticles Supported on a Phenol-Pyridyl COF as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Diynes via Glaser-Hay Coupling

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are a new class of porous crystalline polymers with a modular construct that favors functionalization. COF pores can be used to grow nanoparticles (nPs) with dramatic size reduction, stabilize them as dispersions, and provide excellent nP access. Embedding substrate binding sites in COFs can generate host-guest synergy, leading to enhanced catalytic activity. In this report, Cu/Cu₂O nPs (2-3 nm) are grown on a COF, which is built by linking a phenolic trialdehyde and a triamine through Schiff bonds. Their micropores restrict the nP to exceptionally small sizes (∼2-3 nm), and the pore walls decorated with strategically positioned hydrogen-bonding phenolic groups anchor the substrates via hydrogen-bonding, whereas the basic pyridyl sites serve as cationic species to stabilize the [Cu_clusterCl₂]^2- type reactive intermediates. This composite catalyst shows high activity for Glaser-Hay heterocoupling reactions, an essential 1,3-diyne yielding reaction with widespread applicability in organic synthesis and material science. Despite their broad successes in homocoupled products, preparation of unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes is challenging due to poor selectivity. Here, our COF-based Cu catalyst shows elevated selectivity toward heterocoupling product(s) (Cu nP loading 0.0992 mol %; turn over frequency: ∼45-50; turn over number: ∼175-190). The reversible redox activity at the Cu centers has been demonstrated by carrying out X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on the frozen reactions, whereas the crucial interactions between the substrates and the binding sites in their optimized configurations have been modeled using density functional theory methods. This report emphasizes the utility of COFs in developing a heterogeneous catalyst for a truly challenging organic heterocoupling reaction.

Cu(ii) templated formation of [n]pseudorotaxanes (n = 2, 3, 4) using a tris-amino ether macrocyclic wheel and multidentate axles

The systematic development of mono-, bi- and tri-nuclear [n]pseudorotaxanes (n = 2, 3, 4) via Cu(ii) templation and π–π stacking interactions.

Rise of Conjugated Poly-ynes and Poly(Metalla-ynes): From Design Through Synthesis to Structure-Property Relationships and Applications

Conjugated poly-ynes and poly(metalla-ynes) constitute an important class of new materials with potential application in various domains of science. The key factors responsible for the diverse usage of these materials is their intriguing and tunable chemical and photophysical properties. This review highlights fascinating advances made in the field of conjugated organic poly-ynes and poly(metalla-ynes) incorporating group 4-11 metals. This includes several important aspects of conjugated poly-ynes viz. synthetic protocols, bonding, electronic structure, nature of luminescence, structure-property relationships, diverse applications, and concluding remarks. Furthermore, we delineated the future directions and challenges in this particular area of research.

Metal ions in the synthesis of interlocked molecules and materials

The use of metal ions to template the synthesis of catenanes by Sauvage and co-workers was a pivotal moment in the development of the field of interlocked molecules. In this Review Article we shall examine the different roles metal-ligand interactions play in modern syntheses of interlocked molecules and materials, with a particular focus on seminal contributions and the advantages and disadvantages of employing metal ligand interactions.

Covalent post-assembly modification in metallosupramolecular chemistry

This review examines the growing variety of covalent reactions used to achieve the post-assembly modification of self-assembled metallosupramolecular complexes.

Syntheses of metallo-pseudorotaxanes, rotaxane and post-synthetically functionalized rotaxane: a comprehensive spectroscopic study and dynamic properties

