Two-dimensional molecular networks at the solid/liquid interface and the role of alkyl chains in their building blocks

Nanoarchitectonics has attracted increasing attention owing to its potential applications in nanomachines, nanoelectronics, catalysis, and nanopatterning, which can contribute to overcoming global problems related to energy and environment, among others. However, the fabrication of ordered nanoarchitectures remains a challenge, even in two dimensions. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the self-assembly processes and substantial factors for building ordered structures is critical for tailoring flexible and desirable nanoarchitectures. Scanning tunneling microscopy is a powerful tool for revealing the molecular conformations, arrangements, and orientations of two-dimensional (2D) networks on surfaces. The fabrication of 2D assemblies involves non-covalent interactions that play a significant role in the molecular arrangement and orientation. Among the non-covalent interactions, dispersion interactions that derive from alkyl chain units are believed to be weak. However, alkyl chains play an important role in the adsorption onto substrates, as well as in the in-plane intermolecular interactions. In this review, we focus on the role of alkyl chains in the formation of ordered 2D assemblies at the solid/liquid interface. The alkyl chain effects on the 2D assemblies are introduced together with examples documented in the past decades.

Name reactions: strategies in the design of chemodosimeters for analyte detection

The design and synthesis of suitable chemodosimeters for the detection of toxic analytes has become challenging for new researchers nowadays in the molecular recognition field.

Stereocontrolled Microwave-Assisted Domino [3,3]-Sigmatropic Reactions: A Winstein-Overman Rearrangement for the Formation of Differentiated Contiguous C-N Bonds

A domino [3,3]-sigmatropic rearrangement sequence employing a sequential reversible allylic azide rearrangement followed by an irreversible Overman reaction provides a new route to the formation of two contiguous C-N bonds. The reaction occurs in a stereocontrolled fashion in two steps from readily available alkenyl epoxides via initial azide anion ring opening of the epoxides.

Sulfate Donor Based Dinuclear Heteroleptic Triple-Stranded Helicates from Sulfite and Ditopic Nitrogen Donor Ligands and Their Transformation to Dinuclear Homoleptic Double-Stranded Mesocates

Sulfate donor based supramolecular coordination complexes [{ fac-Re(CO)₃}(μ-SO₄)(L ⁿ)₂{ fac-Re(CO)₃}] (1-3) were obtained using ditopic N donors (L ⁿ; n = 1-3), NaHSO₃, and Re₂(CO)₁₀ in a one-pot, multicomponent, coordination-driven self-assembly approach, in which SO₃^2- becomes oxidized to SO₄^2- during the reaction and acts as a building framework. Complexes 1-3 were characterized using IR, ESI-TOF-MS, and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The structures of complexes 1-3 were confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The transformation of the dinuclear heteroleptic triple-stranded helicate to the dinuclear homoleptic double-stranded mesocate [{Re(CO)₃Cl}₂(L ⁿ)₂] (L ⁿ = L¹, L², L³; 4a-6a) was achieved by the addition of BaCl₂. The direct treatment of Re(CO)₅X (X = Cl, Br) with L¹/L²/L³ yielded the dinuclear homoleptic double-stranded helicates [{Re(CO)₃X}₂ (L ⁿ)₂] (4b-6b and 7-9).

Gold-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of ynamides with 3-indolyl azides via an unexpected 1,2-alkyl migration

A gold-catalyzed intermolecular reaction of ynamides with 3-indolyl azides via the presumable α-imino gold carbenes has been developed, providing an alternative and efficient way for the synthesis of valuable 3-amino-β-carbolines in generally good to excellent yields. Importantly, this new protocol involves an unexpected 1,2-alkyl migration pathway.

Rhenium(I)-Based Monocyclic and Bicyclic Phosphine Oxide-Coordinated Supramolecular Complexes

Neutral, flexible ditopic phosphine (P-P) or phosphine oxide (O=P-P=O) donors, rigid anionic bis-chelating oxygen donors, and Re₂(CO)₁₀ were used to assemble ten phosphine oxide (P=O)-donor-based neutral monocyclic M₂LL'-, bicyclic M₄L₂L″-, and bicyclic M₄LL'₂-type supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs). A soft ditopic phosphine donor was transformed into a hard ditopic phosphine oxide donor, during the formation of the cyclic complexes 1-3, 5-6, and 9-10. Complexes 4, 7, and 8 were obtained using a hard P=O donor ligand. These SCCs were characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR, NMR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The absorption properties of 1-8 were studied using absorption UV-vis spectroscopic methods, and the results were analyzed using theoretical calculations. The results revealed that the neutral P=O donor significantly influenced the photophysical properties by enhancing the absorption coefficient in the visible region.

