Highly Selective Separation of Benzene and Cyclohexane in a Spatially Confined Carborane Metallacage

Formation and reactivity of a unique M⋯C-H interaction stabilized by carborane cages

Broadening carborane applications has consistently been the goal of chemists in this field. Herein, compared to alkyl or aryl groups, a carborane cage demonstrates an advantage in stabilizing a unique bonding interaction: M⋯C-H interaction. Experimental results and theoretical calculations have revealed the characteristic of this two-center, two-electron bonding interaction, in which the carbon atom in the arene ring provides two electrons to the metal center. The reduced aromaticity of the benzene moiety, long distance between the metal and carbon atom in arene, and the upfield shift of the signal of M⋯C-H in the nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum distinguished this interaction from metal⋯C π interaction and metal-C(H) σ bonds. Control experiments demonstrate the unique electronic effects of carborane in stabilizing the M⋯C-H bonding interaction in organometallic chemistry. Furthermore, the M⋯C-H interaction can convert into C-H bond metallization under acidic conditions or via treatment with t-butyl isocyanide. These findings deepen our understanding regarding the interactions between metal centers and carbon atoms and provide new opportunities for the use of carboranes.

Self-Adaptive Aromatic Cation-π Driven Dimensional Polymorphism in Supramolecular Polymers for the Photocatalytic Oxidation and Separation of Aromatic/Cyclic Aliphatic Compounds

The phenomenon of polymorphism is ubiquitous in nature, the controlled manipulation of which not only increases our ontological understanding of nature but also facilitates the conceptualization and realization of novel functional materials. However, achieving targeted polymorphism in supramolecular assemblies (SAs) remains a formidable challenge, largely because of the constraints inherent in controlling the specific binding motifs of noncovalent interactions. Herein, we propose self-adaptive aromatic cation-π binding motifs to construct polymorphic SAs in both the solid and solution states. Using distinct discrete cation-π-cation and long-range cation-π binding motifs enables control of the self-assembly directionality of a C2h-symmetric bifunctional monomer, resulting in the successful formation of both two-dimensional and three-dimensional crystalline SAs (2D-CSA and 3D-CSA). The differences in the molecular packing of 3D-CSA compared with that of 2D-CSA significantly improve the charge separation and carrier mobility, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity for the aerobic oxidation of thioanisole to methyl phenyl sulfoxide (yield of 99 % vs 57 %). 2D-CSA, which has a vertical extended structure with favorable stronger interaction with toluene though face-to-face cation-π interactions than methylcyclohexane, shows higher toluene/methylcyclohexane separation efficiency than 3D-CSA (96.9 % for 2D-CSA vs 56.3 % for 3D-CSA).

Breaking the Base Barrier: Cu(II)-Mediated C-H Heteroarylation of o-Carboranes with Base-Sensitive Heteroaryl Halides

While cage C-arylation reactions using strong bases are among the most frequently used transformations in carborane chemistry, there has been no general solution to allow for the use of weak bases in the reaction. Moreover, base-metal-promoted C-H heteroarylation with base-sensitive heteroaryl halides remained elusive. Herein, copper-mediated cage C-H (hetero)arylation has been achieved without the need for strong bases, leading to the facile synthesis of a wide range of C-(hetero)arylated carboranes in good to excellent yields with a broad substrate scope and good functional group compatibility.

Double-walled Al-based MOF with large microporous specific surface area for trace benzene adsorption

Double-walled metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), synthesized using Zn and Co, are potential porous materials for trace benzene adsorption. Aluminum is with low-toxicity and abundance in nature, in comparison with Zn and Co. Therefore, a double-walled Al-based MOF, named as ZJU-520(Al), with large microporous specific surface area of 2235 m2 g-1, pore size distribution in the range of 9.26-12.99 Å and excellent chemical stability, was synthesized. ZJU-520(Al) is consisted by helical chain of AlO6 clusters and 4,6-Di(4-carboxyphenyl)pyrimidine ligands. Trace benzene adsorption of ZJU-520(Al) is up to 5.98 mmol g-1 at 298 K and P/P0 = 0.01. Adsorbed benzene molecules are trapped on two types of sites. One (site I) is near the AlO6 clusters, another (site II) is near the N atom of ligands, using Grand Canonical Monte Carlo simulations. ZJU-520(Al) can effectively separate trace benzene from mixed vapor flow of benzene and cyclohexane, due to the adsorption affinity of benzene higher than that of cyclohexane. Therefore, ZJU-520(Al) is a potential adsorbent for trace benzene adsorption and benzene/cyclohexane separation.

