Supramolecular tessellations by the exo-wall interactions of pagoda[4]arene

Macrocycle-Based Charge Transfer Cocrystals with Dynamically Reversible Chiral Self-Sorting Display Chain Length-Selective Vapochromism to Alkyl Ketones

Chirality-driven self-sorting plays an essential role in controlling the biofunction of biosystems, such as the chiral double-helix structure of DNA from self-recognition by hydrogen bonding. However, achieving precise control over the chiral self-sorted structures and their functional properties for the bioinspired supramolecular systems still remains a challenge, not to mention realizing dynamically reversible regulation. Herein, we report an unprecedented saucer[4]arene-based charge transfer (CT) cocrystal system with dynamically reversible chiral self-sorting synergistically induced by chiral triangular macrocycle and organic vapors. It displays efficient chain length-selective vapochromism toward alkyl ketones due to precise modulation of optical properties by vapor-induced diverse structural transformations. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal that the unique vapochromic behavior is mainly attributed to the formation of homo- or heterochiral self-sorted assemblies with different alkyl ketone guests, which differ dramatically in solid-state superstructures and CT interactions, thus influencing their optical properties. This work highlights the essential role of chiral self-sorting in controlling the functional properties of synthetic supramolecular systems, and the rarely seen controllable chiral self-sorting at the solid-vapor interface deepens the understanding of efficient vapochromic sensors.

Strategies for Constructing Macrocyclic Arene-Based Color-Tunable Supramolecular Luminescent Materials

Over the past decades, supramolecular luminescent materials (SLMs) have attracted considerable attention due to their dynamic noncovalent interactions, versatile functions, and intriguing applications in many research fields. From construction to application, great efforts and progress have been made in color-tunable SLMs in recent years. In order to realize multicolor luminescence, various design strategies have been proposed. Macrocyclic chemistry, one of the brightest jewels in the field of supramolecular chemistry, has played a crucial role in the construction of stimuli-responsive and emission-tunable SLMs. Moreover, the flexible and tunable conformation and multiple noncovalent complexation sites of the macrocyclic arenes (MAs) afford a new opportunity to create such dynamic smart luminescent materials. Inspired by our reported work on the color-tunable supramolecular crystalline assemblies modulated by the conformation of naphth[4]arene, this Concept provides a summary of the latest developments in the construction of color-tunable MA-based SLMs, accompanied by the various construction strategies. The aim is to provide researchers with a new perspective to construct color-tunable SLMs with fascinating functions.

Prism[2]dihydrophenazines: Synthesis, Configurational Analysis, and Supramolecular Tessellation through Exo-Wall Interactions

Macrocyclic arenes have gained considerable attention for their structural diversity and widespread applications. In this research, a new kind of macrocyclic arenes, namely prism[2]dihydrophenazines (anti-P2P20, syn-P2P20, and P2P22), composed of two dihydrophenazine derivatives subunits bridged by methylene groups, were conveniently synthesized by AlCl3-catalyzed one-pot condensation in 1,2-dichloroethane. Both anti-P2P20 and its isomer syn-P2P20 exhibited flexible and convertible conformation with narrow cavity, while P2P22 possessed rigid and rhombic-like skeleton due to the more steric hindrance on subunits. In addition, the selection of electron-deficient guest was found to influence the outside binding behavior of syn-P2P20. Fantastic regular supramolecular tessellation was fabricated by tiling of syn-P2P20 with tetrafluoro-1,4-benzoquinone (TFB) through the exo-wall interactions. Using 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DFN) as a linker, only the regular 2D network superstructure with periodic units in a plane was obtained through cocrystallization. This work not only reports the construction of supramolecular tessellations by using prism[2]dihydrophenazines as building blocks, but also provides a new perspective for the design of macrocyclic arenes and fabrication of 2D supramolecular materials.

Two-dimensional radial-π-stacks in solution

Highly organized π-aggregate architectures can strongly affect electronic couplings, leading to important photophysical behaviors. With the escalating interest in two-dimensional (2D) materials attributed to their exceptional electronic and optical characteristics, there is growing anticipation that 2D radial-π-stacks built upon radial π-conjugation nanorings, incorporating intra- and inter-ring electronic couplings within the confines of a 2D plane, will exhibit superior topological attributes and distinct properties. Despite their immense potential, the design and synthesis of 2D π-stacks have proven to be a formidable challenge due to the insufficient π-π interactions necessary for stable stacking. In this study, we present the successful preparation of single-layer 2D radial-π-stacks in a solution. Pillar-shaped radially π-conjugated [4]cyclo-naphthodithiophene diimide ([4]C-NDTIs) molecules were tetragonally arranged via in-plane intermolecular π-π interactions. These 2D π-stacks have a unique topology that differs from that of conventional 1D π-stacks and exhibit notable properties, such as acting as a 2D template capable of absorbing C60 guest molecules and facilitating the formation of 2D radial-π-stacks comprising [4]C-NDTI-C60 complexes, rapid exciton delocalization across the 2D plane, and efficient excitation energy funneling towards a trap.

