Anion-templated self-assembly of tetrahedral cage complexes of cobalt(II) with bridging ligands containing two bidentate pyrazolyl-pyridine binding sites

Programmable Monodisperse Glyco-Multivalency Using Self-Assembled Coordination Cages as Scaffolds

The multivalent presentation of glycans leads to enhanced binding avidity to lectins due to the cluster glycoside effect. Most materials used as scaffolds for multivalent glycan arrays, such as polymers or nanoparticles, have intrinsic dispersity: meaning that in any sample, a range of valencies are presented and it is not possible to determine which fraction(s) are responsible for binding. The intrinsic dispersity of many multivalent glycan scaffolds also limits their reproducibility and predictability. Here we make use of the structurally programmable nature of self-assembled metal coordination cages, with polyhedral metal-ion cores supporting ligand arrays of predictable sizes, to assemble a 16-membered library of perfectly monodisperse glycoclusters displaying valencies from 2 to 24 through a careful choice of ligand/metal combinations. Mono- and trisaccharides are introduced into these clusters, showing that the synthetic route is tolerant of biologically relevant glycans, including sialic acids. The cluster series demonstrates increased binding to a range of lectins as the number of glycans increases. This strategy offers an alternative to current glycomaterials for control of the valency of three-dimensional (3-D) glycan arrays, and may find application across sensing, imaging, and basic biology.

Three modes of interactions between anions and phenolic macrocycles: a comparative study

Macrocyclic polyphenolic compounds such as resorcin[4]arenes can be considered as multidentate anion receptors. In the current work, we combine new experimental data and reports from the previous literature (solution data and deposited crystal structures from the CCDC) to systematically analyze binding motifs between resorcin[4]arene derivatives and anions, determine the role of supporting interactions from CH donors, ion pairing and estimate their relative strength. We have found that in medium polarity solvents (THF) anion binding is a main driving force for the formation of complexes between resorcinarenes and Alk₄NX salts. Three binding modes have been detected using ¹H NMR and DOSY, depending on the type of additional interactions. Mode I was observed for upper-rim unsubstituted resorcinarenes, which use OH groups and aromatic CH from the upper rim as hydrogen bond donors to form multidentate and multivalent binding sites at the upper rim. Mode II was observed for upper-rim halogenated resorcinarenes (tetrabromo- and tetraiodo-derivatives), which use OH groups and aliphatic CH atoms from the bridges to support the chelation of anions between aromatic units. This binding mode is also multidentate and multivalent, but weaker and more anion-selective than mode I (works effectively for chlorides but not for bromides). For O-substituted derivatives, mode III is observed, with anions bound in a nest formed by aromatic CH atoms in the lower rim (multidentate but monovalent binding). The relative strength of these three binding modes, their solvent-dependence, and emergence in the crystal structures (CCDC) have been evaluated.

Beyond Platonic: How to Build Metal-Organic Polyhedra Capable of Binding Low-Symmetry, Information-Rich Molecular Cargoes

The field of metallosupramolecular chemistry has advanced rapidly in recent years. Much work in this area has focused on the formation of hollow self-assembled metal-organic architectures and exploration of the applications of their confined nanospaces. These discrete, soluble structures incorporate metal ions as 'glue' to link organic ligands together into polyhedra.Most of the architectures employed thus far have been highly symmetrical, as these have been the easiest to prepare. Such high-symmetry structures contain pseudospherical cavities, and so typically bind roughly spherical guests. Biomolecules and high-value synthetic compounds are rarely isotropic, highly-symmetrical species. To bind, sense, separate, and transform such substrates, new, lower-symmetry, metal-organic cages are needed. Herein we summarize recent approaches, which taken together form the first draft of a handbook for the design of higher-complexity, lower-symmetry, self-assembled metal-organic architectures.

Exclusive formation of a meridional complex of a tripodand and perfect suppression of guest recognition

Tripodal ligands have been utilized for complexation-induced structural change, but all the tripodal complexes reported so far are facial isomers, which do not completely reduce the recognition ability by closing the binding pocket. We now report the first example of the selective synthesis of a meridional tripodal complex. The tripodal ligand with a 1,3,5-triethyl-2,4,6-tris(methylene)benzene pivot possessing 2,2'-bipyridine on each arm exclusively formed a mononuclear complex with the mer-[Fe(bpy)]2+ unit. The meridional tripodal complex has a unique structure in which one bipyridine unit is self-penetrated. As a result of cavity blockage, the ion recognition property of the tripodand has been successfully suppressed.