Herein, a bis-amido tris-amine macrocycle and five bipyridine-based bidentate chelating ligands were investigated towards various divalent transition metal ion (Ni^II, Co^II, Cu^II, and Zn^II)-templated syntheses of metallo [2]pseudorotaxanes. The formation of these ternary complexes was elucidated via different spectroscopic techniques such as ESI-MS, absorption spectroscopy, EPR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies wherever possible. Azide-terminated Ni^II, Co^II, Cu^II, Zn^II-templated [2]pseudorotaxanes were explored to generate [2]rotaxane, ROT, via reaction with an alkyne-terminated triphenylene unit as a stopper under the mild reaction condition of the Cu^I-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction. Ni^II-templated [2]pseudorotaxane was found to be the best precursor towards the high-yield synthesis of ROT. The interpenetrative nature of the center piece in metal-free rotaxane was also established through various spectroscopic techniques such as ESI-MS and 1D and 2D (COSY, NOESY, ROESY, and DOSY) NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, ROT was functionalized via tri-acetylation as AcROT to incorporate three tertiary amides at the tris-amine centers; this AcROT exhibited rotamer-induced molecular motions in an interpenetrated system via the formation of multiple conformers/co-conformers. Additionally, the existence of multiple rotamers was established via variable-temperature NMR spectroscopic studies. Li⁺ and 12-crown-4 were found to be suitable for the reversible conformation/co-conformation fixation of tri-acetylated bis-amido tris-amine macrocyclic wheel-based rotaxane.

Template-controlled Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions on a Au(111) surface

We employed three metal-coordination structures as templates to control the Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions on a Au(111) surface.

Glaser–Hay hetero-coupling in a bimetallic regime: a Ni(ii)/Ag(i) assisted base, ligand and additive free route to selective unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes

A Ni(OAc)₂/Ag(OTf) catalysed coupling of aryl alkynes and propargylic alcohol/ether/ester gave the corresponding unsymmetrical 1,3-diynes in good to excellent yields.

Macrocyclic shape-persistency of cyclo[6]aramide results in enhanced multipoint recognition for the highly efficient template-directed synthesis of rotaxanes

Examples of using two-dimensional shape-persistent macrocycles, i.e. those having noncollapsible and geometrically well-defined skeletons, for constructing mechanically interlocked molecules are scarce, which contrasts the many applications of these macrocycles in molecular recognition and functional self-assembly. Herein, we report the crucial role played by macrocyclic shape-persistency in enhancing multipoint recognition for the highly efficient template-directed synthesis of rotaxanes. Cyclo[6]aramides, with a near-planar conformation, are found to act as powerful hosts that bind bipyridinium salts with high affinities. This unique recognition module, composed of two macrocyclic molecules with one bipyridinium ion thread through the cavity, is observed both in the solid state and in solution, with unusually high binding constants ranging from ∼10¹³ M^-2 to ∼10¹⁵ M^-2 in acetone. The high efficacy of this recognition motif is embodied by the formation of compact [3]rotaxanes in excellent yields based on either a "click-capping" (91%) or "facile one-pot" (85%) approach, underscoring the great advantage of using H-bonded aromatic amide macrocycles for the highly efficient template-directed synthesis of mechanically interlocked structures. Furthermore, three cyclo[6]aramides bearing different peripheral chains 1-3 demonstrate high specificity in the synthesis of a [3]rotaxane from 1 and 2, and a [2]rotaxane from 3via a "facile one-pot" approach, in each case as the only isolated product. Analysis of the crystal structure of the [3]rotaxane reveals a highly compact binding mode that would be difficult to access using other macrocycles with a flexible backbone. Leveraging this unique recognition motif, resulting from the shape-persistency of these oligoamide macrocycles, in the template-directed synthesis of compact rotaxanes may open up new opportunities for the development of higher order interlocked molecules and artificial molecular machines.

Iterative Synthesis of Oligo[n]rotaxanes in Excellent Yield

We present an operationally simple iterative coupling strategy for the synthesis of oligomeric homo- and hetero[n]rotaxanes with precise control over the position of each macrocycle. The exceptional yield of the AT-CuAAC reaction, combined with optimized conditions that allow the rapid synthesis of the target oligomers, opens the door to the study of precision-engineered oligomeric interlocked molecules.

Triply Threaded [4]Rotaxanes

[4]Rotaxanes featuring three axles threaded through a single ring have been prepared through active metal template synthesis. Nickel-catalyzed sp(3)-sp(3) homocouplings of alkyl bromide "half-threads" through 37- and 38-membered 2,2':6',2″-terpyridyl macrocycles generate triply threaded [4]rotaxanes in up to 11% yield. An analogous 39-membered macrocycle produced no rotaxane products under similar conditions. The constitutions of the [4]rotaxanes were determined by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Doubly threaded [3]rotaxanes were also obtained from the reactions but no [2]rotaxanes were isolated, suggesting that upon demetalation the axle of a singly threaded rotaxane can slip through a macrocycle that is sufficiently large to accommodate three threads.