Toward a symphony of reactivity: cascades involving catalysis and sigmatropic rearrangements

Catalysis and synthesis are intimately linked in modern organic chemistry. The synthesis of complex molecules is an ever evolving area of science. In many regards, the inherent beauty associated with a synthetic sequence can be linked to a certain combination of the creativity with which a sequence is designed and the overall efficiency with which the ultimate process is performed. In synthesis, as in other endeavors, beauty is very much in the eyes of the beholder. It is with this in mind that we will attempt to review an area of synthesis that has fascinated us and that we find extraordinarily beautiful, namely the combination of catalysis and sigmatropic rearrangements in consecutive and cascade sequences.

2,2′-(Hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedimethylylidene)bis(6-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) based selective dual-channel chemosensor for Cu2+ in semi-aqueous media

A novel receptor based on a substituted salicylaldehyde derivative, 2,2′-(hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedimethylylidene)bis(6-isopropyl-3-methylphenol) (1), was synthesized and characterized using various spectroscopic techniques.

Tandem RCM-Claisen rearrangement-[2+2] cycloaddition of O,O'-(but-2-en-1,4-diyl)-bridged binaphthols

Attempted RCM of 2,2'-bis(allyloxy)-1,1'-binaphthyl resulted in a Claisen-type rearrangement of a postulated labile dioxacyclodecine proceeding at room temperature and followed by [2+2] cycloaddition. Structures of products were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. A mechanistic rationalisation based on relative stabilities of proposed intermediates and transition states is provided.

Diversity oriented approach to crownophanes by enyne metathesis and Diels-Alder reaction as key steps

Various crownophanes are assembled starting with simple phenol derivatives such as catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone. Here, cross-enyne metathesis (CEM) and Diels-Alder (DA) reaction have been used as key steps. This strategy has embedded six diversity points.

Function-Oriented Synthesis of a Didesmethyl Triazacryptand Analogue for Fluorescent Potassium Ion Sensing

Triazacryptand (TAC)-based fluorescent K+ sensors have broad biomedical utility, yet their advancement has been hindered because of their challenging synthesis. Herein, an efficient synthesis is reported that delivers a didesmethyl tri-azacryptand (ddTAC) K+ sensor in twofold fewer steps and ninefold higher overall yield than the original TAC synthesis. Our synthesis utilizes a C-O dianionic oxidative macrocyclization and reports new examples of aminoarylations and a microwave route to xanthythilium chromophores. The K+ sensitivity and selectivity of the ddTAC-based sensor are comparable to the TAC-based sensor.

Container molecules based on imine type ligands

This chapter will give a short overview about container molecules, their synthesis and possible applications. The main focus is on those which are based on imine type ligands. These containers can be used for example for guest exchange, gas separation, as chemical sensors or for the stabilisation of white phosphorus under water. The described cages have wide openings or tightly closed ones. For one cage the reversible opening and closing is also described.

Templated versus non-templated synthesis of benzo-21-crown-7 and the influence of substituents on its complexing properties

Two procedures for the synthesis of benzo-21-crown-7 have been explored. The [1+1] macrocyclization with KBF₄ as the template was found to be more efficient than the intramolecular macrocyclization without template. Pseudorotaxanes form with secondary ammonium ions bearing at least one alkyl chain narrow enough to slip into the crown ether. Substitution on benzo-21-crown-7 or on the secondary ammonium axle alters the binding affinity and binding mode. Compared to dibenzo-24-crown-8, the complexing properties of benzo-21-crown-7 turn out to be more susceptible to modifications at the crown periphery.

An enantiomerically pure siderophore type ligand for the diastereoselective 1 : 1 complexation of lanthanide(III) ions

A facile synthesis of a highly preorganized tripodal enterobactine-type ligand 1a-H₃ consisting of a chiral C₃-symmetric macrocyclic peptide and three tridentate 2-amido-8-hydroxyquinoline coordinating units is presented. Complex formation with various metal ions (Al(³+), Ga(³+), Fe(³+), La(³+) and Eu(³+)) was investigated by spectrophotometric methods. Only in the case of La(³+) and Eu(³+) were well defined 1 : 1 complexes formed. On the basis of CD spectroscopy and DFT calculations the configuration at the metal centre of the La(³+) complex was determined to show Lambda helicity. The coordination compounds [(1a)Ln] presented should be prototypes for further lanthanide(III) complexes with an enterobactine analogue binding situation.