Discrete Molecular Architectures Research Articles

Transformation of Type III to Type II Porous Liquids by Tuning Surface Rigidity of Rhodium(II)‐Based Metal‐Organic Polyhedra for CO2 Cycloaddition

AbstractPorous liquids (PLs), a summation of porous hosts and bulky solvents bestowing permanent cavities, are the prominent emerging materials. Despite great efforts, exploration of porous hosts and bulky solvents is still needed to develop new PL systems. Metal‐organic polyhedra (MOPs) with discrete molecular architectures can be considered as porous hosts; however, many of them are insoluble entities. Here we report the transformation of type III PL to type II PLs by tuning the surface rigidity of insoluble MOP, Rh24L24, in a bulky ionic liquid (IL). Functionalization of N‐donor molecules on Rh−Rh axial sites ensue their solubilization in bulky IL which confer type II PLs. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal the bulkiness of IL as per the cage apertures, and the cause of their dissolution as well. The obtained PLs, capturing more CO2 than neat solvent, have depicted higher catalytic activity for CO2 cycloaddition compared to individual MOPs and IL.

Transformation of Type III to Type II Porous Liquids by Tuning Surface Rigidity of Rhodium(II)-Based Metal-Organic Polyhedra for CO2 Cycloaddition.

Porous liquids (PLs), a summation of porous hosts and bulky solvents bestowing permanent cavities, are the prominent emerging materials. Despite great efforts, exploration of porous hosts and bulky solvents is still needed to develop new PL systems. Metal-organic polyhedra (MOPs) with discrete molecular architectures can be considered as porous hosts; however, many of them are insoluble entities. Here we report the transformation of type III PL to type II PLs by tuning the surface rigidity of insoluble MOP, Rh24L24, in a bulky ionic liquid (IL). Functionalization of N-donor molecules on Rh-Rh axial sites ensue their solubilization in bulky IL which confer type II PLs. Experimental and theoretical studies reveal the bulkiness of IL as per the cage apertures, and the cause of their dissolution as well. The obtained PLs, capturing more CO2 than neat solvent, have depicted higher catalytic activity for CO2 cycloaddition compared to individual MOPs and IL.

Trialkoxysilane Exchange: Scope, Mechanism, Cryptates and pH-Response.

The dynamic covalent chemistry (DCvC) of the Si-O bond holds unique opportunities, but has rarely been employed to assemble discrete molecular architectures. This may be due to the harsh conditions required to initiate exchange reactions at silicon in aprotic solvents. Herein, we provide a comprehensive experimental and computational account on the reaction of trialkoxysilanes with alcohols and identify mild conditions for rapid exchange in aprotic solvents. Substituent, solvent and salt effects are uncovered, understood and exploited for the construction of sila-orthoester cryptates. A sharp, divergent pH-response of the obtained cages renders this substance class attractive for future applications well beyond host-guest chemistry, for instance, in drug delivery.

Trialkoxysilane Exchange: Scope, Mechanism, Cryptates and pH‐Response

AbstractThe dynamic covalent chemistry (DCvC) of the Si−O bond holds unique opportunities, but has rarely been employed to assemble discrete molecular architectures. This may be due to the harsh conditions required to initiate exchange reactions at silicon in aprotic solvents. Herein, we provide a comprehensive experimental and computational account on the reaction of trialkoxysilanes with alcohols and identify mild conditions for rapid exchange in aprotic solvents. Substituent, solvent and salt effects are uncovered, understood and exploited for the construction of sila‐orthoester cryptates. A sharp, divergent pH‐response of the obtained cages renders this substance class attractive for future applications well beyond host‐guest chemistry, for instance, in drug delivery.