Flexibility and anion exchange of [(X)@Pd2L4] cages for recognition of size and charge of polyatomic anions

The self-assembly of Pd(NO3)2 with L (L = 1,2-bis(dimethyl(pyridin-3-yl)silyl)ethane) gives rise to [PdL2](NO3)2 in high yields. Anion exchange of [PdL2](NO3)2 with X- (X- = BF4-, ClO4-, and PF6-) changes the skeleton into a cage of [(X)@Pd2L4](X)3. Successive anion exchange of [(X)@Pd2L4](X)3 (X- = BF4-, ClO4-, and PF6-) with X- (X- = ReO4- and SiF62-) produces [(ReO4)@Pd2L4](ReO4)3 and [(SiF6)@Pd2L4](SiF6), respectively, irrespective of anion charge. The flexible nature and conformation of cages are significantly dependent on the nestled polyatomic anions. Thus, this system can be used as a molecular recognizer of the size and charge of ubiquitous polyatomic anions.

Guest Binding Drives Host Redistribution in Libraries of CoII 4 L4 Cages

Two CoII 4 L4 tetrahedral cages prepared from similar building blocks showed contrasting host-guest properties. One cage did not bind guests, whereas the second encapsulated a series of anions, due to electronic and geometric effects. When the building blocks of both cages were present during self-assembly, a library of five CoII LA x LB 4-x cages was formed in a statistical ratio in the absence of guests. Upon incorporation of anions able to interact preferentially with some library members, the products obtained were redistributed in favor of the best anion binders. To quantify the magnitudes of these templation effects, ESI-MS was used to gauge the effect of each template upon library redistribution.

Narcissistic, Integrative, and Kinetic Self-Sorting within a System of Coordination Cages

Many useful principles of self-assembly have been elucidated through studies of systems where multiple components combine to create a single structure. More complex systems, where multiple product structures self-assemble in parallel from a shared set of precursors, are also of great interest, as biological systems exhibit this behavior. The greater complexity of such systems leads to an increased likelihood that discrete species will not be formed, however. Here we show how the kinetics of self-assembly govern the formation of multiple metal-organic architectures from a mixture of five building blocks, preventing the formation of a discrete structure of intermediate size. By varying ligand symmetry, denticity, and orientation, we explore how five distinct polyhedra-a tetrahedron, an octahedron, a cube, a cuboctahedron, and a triangular prism-assemble in concert around CoII template ions. The underlying rules dictating the organization of assemblies into specific shapes are deciphered, explaining the formation of only three discrete entities when five could form in principle.

Coordination-Cage-Catalysed Hydrolysis of Organophosphates: Cavity- or Surface-Based?

The hydrophobic central cavity of a water-soluble M8 L12 cubic coordination cage can accommodate a range of phospho-diester and phospho-triester guests such as the insecticide "dichlorvos" (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate) and the chemical warfare agent analogue di(isopropyl) chlorophosphate. The accumulation of hydroxide ions around the cationic cage surface due to ion-pairing in solution generates a high local pH around the cage, resulting in catalysed hydrolysis of the phospho-triester guests. A series of control experiments unexpectedly demonstrates that-in marked contrast to previous cases-it is not necessary for the phospho-triester substrates to be bound inside the cavity for catalysed hydrolysis to occur. This suggests that catalysis can occur on the exterior surface of the cage as well as the interior surface, with the exterior-binding catalysis pathway dominating here because of the small binding constants for these phospho-triester substrates in the cage cavity. These observations suggest that cationic but hydrophobic surfaces could act as quite general catalysts in water by bringing substrates into contact with the surface (via the hydrophobic effect) where there is also a high local concentration of anions (due to ion pairing/electrostatic effects).

Hexafluorosilicate anion in the formation of a coordination cage: anion competition

The construction of a coordination cage in a system of dual anions including hexafluorosilicate was investigated. Significant catalytic effects on catechol oxidation catalysis performance ranks among the most efficient yet recorded.

