Intense Chiroptical Switching in a Dicationic Helicene-Like Derivative: Exploration of a Viologen-Type Redox Manifold of a Non-Racemic Helquat

Longitudinal Extension of Double π-Helix Enables Near-Infrared Amplified Dissymmetry and Chiroptical Response

Near-infrared (NIR) circularly polarized light absorbing or emitting holds great promise for highly sensitive and precise bioimaging, biosensing, and photodetectors. Aiming at designing NIR chiral molecular systems with amplified dissymmetry and robust chiroptical response, herein, we present a series of double π-helical dimers with longitudinally extended π-entwined substructures via Ullmann or Yamamoto homocoupling reactions. Circular dichroism (CD) spectra revealed an approximate linear bathochromic shift with the rising number of naphthalene subunits, indicating a red to NIR chiroptical response. Particularly, the terrylene diimide-entwined dimers exhibited the strongest CD intensities, with the maximal |Δε| reaching up to 393 M-1 cm-1 at 666 nm for th-TDI[2]; and a record-high chiroptical response (|ΔΔε|) between the neutral and dianionic species of 520 M-1 cm-1 at 833 nm for th-TDI[2]Cl was achieved upon further reduction to its dianionic state. Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations suggested that the pronounced intensification of the CD spectra originated from a simultaneous enhancement of both electric (μ) and magnetic (m) transition dipole moments, ultimately leading to an overall increase in the rotatory strength (R). Notably, the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) brightness (BCPL) reached 77 M-1 cm-1 for th-TDI[2]Cl, among the highest values reported for NIR-CPL emitters. Furthermore, all chiral dianions exhibited excellent air stability under ambient conditions with half-life times of up to 10 days in N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), which is significant for future biological applications and chiroptic switches.

Near-Infrared, Organic Chiroptic Switch with High Dissymmetry Factors

Here we unveil a chiral molecular redox switch derived from PDI-based twistacenes─chPDI[2] that has the remarkable attributes of high-intensity and a broadband chiral response. This material exhibits facile, stable, and reversible multistate chiroptical switching behavior over a broad active wavelength range close to 700 nm, encompassing ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions. Upon reduction, chPDI[2] exhibits a substantial increase in the amplitude of its circular dichroic response, with an outstanding |ΔΔε| > 300 M-1 cm-1 and a high dissymmetry factor of 3 × 10-2 at 960 nm. DFT calculations suggest that the long wavelength CD signal for doubly reduced chPDI[2] originates from excitation of the PDI backbone to the π* orbital of the bridging alkene. Importantly, the dimer's molecular contortion facilitates ionic diffusion, enabling chiral switching in solid state films. The high dissymmetry factors and near-infrared response establish chPDI[2] as a unique chiroptic switch.

The separation of the enantiomers of diquats by capillary electrophoresis using randomly sulfated cyclodextrins as chiral selectors

Diquats, derivatives of the widely used herbicide diquat, represent a new class of functional organic molecules. A combination of their special electrochemical properties and axial chirality could potentially result in their important applications in supramolecular chemistry, chiral catalysis, and chiral analysis. However, prior to their practical applications, the diquats have to be prepared in enantiomerically pure forms and the enantiomeric purity of their P- and M-isomers has to be checked. Hence, a chiral capillary electrophoresis (CE) method has been developed and applied for separation of P- and M-enantiomers of 11 new diquats. Fast and better than baseline CE separations of enantiomers of all 11 diquats within a short time 5-7 min were achieved using acidic buffer, 22 mM NaOH, 35 mM H3 PO4 , pH 2.5, as a background electrolyte, and 6 mM randomly sulfated α-, β-, and γ-cyclodextrins as chiral selectors. The most successful selector was sulfated γ-cyclodextrin, which baseline separated the enantiomers of all 11 diquats, followed by sulfated β-cyclodextrin and sulfated α-cyclodextrin, which baseline separated enantiomers of 10 and nine diquats, respectively. Using this method, a high enantiopurity degree of the isolated P- and M-enantiomers of three diquats with a defined absolute configuration was confirmed and their migration order was identified.