Molecular Barrels as Potential Hosts: From Synthesis to Applications

Self-assembled discrete molecular architectures that show selective molecular recognition within their internal cavities are highly desirable. Such hosts often show guest recognition through several noncovalent interactions. This emulates the activity of naturally occurring enzymes and proteins. Research in the formation of 3D cages of different shapes and sizes has progressed rapidly since the development of coordination-driven self-assembly and dynamic covalent chemistry. Such molecular cages find applications in catalysis, stabilization of metastable molecules, purification of isomeric mixtures via selective encapsulation, and even in biomedical applications. Most of these applications stem from the ability of the host cages to bind guests strongly in a selective fashion, providing a suitable environment for the guests to perform their functions. Molecular cages having closed architectures with small windows either show poor encapsulation or inhibit easy guest release while those with wide open structures fail to form stable host-guest complexes. In this context, molecular barrels obtained by dynamic metal-ligand/covalent bond formation techniques possess optimized architectures. With a hollow-walled cavity and two large openings, molecular barrels satisfy the structural requirements for many applications. In this perspective, we will discuss in detail the synthetic strategies for obtaining barrels or barrel-like architectures employing dynamic coordination and covalent interactions, their structure-based classification, and their applications in catalysis, storing transient molecules, separation of chemicals, and photoinduced antibacterial activity. We aim to highlight the structural advantages of molecular barrels over other architectures for efficiently carrying out several functions and for the development of new applications.

Molecular Cavity for Catalysis and Formation of Metal Nanoparticles for Use in Catalysis.

The employment of weak intermolecular interactions in supramolecular chemistry offers an alternative approach to project artificial chemical environments like the active sites of enzymes. Discrete molecular architectures with defined shapes and geometries have become a revolutionary field of research in recent years because of their intrinsic porosity and ease of synthesis using dynamic non-covalent/covalent interactions. Several porous molecular cages have been constructed from simple building blocks by self-assembly, which undergoes many self-correction processes to form the final architecture. These supramolecular systems have been developed to demonstrate numerous applications, such as guest stabilization, drug delivery, catalysis, smart materials, and many other related fields. In this respect, catalysis in confined nanospaces using such supramolecular cages has seen significant growth over the years. These porous discrete cages contain suitable apertures for easy intake of substrates and smooth release of products to exhibit exceptional catalytic efficacy. This review highlights recent advancements in catalytic activity influenced by the nanocavities of hydrogen-bonded cages, metal-ligand coordination cages, and dynamic or reversible covalently bonded organic cages in different solvent media. Synthetic strategies for these three types of supramolecular systems are discussed briefly and follow similar and simplistic approaches manifested by simple starting materials and benign conditions. These examples demonstrate the progress of various functionalized molecular cages for specific chemical transformations in aqueous and nonaqueous media. Finally, we discuss the enduring challenges related to porous cage compounds that need to be overcome for further developments in this field of work.

Rhodium-Based Metal–Organic Polyhedra Assemblies for Selective CO2 Photoreduction

Heterogenization of molecular catalysts via their immobilization within extended structures often results in a lowering of their catalytic properties due to a change in their coordination sphere. Metal-organic polyhedra (MOP) are an emerging class of well-defined hybrid compounds with a high number of accessible metal sites organized around an inner cavity, making them appealing candidates for catalytic applications. Here, we demonstrate a design strategy that enhances the catalytic properties of dirhodium paddlewheels heterogenized within MOP (Rh-MOP) and their three-dimensional assembled supramolecular structures, which proved to be very efficient catalysts for the selective photochemical reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid. Surprisingly, the catalytic activity per Rh atom is higher in the supramolecular structures than in its molecular sub-unit Rh-MOP or in the Rh-metal-organic framework (Rh-MOF) and yields turnover frequencies of up to 60 h-1 and production rates of approx. 76 mmole formic acid per gram of the catalyst per hour, unprecedented in heterogeneous photocatalysis. The enhanced catalytic activity is investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical characterization, showing that self-assembly into supramolecular polymers increases the electron density on the active site, making the overall reaction thermodynamically more favorable. The catalyst can be recycled without loss of activity and with no change of its molecular structure as shown by pair distribution function analysis. These results demonstrate the high potential of MOP as catalysts for the photoreduction of CO2 and open a new perspective for the electronic design of discrete molecular architectures with accessible metal sites for the production of solar fuels.

Nucleation of Tiny Silver Nanoparticles by Using a Tetrafacial Organic Molecular Barrel: Potential Use in Visible-Light-Triggered Photocatalysis.

