Switchable V-type [2]pseudorotaxanes

Stimuli-responsive mechanically interlocked molecules constructed from cucurbit[n]uril homologues and derivatives

Cucurbit[n]uril supramolecular chemistry has developed rapidly since 2001 when different cucurbit[n]uril homologues (Q[n]) were successfully separated in pure form. The combination of Q[n] cavity size and various types of external stimuli has given birth to numerous types of Q[n]-based mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), including (pseudo)rotaxanes, catenanes, dendrimers and poly(pseudo)rotaxanes. In this review article, the important advances in the field of Q[n]-based MIMs over the past two decades are highlighted. This review also describes examples of heterowheel (pseudo)rotaxanes and poly(pseudo)rotaxanes involving Q[n]s, and reflects on the opportunities and challenges of constructing Q[n]-based stimuli-responsive MIMs.

A light-responsive molecular switch based on cucurbit[7]uril and 1,1'-bis(benzyl)-4-[2-(4-pyridyl)-vinyl]-pyridinium dibromide displaying white light emission

By using ¹H NMR, ESI-MS and UV spectra, a novel light-responsive molecular switch constructed using 1,1'-bis(benzyl)-4-[2-(4-pyridyl)-vinyl]-pyridinium (1²⁺) and cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) is demonstrated. The E- to Z-isomerization of the double bond in 1²⁺ results in the transition of the switching states from the 1 : 2 complex E-1²⁺@Q[7]₂ to the stable 1 : 1 complex Z-1²⁺@Q[7]. In particular, both the 1 : 2 complex and the 1 : 1 complex can emit cold white fluorescence under UV light.

Aqueous assembly of a (pseudo)rotaxane with a donor–π–acceptor axis formed by a Knoevenagel condensation

The incorporation of a linear D–π–A “push–pull” chromophore synthesized by a Knoevenagel condensation as axle of a rotaxane is reported.

Cucurbit[7]uril-driven modulation of ligand-DNA interactions by ternary assembly

The design of small organic molecules with a predictable and desirable DNA-binding mechanism is a topical research task for biomedicine application. Herein, we demonstrate an attractive supramolecular strategy for controlling the non-covalent ligand-DNA interaction by binding with cucurbituril as a synthetic receptor. With a combination of UV/vis, CD and NMR experiments, we demonstrate that the bis-styryl dye with two suitable binding sites can involve double stranded DNA and cucurbituril in the formation of the supramolecular triad. The ternary assembly is formed as a result of the interaction of macrocyclic cucurbituril with one pyridinium fragment of the bis-styryl dye, while the second pyridinium fragment of the dye is effectively associated with DNA backbones, which leads to a change in the ligand-DNA binding mode from aggregation to a minor groove. This exciting outcome was supported by molecular docking studies that help to understand the molecular orientation of the supramolecular triad and elucidate the destruction of dye aggregates caused by cucurbituril. These studies provide valuable information on the mechanisms of DNA binding to small molecules and recognition processes in bioorganic supramolecular assemblies constructed from multiple non-covalent interactions.

Energy transfer process in an unsymmetrical crown-containing bisstyryl dye incorporated in the cavities of CB[7] and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-CD

A supramolecular complex of an unsymmetrical crown-containing bisstyryl dye with CB[7] and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-CD can operate as an energy transfer system.

A CB[5] analogue based supramolecular polymer with AIE behaviors

An emissive supramolecular polymer was constructed by the self-assembly between a TPE quaternary ammonium salt and a cucurbit[5]uril analogue.

Template-directed synthesis of cucurbituril analogues using propanediurea as a building block

Cucurbituril-like macrocycles were prepared in moderate yields by condensing propanediurea with formaldehyde, using, respectively, CaCl₂ and BaCl₂ as templates.

Helianthus-like cucurbit[4]uril and cucurbit[5]uril analogues

Two cucurbituril-like macrocycles were synthesized by condensing cyclopentano-substituted propanediurea with formaldehyde in the presence and absence of Ca²⁺.