Intramolecular rhodium-catalysed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition of linear chiral N-bridged triynes: straightforward access to fused tetrahydroisoquinoline core

A route for the preparation of merged symmetrical tetrahydroisoquinolines with central chirality through a rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition involving enantiopure triynes as substrates is described. The results show that linear triynes lacking a 3-atom tether can undergo efficient cyclisation. The N-tethered 1,7,13-triynes used in our approach were easily prepared from readily accessible chiral homopropargyl amides, the basic building blocks in our approach, which were efficiently obtained by diastereoselective addition of propargyl magnesium bromide to Ellman imines. Additional substitution at the benzene rings could be attained when substituted triynes at the terminal triple bonds were employed, giving access to more complex tetrahydroisoquinolines after the rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition. Among the different transition-metal catalysts, the Wilkinson complex (RhCl(PPh₃)₃) afforded higher yields in the cyclisation of linear triynes; however, triynes bearing a Br substituent at the terminal positions underwent the cyclisation more efficiently in the presence of [RhCl(CO)₂]₂.

Stereochemistry and chiroptical properties of bimetallic single helicates of hexapyrrole-α, ω-dicarbaldimines with high diastereoselectivity

Bimetallic complexes of hexapyrrole-[Formula: see text],[Formula: see text]-dicarbaldimines consisting of a pair of four-coordinate metal sites adopt a helical closed [Formula: see text]-symmetric form or sigmoidal open forms depending on whether the 2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyrrole subunit at the center of the hexapyrrole chain takes cis- or trans-conformation. X-ray crystallography of a bisNi complex having N-[([Formula: see text]-1-cyclohexylethyl]carbaldimine units at both ends of the hexapyrrole chain revealed a non-symmetric heterohelical open form where the metal coordination sites of opposite helical sense sit on opposite sides of the central 2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyrrole subunit. BisPd complexes preferred a closed [Formula: see text] form and a steric bulk at the 3,3[Formula: see text]-position of the 2,2[Formula: see text]-bipyrrole subunit improved the helical sense bias. A bisPd complex with N-[([Formula: see text]-1-cyclohexylethyl]carbaldimine units adopts a helical closed [Formula: see text] form exclusively with full bias for a [Formula: see text]-helical sense. These bimetallic single stranded helicates were reversibly oxidized to [Formula: see text]-cation radicals at 0.1[Formula: see text]0.3 V vs. a ferrocene/ferrocenium couple and spectroelectrochemistry revealed remarkable absorption and CD spectral changes in the Vis-NIR region.

The Contribution of Density Functional Theory to the Atomistic Knowledge of Electrochromic Processes

In this review, we provide a brief overview of the contribution that computational studies can offer to the elucidation of the electronic mechanisms responsible for the electrochromism phenomenon, through the use of the density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent formulation (TDDFT). Although computational studies on electrochromic systems are not as numerous as those for other physico-chemical processes, we will show their reliability and ability to predict structures, excitation energies, and redox potentials. The results confirm that these methods not only help in the interpretation of experimental data but can also be used for the rational design of molecules with interesting electrochromic properties to be initiated for synthesis and experimental characterization.

Enantioenriched Ruthenium-Tris-Bipyridine Complexes Bearing One Helical Bipyridine Ligand: Access to Fused Multihelicenic Systems and Chiroptical Redox Switches

The synthesis and photophysical and chiroptical properties of novel aza[n]helicenes (6a-d, 10a,b, n = 4-7) substituted with one or two 2-pyridyl groups are described. The preparation was performed via an adapted Mallory reaction using aromatic imines as precursors. The obtained novel class of helical 2,2'-bipyridine ligands was then coordinated to Ru(bipy)₂²⁺ units, thus affording the first diastereomerically and enantiomerically pure [RuL(bipy)₂]²⁺ (11a,c, L = 6a,c) or [Ru₂L'(bipy)₄]⁴⁺ (12, L' = 10b) complexes. The topology and stereochemistry of these novel metal-based helical architectures were studied in detail, notably using X-ray crystallography. Interestingly, the coordination to ruthenium(II) enabled the preparation of fused multihelical systems incorporating aza- and ruthena-helicenes within the same scaffold. The photophysical, chiroptical, and redox properties of these complexes were examined in detail, and efficient redox-triggered chiroptical switching activity was evidenced.

