Spectroscopic investigation of preferential solvation of N-confused tetraphenylporphyrinin binary mixtures of dichloromethane with organic cosolvents

Spectroscopic behaviour of porphyrin is known to be sensitive to the choice of the solvent and has been used to probe solvation phenomena. The UV-visible spectra of N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin are observed in a series of binary solvent mixtures - (dichloromethane + diethyl ether), (dichloromethane + chlorobenzene) and (dichloromethane + ethyl acetate). The resulting E_T scale for NCTPP solvation indicates nonlinear behaviour and preferential solvation by a solvent-solvent complex in all the three solvents - with the dichloromethane + ethyl acetate system showing the largest deviation from ideality. The data is fitted to the model based on solvent exchange equilibria for determining the preferential solvation parameters which are specific to the probe as well as the identity of solvents in the binary mixture. Further analysis using polarity parameters from literature indicate that the solvation of NCTPP in the (dichloromethane + ethyl acetate) mixture is dependent on the hydrogen bond accepting capacity and polarizability of the medium. Excess spectra derived from ATR-FTIR measurement of dichloromethane + ethyl acetate solutions lead to important inferences about the structure and role of solvent-solvent interactions responsible for the preferential solvation.

Metal Complexes of Porphyrinoids Containing Nonpyrrolic Heterocycles

The replacement of one or more pyrrolic building block(s) of a porphyrin by a nonpyrrolic heterocycle leads to the formation of so-called pyrrole-modified porphyrins (PMPs), porphyrinoids of broad structural variability. The wide range of coordination environments (type, number, charge, and architecture of the donor atoms) that the pyrrole-modified frameworks provide to the central metal ions, the frequent presence of donor atoms at their periphery, and their often observed nonplanarity or conformational flexibility distinguish the complexes of the PMPs clearly from those of the traditional square-planar, dianionic, N₄-coordinating (hydro)porphyrins. Their different coordination properties suggest their utilization in areas beyond which regular metalloporphyrins are suitable. Following a general introduction to the synthetic methodologies available to generate pyrrole-modified porphyrins, their general structure, history, coordination chemistry, and optical properties, this Review highlights the chemical, electronic (optical), and structural differences of specific classes of metalloporphyrinoids containing nonpyrrolic heterocycles. The focus is on macrocycles with similar "tetrapyrrolic" architectures as porphyrins, thusly excluding the majority of expanded porphyrins. We highlight the relevance and application of these metal complexes in biological and technical fields as chemosensors, catalysts, photochemotherapeutics, or imaging agents. This Review provides an introduction to the field of metallo-PMPs as well as a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the art of their synthesis, structures, and properties. It also aims to provide encouragement for the further study of these intriguing and structurally versatile metalloporphyrinoids.

Creation from Confusion and Fusion in the Porphyrin World─The Last Three Decades of N-Confused Porphyrinoid Chemistry

Confusion is a novel concept of isomerism in porphyrin chemistry, delivering a steady stream of new chemistry since the discovery of N-confused porphyrin, a porphyrin mutant, in 1994. These days, the number of confused porphyrinoids is increasing, and confusion and associated fusion are found in various fields such as supramolecular chemistry, materials chemistry, biological chemistry, and catalysts. In this review, the birth and growth of confused porphyrinoids in the last three decades are described.

N-Confused Porphyrin - A Unique "Turn-On" Chemosensor for CN- and F- ions and "Turn-Off" Sensor for ClO4 - ions

