Design and synthesis of the first triply twisted Möbius annulene

Synthesis of a novel twisted π-conjugated macrocycle via double Friedel-Crafts reaction and its physical properties

We synthesized a cyclic molecule from diarylalkynes and Meldrum's acid derivatives as the methylenation reagent via double Friedel-Crafts reaction. Single-crystal X-ray structure analysis confirmed the twisted structure of the molecule. We also investigated their physical properties and homoconjugation by UV-Vis, photoluminescence, DFT and TD-DFT calculations.

The Antiaromatic Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction (SNAAr) in Cycloheptatrienyl-Anion Containing Zwitterions with a Möbius-Aromatic Intermediate

Antiaromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions in cycloheptatrienide pyridinium and phosphonium zwitterions with initial formation of a cycloheptatetraene intermediate are explored. The mechanism was supported by quantum chemical calculations, first-order reaction kinetics, and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The pyridinium zwitterion exhibited weak antiaromaticity, whereas the intermediate displayed Möbius aromaticity, as evidenced by nuclear independent chemical shift values and the shape of its HOMO. This study represents the eighth confirmed instance of a Möbius-aromatic organic species in its ground state.

Polycationic Open-Shell Cyclophanes: Synthesis of Electron-Rich Chiral Macrocycles, and Redox-Dependent Electronic States

π-Conjugated chiral nanorings with intriguing electronic structures and chiroptical properties have attracted considerable interests in synthetic chemistry and materials science. We present the design principles to access new chiral macrocycles (1 and 2) that are essentially built on the key components of main-group electron-donating carbazolyl moieties or the π-expanded aza[7]helicenes. Both macrocycles show the unique molecular conformations with a (quasi) figure-of-eight topology as a result of the conjugation patterns of 2,2',7,7'-spirobifluorenyl in 1 and triarylamine-coupled aza[7]helicene-based building blocks in 2. This electronic nature of redox-active, carbazole-rich backbones enabled these macrocycles to be readily oxidized chemically and electrochemically, leading to the sequential production of a series of positively charged polycationic open-shell cyclophanes. Their redox-dependent electronic states of the resulting multispin polyradicals have been characterized by VT-ESR, UV/Vis-NIR absorption and spectroelectrochemical measurements. The singlet (ΔES-T=-1.29 kcal mol-1) and a nearly degenerate singlet-triplet ground state (ΔES-T(calcd)=-0.15 kcal mol-1 and ΔES-T(exp)=0.01 kcal mol-1) were proved for diradical dications 12+2⋅ and 22+2⋅, respectively. Our work provides an experimental proof for the construction of electron-donating new chiral nanorings, and more importantly for highly charged polyradicals with potential applications in chirospintronics and organic conductors.

Quest for Double Möbius Aromaticity

Neutral four-membered rings with 4n electrons are generally Hückel antiaromatic. On the other hand, 4n electron system can also be Möbius aromatic, although identification has escaped so far. A recent study of double Möbius aromaticity has been put forwarded in the D2h symmetric singlet ground state of four member Pa2B2 ring. Although interesting, but the synthesis possesses a significant challenge as Pa is rare, highly radioactive and toxic. Herein, a synthetically viable four membered Rh2B2 cluster is proposed which contains double Möbius aromaticity. Interestingly, the three membered RhB2 - cluster also possess Möbius aromaticity and is the smallest ring to show such phenomenon.