Theoretical Study on Drum-Shaped Polymers (1,3,5-Triazine)2n Composed of Nonplanar π-Extended Polymerization Units

A nonplanar extended π-system can be found not only in compounds formed by multiple ortho-fused benzenes, such as helicenes and corannulenes, but also in compounds formed by bonding of atoms on the large π-extended rings. (1,3,5-Triazine)_2n (n ≥ 3) are the latter type of compounds that are characterized by monomer units composed entirely of a 1,3,5-triazine core (general formula: C₃N₃). The first seven polymers (C₃N₃)_2n (n = 3-9) with a drum shape were investigated computationally. Analyses of natural bonding orbitals and atoms in molecules were applied to investigate the bonding properties. In contrast to the planar structure of the 1,3,5-triazine core, the monomer units in (C₃N₃)_2n (n = 3-9) are transformed from their planar π-system to a warped one. Similar to properties of the nonplanar π-system in [n]helicenes and corannulenes, the nonplanar heterocyclic aromatic configuration of the polymerization units is the determinant of the physical and chemical properties of these polymers. The discovery of nonplanar heterocyclic aromatic structures opens up a broad prospect for the study of azacyclic compounds. The results will be the supplement to the study of heterocyclic helicenes and corannulenes.

Helquats as Promoters of the Povarov Reaction: Synthesis of 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinoline Scaffolds Catalyzed by Helicene-Viologen Hybrids

Helquats (HQs) are structurally linked to helicenes and viologens, and they represent an attractive field of research in chemistry and medicinal chemistry. In the present work they were used as catalysts for the synthesis of 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines in good yields by the Povarov reaction. The substrate scope and the capability of different helquats to promote Povarov reactions are demonstrated. Studies to elucidate mechanistic details revealed that helquats act as single-electron transfer oxidants through a cation-radical mechanism. The screening of the catalytic activity of HQs confirmed that an active HQ must have a LUMO energy below -8.67 eV and the standard redox potential higher (less negative) than -1.2 V vs. the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couple.

Furan-containing double tetraoxa[7]helicene and its radical cation

An unprecedented furan-based double oxa[7]helicene 1 was achieved, featuring a stable twisted conformation with π-overlap at both helical ends. The excellent conformational stability allowed for optical resolution of 1, which provided a pair of enantiomers exhibiting pronounced mirror-imaged circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence activity. The radical cation of 1 was obtained by chemical oxidation as evidenced by UV-Vis-NIR absorption, electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and in situ spectroelectrochemistry. The present work is the starting point for the investigation of open-shell oxahelicenes.

Chiroptical inversion of a planar chiral redox-switchable rotaxane

A tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-containing crown ether macrocycle with C s symmetry was designed to implement planar chirality into a redox-active [2]rotaxane. The directionality of the macrocycle atom sequence together with the non-symmetric axle renders the corresponding [2]rotaxane mechanically planar chiral. Enantiomeric separation of the [2]rotaxane was achieved by chiral HPLC. The electrochemical properties - caused by the reversible oxidation of the TTF - are similar to a non-chiral control. Reversible inversion of the main band in the ECD spectra for the individual enantiomers was observed after oxidation. Experimental evidence, conformational analysis and DFT calculations of the neutral and doubly oxidised species indicate that mainly electronic effects of the oxidation are responsible for the chiroptical switching. This is the first electrochemically switchable rotaxane with a reversible inversion of the main ECD band.

Tetrathiafulvalene-Based Helicene Ligand in the Design of a Dysprosium Field-Induced Single-Molecule Magnet

The design of a coordination complex that involves a ligand combining both a tetrathiafulvalene core and a helicene fragment was achieved thanks to the reaction between the new 2-{1-[2-methyl[6]helicene]-4,5-[4,5-bis(propylthio)tetrathiafulvalenyl]-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl}pyridine ligand (L) and the Dy(hfac)₃·2H₂O metalloprecursor. Magnetic investigations showed field-induced single-molecule-magnet (SMM) behavior under an applied magnetic field of 1000 Oe for [Dy(hfac)₃(L)]·0.5CH₂Cl₂, while experimentally oriented single-crystal magnetic measurements allowed for determination of the magnetic anisotropy orientation. The magnetic behavior was rationalized through ab initio CASSCF/SI-SO calculations. This redox-active chiral-field-induced SMM paves the way for the design of switchable-multiproperty SMMs.

A redox-active chiral-field-induced single-molecule magnet was achieved through a coordination reaction of the [Dy(hfac)₃] precursor to a ligand that combines a redox-active tetrathiafulvalene core and a chiral carbo[6]helicene fragment. This multiproperty system was characterized using X-ray crystallography, magnetism, and ab initio calculations.