N-Confused meso-tetrakis(4-carbomethoxyphenyl)porphyrin (1) and its Ni(II) complex (1 a) have been synthesized and utilized for anion sensing studies, and the results are compared with N-confused meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (NCTPP). Anion susceptibilities of 1 and 1 a were investigated using spectroscopic, electrochemical, and DFT studies. Porphyrins 1 and 1 a were able to detect CN^- , F^- , and ClO₄ ^- ions selectively over the tested set of anions even at ppm level. Interestingly, the addition of ClO₄ ^- ions resulted in fluorescence quenching (turn off) whereas the addition of F^- or CN^- resulted in fluorescence enhancement (turn on). Notably, the TFA addition resulted in fluorescence quenching, whereas the fluorescence enhancement was observed while adding TBAOH. The higher association constant (K_a ) values with anions, lower detection limit, and shifts in redox potentials are due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the -COOCH₃ group at the para-position of the meso-phenyl ring. This electron-withdrawing nature is crucial for the higher affinity towards anions. The anion sensing description in this article may not only unveil the built-in nature of N-confused porphyrins, but may also provide a general proposal for the development of novel anion sensors based on porphyrinoids. The electron-deficient porphyrin framework, large polarisable π-system, and anion binding through the outer NH or a combination of the above factors serve as a foundation for N-confused porphyrin to act as an anion sensor.

Two-Step, One-Flask Synthesis of an N-Confused Porphyrin Bearing Pentafluorophenyl Substituents

A two-step, one-flask reaction of pyrrole and pentafluorobenzaldehyde was investigated as a streamlined synthetic route to an N-confused porphyrin bearing pentafluorophenyl substituents previously prepared by a stepwise route. A survey of acid catalysts, acid catalyst concentration, DDQ quantity, and reaction time was performed with monitoring by HPLC. The targeted N-confused porphyrin was observed from many reaction conditions. The best condition afforded the N-confused porphyrin in an isolated yield of 10-12% (245-281 mg), providing improved access to this interesting porphyrinoid.

Experimental investigation of anion–π interactions – applications and biochemical relevance

Anion–π interactions, intuitively repulsive forces, turned from controversial to a well-established non-covalent interaction over the past quarter of a century.

Experimental quantification of anion-π interactions in solution using neutral host-guest model systems

Chemical intuition suggests that anions and π-aromatic systems would repel each other. Typically, we think of cations as being attracted to electron-rich π-systems of aromatic rings, and the cation-π interaction, a well-established noncovalent interaction, plays an important role in nature. Therefore the anion-π interaction can be considered the opposite of the cation-π interaction. Computational studies of simple models of anion-π interactions have provided estimates of the factors that govern the binding geometry and the binding energy, leading to a general consensus about the nature of these interactions. In order to attract an anion, the charge distribution of the aromatic system has to be reversed, usually through the decoration of the aromatic systems with strongly electron-withdrawing groups. Researchers have little doubt about the existence of attractive anion-π interactions in the gas phase and in the solid state. The bonding energies assigned to anion-π interactions from quantum chemical calculations and gas phase experiments are significant and compare well with the values obtained for cation-π interactions. In solution, however, there are few examples of attractive anion-π interactions. In this Account, I describe several examples of neutral molecular receptors that bind anions in solution either solely through anion-π interactions or as a combination of anion-π interactions and hydrogen bonding. In the latter cases, the strength of the anion-π interaction is indirectly detected as a modulation of the stronger hydrogen bonding interaction (enforced proximity). The dissection of the energy contribution of the anion-π interaction to the overall binding is complex, which requires the use of appropriate reference systems. This Account gives an overview the experimental efforts to determine the binding energies that can be expected from anion-π interactions in solution with examples that center around the recognition of halides. The studies show that anion-π interactions also exist in solution, and the free energy of binding estimated for these attractive interactions is less than 1 kcal/mol for each substituted phenyl groups. The quantification of anion-π interactions in solution relies on the use of molecular recognition model systems; therefore researchers need to consider how the structure of the model system can alter the magnitude of the observed energy values. In addition, the recognition of anions in solution requires the use of salts (ion pairs) as precursors, which complicates the analysis of the titration data and the corresponding estimate of the binding strength. In solution, the weak binding energies suggest that anion-π interactions are not as significant for the selective or enhanced binding of anions but offer potential applications in catalysis and transport within functional synthetic and biological systems.