Unveiling Möbius/Hückel Topology and Aromaticity in A Core-Expanded [10]Annulene at Different Oxidation States

The exploration of annulene's conformation, electronic properties and aromaticity has generated enduring interest over the years, yet it continues to present formidable challenges for annulenes with more than ten carbon atoms. In this study, we present the synthesis of a stable [10]cyclo-para-phenylmethine derivative (1), which bears a resemblance to [10]annulene. 1 can be readily oxidized into its respective cations, wherein electrons are effectively delocalized along the backbone, resulting in different conformations and aromaticity. Both 1 and its tetracation (14+  ⋅ 4SbF6 - ) exhibit a nearly planar conformation with a rectangular shape, akin to the E,Z,E,Z,Z-[10]annulene. In contrast, the radical cation (1⋅+  ⋅ SbCl6 - ) possesses a doubly twisted Hückel topology. Furthermore, the dication (12+  ⋅ 2SbCl6 - ) displays conformational flexibility in solution and crystalizes with the simultaneous presence of Möbius-twisted (1a2+  ⋅ 2SbCl6 - ) and Hückel-planar (1b2+  ⋅ 2SbCl6 - ) isomers in its unit cell. Detailed experimental measurements and theoretical calculations reveal that: (1) 1 demonstrates localized aromaticity with an alternating benzenoid/quinoid structure; (2) 1a2+  ⋅ 2SbCl6 - and 1b2+  ⋅ 2SbCl6 - with 48π electrons are weakly Möbius aromatic and Hückel antiaromatic, respectively; (3) 14+  ⋅ 4SbF6 - exhibits Hückel aromaticity (46π) and open-shell diradical character.

Di(p-dibenzi)[40]decaphyrin(1.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0) PdII Complex: A Weakly Hückel 38π-Aromatic Macrocycle

Di(p-benzi)[40]decaphyrin(1.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0) BF2 complex and tris(p-benzi)[60]pentadecaphyrin(1.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0.1.0.0.0.0) BF2 complex were synthesized by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of α,α'-diborylated tetrapyrrole BF2 -complex with 1,4-diiodobenzene. Bis-BF2 complex was converted to bis-PdII complex via its free base. Macrocycles bis-BF2 and tris-BF2 complex take Möbius topology but are nonaromatic, since the macrocyclic conjugation is disrupted by the locally aromatic 1,4-phenylene units. In contrast, bis-PdII complex is a weakly Hückel 38π-aromatic macrocycle as evinced by its red-shifted, enhanced, and structured Q-like bands and a small electrochemical HOMO-LUMO gap. Interestingly, one 1,4-pheylene part of bis-PdII complex takes a quinonoidal distorted structure and the other takes a usual benzene structure in a figure-eight conformation with Hückel topology.

A single-domain green fluorescent protein catenane

Natural proteins exhibit rich structural diversity based on the folds of an invariably linear chain. Macromolecular catenanes that cooperatively fold into a single domain do not belong to the current protein universe, and their design and synthesis open new territories in chemistry. Here, we report the design, synthesis, and properties of a single-domain green fluorescent protein catenane via rewiring the connectivity of GFP's secondary motifs. The synthesis could be achieved in two steps via a pseudorotaxane intermediate or directly via expression in cellulo. Various proteins-of-interest may be inserted at the loop regions to give fusion protein catenanes where the two subunits exhibit enhanced thermal resilience, thermal stability, and mechanical stability due to strong conformational coupling. The strategy can be applied to other proteins with similar fold, giving rise to a family of single-domain fluorescent proteins. The results imply that there may be multiple protein topological variants with desirable functional traits beyond their corresponding linear protein counterparts, which are now made accessible and fully open for exploration.

The Topology of Molecules with Twelve Fused Phenyl Rings ([12]Circulenes): Rings, Infinitenes, and Möbius Infinitenes

Following the recent preparation of infinitene (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2022, 144, 862-871), a computational (ωB97XD/6-311G(d)) exploration of 42 isomeric compounds with 12 fused phenyl rings identified structures with linking number of zero (ring, saddle, and ribbon shapes), two (infinitene-like shape), and one (Möbius infinitene shape) is reported. An infinitene isomer composed of two [5]helicene fragments connected to two stacked phenyl rings and a Möbius infinitene isomer are identified that are more stable than the known infinitene. The energies of the structures are examined by assessing their macrocyclization (strain) energies, π-stacking, and possible aromaticity. Examples of fused phenyl molecules with linking numbers of 3, 4, 5, and 6 are shown, indicating the potential topological range that these molecules can possess.