54 K Spin Transition Temperature Shift in a Fe6L4 Octahedral Cage Induced by Optimal Fitted Multiple Guests

Spin-crossover (SCO) coordination cages are at the forefront of research for their potential in crafting next-generation molecular devices. However, due to the scarcity of SCO hosts and their own limited cavities, the interplay between the SCO host and the multiple guests binding has remained elusive. In this contribution, we present a family of pseudo-octahedral coordination cages (M6L4, M = ZnII, CoII, FeII, and NiII) assembled from a tritopic tridentate ligand L with metal ions. The utilization of FeII ion leads to the successful creation of the Fe6L4-type SCO cage. Host-guest studies of these M6L4 cages reveal their capacity to encapsulate four adamantine-based guests. Notably, the spin transition temperature T1/2 of Fe6L4 is dependent on the multiple guests encapsulated. The inclusion of adamantine yields an unprecedented T1/2 shift of 54 K, a record shift in guest-mediated SCO coordination cages to date. This drastic shift is ascribed to the synergistic effect of multiple guests coupled with their optimal fit within the host. Through a straightforward thermodynamic cycle, the binding affinities of the high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) states are separated from their apparent binding constant. This result indicates that the LS state has a stronger binding affinity for the multiple guests than the HS state. Exploring the SCO thermodynamics of host-guest complexes allows us to examine the optimal fit of multiple guests to the host cavity. This study reveals that the T1/2 of the SCO host can be manipulated by the encapsulation of multiple guests, and the SCO cage is an ideal candidate for determining the multiple guest fit.

Segmented Template-Directed Self-Assembly of Giant Truncated Triangular Supramolecules

The template-directed strategy has been extensively employed for the construction of supramolecular architectures. However, with the increase in the size and complexity of these structures, the synthesis difficulty of the templates escalates exponentially, thereby impeding the widespread application of this strategy. In this study, two truncated triangles T1 and T2 were successfully self-assembled through a novel segmented template strategy by segmenting the core triangular template into portions. Two metallo-organic ligands L2 and L3 were designed and synthesized by dividing the central stable triangle into three separate parts and incorporating them into the precursor ligands, which served as templates to guide the self-assembly process with ligands L1 and L4, respectively. The assembled structures were unambiguously characterized by multidimensional and multinuclear NMR (1H, COSY, NOESY), multidimensional mass spectrometry analysis (ESI-MS and TWIM-MS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Moreover, we observed the formation of fiberlike nanotubes from single-molecule triangles by hierarchical self-assembly.

Separation of benzene and toluene associated with vapochromic behaviors by hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystals

The combination of macrocyclic chemistry with co-crystal engineering has promoted the development of materials with vapochromic behaviors in supramolecular science. Herein, we develop a macrocycle co-crystal based on hybrid[4]arene and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene that is able to construct vapochromic materials. After the capture of benzene and toluene vapors, activated hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystal forms new structures, accompanied by color changes from brown to yellow. However, when hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystal captures cyclohexane and pyridine, neither structures nor colors change. Interestingly, hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystal can separate benzene from a benzene/cyclohexane equal-volume mixture and allow toluene to be removed from a toluene/ pyridine equal-volume mixture with purities reaching 100%. In addition, the process of adsorptive separation can be visually monitored. The selectivity of benzene from a benzene/cyclohexane equal-volume mixture and toluene from a toluene/ pyridine equal-volume mixture is attributed to the different changes in the charge-transfer interaction between hybrid[4]arene and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene when hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystal captures different vapors. Moreover, hybrid[4]arene-based co-crystal can be reused without losing selectivity and performance. This work constructs a vapochromic material for hydrocarbon separation.

Adjusting the Architecture of Heptagonal Metallo-Macrocycles by Embedding Metal Nodes into the Backbone

Coordination-driven self-assembly has been extensively employed for the bottom-up construction of discrete metallo-macrocycles. However, the prevalent use of benzene rings as the backbone limits the formation of large metallo-macrocycles with more than six edges. Herein, by embedding metal nodes into the ligand backbone, we successfully regulated the ligand arm angle and assembled two giant heptagonal metallo-macrocycles with precise control. The angle between two arms at position 4 of the central terpyridine (tpy) extended after complexation with metal ions, leading to ring expansion of the metallo-macrocycle. The assembled structures were straightforwardly identified through multi-dimensional NMR spectroscopy (1 H, COSY, NOESY), multidimensional mass spectrometry analysis (ESI-MS and TWIM-MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). In addition, the catalytic performances of metallo-macrocycles in the oxidation of thioanisole were studied, with both supramolecules exhibiting good conversion rates. Furthermore, fiber-like nanostructures were observed from single-molecule heptagons by hierarchical self-assembly.

