Conformation-Changeable π-Electronic Systems with Metastable Bent-Core Conformations and Liquid-Crystalline-State Electric-Field-Responsive Properties

This study focused on the use of nonconventional bent-core π-electronic systems, 2,2'-bipyrroles substituted with modified benzoyl units, as building units of stimuli-responsive assemblies. Electric-field-responsive mesophase behaviors were observed in homochiral synclinic ferroelectric smectic C structures comprising the syn conformations. Electric-field application induced changes in the polarized optical microscopy textures with dynamic behaviors derived from the conversion from twisted to untwisted states.

Pyrrole N-H Anion Complexes

Synthetic pyrrole-based anion receptors date back to the 1990s. They have been extensively developed in the context of macrocyclic systems as expanded porphyrins and calixpyrroles, and related systems. The chemistry of open-chain pyrrolic systems is, in many respects, no less venerable. It also has more direct analogy to naturally occurring pyrrole-based anion binding motifs. However, it has not been the subject of a comprehensive review. Presented herein is a summary of efforts devoted to the creation of de novo pyrrole-based receptors, as well as the anion recognition chemistry of naturally occurring pyrrolic systems as prodigiosins and their synthetic analogues.

Dimension-controlled ion-pairing assemblies based on π-electronic charged species

This feature article summarizes the recent progress in the study of ion-pairing assemblies based on π-electronic ion pairs, including anion complexes of π-electronic molecules.