Self-Assembled Chiral Film Based on Melanin Polymers

Chirality plays a fundamental role in natural phenomena, yet its manifestation on solid surfaces remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we investigate the formation of chiroptical melanin-based self-assembled films on quartz substrates, leveraging mussel-inspired surface chemistry. Water-soluble porphyrins serve as molecular synthons, facilitating the spontaneous formation of hetero-aggregates in phosphate-buffered saline containing L- or D-DOPA. Spectroscopic analysis reveals chiral transfer from DOPA enantiomers to porphyrin hetero-aggregates, followed by the disruption of these latter and subsequent generation of chiral melanin structures in solution. Quartz substrates inserted into these solutions spontaneously accumulate homogeneous melanin-like films over days, demonstrating the feasibility of self-assembly. The resulting films exhibit characteristic UV/Vis and CD spectra, with distinct signals indicating successful chiral induction. Interestingly, the AFM characterizations reveal a distinct surface morphology, and in addition, some thermal and mechanical properties have been taken into account. Overall, this study sheds light on the formation, stability, and chiroptical properties of melanin-based films, paving the way for their application in various fields.

A New Member of the Metal-Porphyrin Frameworks Family: Structure, Physicochemical Properties, Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Adsorption

A novel holmium-based porous metal-porphyrin framework, {(H3 O+ )[Ho(H2 TPPS)]-  ⋅ 4H2 O}n (denoted as UPJS-17), was synthesised by hydrothermal reaction. Structural analysis reveals, that UPJS-17 has a three-dimensional open framework. The framework is negatively charged and the negative charge is compensated by hydronium cation. The compound showed no N2 adsorption but the Ar, CO2 and H2 . From the argon adsorption, the surface area of ~150 m2  g-1 was determined. Carbon dioxide adsorption was measured at various temperatures (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 °C) and the compound showed the highest adsorption capacity (at 0 °C) of 7.0 wt % of CO2 . From the carbon dioxide adsorption isotherms the isosteric heat of 56,5 kJ mol-1 was determined. Hydrogen adsorption was studied at -196 °C with hydrogen uptake of 2.1 wt % at 1 bar.

Twisting of Porphyrin by Assembly in a Metal-Organic Framework yielding Chiral Photoconducting Films for Circularly-Polarized-Light Detection

While materials based on organic molecules usually have either superior optoelectronic or superior chiral properties, the combination of both is scarce. Here, a crystalline chiroptical film based on porphyrin with homochiral side groups is presented. While the dissolved molecule has a planar, thus, achiral porphyrin core, upon assembly in a metal-organic framework (MOF) film, the porphyrin core is twisted and chiral. The close packing and the crystalline order of the porphyrin cores in the MOF film also results in excellent optoelectronic properties. By exciting the Soret band of porphyrin, efficient photoconduction with a high On-Off-ratio is realized. More important, handedness-dependent circularly-polarized-light photoconduction with a dissymmetry factor g of 4.3×10^-4 is obtained. We foresee the combination of such assembly-induced chirality with the rich porphyrin chemistry will enable a plethora of organic materials with exceptional chiral and optoelectronic properties.

One-pot, facile synthesis and fast separation of a UiO-66 composite by a metalloporphyrin using nanomagnetic materials for oxidation of olefins and allylic alcohols

One-pot facile synthesis of a new composite based on the incorporation of a metalloporphyrin within the UiO-66 metal–organic framework is reported.

Three-Dimensional Electron Diffraction: A Powerful Structural Characterization Technique for Crystal Engineering

Understanding crystal structures and behaviors is crucial for constructing and engineering crystalline materials with various properties and functions. Recent advancement in three-dimensional electron diffraction (3D ED) and its application on...

Macrocyclic Receptors for Identification and Selective Binding of Substrates of Different Nature

Molecular recognition of host/guest molecules represents the basis of many biological processes and phenomena. Enzymatic catalysis and inhibition, immunological response, reproduction of genetic information, biological regulatory functions, the effects of drugs, and ion transfer-all these processes include the stage of structure recognition during complexation. The goal of this review is to solicit and publish the latest advances in the design and sensing and binding abilities of porphyrin-based heterotopic receptors with well-defined geometries, the recognition ability of which is realized due to ionic, H-bridge, charge transfer, hydrophobic, and hydrophilic interactions. The dissection of the considered low-energy processes at the molecular scale expands our capabilities in the development of effective systems for controlled recognition, selective delivery, and prolonged release of substrates of different natures (including drugs) to their sites of functioning.

