Aqueous Self-Assembly of an Electroluminescent Double-Helical Metallopolymer

Fifty Shades of Phenanthroline: Synthesis Strategies to Functionalize 1,10-Phenanthroline in All Positions

1,10-Phenanthroline (phen) is one of the most popular ligands ever used in coordination chemistry due to its strong affinity for a wide range of metals with various oxidation states. Its polyaromatic structure provides robustness and rigidity, leading to intriguing features in numerous fields (luminescent coordination scaffolds, catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, sensors, theranostics, etc.). Importantly, phen offers eight distinct positions for functional groups to be attached, showcasing remarkable versatility for such a simple ligand. As a result, phen has become a landmark molecule for coordination chemists, serving as a must-use ligand and a versatile platform for designing polyfunctional arrays. The extensive use of substituted phenanthroline ligands with different metal ions has resulted in a diverse array of complexes tailored for numerous applications. For instance, these complexes have been utilized as sensitizers in dye-sensitized solar cells, as luminescent probes modified with antibodies for biomaterials, and in the creation of elegant supramolecular architectures like rotaxanes and catenanes, exemplified by Sauvage's Nobel Prize-winning work in 2016. In summary, phen has found applications in almost every facet of chemistry. An intriguing aspect of phen is the specific reactivity of each pair of carbon atoms ([2,9], [3,8], [4,7], and [5,6]), enabling the functionalization of each pair with different groups and leading to polyfunctional arrays. Furthermore, it is possible to differentiate each position in these pairs, resulting in non-symmetrical systems with tremendous versatility. In this Review, the authors aim to compile and categorize existing synthetic strategies for the stepwise polyfunctionalization of phen in various positions. This comprehensive toolbox will aid coordination chemists in designing virtually any polyfunctional ligand. The survey will encompass seminal work from the 1950s to the present day. The scope of the Review will be limited to 1,10-phenanthroline, excluding ligands with more intracyclic heteroatoms or fused aromatic cycles. Overall, the primary goal of this Review is to highlight both old and recent synthetic strategies that find applicability in the mentioned applications. By doing so, the authors hope to establish a first reference for phenanthroline synthesis, covering all possible positions on the backbone, and hope to inspire all concerned chemists to devise new strategies that have not yet been explored.

Infinite Twisted Polycatenanes

Poly[n]catenanes have exceptional mechanical bonding properties that give them tremendous potential for use in the development of molecular machines and soft materials. Synthesizing these compounds has, however, proven to be a formidable challenge. Herein, we describe a concise method for the construction of twisted polycatenanes. Our approach involves using preorganized double helicates as templates, linked crosswise in a linear fashion by either silver ions or triple bonds. By using this approach, we successfully synthesized twisted polycatenanes with both coordination and covalent bonding employing Ag(I) ions and ethynylene units, respectively, as the linkages and leveraging the same Ag(I)-templated double helicate in both cases. Synthesis with Ag(I) ions formed a single-crystalline one-dimensional (1D) coordination poly[n]catenane, and synthesis using ethynylene units generated 1D fibers which self-assembled with solvents to form a gel. Our results confirm the potential of multi-stranded metallohelicates for creating sophisticated mechanically interlocked molecules and polymers, which could pave the way for exploration in the realms of molecular nanotopology and materials design.

Self-Assembly of Double-Helical Metallopolymers

Metal-containing polymers, or metallopolymers, have diverse applications in the fields of sensors, catalysis, information storage, optoelectronics, and neuromorphic computing, among other areas. The approach of metal-templated subcomponent self-assembly using dynamic covalent linkages allows complex architectures to be formed with relative synthetic ease. The dynamic nature of the linkages between subunits in these systems facilitates error checking during the assembly process and also provides a route to disassemble the structure, rendering these materials recyclable. This Account summarizes a class of double-helical metallopolymers. These metallopolymers are formed via subcomponent self-assembly and consist of two conjugated helical strands wrapping a linear array of Cu^I centers. Starting from discrete model helicates, we discuss how, through the judicious design of subcomponents, long helical metallopolymers can be obtained and detail their subsequent assembly into nanometer-scale aggregates. Two approaches to generate these helical metallopolymers are compared. We describe methods to govern (i) the length of the metallopolymers, (ii) the relative orientations (head-to-head vs head-to-tail) of the two organic strands, and (iii) the screw-sense of the double helix. Achieving structural control allowed the growth behavior of these systems to be probed. The structure influenced properties in ways that are relevant to specific applications; for example, the length of the metallopolymer determines the color of the light it emits in solution. In the solid state, the ionic nature of these helices renders them useful as both emitters and ionic additives in light-emitting electrochemical cells. Moreover, recent experimental work has clarified the role of the linear array of Cu ions in the transport of charge through these materials. The conductivity displayed by a film of metallopolymer depends upon its history of applied voltage and current, behavior characteristic of a memristor. In addition to the prospective applications already identified, others may be on the horizon, potentially combing stimuli-responsive electronic behavior with the chirality of the helical twist.