Planar Four-Membered Diboron Actinide Compound with Double Möbius Aromaticity

The Möbius rule predicts that a planar four-membered metallacycle can be aromatic with four mobile electrons, but such a simple ring has escaped recognition because it usually favors Hückel anti-aromaticity. Here, we report that a quasi-square four-membered actinide compound (Pa₂B₂) is doubly Möbius aromatic. Chemical bonding analyses reveal that this diboron protactinium molecule has four delocalized π electrons in addition to four delocalized σ electrons, satisfying the 4n Möbius rule for both σ and π components. Energetically, the block-localized wavefunction method, which is the simplest variant of ab initio valence bond theory, shows that the delocalization energy for the π and σ electrons reaches up to 65.0 and 72.3 kcal/mol, respectively, while the extra cyclic resonance energy (ECRE) amounts to 45 kcal/mol. The large positive ECRE values strongly confirm the unprecedented double Möbius aromaticity in Pa₂B₂. We anticipate that this new type of aromatic molecule can enrich the concept of Möbius aromaticity and open a new avenue for actinide compounds.

Synthesis of Twisted [n]Cycloparaphenylene by Alkene Insertion

Mono-alkene-inserted [n]cycloparaphenylenes 1 [(ene)-[n]CPP] with n=6, 8, and 10, mono-ortho-phenylene-inserted [6]CPP 2, and di-alkene-insertved [n]CPP 3 [(ene)₂ -[n]CPP] with n=4, 6, and 8 were synthesized by fusing CPP precursors and alkene or ortho- phenylene groups through coupling reactions. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reveal that the strips formed by the π-surfaces of 1 and 2 exhibited a Möbius topology in the solid state. While the Möbius topology in the parent 1 and 2 in solution was lost due to the free rotation of the paraphenylene unit even at low temperatures, ene-[6]CPP 4 with eight 1-pyrrolyl groups preserved the Möbius topology even in solution. Despite a twist, 1 has in-plane conjugation and possesses a unique size dependence of the electronic properties: namely, the opposite size dependency of the HOMO-LUMO energy relative to conventional π-conjugated molecules.

Hierarchical self-assembly into chiral nanostructures

One basic principle regulating self-assembly is associated with the asymmetry of constituent building blocks or packing models. Using asymmetry to manipulate molecular-level devices and hierarchical functional materials is a promising topic in materials sciences and supramolecular chemistry. Here, exemplified by recent major achievements in chiral hierarchical self-assembly, we show how chirality may be utilized in the design, construction and evolution of highly ordered and complex chiral nanostructures. We focus on how unique functions can be developed by the exploitation of chiral nanostructures instead of single basic units. Our perspective on the future prospects of chiral nanostructures via the hierarchical self-assembly strategy is also discussed.

Molecular Möbius Strips: Twist for A Bright Future

Attributed to their unique structural features and associated intriguing properties, molecular Möbius strips have attracted considerable attention. However, the precise synthesis of such attractive molecules remains a great challenge. Recently,...

Möbius ZnII -Hexaphyrins Bearing a Chiral Coordinating Arm: A Chiroptical Switch Featuring P/M Twist Inversion Controlled by Achiral Effectors

By their conformational flexibility, Möbius aromatic hexaphyrins provide a dynamic chirality attractive to develop stimuli responsive systems such as chiroptical switches. A regular [28]hexaphyrin has been equipped with a chiral coordinating arm to achieve transfer of chirality from a fix stereogenic element to the dynamic Möbius one. The arm allows straightforward formation of labile monometallic Zn^II complexes with an exogenous ligand, either a carboxylato or an amino with opposite inwards/outwards orientations relative to the Möbius ring. As a corollary, the chiral coordinating arm is constrained over the ring or laterally, inducing opposite P and M Möbius configurations with unprecedented high stereoselectivity (diast. excess greater than 95 %). By tuning the transfer of chirality, these achiral effectors generate electronic circular dichroism spectra with bisignate Cotton effect of opposite signs. Switching between distinct chiroptical states was ultimately achieved in mild conditions owing to ligand exchange, with high robustness (10 cycles).

Electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions of compounds with Craig-Möbius aromaticity

Electrophilic aromatic substitution (EAS) reactions are widely regarded as characteristic reactions of aromatic species, but no comparable reaction has been reported for molecules with Craig-Möbius aromaticity. Here, we demonstrate successful EAS reactions of Craig-Möbius aromatics, osmapentalenes, and fused osmapentalenes. The highly reactive nature of osmapentalene makes it susceptible to electrophilic attack by halogens, thus osmapentalene, osmafuran-fused osmapentalene, and osmabenzene-fused osmapentalene can undergo typical EAS reactions. In addition, the selective formation of a series of halogen substituted metalla-aromatics via EAS reactions has revealed an unprecedented approach to otherwise elusive compounds such as the unsaturated cyclic chlorirenium ions. Density functional theory calculations were conducted to study the electronic effect on the regioselectivity of the EAS reactions.

Vitreous Carbon, Geometry and Topology: A Hollistic Approach

Glass-like carbon (GLC) is a complex structure with astonishing properties: isotropic sp2 structure, low density and chemical robustness. Despite the expanded efforts to understand the structure, it remains little known. We review the different models and a physical route (pulsed laser deposition) based on a well controlled annealing of the native 2D/3D amorphous films. The many models all have compromises: neither all bad nor entirely satisfactory. Properties are understood in a single framework given by topological and geometrical properties. To do this, we present the basic tools of topology and geometry at a ground level for 2D surface, graphene being the best candidate to do this. With this in mind, special attention is paid to the hyperbolic geometry giving birth to triply periodic minimal surfaces. Such surfaces are the basic tools to understand the GLC network architecture. Using two theorems (the classification and the uniformisation), most of the GLC properties can be tackled at least at a heuristic level. All the properties presented can be extended to 2D materials. It is hoped that some researchers may find it useful for their experiments.

Figure-eight arylene ethynylene macrocycles: facile synthesis and specific binding behavior toward Hg2+

Two figure-eight arylene ethynylene macrocycles (AEMs) were synthesized from non-helical precursors and the figure-eight shape was clearly imaged by STM.

A Macrocyclic Gold(I)-Biphenylene Complex: Triangular Molecular Structure with Twisted Au2 (diphosphine) Corners and Reductive Elimination of [6]Cycloparaphenylene

The digold(I) complex [Au₂ Cl₂ (Cy₂ PCH₂ PCy₂ )] reacts with 4,4'-diphenylene diboronic acid to form a triangular macrocyclic complex with twisted Au-P-C-P-Au groups at the three corners. The synthesis of the complex and its chemical oxidation produced [6]cycloparaphenylene ([6]CPP) in 59 % overall yield.

Self-assembled Möbius strips with controlled helicity

Different from molecular level topology, the development of supramolecular topology has been limited due to a lack of reliable synthetic methods. Here we describe a supramolecular strategy of accessing Möbius strip, a fascinating topological object featured with only a single edge and single side. Through bending and cyclization of twisted nanofibers self-assembled from chiral glutamate amphiphiles, supramolecular nano-toroids with various twist numbers were obtained. Electron microscopic techniques could clearly identify the formation of Möbius strips when twist numbers on the toroidal fibers are odd ones. Spectroscopic and morphological analysis indicates that the helicity of the Möbius strips and nano-toroids stems from the molecular chirality of glutamate molecules. Therefore, M- and P-helical Möbius strips could be formed from L- and D-amphiphiles, respectively. Our experimental results and theoretical simulations may advance the prospect of creating chiral topologically complex structures via supramolecular approach.

Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Highly Strained Cyclophenylene-Ethynylenes with Axial and Helical Chirality

Single and double cyclophenylene-ethynylenes (CPEs) with axial and helical chirality have been synthesized by the Sonogashira cross-coupling of di- and tetraethynyl biphenyls with a U-shaped prearomatic diiodoparaphenylene followed by reductive aromatization. X-ray crystallographic analyses and DFT calculations revealed that the CPEs possess highly twisted bent structures. Bend angles on the edge of the paraphenylene units were close to the value of [5]cycloparaphenylene (CPP)-the smallest CPP to date. The double and single CPEs possessed stable chirality despite flexible biphenyl structures because of the high strain in the diethynyl-paraphenylene moiety. In both the single and double CPEs, orbital interactions along the biphenyl axis were observed by DFT calculations in LUMO and LUMO+2 of the single CPE and LUMO+1 of the double CPE, which likely cause lowering of these orbital energies. Concerning chiroptical properties: boosting of the g_abs value was observed in the biphenyl-based double CPE, as well as the binaphthyl-based single CPE, compared to the biphenyl-based single CPE.

Chiral cyclic [n]spirobifluorenylenes: carbon nanorings consisting of helically arranged quaterphenyl rods illustrating partial units of woven patterns

Chiral cyclic [n]spirobifluorenylenes consisting of helically arranged quaterphenyl rods, illustrating partial units of woven patterns, were designed and synthesized as a new family of carbon nanorings. The synthesis was accomplished by the Ni(0)-mediated Yamamoto-coupling of chiral spirobifluorene building blocks. The structures of the cyclic 3-, 4-, and 5-mers were determined by X-ray crystallographic analysis. These carbon nanorings exhibited a strong violet colored emission with high quantum yields in solution (95%, 93%, and 94% for 3-, 4-, and 5-mer, respectively). Other spectroscopic properties, including their chiroptical properties, were also investigated. The g-values for circularly polarized luminescence were found to be in the order of 10⁻³. Characteristic spiroconjugation induced by multiple (≧3) bifluorenyl units, for example the even-odd effect of the number of units in the matching of the signs of the orbitals, was also indicated by DFT calculations.

Chiral cyclic [n]spirobifluorenylenes consisting of helically arranged quaterphenyl rods, illustrating partial units of woven patterns, were designed and synthesized as a new family of carbon nanorings.

Kinetic Control in the Synthesis of a Möbius Tris((ethynyl)[5]helicene) Macrocycle Using Alkyne Metathesis

The synthesis of conjugated Möbius molecules remains elusive since twisted and macrocyclic structures are low-entropy species sporting their own synthetic challenges. Here we report the synthesis of a Möbius macrocycle in 84% yield via alkyne metathesis of 2,13-bis(propynyl)[5]helicene. MALDI-MS, NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction indicated a trimeric product of twofold symmetry with PPM/MMP configurations in the helicene subunits. Alternatively, a threefold-symmetric PPP/MMM structure was determined by DFT calculations to be more thermodynamically stable, illustrating remarkable kinetic selectivity for this alkyne metathesis cyclooligomerization. Computational studies provided insight into the kinetic selectivity, demonstrating a difference of 15.4 kcal/mol between the activation barriers for the PPM/MMP and PPP/MMM diastereodetermining steps. Computational (ACID and EDDB) and experimental (UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry) studies revealed weak conjugation between the alkyne and adjacent helicene groups as well as the lack of significant global aromaticity. Separation of the PPM and MMP enantiomers was achieved via chiral HPLC at the analytical scale.