Structural effects of meso-halogenation on porphyrins

The use of halogens in the crystal engineering of supramolecular porphyrin assemblies has been a topic of strong interest over the past decades. With this in mind we have characterized a series of direct meso-halogenated porphyrins using single crystal X-ray crystallography. This is accompanied by a detailed conformational analysis of all deposited meso-halogenated porphyrins in the CSD. In this study we have used the Hirshfeld fingerprint plots together with normal-coordinate structural decomposition and determined crystal structures to elucidate the conformation, present intermolecular interactions, and compare respective contacts within the crystalline architectures. Additionally, we have used density functional theory calculations to determine the structure of several halogenated porphyrins. This contrasts conformational analysis with existing X-ray structures and gives a method to characterize samples that are difficult to crystallize. By using the methods outlined above we were able to deduce the impact a meso halogen has on a porphyrin, for example, meso-halogenation is dependent on the type of alternate substituents present when forming supramolecular assemblies. Furthermore, we have designed a method to predict the conformation of halogenated porphyrins, without need of crystallization, using DFT calculations with a high degree of accuracy.

Investigating the Impact of Conformational Molecular Engineering on the Crystal Packing of Cavity Forming Porphyrins

Herein we report the synthesis of 5,10,15,20-tetraaryl-(X)-substituted-2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrins (OETArXPs) and a structural investigation of their solid-state properties via small molecule X-ray diffraction. A series of halogen (fluorine to iodine), nitrogenous (azido, cyano), alkyl (TMS-acetylene and acetylene), and chained (benzyloxy) porphyrins were chosen as the initial target molecules. Following this, a selection of tetravalent metal complexes [Cu(II), Ni(II), and Pd(II)] based on these porphyrins were synthesized to allow for an investigation of the effects of metal complexes on the structural properties of these highly substituted porphyrins. The size of the halogen atom affects the potential of intermolecular interactions and the resulting crystal packing in these 4-halo-OETArXP complexes. The fluorine series have an equal preference for alkyl or aryl groups (ortho-hydrogen), the chlorine series favor interactions between the alkyl groups, and the bromine appears to favor the aryl (ortho- and meta-hydrogens). This results in an extensive cupping pattern in the unit cell. For the 2,6-halo-OETArXP it was established that the change in position alters the types of the intermolecular contacts toward face-to-edge or face-to-face interactions and alters the packing patterns observed. Within the 4-benzyloxy-OETArXP series the meso-substituent favors interacting with the core of the porphyrin macrocycle. The 4-cyano-OETArXP is a suitable hydrogen-bond acceptor and results in an interesting Z-shape network. Additionally, it was highlighted that solvent effects play a much larger role in crystal packing than intermolecular/intramolecular interaction or metal(II) center substitution. This is accompanied by a study using both the azide- and acetylene-OETArXPs as a base molecule to allow for a quick one-step reaction for the generation of a variety of functionalized compounds. Using a copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction, we were able to append hydrogen bonding functionalities to the OETArXPs framework in high yields. The crystal packing images included in this work shows the potential to create selective and functional receptor sites based on free base porphyrins. However, insofar as analytical measurements indicate, the design of such a free base porphyrin through crystal engineering has not yet been realized. The variety of porphyrin packing arrangements herein indicates the need for further studies.

A 3D metal–organic framework with dual-aerial-octahedral trinucleate building units: synthesis, structure and fluorescence sensing properties

JLNU-2 can be used to detect nitrobenzene with high selectivity, sensitivity, anti-interference ability and recyclability through tracing the fluorescence quenching behaviour.

Novel meso-substituted trans-A2B2 porphyrins: synthesis and structure of their metal-mediated supramolecular assemblies

Five novel trans-A₂B₂ porphyrins and their corresponding coordination polymers with transition metals have been synthesized. Absorption and emission studies and structural investigations define the coordination patterns of these compounds in the solid state.

van der Waals-Induced Chromatic Shifts in Hydrogen-Bonded Two-Dimensional Porphyrin Arrays on Boron Nitride

The fluorescence of a two-dimensional supramolecular network of 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxylphenyl)porphyrin (TCPP) adsorbed on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is red-shifted due to, primarily, adsorbate-substrate van der Waals interactions. TCPP is deposited from solution on hBN and forms faceted islands with typical dimensions of 100 nm and either square or hexagonal symmetry. The molecular arrangement is stabilized by in-plane hydrogen bonding as determined by a combination of molecular-resolution atomic force microscopy performed under ambient conditions and density functional theory; a similar structure is observed on MoS2 and graphite. The fluorescence spectra of submonolayers of TCPP on hBN are red-shifted by ∼30 nm due to the distortion of the molecule arising from van der Waals interactions, in agreement with time-dependent density functional theory calculations. Fluorescence intensity variations are observed due to coherent partial reflections at the hBN interface, implying that such hybrid structures have potential in photonic applications.