Modulation of a Supramolecular Figure-of-Eight Strip Based on a Photoswitchable Stiff-Stilbene

The preparation, assembly and dynamic properties of photoswitchable bisphosphine ligands based on the stiff-stilbene scaffold are reported. Directional bonding and coordination-induced assembly allow complexation of these ligands with palladium(II), resulting in the formation of discrete metallo-supramolecular entities. While the Z isomer forms a simple bidentate metallo-macrocycle, an intricate double helicate figure-of-eight dimer is observed with the E ligand. Topologically 3D complexes can thus be obtained from 2D ligands. Upon irradiation with UV light, isomerization of the ligands allows control of the architecture of the formed complexes, resulting in a light-triggered modulation of the supramolecular topology. Furthermore, a mechanistic investigation unveiled the dynamic nature of the helicate chirality, where a transmission of motion from the palladium centers yields an "eight-to-eight" inversion.

Hierarchical self-assembly of helical coordination polymers and formation of a lamellar structure via the cooperativity of two-step Ag(i) coordination and π-π interactions

Hierarchical self-assembly from a V-shaped ligand 2,9-di(pyridin-4-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (DPP) to an initial interlocked dimer, further to a coordination polymer with an alternate linear and interlocked helical configuration and finally to a lamellar structure with an undulating surface was precisely achieved in sequence via the cooperativity of two-step Ag (i) coordination and π-π interactions for the first time.

Lanthanoids Goes Healing: Lanthanoidic Metallopolymers and Their Scratch Closure Behavior

Metallopolymers represent an interesting combination of inorganic metal complexes and polymers resulting in a variety of outstanding properties and applications. One field of interest are stimuli-responsive materials and, in particular, self-healing polymers. These systems could be achieved by the incorporation of terpyridine–lanthanoid complexes of Eu (III), Tb (III), and Dy (III) in the side chains of well-defined copolymers, which were prepared applying the reversible addition fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT)-polymerization technique. The metal complexes crosslink the polymer chains in order to form reversible supramolecular networks. These dynamics enable the self-healing behavior. The information on composition, reversibility, and stability of the complexes was obtained by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Moreover, self-healing experiments were performed by using 3D-microscopy and indentation.

From a blue to white to yellow emitter: a hexanuclear copper iodide nanocluster

Emission colors can be largely tuned from blue to white to yellow, by changing the solid state from crystal to powder to film.

The effect of vicinal di-halo substituents on the organogelling properties of aromatic supramolecular gelators and their application as soft templates

Vicinal di-halo substituents have a determinant effect on the supramolecular self-assembly and properties of aromatic physical gelators with application as soft templates.

Syntheses, characterization, multi-acid fluorescence sensing and electroluminescence properties of Cr(ii)-based metallopolymers

Cr(ii)-Based multifunctional fluorescent metallopolymers with different degrees of backbone rigidity were synthesized and applied as multi-acid sensors and electroluminescent ON–OFF switches.

Formation and dissociation of synthetic hetero-double-helix complex in aqueous solutions: significant effect of water content on dynamics of structural change

A 1 : 1 mixture of the ethynylhelicene pseudoenantiomers (M)-tetramer and (P)-pentamer, which possess hydrophilic terminal tri(ethyleneglycol) (TEG) groups, changes their structures in the water-THF (10 μM) solvent system between dissociated random-coils and an associated hetero-double-helix upon heating and cooling. A small change in water content between 30 and 33% significantly affects the dynamics of structural changes. At 30% water content, heating to 60 °C causes rapid formation of random-coil and cooling to 10 °C causes the rapid formation of hetero-double-helix, accompanied by repeated changes in Δε at 369 nm between 0 and -2000 cm-1 M-1. Heating and cooling experiments at constant rates between 60 and 10 °C resulted in sigmoidal curves in Δε/temperature profiles, which indicate rapid structural changes. Different phenomena occurred at 33% water content. Heating to 60 °C and cooling to 0 °C initially induced changes in Δε between 0 and -2000 cm-1 M-1, and repeated cycles gradually reduced the range between 0 and -500 cm-1 M-1. Heating and cooling experiments at constant rates between 60 and 10 °C caused small changes in Δε, and repeated cycles at 10 °C gradually increased Δε to -500 cm-1 M-1. These phenomena involved rapid changes in molecular structure and slow structural changes in the water-THF solvent system. The sharp switching of the dynamics of structural changes at water content between 30 and 33% indicated discontinuous structural changes in the hydration of TEG and/or in water clusters in the vicinity of oligomer molecules.