Electronic structure and second-order nonlinear optical properties of lemniscular [16]cycloparaphenylene compounds

Chiral organic compounds are excellent second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) materials due to their inherent non-symmetric electronic structures combined with the advantages of organic compounds. At present, density functional theory (DFT) has become a powerful tool for predicting the properties of novel materials. In this paper, based on chiral lemniscular [16]cycloparaphenylene, three novel compounds are designed by introduction of donor/acceptor units and their combinations. The geometrical/electronic structure, electronic absorption, and the second-order NLO properties of these compounds have been systematically investigated by DFT/TDDFT theory. The simulated UV-Vis/CD spectra of compound 1 are in good agreement with the experimental ones, enabling us to assign their electronic transition characteristics and absolute configuration with high confidence. The investigations show that energy gaps, absorption wavelength and second-order NLO response may be effectively tuned by the introduction of the donor or acceptor units or their combinations. For instance, the second-order NLO value of compound 4 is about 207 times as large as the average second-order polarizability of the organic molecule urea. Thus, the studied compounds are expected to be potential large second-order NLO materials.

The nonlinear optical property of the studied compounds were studied with the aid of the DFT calculations.

Cycloparaphenylene Möbius trefoils

DFT computations (ωB97X-D/6-31G(d)) of eight different cycloparaphenylenes that have three internal linking groups are shown to have two different conformations that express interesting Möbius topologies.

Stereospecific Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Propeller-Shaped C90 H48 PAH

Herein, we have synthesized an enantiomerically pure propeller-shaped PAH, C90 H48 , possessing three [7]helicene and three [5]helicene subunits. This compound can be obtained in gram quantities in a straightforward manner. The photophysical and chiroptical properties were investigated using UV/Vis absorption and emission, optical rotation and circular dichroism spectroscopy, supported by DFT calculations. The nonlinear optical properties were investigated by two-photon absorption measurements using linearly and circularly polarized light. The extremely twisted structure and packing of the homochiral compound were investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.

Synthesis of Belt- and Möbius-Shaped Cycloparaphenylenes by Rhodium-Catalyzed Alkyne Cyclotrimerization

A belt-shaped [8]cycloparaphenylene (CPP) and an enantioenriched Möbius-shaped [10]CPP have been synthesized by high-yielding rhodium-catalyzed intramolecular cyclotrimerizations of a cyclic dodecayne and a pentadecayne, respectively. This Möbius-shaped [10]CPP possesses stable chirality and isolated with high enantiomeric purity. It is evident from the reaction Gibbs energy calculation that the above irreversible cyclotrimerizations are highly exothermic; therefore establishing that the intramolecular alkyne cyclotrimerization is a powerful route to strained cyclic molecular strips.

Lemniscular [16]Cycloparaphenylene: A Radially Conjugated Figure-Eight Aromatic Molecule

A cycloparaphenylene-based molecular lemniscate (CPPL) was obtained in a short synthesis involving masked p-phenylene equivalents. The strained figure-eight geometry of CPPL is sustained by the incorporated 9,9'-bicarbazole subunit, which also acts as a stereogenic element. The shape of the distorted [16]cycloparaphenylene nanohoop embedded in CPPL is accurately approximated with a Booth lemniscate. The structure of CPPL, investigated using NMR and Raman spectroscopic methods, revealed strain-dependent features, consistent with the variable curvature of the ring. The electronic and optical properties of CPPL combine features more characteristic of smaller cycloparaphenylenes, such as a reduced optical bandgap and red-shifted fluorescence. CPPL was resolved into enantiomers, which are configurationally stable and provide strong chiroptical responses, including circularly polarized luminescence.

