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Huang Z, Groombridge AS, Wu G, Olesińska M, Chen X, McCune JA, Scherman OA. Biomimetic Entropy-Dominant Molecular Hinges with Picomolar Affinity. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:24244-24249. [PMID: 39167697 PMCID: PMC11378272 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c05274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
Molecular hinges are ubiquitous in both natural and artificial supramolecular systems. A major challenge to date, however, has been simultaneously achieving high thermodynamic and kinetic stability. Here, we employ host-enhanced intramolecular charge-transfer interactions to mediate entropy-favored complexation between a flexible AB2-type guest and a macrocyclic host, forming a new type of molecular hinge with an ultrahigh picomolar binding affinity (Ka > 1012 M-1). This entropy-promoted hinge modulates photoisomerization, exhibiting a substantial preference for the E-isomer, which is further demonstrated to mirror the natural retinal-opsin cycle, promoting the sensitization of visible light. This work unveils an efficient approach to exploit entropy-dominant architectures for the design of hierarchical molecular systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehuan Huang
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander S Groombridge
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Guanglu Wu
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Olesińska
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Jade A McCune
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
| | - Oren A Scherman
- Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, United Kingdom
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2
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Jones C, Kershaw Cook LJ, Slater AG, Yufit DS, Steed JW. Scrolling in Supramolecular Gels: A Designer's Guide. CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS : A PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY 2024; 36:2799-2809. [PMID: 38558920 PMCID: PMC10976645 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemmater.3c03013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Gelation by small molecules is a topic of enormous importance in catalysis, nanomaterials, drug delivery, and pharmaceutical crystallization. The mechanism by which gelators self-organize into a fibrous gel network is poorly understood. Herein, we describe the crystal structures and gelation properties of a library of bis(urea) compounds and show, via molecular dynamics simulations, how gelator aggregation progresses from a continuous pattern of supramolecular motifs to a homogeneous fiber network. Our model suggests that lamellae with asymmetric surfaces scroll into uniform unbranched fibrils, while sheets with symmetric surfaces undergo stacking to form crystals. The self-assembly of asymmetric lamellae is associated with specific molecular features, such as the presence of narrow and flexible end groups with high packing densities, and likely represents a general mechanism for the formation of small-molecule gels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laurence J. Kershaw Cook
- Department
of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Anna G. Slater
- Department
of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
| | - Dmitry S. Yufit
- Department
of Chemistry, Durham University, Durham DH1 3LE, U.K.
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3
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Queer in Chem: Q&A with Professor Anna G. Slater. Commun Chem 2023; 6:206. [PMID: 37777627 PMCID: PMC10542787 DOI: 10.1038/s42004-023-00974-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
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4
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Imato K, Ishii A, Kaneda N, Hidaka T, Sasaki A, Imae I, Ooyama Y. Thermally Stable Photomechanical Molecular Hinge: Sterically Hindered Stiff-Stilbene Photoswitch Mechanically Isomerizes. JACS AU 2023; 3:2458-2466. [PMID: 37772185 PMCID: PMC10523368 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Molecular photoswitches are extensively used as molecular machines because of the small structures, simple motions, and advantages of light including high spatiotemporal resolution. Applications of photoswitches depend on the mechanical responses, in other words, whether they can generate motions against mechanical forces as actuators or can be activated and controlled by mechanical forces as mechanophores. Sterically hindered stiff stilbene (HSS) is a promising photoswitch offering large hinge-like motions in the E/Z isomerization, high thermal stability of the Z isomer, which is relatively unstable compared to the E isomer, with a half-life of ca. 1000 years at room temperature, and near-quantitative two-way photoisomerization. However, its mechanical response is entirely unexplored. Here, we elucidate the mechanochemical reactivity of HSS by incorporating one Z or E isomer into the center of polymer chains, ultrasonicating the polymer solutions, and stretching the polymer films to apply elongational forces to the embedded HSS. The present study demonstrated that HSS mechanically isomerizes only in the Z to E direction and reversibly isomerizes in combination with UV light, i.e., works as a photomechanical hinge. The photomechanically inducible but thermally irreversible hinge-like motions render HSS unique and promise unconventional applications differently from existing photoswitches, mechanophores, and hinges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Imato