Structurally diverse macrocycle co-crystals for solid-state luminescence modulation

Organic co-crystals offer an opportunity to fabricate organic functional materials. Traditional co-crystals are generally packed following the segregated or mixed stacking mode, leading to the lack of structural and functional diversity. Herein, we report three sets of macrocycle co-crystals with identical co-constitutions. The macrocycle co-crystals differ in the stoichiometric ratios (2:1, 1:1, and 2:3) of the constituents and molecular packing modes. The co-crystals are constructed using triangular pyrene-macrocycle and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene exploiting exo-wall charge-transfer interactions. Interestingly, the three co-crystals exhibit distinct, tunable emission properties. The corresponding emission peaks appear at 575, 602, and 635 nm, covering yellow via orange to red. The X-ray diffraction analyses and the density functional theory calculations reveal the superstructure-property relationships that is attributed to the formation of different ratios of charge-transfer transition states between the donor and acceptor motifs, resulting in red-shifted luminescence.

One-pot asymmetric living copolymerization-induced chiral self-assemblies and circularly polarized luminescence

Controlled synthesis of conjugated block polymers enables the optimization of their self-assembly and may lead to distinct optical properties and functionalities. Herein, we report a direct chain extension of one-handed helical poly(acyl methane) with 1-ethynyl-4-iodo-2,5-bis(octyloxy)benzene, affording well-defined π-conjugated poly(acyl methane)-b-poly(phenylene ethynylene) copolymers. Although the distinct monomers are polymerized via different mechanisms, the one-pot copolymerization follows a living polymerization manner, giving the desired optically active block copolymers with controllable molar mass and low distribution. The block copolymerization induced chiral self-assembly simultaneously due to the one-handed helicity of the poly(acyl methane) block, giving spherical nanoparticles, one-handed helices, and chiral micelles with controlled dimensions regarding the composition of the generated copolymers. Interestingly, the chiral assemblies exhibit clear circularly polarized luminescence with tunable handedness and a high dissymmetric factor.

A general supramolecular strategy for fabricating full-color-tunable thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials

Developing a facile and feasible strategy to fabricate thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials exhibiting full-color tunability remains an appealing yet challenging task. In this work, a general supramolecular strategy for fabricating thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials is proposed. Consequently, a series of host-guest cocrystals are prepared by electron-donating calix[3]acridan and various electron-withdrawing guests. Owing to the through-space charge transfer mediated by multiple noncovalent interactions, these cocrystals all display efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence. Especially, by delicately modulating the electron-withdrawing ability of the guest molecules, the emission colors of these cocrystals can be continuously tuned from blue (440 nm) to red (610 nm). Meanwhile, high photoluminescence quantum yields of up to 87% is achieved. This research not only provides an alternative and general strategy for the fabrication of thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials, but also establishes a reliable supramolecular protocol toward the design of advanced luminescent materials.

Recent advances in supramolecular fullerene chemistry

Fullerene chemistry has come a long way since 1990, when the first bulk production of C60 was reported. In the past decade, progress in supramolecular chemistry has opened some remarkable and previously unexpected opportunities regarding the selective (multiple) functionalization of fullerenes and their (self)assembly into larger structures and frameworks. The purpose of this review article is to provide a comprehensive overview of these recent developments. We describe how macrocycles and cages that bind strongly to C60 can be used to block undesired addition patterns and thus allow the selective preparation of single-isomer addition products. We also discuss how the emergence of highly shape-persistent macrocycles has opened opportunities for the study of photoactive fullerene dyads and triads as well as the preparation of mechanically interlocked compounds. The preparation of two- or three-dimensional fullerene materials is another research area that has seen remarkable progress over the past few years. Due to the rapidly decreasing price of C60 and C70, we believe that these achievements will translate into all fields where fullerenes have traditionally (third-generation solar cells) and more recently been applied (catalysis, spintronics).

