The Proton Complex of a Diaza-macropentacycle: Structure, Slow Formation, and Chirality Induction by Ion Pairing with the Optically Active 1,1′-Binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl Phosphate Anion

Self-Assembly, Adaptive Response, and in,out-Stereoisomerism of Large Orthoformate Cryptands

We report on triethylene glycol-based orthoformate cryptands, which adapt their bridgehead configurations in response to metal templates and intramolecular hydrogen bonding in a complex manner. In contrast to smaller 1.1.1-orthoformate cryptands, the inversion from out,out-2.2.2 to in,in-2.2.2 occurs spontaneously by thermal homeomorphic isomerization, i. e., without bond breakage. The global thermodynamic minimum of the entire network, which includes an unprecedented third isomer (in,out-2.2.2), could only be reached under conditions that facilitate dynamic covalent exchange. Both inversion processes were studied in detail, including DFT calculations and MD simulations, which were particularly helpful for explaining differences between equilibrium compositions in solvents chloroform and acetonitrile. Unexpectedly, the system could be driven to the in,out-2.2.2 state by using a metal template with a size mismatch with respect to the out,out-2.2.2 cage.

Lone-Pair-Induced Topicity Observed in Macrobicyclic Tetra-thia Lactams and Cryptands: Synthesis, Spectral Identification, and Computational Assessment

The synthesis of a rigid macrobicyclic N,S lactam L1 and a topologically favored in/in N,S cryptand L2 are reported with X-ray structure analysis, dynamic correlation NMR spectroscopy, and computational analysis. Lactam L1 exhibits two distinct rotameric conformations (plus their enantiomeric counterparts) at 25 °C, as confirmed via NMR spectroscopy and computational analysis. Coalescence of the resonances of L1 was observed at 115 °C, allowing for complete nuclei to frequency correlation. Combining computational investigations with experimental data, topological equilibria and relative energies/strain relating to the perturbation of the pore were determined. Due to the increased conformational strain of the N₂S₂ template, the nitrogen lone pairs in L2 elicit a unique transannular interaction, resulting in a thermodynamically favored in/in nephroidal racemate. The combination of preferred topology, steric relief, and electronic localization of L2 induces a chiral environment imparted through the amine with a computed inversion barrier of 10.3 kcal mol^-1.

Chiral Cryptates Derived from a Hexaazamacrocycle

The reactions of hexaazamacrocycle 1 with 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine or 2,6-bis[(tosyloxy)methyl)]pyridine in the presence of appropriate carbonates result in the formation of derivatives of cryptand 6: enantiopure azacryptates of sodium and potassium. Crystal structures of these compounds indicate interaction of a metal ion with four pyridine nitrogen atoms and four tertiary amine atoms. The competition reactions monitored by NMR spectroscopy indicate preferential binding of Na⁺ over K⁺ as well as higher affinity of 6 for Na⁺ in comparison with the [2.2.1] cryptand.

Functionalised diimidazolium salts: the anion effect on the catalytic ability

How is it possible to catalyze and simultaneously control the outcome of a reaction? Employing task specific ionic liquids and changing their anions.

Role of anions in the synthesis of cyclobutane derivatives via [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction in the solid state and their isomerization in solution

trans-3-(4'-Pyridyl)acrylic acid (4-PA) is inert to photodimerization reaction both in solution and solid state. It is made photoreactive by forming salts with various acids. The anions of these salts play a key role in directing the packing of 4-PAH(+) in the solid state. The anions CF(3)CO(2)(-), Cl(-), ClO(4)(-), and BF(4)(-) direct the parallel alignments of 4-PAH(+) in head-to-tail (HT) fashion and lead to the formation of HT-photodimer. On the other hand, bivalent anion SO(4)(2-) directs parallel alignment of 4-PAH(+) in head-to-head (HH) fashion and lead to the formation of HH-photodimer. The details of the anion-controlled stereoselective syntheses of these two cyclobutane derivatives are presented. Interestingly, both cyclobutane compounds undergo isomerization from rctt-form to rctc-form in solution catalyzed by acid.