Computational insight into the electronic structure and absorption spectra of lithium complexes of N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin

The present work is a theoretical investigation on lithium complexes of N-confused tetraphenylporphyrins (aka inverted) employing density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT, using the B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP, and M06-2X functionals in conjunction with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. The purpose of the present study is to calculate the electronic structure and the bonding of the complexes to explain the unusual coordination environment in which Li is found experimentally and how the Li binding affects the Q and the Soret bands. The calculations show that, unlike a typical tetrahedral Li(+) cation, this Li forms a typical bond with one N and interacts with the remaining two N atoms, and it is located in the right place to form an agostic-like interaction with the internal C atom. The reaction energy, the enthalpy for the formation of the lithium complexes of N-confused porphyrins, and the effect of solvation are also calculated. The insertion of Li into N-confused porphyrin, in the presence of tetrahydrofuran, is exothermic with a reaction energy calculated to be as high as -72.4 kcal/mol using the lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide reagent. Finally, there is agreement in the general shape among the vis-UV spectra determined with different functionals and the experimentally available ones. The calculated geometries are in agreement with crystallographic data, where available.

Putting anion-π interactions into perspective

Supramolecular chemistry is a field of scientific exploration that probes the relationship between molecular structure and function. It is the chemistry of the noncovalent bond, which forms the basis of highly specific recognition, transport, and regulation events that actuate biological processes. The classic design principles of supramolecular chemistry include strong, directional interactions like hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, and cation-π complexation, as well as less directional forces like ion pairing, π-π, solvophobic, and van der Waals potentials. In recent years, the anion-π interaction (an attractive force between an electron-deficient aromatic π system and an anion) has been recognized as a hitherto unexplored noncovalent bond, the nature of which has been interpreted through both experimental and theoretical investigations. The design of selective anion receptors and channels based on this interaction represent important advances in the field of supramolecular chemistry. The objectives of this Review are 1) to discuss current thinking on the nature of this interaction, 2) to survey key experimental work in which anion-π bonding is demonstrated, and 3) to provide insights into the directional nature of anion-π contact in X-ray crystal structures.

15N solid-NMR and X-ray diffraction studies of N-confused porphyrins

Using (15)N high-resolution solid-state NMR and X-ray diffraction, the structure of N-confused porphyrin (NCP) in the solid state was studied. A 1D (15)N magic angle spinning (MAS) experiment and a 2D dipolar assisted rotational resonance (DARR) (15)N-(15)N spin exchange experiment of N-confused tetratolylporphyrin (Tol) crystallized from CH(2)Cl(2)/hexane indicate that Tol is the inner 3H-type tautomer and has two magnetically different molecules in the unit cell. Further, a FSLG-2 & 4macr; 2 (1)H-(15)N dipolar recoupling NMR measurement indicates no fast ring flipping motion which is consistent with the planar structure in the X-ray analysis. The planarity of Tol is ascribed to crystal packing enforced by pi-pi stacking and CH-pi interactions.

Anion-pi interactions as controlling elements in self-assembly reactions of Ag(I) complexes with pi-acidic aromatic rings

Reactions of 3,6-bis(2'-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (bptz) and 3,6-bis(2'-pyridyl)-1,2-pyridazine (bppn) with the AgX salts (X = [PF6]-, [AsF6]-, [SbF6]-, and [BF4]-) afford complexes of different structural motifs depending on the pi-acidity of the ligand central ring and the outer-sphere anion. The bptz reactions lead to the polymeric [[Ag(bptz)][PF6]]infinity (1) and the dinuclear compounds [Ag2(bptz)2(CH3CN)2][PF6]2 (2) and [Ag2(bptz)2(CH3CN)2][AsF6]2 (3), as well as the propeller-type species [Ag2(bptz)3][AsF6]2 (4) and [Ag2(bptz)3][SbF6]2 (5a and 5b). Reactions of bppn with AgX produce the grid-type structures [Ag4(bppn)4][X]4 (6-9), regardless of the anion present. In 6-9, pi-pi stacking interactions are maximized, whereas multiple and shorter (therefore stronger) anion-pi interactions between the anions and the tetrazine rings are established in 1-5b. These differences reflect the more electron-rich character of the bppn pyridazine ring as compared to the bptz tetrazine ring. The evidence gleaned from the solid-state structures was corroborated by density functional theory calculations. In the electrostatic potential maps of the free ligands, a higher positive charge is present in the bptz as compared to the bppn central ring. Furthermore, the electrostatic potential maps of 3, 4, and 5b indicate an electron density transfer from the anions to the pi-acidic rings. Conversely, upon addition of the [AsF6]- ions to the cation of 7, there is negligible change in the electron density of the central pyridazine ring, which supports the presence of weaker anion-pi interactions in the bppn as compared to the bptz complexes. From the systems studied herein, it is concluded that anion-pi interactions play an important role in the outcome of self-assembly reactions.