Strain-Induced Heteromorphosis Multi-Cavity Cages: Tension-Driven Self-Expansion Strategy for Controllable Enhancement of Complexity in Supramolecular Assembly

Coordinative supramolecular cages with adjustable cavities have found extensive applications in various fields, but the cavity modification strategies for multi-functional structures are still challenging. Here, we present a tension-driven self-expansion strategy for construction of multi-cavity cages with high structural complexity. Under the regulation of strain-induced capping ligands, unprecedented heteromorphosis triple-cavity cages S2 /S4 were obtained based on a metallo-organic ligand (MOL) scaffold. The heteromorphosis cages exhibited significant higher cavity diversity than the homomorphous double-cavity cages S1 /S3 ; all of the cages were thoroughly characterized through various analytical techniques including (1D and 2D) NMR, ESI-MS, TWIM-MS, AFM, and SAXS analyses. Furthermore, the encapsulation of porphyrin in the cavities of these multi-cavity cages were investigated. This research opens up new possibilities for the architecture of heteromorphosis supramolecular cages via precisely controlled "scaffold-capping" assembly with preorganized ligands, which could have potential applications in the development of multifunctional structures with higher complexity.

9,9'-Bis-o-carboranes: synthesis and exploration of properties

A highly efficient Pd-catalyzed B(9)-H/B(9)-H oxidative dehydrogenation coupling of carboranes to synthesize 9,9'-bis-o-carboranes has been developed. The properties and derivatization of 9,9'-bis-o-carborane were also examined, which provided diverse bis-o-carborane derivatives and bis-nido-carborane.

Carborane-Based Three-Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks

The predesignable porous structure and high structural flexibility of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) render this material desirable as a platform for addressing various cutting-edge issues. Precise control over their composition, topological structure, porosity, and stability to realize tailor-made functionality still remains a great challenge. In this work, we developed a new kind of three-dimensional (3D) carborane-based COF with a 7-fold interpenetrating dia topological diagram. The resulting COFs exhibited high crystallinity, exceptional porosity, and strong robustness. The slightly lower electronegativity of boron (2.04) than that of hydrogen (2.20) can lead to the polarization of the B-H bond into a Bδ+-Hδ- mode, which renders these COFs as high-performance materials for the adsorption and separation of hexane isomers through the B-Hδ-···Hδ+-C interaction. Significantly, the carborane content of obtained COFs reached up to 54.2 wt %, which gets the highest rank among all the reported porous materials. Combining high surface area, strong robustness, and high content of carborane, the obtained COFs can work as efficient adsorbents for the separation of the five hexane isomers with high separation factors. This work not only enhances the diversity of 3D functional COFs but also constitutes a further step toward the efficient separation of alkane isomers.

Ir-Catalyzed B(3)-Amination of o-Carboranes with Amines via Acceptorless Dehydrogenative BH/NH Cross-Coupling

An efficient and convenient strategy for Ir-catalyzed selective B(3)-amination of o-carboranes with amines via acceptorless BH/NH dehydrocoupling was developed, affording a series of B(3)-aminated-o-carboranes in moderate to high isolated yields with H2 gas as a sole by-product. Such an oxidant-free system endues the protocol sustainability, atom-economy and environmental friendliness. A reaction mechanism via an Ir(I)-Ir(III)-Ir(I) catalytic cycle involving oxidative addition, dehydrogenation and reductive elimination was proposed.

Flexible Luminescent Hydrogen-bonded Organic Framework for the Separation of Benzene and Cyclohexane

A nonplanar phenothiazine derivative with three cyano moieties (PTTCN) is designed and synthesized to achieve functional crystals for absorptive separation of benzene and cyclohexane. PTTCN can crystallize into two kinds of crystals with different fluorescence colors in different solvent systems. The molecules in two crystals are in different stereo isomeric forms of nitrogen, quasi axial (ax), and quasi equatorial (eq). The crystals with blue fluorescence in ax form may selectively adsorb benzene by a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation, but separated benzene from a benzene/cyclohexane equimolar mixture with a low purity of 79.6%. Interestingly, PTTCN molecules with eq form and benzene co-assembled to construct a hydrogen-bonded framework (X-HOF-4) with S-type solvent channels and yellow-green fluorescence, and can release benzene to form nonporous guest-free crystal under heating. Such nonporous crystals strongly favor aromatic benzene over cyclohexane and may selectively reabsorb benzene from benzene/cyclohexane equimolar mixture to recover original framework, and the purity of benzene can reach ≈96.5% after release from framework. Moreover, reversible transformation between the nonporous crystals and the guest-containing crystals allows the material to be reused.

A Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly and NIR Photothermal Conversion Study of Organometallic Handcuffs

Due to their fascinating topological structures and application prospects, coordination supramolecular complexes have continuously been studied by scientists. However, the controlled construction and property study of organometallic handcuffs remains a significant and challenging research subject in the area of supramolecular chemistry. Hence, a series of tetranuclear organometallic and heterometallic handcuffs bearing different size and metal types were rationally designed and successfully synthesized by utilizing a quadridentate pyridyl ligand (tetra-(3-pyridylphenyl)ethylene) based on three Cp*Rh (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) fragments bearing specific longitudinal dimensions and conjugated planes. These results were determined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis technology, ESI-MS NMR spectroscopy, etc. Importantly, the photoquenching effect of Cp* groups and the discrepancy of intermolecular π-π stacking interactions between building block and half-sandwich fragments promote markedly different photothermal conversion results. These results will further push the synthesis of topological structures and the development of photothermal conversion materials.

Supramolecular Architectures Bearing Half-Sandwich Iridium- or Rhodium-Based Carboranes: Design, Synthesis, and Applications

The utilization of carboranes in supramolecular chemistry has attracted considerable attention. The unique spatial configuration and weak interaction forces of carboranes can help to explore the properties of supramolecular complexes, particularly via host-guest chemistry. Additionally, certain difficulties encountered in carborane development─such as controlled B-H bond activation─can be overcome by judiciously selecting metal centers and their adjacent ligands. However, few studies are being conducted in this nascent research area. With advances in this field, novel carborane-based supramolecular complexes will likely be prepared, structurally characterized, and intrinsically investigated. To expedite these efforts, we present major findings from recent studies, including π-π interactions, host-guest associations, and steric effects, which have been leveraged to implement a regioselective process for activating B(2,9)-, B(2,8)-, and B(2,7)-H bonds of para-carboranes and B(4,7)-H bonds of ortho-carboranes. Future studies should clarify the unique weak interactions of carboranes and their potential for enhancing the utility of supramolecular complexes. Although carboranes exhibit several unique weak interactions (such as dihydrogen-bond [Bδ+-Hδ-···Hδ+-Cδ-], Bδ+-Hδ-···M+, and Bδ+-Hδ-···π interactions), the manner in which they can be utilized remains unclear. Supramolecular complexes, particularly those based on host-guest chemistry, can be utilized as a platform for demonstrating potential applications of these weak interactions. Owing to the importance of alkane separation, applications related to the recognition and separation of alkane isomers via dihydrogen-bond interactions are primarily summarized. Advances in the research of unique weak interactions in carboranes will certainly lead to more possibilities for supramolecular chemistry.

Construction of Covalent Organic Cages with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristics from Metallacages for Mimicking Light-Harvesting Antenna

A series of covalent organic cages built from fluorophores capable of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) were elegantly prepared through the reduction of preorganized M2 (LA )3 (LB )2 -type metallacages, simultaneously taking advantage of the synthetic accessibility and well-defined shapes and sizes of metallacages, the good chemical stability of the covalent cages as well as the bright emission of AIE fluorophores. Moreover, the covalent cages could be further post-synthetically modified into an amide-functionalized cage with a higher quantum yield. Furthermore, these presented covalent cages proved to be good energy donors and were used to construct light-harvesting systems employing Nile Red as an energy acceptor. These light-harvesting systems displayed efficient energy transfer and relatively high antenna effect, which enabled their use as efficient photocatalysts for a dehalogenation reaction. This research provides a new avenue for the development of luminescent covalent cages for light-harvesting and photocatalysis.