Coordination Cages Based on Bis(pyrazolylpyridine) Ligands: Structures, Dynamic Behavior, Guest Binding, and Catalysis

We describe here a family of coordination cages with interesting structural, guest-binding, and catalytic properties. Flexible bridging ligands containing two bidentate pyrazolylpyridine termini assemble with transition-metal dications to afford coordination cages containing a metal ion at each vertex, a bridging ligand spanning each edge, and a 2:3 metal:ligand ratio. This stoichiometry is expressed in structures ranging from M₄L₆ tetrahedra to M₁₆L₂₄ tetracapped truncated tetrahedra, which are stabilized by the formation of π-stacked arrays between electron-rich and electron-poor ligand segments that form around the cage periphery. In some cases concentration- and/or temperature-dependent equilibria between multiple cage structures occur, arising from a balance between entropy, which favors the formation of a larger number of smaller assemblies, and enthalpy, which maximizes both interligand aromatic stacking and solvophobic effects in the larger assembles. The cages are hollow and can accommodate guests-often anions or solvent molecules-in the central cavity. For one cage family, M₈L₁₂ species with an approximately cubic structure and a ca. 400 ų cavity, the guest binding properties have been studied extensively. This cage can accommodate a wide range of neutral organic guests, with binding in water being driven principally by the hydrophobic effect, which leads to binding constants of up to 10⁸ M^-1. The accumulation of a large amount of empirical data on guest binding in the M₈L₁₂ cage in water provided the basis for a predictive tool for in silico screening of potential guests using the molecular docking program GOLD; this methodology has allowed the identification of numerous new guests with accurately predicted binding constants and provides a transformative new approach to exploring the host/guest chemistry of cages. Binding of benzisoxazole inside the M₈L₁₂ cage results in substantial rate enhancements-by a factor of up to 2 × 10⁵-of the Kemp elimination, in which benzisoxazole reacts to give 2-cyanophenolate. Catalysis arises because the 16+ cage cation accumulates anions around the surface by ion pairing, leading to a high effective concentration of hydroxide ions surrounding the guest even when the bulk pH is modest. Thus, the catalysis relies on the operation of two orthogonal interactions that bring the reaction partners together: hydrophobic guest binding in the cavity, which is lined with CH groups from the ligands, and ion pairing around the highly cationic cage surface. A consequence of this is that under some conditions the product of the cage-catalyzed Kemp elimination (the 2-cyanophenolate anion) itself accumulates around the cage surface and deprotonates another benzisoxazole guest, perpetuating the reaction in an autocatalytic manner. Thus, different anions accumulating around the cage can act as partners for reaction with a cavity-bound guest, opening up the possibility that the M₈L₁₂ cage can act as a general catalyst for reactions of electrophilic guests with surface-bound anions.

Quantified structural speciation in self-sorted CoII6L4 cage systems

The molecular components of biological systems self-sort in different ways to function cooperatively and to avoid interfering with each other. Understanding the driving forces behind these different sorting modes enables progressively more complex self-assembling synthetic systems to be designed. Here we show that subtle ligand differences engender distinct M₆L₄ cage geometries - an S₄-symmetric scalenohedron, or pseudo-octahedra having T point symmetry. When two different ligands were simultaneously employed during self-assembly, a mixture of homo- and heteroleptic cages was generated. Each set of product structures represents a unique sorting regime: biases toward specific geometries, preferential incorporation of one ligand over another, and the amplification of homoleptic products were all observed. The ligands' geometries, electronic properties, and flexibility were found to influence the sorting regime adopted, together with templation effects. A new method of using mass spectrometry to quantitatively analyse mixtures of self-sorted assemblies was developed to assess individual outcomes. Product distributions in complex, dynamic mixtures were thus quantified by non-chromatographic methods.

Anion-coordination-directed self-assemblies

This review introduces the interplay of anion coordination and supramolecular self-assembly, presenting recent progress in anion-induced and anion-coordination-based self-assemblies.

Anion induced structural transformation in silver-(3,6-dimethoxy-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) coordination polymers under mechanochemical conditions

Mechanochemical processes allow the 1D chain of [Ag(dmotz)(CF₃SO₃)]_n to easily convert to a 2D grid network of {[Ag(dmotz)₂](ClO₄)}_n in the presence of [ClO₄]⁻.

Geometric isomerism in coordination cages based on tris-chelate vertices: a tool to control both assembly and host/guest chemistry

The presence of both fac and mer tris-chelate units as coordination cage vertices allows control of both cage assembly and guest binding properties.