Coordination-driven self-assembly of discrete molecular architectures of diverse shapes and sizes has been well studied in the last three decades. Use of dynamic imine bonds for designing analogous metal-free architectures has become a growing challenge recently. This article reports an organic molecular barrel (OB4R ) as a potential template for nucleation and stabilization of very tiny (<1.5 nm) Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs). Imine bond condensation of a rigid tetra-aldehyde with a flexible diamine followed by imine-bond reduction yielded the discrete tetragonal organic barrel (OB4R ). The presence of a molecular pocket ornamented with eight diamine moieties gives the potential for encapsulation of silver(I). The organic barrel was finally used as a molecular vessel for the controlled nucleation of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with fine size tuning through binding of AgI ions in the confined space of the barrel followed by reduction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of the Ag0 @OB4R composite revealed that the mean particle size is 1.44±0.16 nm. The composite material has approximately 52 wt % silver loading. The barrel-supported ultrafine AgNPs [Ag0 @OB4R ] are found to be an efficient photocatalyst for facile Ullmann-type aryl-amination coupling of haloarenes at ambient temperature without using any additives. The catalyst was stable for several cycles of reuse without any agglomeration. The new composite Ag0 @OB4R represents the first example of discrete organic barrel-supported AgNPs employed as a photocatalyst in Ullmann-type coupling reactions at room temperature.

Unusual Behavior of Donor-Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts in Confined Space of a Water-Soluble PdII8 Molecular Vessel.

Donor-acceptor Stenhouse adducts (DASA) are new-generation photochromic compounds discovered recently. DASA exist normally in open form (blue/violet) and readily convert to cyclic (light yellow/colorless) zwitterionic form reversibly in the presence of green light in toluene/dioxane. In aqueous medium, the open form is not stable and converts to the cyclic zwitterionic form irreversibly. We report here a new self-assembled Pd8 molecular vessel (MV) that can stabilize and store the open form of DASA even in aqueous medium. Reaction of the 90° acceptor cis-(tmeda)Pd(NO3)2 (M) [tmeda = N, N, N', N'-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine] with a symmetric tetraimidazole donor (L, 3,3',5,5'-tetra(1 H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,1'-biphenyl) in a 2:1 molar ratio yielded a water-soluble [8+4] self-assembled M8L4 molecular barrel (MV). This barrel (MV) is found to be a potential molecular vessel to store and stabilize the open forms of DASA in aqueous medium over the more stable zwitterionic cyclic form, while in the absence of the barrel the same DASA exist in cyclic zwitterionic form in aqueous medium. The hydrophobic interaction between the cavity and the open form of DASA molecules benefits reaching an out-of-equilibrium or reverse equilibrium state in aqueous medium. The presence of excess MV could even drive the conversion of the stable cyclic form to the open form in aqueous medium. The host-guest complex is stable upon irradiating with green light. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful attempt to stabilize the open form of DASA molecules in aqueous medium and the first report on the fate of DASA in a confined space discrete molecular architecture. Furthermore, the molecular vessel has been utilized for catalytic Michael addition reactions of a series of nitrostyrene derivatives with 1,3-indandione in aqueous medium.

Solid-Liquid Lithium Electrolyte Nanocomposites Derived from Porous Molecular Cages.

We demonstrate that solid-liquid nanocomposites derived from porous organic cages are effective lithium ion electrolytes at room temperature. A solid-liquid electrolyte nanocomposite (SLEN) fabricated from a LiTFSI/DME electrolyte system and a porous organic cage exhibits ionic conductivity on the order of 1 × 10-3 S cm-1. With an experimentally measured activation barrier of 0.16 eV, this composite is characterized as a superionic conductor. Furthermore, the SLEN displays excellent oxidative stability up to 4.7 V vs Li/Li+. This simple three-component system enables the rational design of electrolytes from tunable discrete molecular architectures.

Catalytic Intramolecular Cycloaddition Reactions by Using a Discrete Molecular Architecture.