Cofacial porphyrin organic cages. Metals regulating excitation electron transfer and CO2 reduction electrocatalytic properties

Herein, we introduce a comprehensive study of the photophysical behaviors and CO2 reduction electrocatalytic properties of a series of cofacial porphyrin organic cages (CPOC-M, M = H2, Co(ii), Ni(ii), Cu(ii), Zn(ii)), which are constructed by the covalent-bonded self-assembly of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-formylphenyl)porphyrin (TFPP) and chiral (2-aminocyclohexyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetraformyl diimide (ANDI), followed by post-synthetic metalation. Electronic coupling between the TFPP donor and naphthalene-1,4 : 5,8-bis(dicarboximide) (NDI) acceptor in the metal-free cage is revealed to be very weak by UV-vis spectroscopic, electrochemical, and theoretical investigations. Photoexcitation of CPOC-H2, as well as its post-synthetic Zn and Co counterparts, leads to fast energy transfer from the triplet state porphyrin to the NDI unit according to the femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopic results. In addition, CPOC-Co enables much better electrocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction reaction than the other metallic CPOC-M (M = Ni(ii), Cu(ii), Zn(ii)) and monomeric porphyrin cobalt compartment, supplying a partial current density of 18.0 mA cm-2 at -0.90 V with 90% faradaic efficiency of CO.

Potential of nonporous adaptive crystals for hydrocarbon separation

Hydrocarbon separation is an important process in the field of petrochemical industry, which provides a variety of raw materials for industrial production and a strong support for the development of national economy. However, traditional separation processes involve huge energy consumption. Adsorptive separation based on nonporous adaptive crystal (NAC) materials is considered as an attractive green alternative to traditional energy-intensive separation technologies due to its advantages of low energy consumption, high chemical and thermal stability, excellent selective adsorption and separation performance, and outstanding recyclability. Considering the exceptional potential of NAC materials for hydrocarbon separation, this review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in various supramolecular host-based NACs. Moreover, the current challenges and future directions are illustrated in detail. It is expected that this review will provide useful and timely references for researchers in this area. Based on a large number of state-of-the-art studies, the review will definitely advance the development of NAC materials for hydrocarbon separation and stimulate more interesting studies in related fields.

Self-Assembly and Photothermal Conversion of MetallaRussian Doll and Metalla[2]catenanes Induced via Multiple Stacking Interactions

A variety of organometallic supramolecular architectures have been constructed over the past decades and their properties were also explored via different strategies. However, the synthesis of metalla-Russian doll is still a fascinating challenge. Herein, a series of new coordination supramolecular complexes, including a metalla-Russian doll, metalla[2]catenanes, and metallarectangles, were synthesized by using meticulously selected Cp*Rh (Cp* = η5-C5Me5) building units (E1, E2, and E3) and three rigid anthracylpyridine ligands (L1, L2, and L3) via a self-assembly strategy. While the combination of the short ligand L1 and E1 or E2 generated two metallarectangles, the longer ligand L2 containing an alkynyl group resulted in two new [2]catenanes, most likely due to which the strong electron-donating effect of alkynyl groups causes self-accumulation. Interestingly, an unusual Russian doll assembly was obtained through the reaction of L3 and E3 based on sextuple π···π stacking interactions. Furthermore, the dynamic structural conversion between [2]catenanes and the corresponding metallarectangles could be observed through concentration-, solvent-, and guest-induced effects. The [2]catenane complexes 4b displayed efficient photothermal conversion efficiency in solution (20.2%), in comparison with other organometallic macrocycles. We believe that π···π stacking interactions generate active nonradiative pathways and promote radiative photodeactivation pathways. This study proves the versatility of half-sandwich building units, not only to build complicated supramolecular topologies but also in effective functional materials for various appealing applications.

Coordination-directed self-assembly of nano-cages: metal ion-change, ligand-extending, shape-control and transdermal drug delivery

The combination of different pyridyl ligands and metal ions has proven to be a very reliable strategy for controlling the coordination mode of the heterometallic coordination nano-cages. Adjusting the length of the ligands could result in the selective synthesis of several heterometallic coordination nano-cages, either [8Rh + 2M]-4L, [8Rh + 2M]-5L or [8Rh + 4M]-6L cages, derived from the very same precursors (LH3tzdc) through half-sandwich rhodium self-assembly. Moreover, a series of [8Rh + 4M]-6L cages was chosen to exemplify the preparation. The rigidity of various pyridyl donor ligands caused the vertical nano-cage to be energetically preferred and was able to change the self-assembly process through ligand flexibility to selectively give the inclined nano-cage and cross nano-cage.