Electronic Properties of Möbius Cyclacenes Studied by Thermally-Assisted-Occupation Density Functional Theory

It has been extremely difficult for traditional theoretical methods to adequately predict the properties of systems possessing radical character (i.e., multi-reference systems), especially for multi-reference systems at the nanoscale. To circumvent this, we employ thermally-assisted-occupation density functional theory (TAO-DFT) to predict the electronic properties of Möbius cyclacenes, with the number of fused benzene rings (n) ranging from 8 to 100. In addition, to investigate the significance of Möbius topology, we also compare these properties with the respective properties of cyclacenes and acenes, containing the same number of fused benzene rings. From our TAO-DFT results, Möbius cyclacenes, cyclacenes, and acenes have singlet ground states for all the cases examined. However, unlike acenes, the electronic properties of Möbius cyclacenes and cyclacenes display clear oscillation patterns when n is small (e.g., n ≤ 10 for Möbius cyclacenes and n ≤ 23 for cyclacenes), and converge to the respective properties of acenes when n greatly exceeds 30. The polyradical character of the ground states of Möbius cyclacenes should increase with the molecular size, intimately correlated with the localization of active orbitals at the edges of molecules.

Single degree of freedom everting ring linkages with nonorientable topology

Linkages are the basic functional elements of any machine. Known established linkages with a single degree of freedom, which facilitates control, have so far consisted of six or fewer links. We introduce “Möbius kaleidocycles,” a class of single-degree of freedom ring linkages containing nontrivial linkages having less mobility than expected. Möbius kaleidocycles consist of arbitrarily many (but at least seven) identical hinge-joined links and may serve as building blocks in deployable structures, robotics, or chemistry. These linkages are chiral and have a nonorientable topology equivalent to 3π-twist Möbius bands. Other than technological promise, Möbius kaleidocycles pose a myriad of intriguing questions in mechanical engineering, physics, and various areas of mathematics, especially topology.

Linkages are assemblies of rigid bodies connected through joints. They serve as the basis for force- and movement-managing devices ranging from ordinary pliers to high-precision robotic arms. Aside from planar mechanisms, like the well-known four-bar linkage, only a few linkages with a single internal degree of freedom—meaning that they can change shape in only one way and may thus be easily controlled—have been known to date. Here, we present “Möbius kaleidocycles,” a previously undiscovered class of single-internal degree of freedom ring linkages containing nontrivial examples of spatially underconstrained mechanisms. A Möbius kaleidocycle is made from seven or more identical links joined by revolute hinges. These links dictate a specific twist angle between neighboring hinges, and the hinge orientations induce a nonorientable topology equivalent to the topology of a 3π-twist Möbius band. Apart from having many technological applications, including perhaps the design of organic ring molecules with peculiar electronic properties, Möbius kaleidocycles raise fundamental questions about geometry, topology, and the limitations of mobility for closed loop linkages.

Dual dynamic chirality generated in the assembly of three achiral rods through the three-fold twisting of a macrocycle

We demonstrated dynamic chirality based on assemblies of three achiral rods with a twisted macrocycle.

Cyclic tris-[5]helicenes with single and triple twisted Möbius topologies and Möbius aromaticity

A number of singly (180°) twisted, largely single-stranded and thus conformationally rather fragile, Möbius molecules have been synthesized within the last 15 years, which are aromatic with 4n electrons, thus violating the Hückel rule. Annulenes with significantly higher twist (e.g. 540°) that retain a full cyclic conjugation path have been elusive, mainly because of the high strain and loss of orbital overlap. Recently, a topological strategy was devised to project the "twist" into "writhe", thus reducing the strain. However, orbital overlap was still severely reduced within the flexible building blocks. We now present a single and a triple twisted annulene with fully conjugated peripheries. They are unique in their pronounced band shape and conformational robustness as they are made up of three fully kata-condensed [5]helicene fragments. The triple twisted molecule exhibits a strong diatropic ring current in the outer periphery, even though the π system includes 4n electrons. The diatropic current is counterbalanced by a paratropic current in the σ system, resulting in no net manifestation of macrocyclic aromaticity. The key step of the synthesis of both Möbius compounds is a Perkin condensation of complementary bifunctional bismaleates leading to a flexible macrocycle containing alternating benzene and biphenyl fragments. Subsequent photocyclization yields a separable mixture of rigid diastereomeric tris-helicene macrocycles of the above topologies.