A discrete tetragonal tube-shaped complex (MT-1) has been synthesised by coordination-driven self-assembly of a carbazole-based tetraimidazole donor L and a Pd(II) 90° acceptor, that is, [cis-(dppf)Pd(OTf)2 ] (dppf=diphenylphosphinoferrocene, OTf=CF3 SO3- ). Complex MT-1 was characterised by multinuclear NMR, ESI-MS and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (SCXRD), which showed its symmetrical tetrafacial tube-shaped architecture possessing a large cavity described by four aromatic walls. This coordination cage was successfully utilised as a molecular vessel to perform intramolecular cycloaddition reactions of O-allylated benzylidinebarbituric acid derivatives inside its confined nanospace. The presence of a catalytic amount of MT-1 promoted [4+2] cycloaddition reactions in a regio- and stereoselective manner, yielding the corresponding penta/tetracyclouracil derivatives in good yields under mild reaction conditions. This protocol is interesting compared with the literature reports for the synthesis of similar chromenopyran pyrimidinedione derivatives under high-temperature reflux conditions or solid-state melt reactions (SSMRs).

Versatility of Two Diimidazole Building Blocks in Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly.

A series of discrete molecular architectures was synthesized via self-assembly of two "linear" diimidazole donors [L1 = 1,4-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene and L2 = 1,1'-(2,5-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene)bis(1H-imidazole)] independently with cis-[(tmeda)Pd(NO3)2] [tmeda = N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine], cis-[(tmeda)Pt(NO3)2], a diplatinum(II) acceptor (bisPt), and Pd(NO3)2. The donors L1 and L2 are isostructural with four hydrogens in the benzene ring of L1, whereas in L2 two of such hydrogens are substituted by methyl groups. The assemblies were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analyses along with single-crystal structure determination of three of them. While the self-assembly of L1 with cis-[(tmeda)Pd(NO3)2] solely formed a [3 + 3] self-assembled molecular triangle (1), L2 with the same acceptor predominantly resulted in the formation of a [4 + 4] molecular square (3). Such a dramatic change in the final outcome in the coordination-driven self-assembly by simple alkyl substitution of isostructural donors is remarkable. Interestingly, self-assembly of L1 and L2 with analogous Pt(II) acceptor cis-[(tmeda)Pt(NO3)2] yielded mixtures of [3 + 3] triangle and [4 + 4] square, where the molecular triangles (4 and 6) were the predominant products in both the cases. The same donors in combination with a 0° acceptor bisPt independently formed the expected [2 + 2] metallo-macrocycles (8 and 9). Surprisingly, the macrocycle (9) involving L2 is found to exist in more than one conformation at room temperature. Moreover, the diimidazole donors formed unprecedented Pd6L12 molecular spheres (10 and 11) when they were separately treated with Pd(NO3)2. The imidazole moieties in the ligands are found to appear in versatile orientations in the synthesized molecules due to their rotational flexibility to produce required bite angles for the particular architecture.

Thermolysis synthesis of pure phase NiO from novel sonochemical synthesized Ni(II) nano metal-organic supramolecular architecture

Nano-structures of a new supramolecular coordination compound of divalent nickel with the pyrazol (pzH) containing the terminal azide anions, [Ni(pzH)2(N3)2] (1), with discrete molecular architecture (DMA) in solid state was synthesized via sonochemical method. The new nanostructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR, and elemental analysis. Compound 1 was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and the single-crystal X-ray data shows that the coordination number of Ni (II) ions is six, (NiN6), with four N-donor atoms from neutral “pzH” ligands and two N-donors from two terminal azide anions. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided and controlled by weak directional intermolecular interactions. The structure of the title complex was optimized by density functional theory calculations. Calculated structural parameters and IR spectra for the title complex are consistent with the crystal structure. The NiO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180°C with oleic acid as a surfactant.

Thermolysis Synthesis of Pure Phase Nano-Sized Cobalt(II) Oxide from Novel Cobalt(II)-Pyrazole Discrete Nano Coordination Compound

Nano-structures of a new discrete coordination compound of divalent cobalt with the pyrazol (pzH) containing the terminal isothiocyanate anions, [Co(pzH)2(NCS)2] (1), with discrete molecular architecture in solid state was synthesized by a sonochemical method. The new nanostructure was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, IR, and elemental analysis. The supramolecular features in these complexes are guided and controlled by weak directional intermolecular interactions. The discrete molecules interact with each other through labile interactions creating a 3D supramolecular framework. The CoO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid as a surfactant.