Anionic Templates Drive Conversion between a ZnII9L6 Tricapped Trigonal Prism and ZnII6L4 Pseudo-Octahedra

This work introduces the use of 8-aminoquinoline subcomponents to generate complex three-dimensional structures. Together with a tris(formylpyridine), 8-aminoquinoline condensed around Zn^II templates to produce a tris(tridentate) ligand. This ligand is incorporated into either a tricapped trigonal prismatic Zn^II₉L₆ structure or a pair of pseudo-octahedral Zn^II₆L₄ diastereomers, with S₄ and D₂ symmetries. Introduction of a methyl group onto the aminoquinoline modulated the coordination sphere of Zn^II, which favored the Zn^II₉L₆ structure and disfavored the Zn^II₆L₄ assembly. The tricapped trigonal prismatic Zn^II₉L₆ architecture converted into a single Zn^II₆L₄ cage diastereomer following the addition of a dianionic 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate guest. Four of these guests clustered tightly at the four windows of the Zn^II₆L₄ cage, held in place through electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonding, stabilize a single diastereomeric configuration with S₄ symmetry.

Nickelacarborane-Supported Bis-N-heterocyclic Carbenes

Metallacarboranes have attracted significant attention due to their unique properties. Considerable efforts have been made on the reactions around the metal centers or the metal ion itself, while transformations of functional groups of the metallacarboranes have been much less explored. We presented here the formation of imidazolium-functionalized nickelacarboranes (2), their subsequent conversion to nickelacarborane-supported N-heterocyclic carbenoids (NHCs, 3), and the reactivities of 3 toward Au(PPh₃)Cl and Se powder, which resulted in the formation of bis-gold carbene complexes (4) and NHC selenium adducts (5). Cyclic voltammetry of 4 shows two reversible peaks, corresponding to the interconversion transformations Ni^II ↔ Ni^III and Ni^III ↔ Ni^IV. Theoretical calculations demonstrated relatively high-lying lone-pair orbitals, weak B-H···H-C interactions between the BH units and the methyl group, and weak B-H···π interactions between the BH groups and the vacant p-orbital of the carbene.

B(9)-OH-o-Carboranes: Synthesis, Mechanism, and Property Exploration

Herein, we present a chemically robust and efficient synthesis route for B(9)-OH-o-carboranes by the oxidation of o-carboranes with commercially available 68% HNO₃ under the assistance of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid (HOTf) and hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP). The reaction is highly efficient with a wide scope of carboranes, and the selectivity of B(9)/B(8) is up to 98:2. The success of this transformation relies on the strong electrophilicity and oxidizability of HNO₃, promoted through hydrogen bonds of the Brønsted acid HOTf and the solvent HFIP. Mechanism studies reveal that the oxidation of o-carborane involves an initial electrophilic attack of HNO₃ to the hydrogen atom at the most electronegative B(9) of o-carborane. In this transformation, the hydrogen atom of the B-H bond is the nucleophilic site, which is different from the electrophilic substitution reaction, where the boron atom is the nucleophilic site. Therefore, this is an oxidation-reduction reaction of o-carborane under mild conditions in which N(V) → N(III) and H(-I) → H(I). The derivatization of 9-OH-o-carborane was further examined, and the carboranyl group was successfully introduced to an amino acid, polyethylene glycol, biotin, deoxyuridine, and saccharide. Undoubtedly, this approach provides a selective way for the rapid incorporation of carborane moieties into small molecules for application in boron neutron capture therapy, which requires the targeted delivery of boron-rich groups.

Macrocycle with Equatorial Coordination Sites Provides New Opportunity for Structure-Diverse Metallacages

Reported here is the synthesis of a macrocycle with equatorial coordination sites for the construction of self-assembled metallacages. The macrocycle is prepared via a post-modification on the equator of biphen[n]arene. Utilizing this macrocycle as a ligand, three prismatic cages and one octahedral cage were synthesized by regulating the geometric structures and coordination number of metal acceptors. The multi-cavity configuration of prismatic cage was revealed by single-crystal structure. We prove that a macrocycle with equatorial coordination sites can be an excellent building block for synthesizing structure-diverse metallacages. Our results provide a typical example and a general method for the design and synthesis of metallacages.

Synthesis of triarylborane-centered N-heterocyclic carbene cages with tunable photophysical properties

Triarylborane-based discrete metal-carbene supramolecular cages [M₃(1)₂](PF₆)₃ (M = Ag, Au) were synthesized and characterized. The new hexacarbene assemblies show a significant solvatochromic effect in solvents of different polarity. Furthermore, the reversible fluoride binding property of [Au₃(1)₂](PF₆)₃ was investigated by UV-vis absorption and fluorescence titrations. This work holds promise for future developments in the area of highly emissive and stimulus-responsive NHC-metal assemblies.