Recent developments in metal-metalloporphyrin frameworks

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on porphyrin or metalloporphyrin components are of particular interest due to their potential applications in molecular sorption, light-harvesting, and heterogeneous catalysis. This perspective is focused on recent advances in the syntheses and functional properties of metal-metalloporphyrin frameworks, which are classified according to coordination moieties on the porphyrin ligands.

Diamondoid framework solid with Sn(OCH3)2–tetrapyridylporphyrin linkers, CuInodes and [CuICl2]−counter-ions

We report on the synthesis of a new metal–organic framework (MOF) composed of Sn(OCH3)2–tetrakis(pyridin-4-yl)porphyrin linkers, Cu+connecting nodes and [CuCl2]−counter-ions, namely poly[[bis(methanolato-κO)[μ5-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(pyridin-4-yl)porphyrin-κ81κN5:1′κN10:1′′κN15:1′′′κN20:2κ4N21,N22,N23,N24]copper(I)tin(II)] dichloridocuprate(I)], [CuSn(C40H24N8)(CH3O)2][CuCl2]. Its crystal structure consists of a single-framework coordination polymer of the organic ligand and the CuIions. The latter are characterized by a tetrahedral coordination geometry [with CN (coordination number) = 4], linking to the pyridyl N-atom sites of four different ligands and imparting to the positively charged polymeric assembly a diamondoid PtS-type topology. Correspondingly, every porphyrin unit is coordinated to four different CuIconnectors. The [CuCl2]−anions occupy the intra-lattice voids, along with disordered molecules of the water crystallization solvent. The asymmetric unit of this structure consists of two halves of the porphyrin scaffold, located on centres of crystallographic inversion, and the Cu+and [CuCl2]−ions. This report provides unique structural evidence for the formation of tetrapyridylporphyrin-based three-dimensional MOFs with a diamondoid architecture that have been observed earlier only on rare occasions.

Metal-metalloporphyrin frameworks: a resurging class of functional materials

This review presents comprehensively recent progress in metal-metalloporphyrin frameworks (MMPFs) with an emphasis on versatile functionalities. Following a brief introduction of basic concepts and the potential virtues of MMPFs, we give a snapshot of the historical perspective of MMPFs since 1991. We then summarize four effective strategies implemented frequently to construct prototypal MMPFs. MMPFs represent a resurging class of promising functional materials, highlighted with diverse applications including guest-molecule adsorption and separation, catalysis, nano-thin films and light-harvesting.

Recent advances in the design strategies for porphyrin-based coordination polymers

Strategies to construct the porphyrin-based coordination polymers are summarized based on utilization of metal nodes, porphyrin ligands, inorganic polyoxometalates and post-synthetic modification.

Altering physical properties of pharmaceutical co-crystals in a systematic manner

Systematic structure–property studies on a series of co-crystals of potential cancer drugs with aliphatic dicarboxylic acids were undertaken.

Directed synthesis of a halogen-bonded open porphyrin network

A strategy for the elaboration of a halogen-bonded porphyrin network with nano-sized tubular channels is reported.

Isomorphous free-base, Ni(ii)- and Cu(ii)-5,10,15,20-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrin nitrobenzene hexasolvates with tetragonal 3D hydrogen-bonded network structures

The crystal structures of 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)-21,23H-porphyrin nitrobenzene hexasolvate (1), 5,10,15,20-tetra(4-hydroxyphenyl)porphyrinatonickel(ii) and -copper(ii)nitrobenzene hexasolvates (2and3) are described.

Diverse silver(i) sulfobenzoate coordination polymers and their recycling property as homogeneous catalyst in oxygenation of sulfide

Four silver sulfobenzoate coordination polymers with bpmb ligands were prepared. The variable positions of sulfonate groups on benzene rings gave rise to different coordination polymers and variable chemical properties.

The two-step mechanochemical synthesis of porphyrins

Porphyrin synthesis under solvent-free conditions represents the "greening" of a traditional synthesis that normally requires large amounts of organic solvent, and has hindered the industrial-scale synthesis of this useful class of molecules. We have found that the four-fold acid-catalysed condensation of aldehyde and pyrrole to yield a tetra-substituted porphyrin is possible through mechanochemical techniques, without a solvent present. This represents one of the still-rare examples of carbon-carbon bond formation by mechanochemistry. Specifically, upon grinding equimolar amounts of pyrrole and benzaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst, cyclization takes place to give reduced porphyrin precursors (reversible), which upon oxidation form tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP). The approach has been found to be suitable for the synthesis of a variety of meso-tetrasubstituted porphyrins. Oxidation can occur either by using an oxidizing agent in solution, to give yields comparable to those published for traditional methods of porphyrin synthesis, or through mechanochemical means resulting in a two-step mechanochemical synthesis to give slightly lower yields that are still being optimized. We are also working on "green" methods of porphyrin isolation, including entrainment sublimation, which would hopefully further reduce the need for large amounts of organic solvent. These results hold promise for the development of mechanochemical synthetic protocols for porphyrins and related classes of compounds.