Self-Assembly of Copper Polypyridyl Supramolecular Metallopolymers to Achieve Enhanced Anticancer Efficacy

Self‐assembled functional supramolecular metallopolymers have demonstrated application potential in cancer therapy. Herein, a copper polypyridyl complex was found able to self‐assemble into a supramolecular metallopolymer driven by the intermolecular interactions, which could enhance the uptake in cancer cells through endocytosis, and thus effectively inhibiting tumor growth in vivo without damaging to the major organs. This study provides a facile way to achieve enhanced anticancer efficacy by using self‐assembled metallopolymers.

Self-Assembly of Conjugated Metallopolymers with Tunable Length and Controlled Regiochemistry

Self-assembled materials can be designed to express useful optoelectronic properties; however, achieving structural control is a necessary precondition for the optimization of desired properties. Here we report a simple, metal-templated polymerization process that generates helical metallopolymer strands over 75 repeat units long (28 kDa) from a single bifunctional monomer and Cu^I . The resulting polymer consists of a double helix of two identical conjugated organic strands enclosing a central column of metal ions. The length of this metallopolymer can be controlled by adding monofunctional subcomponents to end-cap the conjugated ligands. The use of ditopic and bulky monotopic subcomponents, respectively, allows a head-to-head or head-to-tail double helix to be generated. Spectroscopic measurements of different polymer lengths demonstrate how control over polymer length leads to control over the electronic and luminescent properties of the resulting material, thereby enabling tunable white-light emission.

Synthesis, structure, and photophysics of copper(i) triphenylphosphine complexes with functionalized 3-(2′-pyrimidinyl)-1,2,4-triazole ligands

The use of CF₃ group can enhance the solid-state luminescence of 1,2,4-triazole-based Cu(i) complexes but the use of Bu^t and pyrimidinyl groups and the 1,2,4-triazolyl-NH deprotonation do not favor this.

A folding-directed catalytic microenvironment in helical dynamic covalent polymers formed by spontaneous configuration control

Helical dynamic covalent polymers with a folding-directed hollow tubular structure were investigated for catalysis.

Electroluminescence from Spontaneously Generated Single-Vesicle Aggregates Using Solution-Processed Small Organic Molecules

Self-assembled aggregates offer great potential for tuning the morphology of organic semiconductors, thereby controlling their size and shape. This is particularly interesting for applications in electroluminescent (EL) devices, but there has been, to date, no reports of a functional EL device in which the size and color of the emissive domains could be controlled using self-assembly. We now report a series of molecules that spontaneously self-organize into small EL domains of sub-micrometer dimensions. By tailoring the emissive chromophores in solution, spherical aggregates that have an average size of 300 nm in diameter and emit any one color, including CIE D65 white, are spontaneously formed in solution. We show that the individual aggregates can be used in EL devices built either using small patterned electrodes or using a sandwich architecture to produce devices emitting in the blue, green, red, and white. Furthermore, sequential deposition of the three primary colors yields an RGB device in which single aggregates of each color are present in close proximity.

Copper(ii) complexes with phosphorylated 1,10-phenanthrolines: from molecules to infinite supramolecular arrays

Supramolecular architectures based on copper(ii) complexes with diethoxyphosphoryl substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines are reported.