Trefoil-Shaped Metal-Organic Cages as Fluorescent Chemosensors for Multiple Detection of Fe3+, Cr2O72-, and Antibiotics

The construction of metal-organic cages (MOCs) with specific structures and fluorescence sensing properties is of much importance and challenging. Herein, a novel phenanthroline-based metal-organic cage, [Cd₃L₃·6MeOH·6H₂O] (1), was synthesized by metal-directed assembly of the ligand 3,3'-[(1E,1'E)-(1,10-phenanthroline-2,9-diyl)bis(ethene-2,1-diyl)]dibenzoic acid (H₂L) and CdI₂ using a solvothermal method. According to single-crystal X-ray analysis, cage 1 exhibits a rare trefoil-shaped structure. Meanwhile, the discrete MOCs are further stacked into a 3D porous supramolecular structure through abundant intermolecular C-H···O interactions. Additionally, through exploration of fluorescence sensing on cations, anions, and antibiotics in aqueous solution, the experimental results indicate that cage 1 has excellent fluorescence sensing abilities for Fe³⁺, Cr₂O₇^2-, and nitrofuran and nitroimidazole antibiotics. The sensing ability of 1 remains unaltered for five cycles toward all analytes. The above results suggested that cage 1 can be considered a potential multiple sensor for the detection of Fe³⁺, Cr₂O₇^2-, and some antibiotics.

Synthesis of Carborane-Backbone Metallacycles for Highly Selective Capture of n-Pentane

The specific recognition and separation of alkanes with similar molecular structures and close boiling points face significant scientific challenges and industrial demands. Here, rectangular carborane-based metallacycles were designed to selectively encapsulate n-pentane from n-pentane, iso-pentane, and cyclo-pentane mixtures in a simple-to-operate and more energy-efficient way. Metallacycle 1, bearing 1,2-di(4-pyridyl) ethylene, can selectively separate n-pentane from these three-component mixtures with a purity of 97%. The selectivity is ascribed to the capture of the preferred guest with matching size, C-H···π interactions, and potential B-H^δ-···H^δ+-C interactions. Besides, the removal of n-pentane gives rise to original guest-free carborane-based metallacycles, which can be recycled without losing performance. Considering the variety of substituted carborane derivatives, metal ions, and organic linkers, these new carborane-based supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) may be broadly applicable to other challenging recognition and separation systems with good performance.

Simultaneous Recognition and Separation of Organic Isomers Via Cooperative Control of Pore-Inside and Pore-Outside Interactions

Despite the desirability of organic isomer recognition and separation, current strategies are expensive and complicated. Here, a simple strategy for simultaneously recognizing and separating organic isomers using pillararene-based charge-transfer cocrystals through the cooperative control of pore-inside and pore-outside intermolecular interactions is presented. This strategy is illustrated using 1-bromobutane (1-BBU), which is often produced as an isomeric mixture with 2-bromobutane (2-BBU). According to its structure, perethylated pillar[5]arene (EtP5) and 3,5-dinitrobenzonitrile (DNB) are strategically chosen as a donor and an acceptor. As a result, their cocrystal exhibited stronger pore-inside interactions and much weaker pore-outside interactions with 1-BBU than with 2-BBU. Consequently, nearly 100% 1-BBU selectivity is achieved in two-component mixtures, even in those containing trace 1-BBU (1%), whereas free EtP5 only achieved 89.80% selectivity. The preference for linear bromoalkanes is retained in 1-bromopentane/3-bromopentane and 1-bromohexane/2-bromohexane mixtures, demonstrating the generality of this strategy. Selective adsorption of linear bromoalkanes induced a naked-eye-detectable color change from red to white. Moreover, the cocrystal are used over multiple cycles without losing selectivity.

Visible-Light-Induced Palladium-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling of Iodocarboranes with (Hetero)Arenes

This work describes a general method for the efficient production of a class of cage B-centered carboranyl radicals at the B3, B4, and B9 sites via a visible-light-promoted palladium(0)/palladium(I) pathway using readily available iodo-o-carboranes as the starting materials. The electrophilicities of these hypervalent boron-centered radicals decrease in the following order: B3 > B4 > B9. They are useful intermediates for the preparation of a family of cage B-(hetero)arylated o-carboranes at ambient temperature.

Iridium-Catalyzed Selective B(4)-H Amination of o-Carboranes with Anthranils

We report here a catalytic selective cage B4-H amination of o-carboranes employing an Ir(III) complex as a catalyst and anthranils as aminating agents, leading to a large class of B4-aminated o-carboranes with very high yields and a broad substrate scope under mild conditions without any oxidants. In these reactions, the carboxyl group serves as a traceless directing unit to determine the site selectivity and degree of substitution.