The smallest cucurbituril analogue with high affinity for Ag+

The smallest cucurbituril analogue with four repeated bi-uredio units was firstly synthesized and it binds selectively towards Ag⁺.

A Cucurbit[7]uril Based Molecular Shuttle Encoded by Visible Room-Temperature Phosphorescence

A visible room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) signal, generated by complexation of cururbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and bromo-substituted isoquinoline in aqueous solution, is employed to address the shuttling of a pH-controlling molecular shuttle fabricated by CB[7] and a phosphor 6-bromoisoquinoline derivative IQC[5]. The CB[7] host shuttles along the axial guest under acidic conditions, accompanied by a weak RTP emission signal, while deprotonation of the guest IQC[5] makes the CB[7] wheel locate on the phosphor group, leading to intense RTP emission. The switching RTP emission of the molecular shuttle, via pH adjusting, can be visibly identified by the naked eye. This is the first CB-based molecular shuttle with an RTP signal as the output address of its shuttling and conformation.

G-quadruplex induced chirality of methylazacalix[6]pyridine via unprecedented binding stoichiometry: en route to multiplex controlled molecular switch

Nucleic acid based molecular device is a developing research field which attracts great interests in material for building machinelike nanodevices. G-quadruplex, as a new type of DNA secondary structures, can be harnessed to construct molecular device owing to its rich structural polymorphism. Herein, we developed a switching system based on G-quadruplexes and methylazacalix[6]pyridine (MACP6). The induced circular dichroism (CD) signal of MACP6 was used to monitor the switch controlled by temperature or pH value. Furthermore, the CD titration, Job-plot, variable temperature CD and ¹H-NMR experiments not only confirmed the binding mode between MACP6 and G-quadruplex, but also explained the difference switching effect of MACP6 and various G-quadruplexes. The established strategy has the potential to be used as the chiral probe for specific G-quadruplex recognition.

Amino-ether macrocycle that forms CuII templated threaded heteroleptic complexes: a detailed selectivity, structural and theoretical investigations

Self-sorting behavior of a newly synthesized macrocycle with divalent metal ions and aromatic ligands via pseudorotaxane formation has been described.

A cucurbit[5]uril analogue from dimethylpropanediurea–formaldehyde condensation

A new cucurbit[5]uril-like macrocycle has been synthesized and shows good solubility in water and organic solvents.

Redox-dependent conformational switching of diphenylacetylenes

Herein we describe the design and synthesis of a redox-dependent single-molecule switch. Appending a ferrocene unit to a diphenylacetylene scaffold gives a redox-sensitive handle, which undergoes reversible one-electron oxidation, as demonstrated by cyclic voltammetry analysis. ¹H-NMR spectroscopy of the partially oxidized switch and control compounds suggests that oxidation to the ferrocenium cation induces a change in hydrogen bonding interactions that results in a conformational switch.

Solvent-driven selective π-cation templating in dynamic assembly of interlocked molecules

The different solvent responses for bipyridinium and trispyridinium-based dynamic imine [2]rotaxanes allow their interconversion with high selectivity.

Interaction of a hemicyanine dye and its derivative with DNA and cucurbit[7]uril

A ternary complex among D2, DNA and CB[7] can be formed.

Facile route to an all-organic, triply threaded, interlocked structure by templated dynamic clipping

Encaged! Three-terminal interlocked molecular species were obtained by dynamic (2+3) assembly of a cagelike macro-bicycle around a trifurcated trispyridinium π guest. The complex is stabilized by π-π interactions and multiple [C-H⋅⋅⋅O] and [C-H⋅⋅⋅N] interactions. Uncomplexed guest molecules cocrystallize alongside the threaded complexes in the solid state, thus giving extended π-stacked columns.

Syntheses of a pillar[4]arene[1]quinone and a difunctionalized pillar[5]arene by partial oxidation

A pillar[4]arene[1]quinone and a difunctionalized pillar[5]arene have been synthesized by partial oxidation.