Thiahelicene-based inherently chiral films for enantioselective electroanalysis

Enantiopure inherently chiral films with helicoidal stereogenicity of outstanding enantiodiscrimination potentialities for chiral redox probes and as spin filters.

Chiral electroanalysis could be regarded as the highest recognition degree in electrochemical sensing, implying the ability to discriminate between specular images of an electroactive molecule, particularly in terms of significant peak potential difference. A groundbreaking strategy was recently proposed, based on the use of “inherently chiral” molecular selectors, with chirality and key functional properties originating from the same structural element. Large differences in peak potentials have been observed for the enantiomers of different chiral molecules, also of applicative interest, using different selectors, all of them based on atropisomeric biheteroaromatic scaffolds of axial stereogenicity. However, helicene systems also provide inherently chiral building blocks with attractive features. In this paper the enantiodiscrimination performances of enantiopure inherently chiral films obtained by electrooxidation of a thiahelicene monomer with helicoidal stereogenicity are presented for the first time. The outstanding potentialities of this novel approach are evaluated towards chiral probes with different chemical nature and bulkiness, in comparison with a representative case of the so far exploited class of inherently chiral selectors with axial stereogenicity. It is also verified that the high enantiodiscrimination ability holds as well for electron spins, as for atropisomeric selectors.

Redox-Active Chiroptical Switching in Mono- and Bis-Iron Ethynylcarbo[6]helicenes Studied by Electronic and Vibrational Circular Dichroism and Resonance Raman Optical Activity

Introducing one or two alkynyl-iron moieties onto a carbo[6]helicene results in organometallic helicenes (2 a,b) that display strong chiroptical activity combined with efficient redox-triggered switching. The neutral and oxidized forms have been studied in detail by electronic and vibrational circular dichroism, as well as by Raman optical activity (ROA) spectroscopy. The experimental results were analyzed and spectra were assigned with the help of first-principles calculations. In particular, a recently developed method for ROA calculations under resonance conditions has been used to study the intricate resonance effects on the ROA spectrum of mono-iron ethynylhelicene 2 a.

Diquats with Robust Chirality: Facile Resolution, Synthesis of Chiral Dyes, and Application as Selectors in Chiral Analysis

Diquats with extremely high racemization barriers with ΔG^≠_theor of 233 kJ mol^-1 at 180 °C are described. Reported configurational robustness is due to a combination of two structural features: the rigid o-xylylene tether connecting the nitrogen atoms and the presence of two substituents in the bay region of the bipyridinium scaffold. The straightforward synthesis of diquats, plus facile resolution and derivatization make them attractive for chiral application studies. This is demonstrated by: 1) synthesis of the first non-racemic diquat dyes with pronounced chiroptical properties, and 2) capability of diquats to interact stereospecifically with chiral molecules. This suggests potential for diquat derivatives to be used as chiral selectors in separation methods.

Intense redox-driven chiroptical switching with a 580 mV hysteresis actuated through reversible dimerization of an azoniahelicene

Electrochemical reduction of an azoniahelicene affords a dimer, accompanied by a strong change in the electronic circular dichroism. The fast dimerisation event leads to a >500 mV shift of the oxidation potential, affording a large area of bistability, where the chiroptical signal only depends on the redox history.

Direct regioselective C–H borylation of [5]helicene

A facile and efficient protocol for a regioselective borylation of [5]helicene was achieved via Ir-catalyzed C–H activation.

Helicity-Dependent Regiodifferentiation in the Excited-State Quenching and Chiroptical Properties of Inward/Outward Helical Coumarins

Influence of helicity on the excited-state as well as chiroptical properties of two sets of regiohelical coumarins that are differentiated by "inward" and "outward" disposition of the pyran-2-one ring has been investigated. A subtle difference in the helicities manifests in divergent excited-state properties and significant differences in the dipole moments. The latter permit heretofore unprecedented regiodifferentiation in the O-H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen-bond assisted electron-transfer quenching by phenols. Furthermore, the enantiopure hexahelical coumarins exhibit strong Cotton effects and lend themselves to a very high differentiation in the specific rotations and anisotropic dissymmetry factors. The specific rotation observed for 6-in turns out being the highest of the values reported for all hexahelicenes reported so far.