Fluorescence enhancement via structural rigidification inside a self-assembled Pd4 molecular vessel

Restriction of intramolecular motion (RIM) is fundamental for the high emission of aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active molecules in aggregates or the solid-state. However, they are weakly emissive in dilute solution, which limits their application in dilute solutions. A Pd₄ molecular vessel (MP1) was constructed by assembling [cis-(en)Pd(NO₃)₂] (M) with a tetradentate donor (L) in a 2 : 1 molar ratio. The active intramolecular motions of an AIE active molecule SG are restricted in the narrow cavity of MP1 upon encapsulation. As a result, SG displayed significant enhancement in its emission in dilute solution upon addition of MP1. This strategy of achieving high emission of AIE active compounds in dilute solution by confinement driven RIM might have potential in designing materials for high emission in the aggregated state as well as in dilute solution.

Site-Selective Functionalization of Carboranes at the Electron-Rich Boron Vertex: Photocatalytic B-C Coupling via a Carboranyl Cage Radical

Functionalization of carboranes in a vertex-specific manner is a perennial challenge. Here, we report a photocatalytic B-C coupling for the selective functionalization of carboranes at the boron site which is most distal to carbon. This reaction was achieved by the photo-induced decarboxylation of carborane carboxylic acids to generate boron vertex-centered carboranyl radicals. Theoretical calculations also demonstrate that the reaction more easily occurs at the boron site bearing higher electron density owing to the lower energy barrier for a single-electron transfer to generate a carboranyl radical. By using this strategy, a number of functionalized carboranes could be accessed through alkylation, alkenylation, and heteroarylation under mild conditions. Moreover, both a highly efficient blue emitter with a solid-state luminous efficiency of 42 % and a drug candidate for boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) containing targeting and fluorine units were obtained.

Water-Soluble Self-Assembled Cage with Triangular Metal-Metal-Bonded Units Enabling the Sequential Selective Separation of Alkanes and Isomeric Molecules

The selective separation of structurally similar aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons is an essential goal in industrial processes. In this study, we report the synthesis of a water-soluble (Tr₂M₃)₄L₄ (Tr = cycloheptatrienyl ring; M = metal; L = organosulfur ligand) molecular cage (1) via self-assembly of the water-soluble acceptor tripalladium sandwich species [(Tr₂Pd₃)(CH₃CN)][NO₃]₂ and the attachment onto L of solubilizing methoxyethoxy appendants to be utilized in an energy-friendly alternative approach to the separation of structurally similar molecules under ambient conditions. Cage 1, comprising a hydrophobic inner cavity, exhibited good solubility and stability in aqueous media. It also demonstrated excellent performance in the sequential separation of alkanes (C6-C9), xylene, and other disubstituted benzene isomers and cis/trans-decalin.

Palladium-Catalyzed Regioselective B(9)-Amination of o-Carboranes and m-Carboranes in HFIP with Broad Nitrogen Sources

Amination of carboranes has a good application prospect in organic and pharmaceutical synthesis. However, the current methods used for this transformation suffer from limitations. Herein, we report a practical method for a highly regioselective formation of a B-N bond by Pd(II)-catalyzed B(9)-H amination of o- and m-carboranes in hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) with different nitrogen sources under air atmosphere. The silver salt and HFIP solvent play critical roles in the present protocol. The mechanistic study reveals that the silver salt acts as a Lewis acid to promote the electrophilic palladation step by forming a heterobimetallic active catalyst PdAg(OAc)₃; the strong hydrogen-bond-donating ability and low nucleophilicity of HFIP enhance the electrophilic ability of Pd(II). It is believed that these N-containing carboranes are potentially of great importance in the synthesis of new pharmaceuticals.

Phenanthrene[2]arene: synthesis and application as nonporous adaptive crystals in the separation of benzene from cyclohexane

Phenanthrene[2]arene 1 with excellent adsorption capacity for benzene was synthesized in high yield. Activated crystals of 1 have been successfully used to separate PhH from equimolar mixture of PhH and Cy and the purity of the PhH can reach 98.4%.

A new boron cluster anion pillared metal organic framework with ligand inclusion and its selective acetylene capture properties

A novel microporous boron cluster pillared metal–organic framework BSF-10 was synthesized with ligand inclusion for efficient C2H2/CO2 and C2H2/C2H4 adsorption separation.

Highly selective electrophilic B(9)-amination of o-carborane driven by HOTf and HFIP

An efficient B(9) electrophilic amination of o-carboranes with azodicarboxylates, promoted by a Brønsted acid and HFIP, was developed.