Directional supracolloidal self-assembly via dynamic covalent bonds and metal coordination

An emerging strategy towards the sophistication of supramolecular nanomaterials is the use of supracolloidal self-assembly, in which micelles or colloids are used as building blocks. Binding directionality can produce nanostructures with attractive properties. Herein, we present a new directional supracolloidal self-assembly by virtue of dynamic covalent bonds and metal coordination in water. Conjugation of a ligand precursor to a water-soluble block copolymer through dynamic covalent bonds leads to the dehydration and micellization of the functionalized polymer. Reversible reaction facilitates the permeation of metal ions into core-shell interfaces. Conversely, metal-coordination promotes reaction over the interfaces. Cu(ii)-coordination occurs overwhelmingly inside each isolated micelle. However, Zn(ii)-coordination induced a directional self-assembly whose nanostructures evolve stepwise from nanorods, nanowires, necklaces, and finally to supracolloidal networks scaling-up to several tens of micrometres. Post-reactions of simultaneous dynamic covalent bond conversion and Zn(ii)-coordination over the core-shell interfaces endow these supracolloidal networks with a huge specific surface area for hydrophobic dative metal centres accessible to substrates in water. Water-soluble shells play important roles in directional supracolloidal assembly and in the stabilization of nanostructures. Thus the directional self-assembly provides a versatile platform to produce metallo-hybridized nanomaterials that are promising as enzyme-inspired aqueous catalysts.

Hierarchical assembly of a dual-responsive macroscopic insulated molecular wire bundle in a gradient system

Here, we report the hierarchical self-assembly of a cationic gemini amphiphile, Azo 1, in a composition gradient solution generated using solvent evaporation. As the gradient solution is formed, Azo 1 forms nanorods in the lower region of the solution. Depending on solvent composition, these nanorods can further develop into nanofibres, which can then intertwine to form double helices and other types of nanohelices in the upper region of the solution. Finally, a macroscopic wire bundle is formed via the fusion of nanohelices; this ribbon-like bundle exhibits elasticity and linear ohmic resistance properties. More intriguingly, this bundle exhibits photoresponsive properties that affect its deformation and conductivity, as well as a rapid electroresponse that affects its conductivity, indicating that it is feasible to control the charge pathway.

Amphiphilic diselenide-containing supramolecular polymers

This communication describes the fabrication of diselenide-containing supramolecular polymers.

Chiral tether-mediated stabilization and helix-sense control of complementary metallo-double helices

A series of novel PtII-linked double helices were prepared by inter- or intrastrand ligand-exchange reactions of the complementary duplexes composed of chiral or achiral amidine dimer and achiral carboxylic acid dimer strands joined by trans-PtII-acetylide complexes with PPh3 ligands using chiral and achiral chelating diphosphines. The structure and stability of the PtII-linked double helices were highly dependent on the diphosphine structures. An interstrand ligand exchange took place with chiral and achiral 1,3-diphosphine-based ligands, resulting in trans-PtII-bridged double helices, whose helical structures were quite stable even in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) due to the interstrand cross-link, whereas a 1,2-diphosphine-based ligand produced non-cross-linked cis-PtII-linked duplexes, resulting from an intrastrand ligand-exchange that readily dissociated into single strands in DMSO. When enantiopure 1,3-diphosphine-based ligands were used, the resulting trans-PtII-bridged double helices adopted a preferred-handed helical sense biased by the chirality of the bridged diphosphines. Interestingly, the interstrand ligand exchange with racemic 1,3-diphosphine toward an optically-active PtII-linked duplex, composed of chiral amidine and achiral carboxylic acid strands, was found to proceed in a diastereoselective manner, thus forming complete homochiral trans-PtII-bridged double helices via a unique chiral self-sorting.

Composite molecular assemblies: nanoscale structural control and spectroelectrochemical diversity

The controlled deposition of metal complexes from solution on inorganic surfaces offers access to functional materials that otherwise would be elusive. For such surface-confined interfaces to form, specific assembly sequences are often used. We show here that varying the assembly sequence of two well-defined and iso-structural osmium and ruthenium polypyridyl complexes results in interfaces with strikingly different spectroelectrochemical properties. Successive deposition of redox-active layers of osmium and ruthenium polypyridyl complexes, leads to self-propagating molecular assemblies (SPMAs) with distinct internal interfaces and individually addressable components. In contrast, the clear separation of these interfaces upon sequential deposition of these two complexes, results in charge trapping or electrochemical communication between the metal centers, as a function of layer thickness and applied assembly sequence. The SPMAs were characterized using a variety of techniques, including: UV–vis spectroscopy, spectroscopic ellipsometry, electrochemistry, synchrotron X-ray reflectivity, angle-resolved X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and spectroelectrochemistry. The combined data demonstrate that the sequence-dependent assembly is a decisive factor that influences and provides the material properties that are difficult to obtain otherwise.