Water-soluble organic macrocycles based on dye chromophores and their applications

Traditional water-soluble organic macrocyclic receptors generally lack photofunctionality, thus monitoring the drug delivery and the phototheranostic applications of these host-guest macrocyclic systems has been greatly restricted. To address this issue, incorporating π-conjugated dye chromophores as building blocks into macrocyclic molecules is a straightforward and promising strategy. This approach not only imparts intrinsic optical features to the macrocycles themselves but also enhances the host-guest binding ability due to the large planar structures of the dyes. In this feature article, we focus on recent advances in water-soluble macrocyclic compounds based on organic dye chromophores, such as naphthalimide (NDI), perylene diimides (PDI), azobenzene (azo), tetraphenylethylene (TPE) and anthracene, and provide an overview of their various applications including molecular recognition, drug release, biological imaging, photothermal therapy, etc. We hope that this article could be helpful and instructive for the design of water-soluble dye-based macrocycles and the further development of their biomedical applications, particularly in combination with drug therapy and phototheranostics.

Applications of macrocycle-based solid-state host-guest chemistry

Macrocyclic molecules have been used in various fields owing to their guest binding properties. Macrocycle-based host-guest chemistry in solution can allow for precise control of complex formation. Although solution-phase host-guest complexes are easily prepared, their limited stability and processability prevent widespread application. Extending host-guest chemistry from solution to the solid state results in complexes that are generally more robust, enabling easier processing and broadened applications. Macrocyclic compounds in the solid state can encapsulate guests with larger affinities than their soluble counterparts. This is crucial for use in applications such as separation science and devices. In this Review, we summarize recent progress in macrocycle-based solid-state host-guest chemistry and discuss the basic physical chemistry of these complexes. Representative macrocycles and their solid-state complexes are explored, as well as potential applications. Finally, perspectives and challenges are discussed.

Naphth[4]arene: Synthesis, Conformations, and Application in Color-Tunable Supramolecular Crystalline Assemblies

Although the chemistry of macrocyclic arenes has seen rapid development in recent years, the synthesis of new macrocyclic arenes from aromatic rings with no directing groups remains a challenge. In this work, a new macrocyclic arene, naphth[4]arene (NA[4]A), composed of four naphthalene rings bridged by methylene groups, was synthesized using macrocycle-to-macrocycle conversion. NA[4]A shows 1,3-alternate and 1,2-alternate conformations in the solid state, which can be selectively obtained. By supramolecular co-assembly of NA[4]A and 1,2,4,5-tetracyanobenzene (TCNB) in different concentrations and temperatures, two conformation-dependent crystalline luminescent co-assemblies 1,2-NTC and 1,3-NTC can be selectively prepared. Interestingly, the two charge-transfer crystalline assemblies containing NA[4]A with different conformations show bright yellow and green fluorescence, and also display high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of 45 % and 43 %. Furthermore, they exhibit color-tunable two-photon excited upconversion emission.

Grinding-induced supramolecular charge-transfer assemblies with switchable vapochromism toward haloalkane isomers

Synthetic macrocycles have proved to be of great application value in functional charge-transfer systems in the solid state in recent years. Here we show a switchable on-off type vapochromic system toward 1-/2-bromoalkane isomers by constructing solid-state charge-transfer complexes between electron-rich perethylated pillar[5]arene and electron-deficient aromatic acceptors including 4-nitrobenzonitrile and 1,4-dinitrobenzene. These charge-transfer complexes with different colors show opposite color changes upon exposure to the vapors of 1-bromoalkanes (fading) and 2-bromoalkanes (deepening). Single-crystal structures incorporating X-ray powder diffraction and spectral analyses demonstrate that this on-off type vapochromic behavior is mainly attributed to the destruction (off) and reconstruction (on) of the charge-transfer interactions between perethylated pillar[5]arene and the acceptors, for which the competitive host-guest binding of 1-bromoalkanes and the solid-state structural transformation triggered by 2-bromoalkanes are respectively responsible. This work provides a simple colorimetric method for distinguishing positional isomers with similar physical and chemical properties.

Efficient separation of monobromotoluene isomers by nonporous adaptive perbromoethylated pillar[5]arene crystals

Herein we report an efficient adsorptive separation approach for monobromotoluene isomers using nonporous adaptive crystals of perbromoethylated pillar[5]arene (BrP5). The purity of separated m-bromotoluene from an equal volume mixture of m-bromotoluene and o-bromotoluene reaches 96.6% in one cycle and the adsorbent BrP5 can be reused without losing separation performance.