Synthesis and Isomerization of Imino-Fused N-Confused Porphyrin

[reaction: see text] A set of mutually interconvertable inner-bridged-type porphyrinoids, imino-fused N-confused porphyrins (IF-NCPs), which possess a [5.7.5] tricyclic ring in the core, were synthesized from a condensation reaction of 21-amino-substituted NCP and an arylaldehyde, and the structures were characterized by X-ray single-crystal analysis.

Lone pair-aromatic interactions: to stabilize or not to stabilize

The ability of aromatic rings to act as acceptors in hydrogen bonds has been demonstrated extensively both by experimental and by theoretical means. Countless examples of D-H...pi (H...pi, D = O, N, C) interactions have been found in the three-dimensional structures of proteins. Much less is known with regard to the occurrence of other possible noncovalent interactions with aromatics in macromolecular structures, those with a geometry that points oxygen lone pairs into the face of a pi system. There has been a growing interest in such lp...pi interactions in recent years, but the binding energies have mostly been studied using small-molecule model systems. We have conducted a survey of lp...pi interactions in crystal structures of DNA, RNA, and proteins and used ab initio calculations to estimate their energies. Our results demonstrate that such interactions are more common in nucleic acids and that significant binding energies only result when the aromatic system is positively polarized, for example, due to protonation of a nucleobase.

Continuous-Wave and Pulse EPR Study of the Copper(II) Complex of N-Confused Tetraphenylporphyrin: Direct Observation of a σ Metal−Carbon Bond

N-confused or inverted porphyrins, a family of porphyrin isomers that contain a confused pyrrole ring connected through its alpha and beta' positions in the macrocycle, exhibit unique physical and chemical properties, like, for instance, the ability to stabilize unusual oxidation states of metals due to the reactivity of the inverted pyrrole. In this Article, a combined multifrequency continuous-wave and pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) study of the copper(II) complex of N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) is presented. By use of pulse EPR methods like ENDOR and HYSCORE, the magnetic interactions between the unpaired electron of the compound and the surrounding nitrogen nuclei were revealed. Through 13C labeling of the macrocycle, a detailed study of the carbon hyperfine interaction became possible and provided further insight into the character of the metal-carbon bond. The observed hyperfine couplings of the ligand atoms in the first coordination sphere showed the presence of a remarkably strong sigma Cu-C bond and allowed for a detailed analysis of the spin delocalization over the porphyrin macrocycle. Interestingly, it was found that the observed delocalization is approximately 11% larger than the corresponding one for CuTPP.

Halide-Anion Binding by Singly and Doubly N-Confused Porphyrins

The halide-binding properties of N-confused porphyrin (NCP, 1) and doubly N-confused porphyrins (trans-N2CP (2), cis-N2CP (3)) were examined in CH2Cl2. In the free-base forms, cis-N2CP (3) showed the highest affinity to each anion (Cl-, Br-, I-) with association constants Ka = 7.8x10(3), 1.9x10(3), and 5.8x10(2) M(-1), respectively. As metal complexes, on the other hand, trans-N2CP 2-Cu exhibited the highest affinity to Cl-, Br-, and I- with Ka = 9.0x10(4), 2.7x10(4), and 1.9x10(3) M(-1), respectively. The corresponding Ka values for cis-N2CP 3-Cu and NCP 1-Cu were about 1/10 and 1/2, respectively, of those of 2-Cu. With the help of density functional theory (DFT) calculations and complementary affinity measurements of a series of trisubstituted N-confused porphyrins, the efficient anion binding of NCPs was attributed to strong hydrogen bonding at the highly polarized NH moieties owing to the electron-deficient C6F5 groups at meso positions as well as the ideally oriented dipole moments and large molecular polarizability. The orientation and magnitude of the dipole moments in NCPs were suggested to be important factors in the differentiation of the affinity for anions.