Stepwise assembly of mixed-metal coordination cages containing both kinetically inert and kinetically labile metal ions: introduction of metal-centred redox and photophysical activity at specific sites

Stepwise preparation of the heterometallic octanuclear coordination cages [(M(a))4(M(b))4L12](16+) is reported, in which M(a) = Ru or Os and M(b) = Cd or Co (all in their +2 oxidation state). This requires initial preparation of the kinetically inert mononuclear complexes [(M(a))L3](2+) in which L is a ditopic ligand with two bidentate chelating pyrazolyl-pyridine units: in the complexes [(M(a))L3](2+) one terminus of each ligand is bound to the metal ion, such that the complex has three pendant bidentate sites at which cage assembly can propagate by coordination to additional labile ions M(b) in a separate step. Thus, combination of four [(M(a))L3](2+) units and four [M(b)](2+) ions results in assembly of the complete cages [(M(a))4(M(b))4L12](16+) in which a metal ion lies at each of the eight vertices, and a bridging ligand spans each of the twelve edges, of a cube. The different types of metal ion necessarily alternate around the periphery with each bridging ligand bound to one metal ion of each type. All four cages have been structurally characterised: in the Ru(ii)/Cd(ii) cage (reported in a recent communication) the Ru(ii) and Cd(ii) ions are crystallographically distinct; in the other three cages [Ru(ii)/Co(ii), Os(ii)/Cd(ii) and Os(ii)/Co(ii), reported here] the ions are disordered around the periphery such that every metal site refines as a 50 : 50 mixture of the two metal atom types. The incorporation of Os(ii) units into the cages results in both redox activity [a reversible Os(ii)/Os(iii) couple for all four metal ions simultaneously, at a modest potential] and luminescence [the Os(ii) units have luminescent (3)MLCT excited states which will be good photo-electron donors] being incorporated into the cage superstructure.

DOSY NMR, X-ray Structural and Ion-Mobility Mass Spectrometric Studies on Electron-Deficient and Electron-Rich M6L4 Coordination Cages

A novel modular approach to electron-deficient and electron-rich M6L4 cages is presented. From the same starting compound, via a minor modulation of the synthesis route, two C3-symmetric ligands L1 and L2 with different electronic properties are obtained in good yield. The trifluoro-triethynylbenzene-based ligand L1 is more electron-deficient than the well-known 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine, while the trimethoxy-triethynylbenzene-based ligand L2 is more electron-rich than the corresponding benzene analogue. Complexation of the ligands with cis-protected square-planar [(dppp)Pt(OTf)2] or [(dppp)Pd(OTf)2] corner-complexes yields two electron-deficient (1a and 1b) and two electron-rich (2a and 2b) M6L4 cages. The single crystal X-ray diffraction study of 1a and 2a confirms the expected octahedral shape with a ca. 2000 Å(3) cavity and ca. 11 Å wide apertures. The crystallographically determined diameters of 1a and 2a are 3.7 and 3.6 nm, respectively. The hydrodynamic diameters obtained from the DOSY NMR in CDCl3:CD3OD (4:1), and diameters calculated from collision cross sections (CCS) acquired by ion-mobility mass spectrometry (IM-MS) were for all four cages similar. In solution, the cage structures have diameters between 3.3 to 3.6 nm, while in the gas phase the corresponding diameters varied between 3.4 to 3.6 nm. In addition to the structural information the relative stabilities of the Pt6L4 and Pd6L4 cages were studied in the gas phase by collision-induced dissociation (CID) experiments, and the photophysical properties of the ligands L1 and L2 and cages 1a, 1b, 2a, and 2b were studied by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Mutual stabilisation between MII4L6 tetrahedra and MIIX42- metallate guests

A complex host-guest equilibrium employing metal ions incorporated into both the host and guest is discussed. MIIX42- metallate guests are shown to provide a good size and shape match for encapsulation within the M4L6 tetrahedral capsules, facilitating the generation of previously unreported Zn4L6 complexes. Displacement of the initial, primary template anion (ZnBr42-) by a secondary template anion (ClO4-) is shown to result in the formation of a pentagonal-prismatic Zn10L15 structure that incorporates both Br- and ClO4-. Furthermore, the formation of heterometallic complexes provides direct evidence for metal exchange between the guest and host complex.