Recent advances in the synthesis and applications of macrocyclic arenes

Macrocyclic arenes including calixarenes, resorcinarenes, cyclotriveratrylene, pillararenes and so on have emerged as highly attractive synthetic macrocyclic hosts due to their unique structures, facile functionalization, and broad range of applications. In recent years, there has been growing interest in the development of novel macrocyclic arenes composed of various aromatic building blocks bridged by methylene groups, which have found applications in various research areas. Consequently, the development of novel macrocyclic arenes has become a frontier and hot topic in supramolecular and macrocyclic chemistry. In this review, we feature the recent advances in the synthesis and applications of novel macrocyclic arenes that have emerged in the last decade. The general synthetic strategies employed for these macrocyclic arenes are systematically summarized, and their wide applications in molecular recognition and assemblies, molecular machines, biomedical science and functional materials are highlighted.

Polygonal tessellations as predictive models of molecular monolayers

Molecular self-assembly plays a very important role in various aspects of technology as well as in biological systems. Governed by covalent, hydrogen or van der Waals interactions-self-assembly of alike molecules results in a large variety of complex patterns even in two dimensions (2D). Prediction of pattern formation for 2D molecular networks is extremely important, though very challenging, and so far, relied on computationally involved approaches such as density functional theory, classical molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, or machine learning. Such methods, however, do not guarantee that all possible patterns will be considered and often rely on intuition. Here, we introduce a much simpler, though rigorous, hierarchical geometric model founded on the mean-field theory of 2D polygonal tessellations to predict extended network patterns based on molecular-level information. Based on graph theory, this approach yields pattern classification and pattern prediction within well-defined ranges. When applied to existing experimental data, our model provides a different view of self-assembled molecular patterns, leading to interesting predictions on admissible patterns and potential additional phases. While developed for hydrogen-bonded systems, an extension to covalently bonded graphene-derived materials or 3D structures such as fullerenes is possible, significantly opening the range of potential future applications.

Macrocycle-Based Crystalline Supramolecular Assemblies Built with Intermolecular Charge-Transfer Interactions

Synthetic macrocycles have served as principal tools for supramolecular chemistry, have greatly extended the scope of organic charge transfer (CT) complexes, and have proved to be of great practical value in the solid state during the past few years. In this Minireview, we summarize the research progress on the macrocycle-based crystalline supramolecular assemblies primarily driven by intermolecular CT interactions (a.k.a. macrocycle-based crystalline CT assemblies, MCCAs for short), which are classified by their donor-acceptor (D-A) constituent elements, including simplex macrocyclic hosts, heterogeneous macrocyclic hosts, and host-guest D-A pairs. Particular attention will be focused on their diverse functions and applications, as well as the underlying CT mechanisms from the perspective of crystal engineering. Finally, the remaining challenges and prospects are outlined.

N-Embedded Cubarene: A Quadrangular Member of the Macrocycle Family

Despite the large number of synthetic macrocycles, the cubarenes, the quadrangular-shaped macrocyclic arenes, remain less investigated, possibly due either to synthetic challenges or to the lack of suitable building blocks. In this paper, a N-embedded cubarene (cub[4]indolocarbazole) is facilely synthesized by FeCl₃·6H₂O-catalyzed cyclization in dichloromethane. The endo cavity of cub[4]indolocarbazole can bury quaternary ammonium salts in an intramolecular manner, whereas the intermolecular interaction between its exo walls with Cu²⁺ generates two-dimensional supramolecular tessellation.

Pagoda[n]arenes (n = 4, 5): Extremely Strong Binders for the Tropylium Cation

Herein, host-guest complexation between pagoda[n]arenes (n = 4, P4; n = 5, P5) and tropylium cation (G) was investigated in detail. It was found that both P4 and P5 showed surprisingly strong binding affinities toward the tropylium cation with association constants of more than 10⁷ M^-1 for the 1:1 host-guest complexes. The theoretical calculations showed different host-guest complexion ways for complexes G@P4 and G@P5 and the strong π···π interactions and multiple C-H···π interactions play a very important role in the formation of these stable complexes, respectively. Moreover, the switchable processes of guest binding and release in the complexes can be effectively controlled by redox stimuli, and they can be also visible by the color and fluorescence changes.