A one-dimensional coordination polymer of 5-[(imidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid with Cu(II) cations

5-[(Imidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (H2L) was synthesized and the dimethylformamide- and dimethylacetamide-solvated structures of its adducts with Cu(II), namely catena-poly[[copper(II)-bis[μ-3-carboxy-5-[(imidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Cu(C12H9N2O4)2]·2C3H7NO}n, (I), and catena-poly[[copper(II)-bis[μ-3-carboxy-5-[(imidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylacetamide disolvate], {[Cu(C12H9N2O4)2]·2C4H9NO}n, (II), the formation of which are associated with mono-deprotonation of H2L. The two structures are isomorphous and isometric. They consist of one-dimensional coordination polymers of the organic ligand with Cu(II) in a 2:1 ratio, [Cu(μ-HL)2]n, crystallizing as the dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylacetamide (DMA) disolvates. The Cu(II) cations are characterized by a coordination number of six, being located on centres of crystallographic inversion. In the polymeric chains, each Cu(II) cation is linked to four neighbouring HL(-) ligands, and the organic ligand is coordinated via Cu-O and Cu-N bonds to two Cu(II) cations. In the corresponding crystal structures of (I) and (II), the coordination chains, aligned parallel to the c axis, are further interlinked by strong hydrogen bonds between the noncoordinated carboxy groups in one array and the coordinated carboxylate groups of neighbouring chains. Molecules of DMF and DMA (disordered) are accommodated at the interface between adjacent polymeric assemblies. This report provides the first structural evidence for the formation of coordination polymers with H2L via multiple metal-ligand bonds through both carboxylate and imidazole groups.

Molecular assemblies of porphyrins and macrocyclic receptors: recent developments in their synthesis and applications

Metalloporphyrins which form the core of many bioenzymes and natural light harvesting or electron transport systems, exhibit a variety of selective functional properties depending on the state and surroundings with which they exist in biological systems. The specificity and ease with which they function in each of their bio-functions appear to be largely governed by the nature and disposition of the protein globule around the porphyrin reaction center. Synthetic porphyrin frameworks confined within or around a pre-organized molecular entity like the protein network in natural systems have attracted considerable attraction, especially in the field of biomimetic reactions. At the same time a large number of macrocyclic oligomers such as calixarenes, resorcinarenes, spherands, cyclodextrins and crown ethers have been investigated in detail as efficient molecular receptors. These molecular receptors are synthetic host molecules with enclosed interiors, which are designed three dimensionally to ensure strong and precise molecular encapsulation/recognition. Due to their complex structures, enclosed guest molecules reside in an environment isolated from the outside and as a consequence, physical properties and chemical reactions specific to that environment in these guest species can be identified. The facile incorporation of such molecular receptors into the highly photoactive and catalytically efficient porphyrin framework allows for convenient design of useful molecular systems with unique structural and functional properties. Such systems have provided over the years attractive model systems for the study of various biological and chemical processes, and the design of new materials and molecular devices. This review focuses on the recent developments in the synthesis of porphyrin assemblies associated with cyclodextrins, calixarenes and resorcinarenes and their potential applications in the fields of molecular encapsulation/recognition, and chemical catalysis.

Responsive porphyrinoid nanoparticles: development and applications

The economy of space and materials and the continuously increasing demand for advanced functionalities for diverse technologies requires the development of new synthetic methods. Many nanomaterials have enhanced photophysical and photochemical properties in solutions and/or on surfaces, while others have enhanced chemical properties, compared to the atomic, molecular, or bulk phases. Nanomaterials have a wide range of applications in catalysis, sensors, photonic devices, drug delivery, and as therapeutics for treatment of a variety of diseases. Inorganic nanoparticles are widely studied, but the formation of organic nanomaterials via supramolecular chemistry is more recent, and porphyrinoids are at the forefront of this research because of their optical, chemical, and structural properties. The formation of nanoscaled materials via self-assembly and/or self-organization of molecular subunits is an attractive approach because of reduced energy requirements, simpler molecular subunits, and the material can be adaptive to environmental changes. The presence of biocompatible groups such as peptides, carbohydrates, polyglycols and mixtures of these on the periphery of the porphyrin macrocycle may make nanoparticles suitable for therapeutics. This perspective focuses on responsive, non-crystalline porphyrinoid nanomaterials that are less than about 100 nm in all dimensions and used for catalytic or therapeutic applications.