Iron Complexes of N-Confused Pyriporphyrin: NMR Studies

Insertion of iron(II) into 6,11,16,21-tetraaryl-3-aza-m-benziporphyrin (N-confused pyriporphyrin, (PyPH)H) yielded the high-spin iron(II) complex, (PyPH)Fe(II)Br. The coordination of iron(II) to the perimeter nitrogen atom of (PyPH)Fe(II)Br resulted in the formation of the diiron species. Oxidation and oxygenation of (PyPH)Fe(II)Br were followed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The addition of Br2 to the solution of (PyPH)Fe(II)Br in the absence of dioxygen results in a one-electron oxidation yielding the high-spin iron(III) N-confused pyriporphyrin [(PyPH)Fe(III)Br]+ which preserves the side-on interaction between the inverted pyridine ring and metal ion. The reaction of (PyPH)Fe(II)Br with dioxygen ends up with the formation of a five-coordinate species (PyPO)Fe(III)Br] ((PyPOH)H = 3-aza-22-hydroxy-m-benziporphyrin, PyPO = the corresponding dianion) which is formed by oxygenation at the C(22) position. Coordination of a metal ion by 3-aza-22-hydroxy-benziporphyrin imposes a steric constraint on the geometry of the ligand. The halide ligand of (PyPO)Fe(III)Br coordinates on one of the two inequivalent faces of the macrocycle, leading to two distinct species: syn and anti. The (1)H NMR spectra of paramagnetic iron(II) and iron(III) N-confused pyriporphyrin complexes have been examined. The characteristic patterns of pyrrole and pyridine resonances have been found to be diagnostic of the ground electronic state of iron and the donor nature of the C(22)H and N(3) centers. The enormous downfield H(22) paramagnetic shift, determined for the iron(II) N-confused pyriporphyrin, provides a distinct resonance in a peculiar spectroscopic window (350-800 ppm) for a series of axial ligands which can be considered as a diagnostic sign of an agostic Fe(II)...{C(22)-H} interaction. Coordination of the pyridine moiety via the perimeter N(3) atom is reflected unambiguously by the H(2/4) resonance at 201 ppm.

Molecular assembling using axial phenolate on an iron N-confused porphyrin complex

The reaction of sodium phenolate and Fe(HCTPPH)Br assembles a dimeric iron(III) complex with a channel-like solid state packing; the intramolecular iron-to-iron distance of 8.864 A is the longest among the available N-confused porphyrin dimeric complexes.

Anion-π Interactions in Cyanuric Acids: A Combined Crystallographic and Computational Study

Several structures of pi complexes of isocyanuric acid and of several thio derivatives with anions have been computed by using high level ab initio calculations. The nature of the complexes has been studied by means of the method of molecular interaction potential with polarization (MIPp) and Bader's theory of atoms-in-molecules. These molecules form favorable complexes with anions and can be used as binding units for building receptors for the molecular recognition of anions. In several cases, the anion-pi interaction has been demonstrated experimentally by means of X-ray crystallography.

Approximate Additivity of Anion−π Interactions: An Ab Initio Study on Anion−π, Anion−π2 and Anion−π3 Complexes

We have studied the additivity of the anion-pi interaction using high level ab initio calculations. We have optimized chloride and bromide complexes with one, two and three aromatic units (such as trifluoro-s-triazine and s-triazine). We have analyzed the interaction using the atoms in molecules theory and studied the charge transfer using several methods for deriving atomic charges. The results revealed additivities of both the geometries and the binding energies. We have also proposed a neutral receptor for chloride based on multiple anion-pi interactions. Finally, we have simulated solvent effects within the self-consistent reaction field model.