Enhanced molecular binding affinity toward aromatic dications by anthracene-derived crown ethers in water

The pursuit of high molecular binding affinity using conventional crown ethers in water remains a challenging task in the field of supramolecular chemistry and may hold great promise in the creation of advanced biocompatible nanoconstructs. In this work, the molecular binding strength toward a series of structurally relevant cationic guests has been greatly enhanced by tetrasulfonated 1,5-dianthracenyl-42-crown-10 and as investigated by means of ¹H NMR, UV-vis, and fluorescence spectroscopy, the host-guest association constants can reach up to 10⁸ M^-1 order of magnitude in aqueous solution. X-ray crystal diffraction analysis further demonstrates that the aromatic dication can be tightly encapsulated in the ring of anthracene-derived crown ether via multiple π-stacking and electrostatic interactions. Meanwhile, the obtained association constants are remarkably higher than the ones in the cases of the known benzene- and naphthalene-derived sulfonated crown ethers, substantiating that the appropriate extension of π-conjugation in the molecular skeleton of crown ether is a feasible method in attaining a highly affiliative host-guest complex. Taken together, our results indicate that the anthracene-based sulfonated crown ether can be developed as a new family of water-soluble macrocyclic receptors in the fabrication of functional nanoarchitectures.

"Rim-Differentiated" Pillar[6]arenes

A "rim-differentiated" pillar[6]arene (RD-P[6]) was obtained successfully, with the assistance of a dimeric silver trifluoroacetate template, among eight different constitutional isomers in a direct and regioselective manner. The solid-state conformation of this macrocycle could switch from the 1,3,5-alternate to a truly rim-differentiated one upon guest inclusion. This highly symmetric RD-P[6] not only hosts metal-containing molecules inside its cavity, but also can form a pillar[6]arene-C₆₀ adduct through co-crystallization on account of donor-acceptor interactions. The development of synthetic strategies to desymmetrize pillararenes offers new opportunities for engineering complex molecular architectures and organic electronic materials.

Biphen[n]arenes: Modular Synthesis, Customizable Cavity Sizes, and Diverse Skeletons

Macrocyclic compounds are fundamental tools in supramolecular chemistry and have been widely used in molecular recognition, biomedicine, and materials science. The construction of new macrocycles with distinctive structures and properties would unleash new opportunities for supramolecular chemistry. Traditionally popular macrocycles, e.g., cyclodextrins, calixarenes, cucurbiturils, and pillararenes, possess specific cavities that are usually less than 10 Å in diameter; they are normally suitable for accommodating small- or medium-sized guests but cannot engulf giant molecules or structures. Furthermore, the skeletons of traditional macrocycles are impoverished and incapable of being changed; functional substituents can be introduced only on their portals.Thus, it is very challenging to construct macrocycles with customizable cavity sizes and/or diverse backbones. We have developed a versatile and modular strategy for synthesizing macrocycles, namely, biphen[n]arenes (n = 3-8), based on the structure- or function-oriented replacement of reaction modules, functional modules, and linking modules. First, two reaction modules and one functional module are connected by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling to obtain a monomer having two reaction sites. Then Friedel-Crafts alkylation between the monomer and an aldehyde (linking module) serves to afford diversely functionalized macrocycles. Moreover, large macrocycles can be achieved by using long and rigid oligo(para-phenylene) monomers. Because of the modular synthesis and plentiful molecular supplies, the biphen[n]arenes showed interesting recognition properties for both small molecules and large polypeptides. Customizable functional backbones and binding sites endowed this new family of macrocycles with peculiar self-assembly properties and potential applications in gas chromatography, pollutant capture, and physisorptive separation. Biphen[n]arenes would be a promising family of workhorses in supramolecular chemistry.In this Account, we summarize our recent work on the chemistry of biphen[n]arenes. We introduce their design and modular synthesis, including systematic exploration for reaction modules, customizable cavity sizes, skeleton functionalization, pre- and postmodification, and molecular cages. Thereafter, we discuss their host-guest properties, involving the binding for small guests by cationic/anionic/neutral biphen[n]arenes, as well as the complexation of polypeptides by large quaterphen[n]arenes. In addition, we outline the self-assembly and potential applications of this new family of macrocycles. Finally, we forecast their further development. The chemistry of biphen[n]arenes is still in its infancy. Continued exploration will not only further expand the supramolecular toolbox but also open new avenues for the use of biphen[n]arenes in the fields of biology, pharmaceutical science, and materials science.