Assembly of Multi-Phthalocyanines on a Porphyrin Template by Fourfold Rotaxane Formation

A stacked assembly composed of a porphyrin and two phthalocyanines was prepared through fourfold rotaxane formation. Two phthalocyanine molecules, bearing four 24-crown-8 units, were assembled onto a porphyrin template incorporating four sidechains with two dialkylammonium ions each through pseudorotaxane formation between crown ether units and ammonium ions. The Staudinger phosphite reaction, as the stoppering reaction, resulted in the formation of the stacked heterotrimer composed of a porphyrin and two phthalocyanines connected through a fourfold rotaxane structure. UV/Vis spectroscopic and electrochemical studies of the heterotrimer indicated that there is a significant electronic interaction between the two phthalocyanine units due to the close stacking. The electrochemical oxidation process of the stacked heterotrimer was studied by cyclic voltammetry and spectroelectrochemistry. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy of a dinuclear Cu(II) complex, in which two Cu(II) phthalocyanines were assembled on a metal-free porphyrin template, revealed that two Cu(II) phthalocyanines were located within the stacking distance, which resulted in an antiferromagnetic interaction between the two S=1/2 spins in the ground state of the Cu(2+) ions in the heterotrimer.

The Homocoupling Reaction of Aromatic Terminal Alkynes by a Highly Active Palladium(II)/AgNO₃ Cocatalyst in Aqueous Media Under Aerobic Conditions

A new and efficient Pd(II)/AgNO₃-cocatalyzed homocoupling of aromatic terminal alkynes is described. Various symmetrical 1,4-disubstituted-1,3-diynes are obtained in good to excellent yields. This protocol employs a loading with relatively low palladium(II) in aqueous media under aerobic conditions.

High yielding synthesis of 2,2'-bipyridine macrocycles, versatile intermediates in the synthesis of rotaxanes

We present an operationally simple approach to 2,2'-bipyridine macrocycles. Our method uses simple starting materials to produce these previously hard to access rotaxane precursors in remarkable yields (typically >65%) across a range of scales (0.1-5 mmol). All of the macrocycles reported are efficiently converted (>90%) to rotaxanes under AT-CuAAC conditions. With the requisite macrocycles finally available in sufficient quantities, we further demonstrate their long term utility through the first gram-scale synthesis of an AT-CuAAC [2]rotaxane and extend this powerful methodology to produce novel Sauvage-type molecular shuttles.

Silica-supported metal acetylacetonate catalysts with a robust and flexible linker constructed by using 2-butoxy-3,4-dihydropyrans as dual anchoring reagents and ligand donors

2-Butoxy-3,4-dihydropyrans were used, for the first time, as dual anchoring reagents and ligand donors to prepare the immobilize homogeneous metal acetylacetonate catalysts.

Copper(i) chloride catalysed room temperature Csp–Csp homocoupling of terminal alkynes mediated by visible light

An eco-friendly approach to the C_sp–C_sp homocoupling of terminal alkynes (including electron-withdrawing groups) was achieved at room temperature via a copper(i) chloride catalysed process mediated by visible light.

Competitive formation of homocircuit [3]rotaxanes in synthetically useful yields in the bipyridine-mediated active template CuAAC reaction

We recently identified competitive formation of doubly interlocked [3]rotaxanes as the origin of the non-linear variation in yield of [2]rotaxane with macrocycle size in the bipyridine-mediated AT-CuAAC reaction. Selection of reaction conditions gave [2]rotaxanes in essentially quantitative yield in all cases and hard to access doubly threaded [3]rotaxanes in up to 50% yield in a single, four component coupling. Based on the effect of macrocycle structure on the reaction outcome we propose a detailed mechanism of [3]rotaxane formation.