Stereochemistry in subcomponent self-assembly

CONSPECTUS: As Pasteur noted more than 150 years ago, asymmetry exists in matter at all organization levels. Biopolymers such as proteins or DNA adopt one-handed conformations, as a result of the chirality of their constituent building blocks. Even at the level of elementary particles, asymmetry exists due to parity violation in the weak nuclear force. While the origin of homochirality in living systems remains obscure, as does the possibility of its connection with broken symmetries at larger or smaller length scales, its centrality to biomolecular structure is clear: the single-handed forms of bio(macro)molecules interlock in ways that depend upon their handednesses. Dynamic artificial systems, such as helical polymers and other supramolecular structures, have provided a means to study the mechanisms of transmission and amplification of stereochemical information, which are key processes to understand in the context of the origins and functions of biological homochirality. Control over stereochemical information transfer in self-assembled systems will also be crucial for the development of new applications in chiral recognition and separation, asymmetric catalysis, and molecular devices. In this Account, we explore different aspects of stereochemistry encountered during the use of subcomponent self-assembly, whereby complex structures are prepared through the simultaneous formation of dynamic coordinative (N → metal) and covalent (N═C) bonds. This technique provides a useful method to study stereochemical information transfer processes within metal-organic assemblies, which may contain different combinations of fixed (carbon) and labile (metal) stereocenters. We start by discussing how simple subcomponents with fixed stereogenic centers can be incorporated in the organic ligands of mononuclear coordination complexes and communicate stereochemical information to the metal center, resulting in diastereomeric enrichment. Enantiopure subcomponents were then incorporated in self-assembly reactions to control the stereochemistry of increasingly complex architectures. This strategy has also allowed exploration of the degree to which stereochemical information is propagated through tetrahedral frameworks cooperatively, leading to the observation of stereochemical coupling across more than 2 nm between metal stereocenters and the enantioselective synthesis of a face-capped tetrahedron containing no carbon stereocenters via a stereochemical memory effect. Several studies on the communication of stereochemistry between the configurationally flexible metal centers in tetrahedral metal-organic cages have shed light on the factors governing this process, allowing the synthesis of an asymmetric cage, obtained in racemic form, in which all symmetry elements have been broken. Finally, we discuss how stereochemical diversity leads to structural complexity in the structures prepared through subcomponent self-assembly. Initial use of octahedral metal templates with facial stereochemistry in subcomponent self-assembly, which predictably gave rise to structures of tetrahedral symmetry, was extended to meridional metal centers. These lower-symmetry linkages have allowed the assembly of a series of increasingly intricate 3D architectures of varying functionality. The knowledge gained from investigating different aspects of the stereochemistry of metal-templated assemblies thus not only leads to new means of structural control but also opens pathways toward functions such as stereoselective guest binding and transformation.

Temperature- and voltage-induced ligand rearrangement of a dynamic electroluminescent metallopolymer

A dynamic-covalent metal-containing polymer was synthesized by the condensation of linear diamine and dialdehyde subcomponents around copper(I) templates in the presence of bidentate phosphine ligands. In solution, the red polymers undergo a sol-gel transition upon heating to form a yellow gel, a process that can be either reversible or irreversible depending on the solvent used. When fabricated into a light-emitting electrochemical cell (LEC), the polymer emits infrared light at low voltage. As the voltage is increased, a blue shift in the emission wavelength is observed until yellow light is emitted, a process which is gradually reversed over time upon lowering the voltage. The mechanism underlying these apparently disparate responses is deduced to be due to loss of the copper phosphine complex from the polymer.

Supramolecular chemistry of metal complexes in solution

Building on established supramolecular chemistry, metal coordination and organometallic chemistry have been widely explored for supramolecular polymers and nanostructures. Increasingly, research has demonstrated that this approach is promising for the synthesis of novel materials with functions and properties derived from metal elements and their coordination structures. Unique self-assembling behaviour and unexpected supramolecular structures are frequently discovered due to multiple non-covalent interactions in addition to metal coordination. However, an explicit understanding of the synergistic effects of non-covalent interactions for designed synthesis of metal containing assemblies with structure correlated properties remains a challenge to be addressed. Recent literature in the area is highlighted in this review in order to illustrate newly explored concepts and stress the importance of developing well understood and controlled supramolecular chemistry for designed synthesis.

Supramolecular polymers bearing disulfide bonds

Supramolecular polymers bearing disulfide bonds have successfully been fabricated by combining dynamic covalent bonds with host–guest chemistry.