Triggering Emission with the Helical Turn in Thiadiazole-Helicenes

Introduction of heterocycles into the helical skeleton of helicenes allows modulation of their redox, chiroptical, and photophysical properties. This paper describes the straightforward preparation and structural characterization by single-crystal X-ray diffraction of thiadiazole-[7]helicene, which was resolved into M and P enantiomers by chiral HPLC, together with its S-shaped double [4]helicene isomer, as well as the smaller congeners thiadiazole-[5]helicene and benzothiadiazole-anthracene. A copper(II) complex with two thiadiazole-[5]helicene ligands was structurally characterized, and it shows the presence of both M and P isomers coordinated to the metal center. The emission properties of the heterohelicenes are highly dependent on the helical turn, as the [7]- and [5]helicene are poorly emissive, whereas their isomers, that is, the S-shaped double [4]helicene and thiadiazole-benzanthracene, are luminescent, with quantum efficiencies of 5.4 and 6.5 %, respectively. DFT calculations suggest quenching of the luminescence of enantiopure [7]helicenes through an intersystem-crossing mechanism arising from the relaxed excited S1 state.

Linquats: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Linear Extended Diquats

We report an innovative synthetic route to linear extended diquats (linquats). Our approach is short and efficient and features a highly modular reaction sequence based on two-fold quaternization followed by the key intramolecular [2+2+2] alkyne cycloaddition. The physico-chemical properties of four new linquats were characterized by spectroscopic methods, X-ray crystallography, and electrochemistry complemented by information obtained from DFT calculations. Electron deficient N-heteroaromatic cations with linear extended diquat motif with high electron affinities have been recently recognized as attractive n-type semiconductors for chemical and biological sensing. Their advantageous redox properties such as very fast reversible electron transfers make the title compounds interesting for applications.

Electronic Structures and Chiroptical Properties of Post-functionalized Helicene Quinones

The synthesis of redox-active p- and o-quinones 2-phenylamino-4-phenylimino[6]helicene-1-one 1, 2-phenylamino[6]-helicene-1,4-dione 2, and 4-phenyl[6]helicene-1,2-dione 3 in their enantiopure forms by post-functionalization of (P)- and (M)-1,2-dimethoxy[6]helicene is presented. Structural characterization in solution and in the solid state was accomplished by 2D NMR spectroscopy methods and X-ray diffraction analysis, respectively. Interpretation of electrochemical redox data was accompanied by a detailed orbital picture, derived from DFT calculations. The electronic structures of compounds 1-3 were investigated by UV/Vis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy, complemented by TD-DFT calculations. Quinones 1-3 were chemically reduced to study the EPR signatures of their respective radical anions. DFT methods were used for the atom assignment of the hyperfine coupling constants. The results are discussed within the context of electrochromic chiral switches and molecular recognition.

Intense chirality induction in nitrile solvents by a helquat dye monitored by near resonance Raman scattering

Chirality induction phenomena attract attention because of their relevance to intermolecular interactions encountered in living matter. Usually, such effects are weak. However, enantiomers of a [6]helquat dye were found to induce exceptionally strong chirality in several achiral solvents containing nitrile groups. This effect was observable as an intense Raman optical activity (ROA) induced in acetonitrile, acetonitrile-d3, and liquid hydrogen cyanide solvents. The observation was verified by measurement of both helquat enantiomers which provided mirror image ROA spectra. Theoretical analysis indicated that the 532 nm laser excitation light was in a near resonance with electronic transitions of the dye, which made the effect observable in very dilute solutions (1 : 200 000 helquat to nitrile ratio) and thus the phenomenon can be generally useful in analytical chemistry.

Functionalized cationic [4]helicenes with unique tuning of absorption, fluorescence and chiroptical properties up to the far-red range

Unprecedented regioselective post-functionalization of racemic and enantiopure cationic diaza [4]helicenes is afforded. The peripheral auxochrome substituents allow a general tuning of the electrochemical, photophysical and chiroptical properties of the helical dyes (26 examples). For instance, electronic absorption and circular dichroism are modulated from the orange to near-infrared spectral range (575-750 nm), fluorescence quantum efficiency is enhanced up to 0.55 (631 nm) and circularly polarized luminescence is recorded in the red (|g_lum| ∼ 10^-3).