Introducing Defects into Metal-Seamed Nanocapsules Using Mixed Macrocycles

Coordination Polymers Constructed from Pyrogallol[4]arene-Assembled Metal-Organic Nanocapsules

Coordination polymers, commonly known as infinite crystalline lattices, are versatile networks and have diverse potential applications in the fields of gas storage, molecular separation, catalysis, optics, and drug delivery, among other areas. Secondary building blocks, mainly incorporating rigid polydentate organic linkers and metal ions or clusters, are commonly employed to construct coordination polymers. Recently, novel building blocks such as coordination polyhedra have been utilized as metal nodes to fabricate coordination polymers. Benefiting from the rigid porous structure of the coordination polyhedron, prefabricated designer "pores" can be incorporated in this type of coordinate polymer. In this Account, coordination polymers built by pyrogallol[4]arene-assembled metal-organic nanocapsules are summarized. This class of metal-organic nanocapsule possesses the following advantages that make them excellent candidates in the construction of coordination polymers: (i) Various geometrical shapes with different volumes of the inner cavities can be obtained from these capsules. Among them, the two main categories illustrated are dimeric and hexameric capsules, which comprise two and six pyrogallol[4]arenes units, respectively. (ii) A wide range of possible metal ions ranging from main group metals to transition metals and even lanthanides have been demonstrated to seam the capsules. Therefore, these coordination polymers can be endowed with fascinating functionalities such as magnetism, semiconductivity, luminescence, and radioactivity. (iii) Up to 24 metal ions have been successfully embedded on the surface of the nanocapsule, each a potential reaction site in the construction of coordination polymers, opening up pathways for the formation of multidimensional frameworks.In this Account, we focus primarily on the synthesis and the structural information on pyrogallol[4]arene-derived coordination polymers. Coordination polymers can be formed by introducing linkers with two coordination sites, using pyrogallol[4]arenes with coordination sites on the tail, or even via metal ions cross-linking with each other. Machine learning was recently developed to help us predict and screen the structures of the coordination polymers. With single crystal analysis in hand, detailed structural information provides a molecular-level perspective. Significantly, following the formation of coordination polymers, the overall shape and structure of the discrete metal-organic nanocapsules remains essentially unchanged, with full retention of the prefabricated pores. If a rigid linker is used to connect capsules, more than one lattice void with different volumes can be found within the framework. Thus, molecules with different sizes could potentially be encapsulated within these coordination polymers. In addition, flexible ligands can also be employed as linkers. For example, polymers have been employed as large linkers that transform the crystalline coordination polymers into polymer matrices, paving the way toward the synthesis of advanced functional materials. Overall, coordination polymers constructed with pyrogallol[4]arene-assembled metal-organic nanocapsules show wide diversity and tunability in structure and fascinating properties, as well as the promise of built-in functionality in the future.

Controlled hierarchical self-assembly of networked coordination nanocapsules via the use of molecular chaperones

Supramolecular chaperones play an important role in directing the assembly of multiple protein subunits and redox-active metal ions into precise, complex and functional quaternary structures. Here we report that hydroxyl tailed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene ligands and redox-active MnII ions, with the assistance of proline chaperone molecules, can assemble into two-dimensional (2D) and/or three-dimensional (3D) networked nanocapsules. Dimensionality is controlled by coordination between the exterior of nanocapsule subunits, and endohedral functionalization within the 2D system is achieved via chaperone guest encapsulation. The tailoring of surface properties of nanocapsules via coordination chemistry is also shown as an effective method for the fine-tuning magnetic properties, and electrochemical and spectroscopic studies support that the nanocapsule is an effective homogeneous water-oxidation electrocatalyst, operating at pH 6.07 with an exceptionally low overpotential of 368 mV.

Autocatalytic Carbonyl Arylation through In Situ Release of Aryl Nucleophiles from N-Aryl-N'-Silyldiazenes

A method for the catalytic generation of functionalized aryl alkali metals is reported. These highly reactive intermediates are liberated from silyl-protected aryl-substituted diazenes by the action of Lewis basic alkali metal silanolates, resulting in desilylation and loss of N2 . Catalytic quantities of these Lewis bases initiate the transfer of the aryl nucleophile from the diazene to carbonyl and carboxyl compounds with superb functional-group tolerance. The aryl alkali metal can be decorated with electrophilic substituents such as methoxycarbonyl or cyano as well as halogen groups. The synthesis of a previously unknown cyclophane-like [4]arene macrocycle from a 1,3-bisdiazene combined with a 1,4-dialdehyde underlines the potential of the approach.