- Applied Chemistry
Program,
Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Akira Ishii
- Applied Chemistry
Program,
Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Naoki Kaneda
- Applied Chemistry
Program,
Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Taichi Hidaka
- Applied Chemistry
Program,
Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Ayane Sasaki
- Applied Chemistry
Program,
Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Ichiro Imae
- Applied Chemistry
Program,
Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
| | - Yousuke Ooyama
- Applied Chemistry
Program,
Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima 739-8527, Japan
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5
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Menke AJ, Mellberg JM, Pan H, Reibenspies JH, Janesko BG, Simanek EE. Controlling Swing Rates in Macrocyclic Molecular Mortise Hinges. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202300987. [PMID: 37229593 PMCID: PMC10524934 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202300987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Hinge motion is observed in macrocyclic, mortise-type molecular hinges using variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. The data is consistent with dynamic hinging from a folded-to-extended-to-folded enantiomeric state. Crystallographic and solution structures of the folded states are reported. Chemical shift predictions derived from crystallographic data corroborate fully revolute hinge motion. The rate of hinging is affected by steric congestion at the hinge axis. A macrocycle containing glycine, 1, hinges faster than one comprising aminoisobutyric acid, 2. The free energies of activation, ΔG≠ , for 1 and 2 were determined to be 13.3±0.3 kcal/mol and 16.3±0.3 kcal/mol, respectively. This barrier is largely independent of solvent across those surveyed (CD3 OD, CD3 CN, DMSO-d6 , pyridine-d5 , D2 O). Experiment and computation predict energy barriers that are consistent with disruption of an intramolecular network of hydrogen bonds. DFT calculations reveal a pathway for hinge motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J Menke
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA
| | - Joseph M Mellberg
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA
| | - Hongjun Pan
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76203, USA
| | | | - Benjamin G Janesko
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA
| | - Eric E Simanek
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX, 76129, USA
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6
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Haynes CJE, White NG. (Self) assembled news: recent highlights from the supramolecular chemistry literature (Quarter 1, 2023). Supramol Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/10610278.2023.2189346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas G. White
- Research School of Chemistry, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Abstract
How do you get into flow? We trained in flow chemistry during postdoctoral research and are now applying it in new areas: materials chemistry, crystallization, and supramolecular synthesis. Typically, when researchers think of "flow", they are considering predominantly liquid-based organic synthesis; application to other disciplines comes with its own challenges. In this Perspective, we highlight why we use and champion flow technologies in our fields, summarize some of the questions we encounter when discussing entry into flow research, and suggest steps to make the transition into the field, emphasizing that communication and collaboration between disciplines is key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Laybourn
- Faculty
of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Karen Robertson
- Faculty
of Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
| | - Anna G. Slater
- Department
of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
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8
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Ollerton K, Greenaway RL, Slater AG. Enabling Technology for Supramolecular Chemistry. Front Chem 2021; 9:774987. [PMID: 34869224 PMCID: PMC8634592 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2021.774987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Supramolecular materials-materials that exploit non-covalent interactions-are increasing in structural complexity, selectivity, function, stability, and scalability, but their use in applications has been comparatively limited. In this Minireview, we summarize the opportunities presented by enabling technology-flow chemistry, high-throughput screening, and automation-to wield greater control over the processes in supramolecular chemistry and accelerate the discovery and use of self-assembled systems. Finally, we give an outlook for how these tools could transform the future of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Ollerton
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca L. Greenaway
- Department of Chemistry, Molecular Sciences Research Hub, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna G. Slater
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Innovation Factory, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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