σ-Aromaticity in a Fully Unsaturated Ring

Aromaticity is one of the most fundamental and fascinating chemical topics, attracting both experimental and theoretical chemists owing to its many manifestations. Both σ- and π-aromaticity can be classified depending on the character of the cyclic electron delocalization. In general, σ-aromaticity stabilizes fully saturated rings with σ-electron delocalization whereas the traditional π-aromaticity describes the π-conjugation in fully unsaturated rings. Here, we demonstrate a strong correlation between nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values and extra cyclic resonance energies (ECREs), which are used to evaluate the σ-aromaticity in an unsaturated three-membered ring (3MR) of cyclopropene, which were computed by molecular orbital (MO) theory and valence bond (VB) theory, respectively. Further study shows that the fully unsaturated ring in methylenecyclopropene and its metallic analogy is σ-aromatic. Our findings revolutionize the fundamental knowledge of the concept of σ-aromaticity, thus opening an avenue to design σ-aromaticity in other fully unsaturated systems, which are traditionally reserved as the domain of π-aromaticity.

Coarctate and Möbius: The Helical Orbitals of Allene and Other Cumulenes

As brought to the attention of the community by Hendon et al. and noted by previous workers, the π orbitals of the equilibrium geometry odd-carbon (even number of double bonds = n) [n]cumulenes may be written in either rectilinear or helical form. We trace the origins and detailed composition of the helical orbitals of cumulenes, which emerge in the simplest Hückel model and are not much modified in advanced computations. For the α,ω-disubstituted even [n]cumulenes, the helical representation is obligatory as the symmetry is reduced from D_2d to C₂. A relationship is apparent between these helical orbitals of the even [n]cumulenes, seen as a Herges coarctate system, and the corresponding Möbius cyclic polyene orbitals. The twist of the orbitals varies in interesting ways along the helix, and so does the contribution of the component atomic orbitals. Though the electronic structures of even [n]cumulenes and Möbius cyclopolyenes are closely related, they differ for higher n in intriguing ways; these are linked to the constrained rotation of the basis orbitals along the helical twist itinerary. Relations are constructed between the level patterns of the π-systems of even [n]cumulenes and ideas of Hückel and Möbius aromaticity.

Linker-Directed Assembly of Twisted ortho-Phenylene-Based Macrocycles

o-Phenylene tetramers have been coassembled with linkers into macrocycles through imine condensation. Variation of linker connectivity and length allows both [1 + 1] and [2 + 2] macrocycles to be obtained, complementing (previously reported) [3 + 3] macrocycles. For the [1 + 1] macrocycles, linker length has a clear effect on o-phenylene geometry and macrocycle stability. For the [2 + 2] macrocycles, both homo- and heterochiral configurations are observed, suggesting limited communication of helix handedness in these systems.

Charge-Transfer Character Drives Möbius Antiaromaticity in the Excited Triplet State of Twisted [28]Hexaphyrin

Möbius aromatic molecules have attracted great attention as new functional materials because of their π-orbital cyclic conjugations lying along the twisted Möbius topology. To elucidate the electronic character of the lowest excited triplet (T₁) state of a Möbius aromatic [28]hexaphyrin, we employed a time-resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) method with applied magnetophotoselection measurements at 77 K. Analyses of the EPR parameters have revealed that the T₁ state possesses intramolecular charge-transfer (CT) character together with local excitation character residing at one side in the Möbius strip ring. We have also demonstrated that the CT character between orthogonal unpaired orbitals triggers quick triplet deactivation by spin-orbit coupling. This deactivation can be an important barometer to represent the "antiaromaticity" because of a connection between the orthogonal CT character and instability by a weakened spin-spin exchange coupling in the T₁ state.

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.

New electron delocalization tools to describe the aromaticity in porphyrinoids

There are several possible pathways in the macrocycle of large porphyrinoids and, among aromaticity indices, only AV_minis capable of recognizing the most aromatic one.