Stepwise Self-Assembly and Dynamic Exchange of Supramolecular Nanocages Based on Terpridine Building Blocks

Coordination-driven self-assembly as a powerful bottom-up approach has been extensively used to construct multifarious supramolecular architectures with increasing complexity and functionality. Due to the unique cavity structures and precisely controllable dimensions, 3D supramolecules display unprecedented properties and functions in catalysis, sensing, gas storage, and smart materials. Herein, we have built two 3D nanocages with different sizes by changing the length of the organic ligand arms. The structures were characterized by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), traveling wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry (TWIM-MS), gradient tandem-mass spectrometry (gMS2 ), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the intermolecular dynamic exchange of two 3D nanocages was conducted to construct a series of hybrid 3D structures as evidenced by mass spectrometry.

Self-Assembly of Supramolecular Fractals from Generation 1 to 5

In the seeking of molecular expression of fractal geometry, chemists have endeavored in the construction of molecules and supramolecules during the past few years, while only a few examples were reported, especially for the discrete architectures. We herein designed and constructed five generations of supramolecular fractals (G1-G5) based on the coordination-driven self-assembly of terpyridine ligands. All the ligands were synthesized from triphenylamine motif, which played a central role in geometry control. Different approaches based on direct Sonogashira coupling and/or ⟨tpy-Ru(II)-tpy⟩ connectivity were employed to prepare complex Ru(II)-organic building blocks. Fractals G1-G5 were obtained in high yields by precise coordination of organic or Ru(II)-organic building blocks with Zn(II) ions. Characterization of those architectures were accomplished by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), traveling-wave ion mobility mass spectrometry (TWIM-MS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the two largest fractals also hierarchically self-assemble into ordered supramolecular nanostructures either at solid/liquid interface or in solution on the basis of their well-defined scaffolds.

A M18L6 metal–organic nanocapsule with open windows using mixed macrocycles

Introducing defects into metal–organic nanocapsules creates two open windows.

Self-assembly of M7L2 metal–organic nanocapsules using mixed macrocycles

The solvothermal synthesis of two M₇L₂ metal–organic nanocapsules from C-alkyl pyrogallol[3]resorcin[1]arene is reported.

Calixarenes with naphthalene units: calix[4]naphthalenes and hybrid[4]arenes

A facile, one-step synthesis of new calix[4]naphthalenes and the conformational and complexation properties of the homomacrocycles and the hybrid macrocycle are presented.

Strong cation···π interactions promote the capture of metal ions within metal-seamed nanocapsule

Thallium ions are transported to the interior of gallium-seamed pyrogallol[4]arene nanocapsules. In comparison to the capture of Cs ions, the extent of which depends on the type and position of the anion employed in the cesium salt, the enhanced strength of Tl···π vs Cs···π interactions facilitates permanent entrapment of Tl(+) ions on the capsule interior. "Stitching-up" the capsule seam with a tertiary metal (Zn, Rb, or K) affords new trimetallic nanocapsules in solid state.

From trigonal bipyramidal to platonic solids: self-assembly and self-sorting study of terpyridine-based 3D architectures

Using a series of tritopic 2,2':6',2″-terpyridine (tpy) ligands constructed on adamantane, three discrete 3D metallo-supramolecular architectures were assembled, i.e., trigonal bipyramidal, tetrahedron, and cube. The self-assembly used tritopic ligands as corner directing units and metal ions as glue units at the edge. The angles of the linkers between adamantane and tpy head play a critical role in guiding the assembled structures, which have the general formula of M3nL2n, where M denotes metal ion and L denotes ligand. All complexes were fully characterized by (1)H, (13)C NMR, diffusion-ordered NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS, and traveling-wave ion mobility-mass spectrometry. The binary mixtures of LA and LC or LB and LC underwent a self-sorting process that led to the self-assembly of discrete 3D structures. The self-sorting behavior is solely based on the angles precoded within the arm of tritopic ligands. Moreover, kinetic study of preassembled cube and tetrahedron demonstrated a slow ligand exchange process toward a statistical mixture of hetero tetrahedrons with LA and LB.

Packing arrangements of copper-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene nanocapsules with varying chain lengths

The synthesis and structural elucidation of copper-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene hexamers with different tail lengths (n = 3, 7, 9) reveal differences in packing arrangements.

Aqueous solubilization of hydrophobic supramolecular metal–organic nanocapsules

Micelles of surfactant solubilized metal-seamed pyrogallol[4]arene based organic nanocapsules are synthesized and characterized using in situ neutron scattering and dynamic light scattering techniques, which show trends in sizes as a function of alkyl tails of pyrogallols and surfactants.