An interconverting family of coordination cages and a meso-helicate; effects of temperature, concentration, and solvent on the product distribution of a self-assembly process

The self-assembly between a water-soluble bis-bidentate ligand L(18w) and Co(II) salts in water affords three high-spin Co(II) products: a dinuclear meso-helicate [Co2(L(18w))3]X4; a tetrahedral cage [Co4(L(18w))6]X8; and a dodecanuclear truncated-tetrahedral cage [Co12(L(18w))18]X24 (X = BF4 or ClO4). All three products were crystallized under different conditions and structurally characterized. In [Co2(L(18w))3]X4 all three bridging ligands span a pair of metal ions; in the two larger products, there is a metal ion at each vertex of the Co4 or Co12 polyhedral cage array with a bridging ligand spanning a pair of metal ions along every edge. All three structural types are known: what is unusual here is the presence of all three from the same reaction. The assemblies Co2, Co4, and Co12 are in slow equilibrium (hours/days) in aqueous solution, and this can be conveniently monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy because (i) the paramagnetism of Co(II) disperses the signals over a range of ca. 200 ppm and (ii) the different symmetries of the three species give characteristically different numbers of independent (1)H NMR signals, which makes identification easy. From temperature- and concentration-dependent (1)H NMR studies it is clear that increasing temperature and increasing dilution favors fragmentation to give a larger proportion of the smaller assemblies for entropic reasons. High concentrations and low temperature favor the larger assembly despite the unfavorable entropic and electrostatic factors associated with its formation. We suggest that this arises from the hydrophobic effect: reorganization of several smaller complexes into one larger one results in a smaller proportion of the hydrophobic ligand surface being exposed to water, with a larger proportion of the ligand surface protected in the interior of the assembly. In agreement with this, (1)H NMR spectra in a nonaqueous solvent (MeNO2) show formation of only [Co2(L(18w))3]X4 because the driving force for reorganization into larger assemblies is now absent. Thus, we can identify the contributions of temperature, concentration, and solvent on the result of the metal/ligand self-assembly process and have determined the speciation behavior of the Co2/Co4/Co12 system in aqueous solution.

Advances in anion supramolecular chemistry: from recognition to chemical applications

Since the start of this millennium, remarkable progress in the binding and sensing of anions has been taking place, driven in part by discoveries in the use of hydrogen bonding, as well as the previously under-exploited anion-π interactions and halogen bonding. However, anion supramolecular chemistry has developed substantially beyond anion recognition, and now encompasses a diverse range of disciplines. Dramatic advance has been made in the anion-templated synthesis of macrocycles and interlocked molecular architectures, while the study of transmembrane anion transporters has flourished from almost nothing into a rapidly maturing field of research. The supramolecular chemistry of anions has also found real practical use in a variety of applications such as catalysis, ion extraction, and the use of anions as stimuli for responsive chemical systems.

Stepwise assembly of an adamantoid Ru₄Ag₆ cage by control of metal coordination geometry at specific sites

The geometrically pure 'complex ligand' fac-[Ru(L(ph))3](2+), in which three pendant bidentate binding sites are located on one face of the complex, reacts with Ag(I) ions to form the adamantoid decanuclear cage [{Ru(L(ph))3}4Ag6](PF6)14 which contains a 6-coordinate Ru(II) ion at each vertex of a large tetrahedron and a 4-coordinate Ag(I) ion along each edge.

Anionic guests in prismatic cavities generated by enneanuclear nickel metallacycles

The combination of polydentate aminated ligands with the 2-pyridyloxime-nickel-azide system leads to series of clusters with unprecedented topologies. Among them, a remarkable family of {Ni9} metallacycles that are capable of selective encapsulation of azide/halide anions in a cryptand-like cavity through hydrogen-bond interactions has been characterized.

Anion encapsulation and dynamics in self-assembled coordination cages

Coordination cages functioning as anion receptors are reviewed, emphasizing the cage structures and the dynamics of anion encapsulation and exchange.

Versatile coordination modes of bis[5-(2-pyridine-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl]alkanes in Cu(ii) complexes

Nine new mononuclear and polynuclear Cu(ii) complexes containing [5-(2-pyridine-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazole-3-yl]alkanes (H₂Lⁿ, n = 1–4) were synthesized and characterized by various techniques.

Anion-controlled formation of an aminal-(bis)imine Fe(ii)-complex

The subcomponent self-assembly of 1,2-diaminobenzene and 2-formylpyridine with iron(ii) salts yields an unprecedented complex containing both the aminal and imine groups and can be controlled by the choice of counter-anion.

Tuning the coordination chemistry of cyclotriveratrylene ligand pairs through alkyl chain aggregation

Propylated cyclotriveratrylene ligands with N-donor groups form coordination polymers where the propyl groups aggregate or form a Pd₆L₄ cage.