ChemInform Abstract: Luminescent Silver(I) Coordination Architectures Containing 2‐Aminopyrimidyl Ligands

AbstractReview: 182 refs.

Luminescent silver(i) coordination architectures containing 2-aminopyrimidyl ligands

The design and assembly of new coordination architectures is nowadays a challenging research field that attracts increasing attention due to the unique structural and functional properties of such metal–organic materials. The selection of suitable organic ligands as building blocks is one of the most important points for the construction of novel coordination architectures with fascinating structures and functions. In contrast to the recognized use of some N heterocyclic ligands for the construction of coordination architectures, 2-aminopyrimidine (NH2pym) and its related derivatives are simple, commercially available, soluble and highly versatile angular building blocks, but still underdeveloped until now. Given the high potential of this kind of ligands for future developments in this research field, the present highlight will review the coordination-driven assembly of 2-aminopyrimidyl building blocks with or without auxiliary ligands with closed-shell d10 Ag(I) ions as well as their luminescence properties. Multiplicity of the established structural motifs thus far (only considering the coordination interaction) is outlined, illustrating the broad range of coordination motifs from 0D discrete molecular architectures to infinite extended one-, two-, and three-dimensional (1-D, 2-D, and 3-D) networks. The specific influencing factors such as anion, auxiliary ligand, substituent, and solvent on structural assemblies and the fluorescence of these crystalline solids are also discussed.

Dynamic covalent chemistry approaches toward macrocycles, molecular cages, and polymers.

The current research in the field of dynamic covalent chemistry includes the study of dynamic covalent reactions, catalysts, and their applications. Unlike noncovalent interactions utilized in supramolecular chemistry, the formation/breakage of covalent bonding has slower kinetics and usually requires the aid of a catalyst. Catalytic systems that enable efficient thermodynamic equilibrium are thus essential. In this Account, we describe the development of efficient catalysts for alkyne metathesis, and discuss the application of dynamic covalent reactions (mainly imine, olefin, and alkyne metathesis) in the development of organic functional materials. Alkyne metathesis is an emerging dynamic covalent reaction that offers robust and linear acetylene linkages. By introducing a podand motif into the catalyst ligand design, we have developed a series of highly active and robust alkyne metathesis catalysts, which, for the first time, enabled the one-step covalent assembly of ethynylene-linked functional molecular cages. Imine chemistry and olefin metathesis are among the most well-established reversible reactions, and have also been our main synthetic tools. Various shape-persistent macrocycles and covalent organic polyhedrons have been efficiently constructed in one-step through dynamic imine chemistry and olefin metathesis. The geometrical features and solubilizing groups of the building blocks as well as the reaction kinetics have significant effect on the outcome of a covalent assembly process. More recently, we explored the orthogonality of imine and olefin metatheses, and successfully synthesized heterosequenced macrocycles and molecular cages through one-pot orthogonal dynamic covalent chemistry. In addition to discrete molecular architectures, functional polymeric materials can also be accessed through dynamic covalent reactions. Defect-free solution-processable conjugated polyaryleneethynylenes and polydiacetylenes have been prepared through alkyne metathesis polymerization. We prepared imine- or ethynylene-linked porous polymer networks, which exhibit permanent porosity with high specific surface areas. Our most recent contribution is the discovery of a recyclable polyimine material whose self-healing can be activated simply by heating or water treatment. The facile access to complex functional organic molecules through dynamic covalent chemistry has allowed us to explore their exciting applications in gas adsorption/separation, host-guest chemistry, and nanocomposite fabrication. It is clear that there are significant opportunities for improved dynamic covalent systems and their more widespread applications in materials science.

Discrete Ag6L6 coordination nanotubular structures based on a T-shaped pyridyl diphosphine

Ag(6)L(6)-type coordination nanotubular structures have been assembled from 6 Ag(I) ions and 6 T-shaped ligands, 4-(3,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)pyridine; the nanotubes represent a discrete molecular architecture of a number of polymeric structures assembled from dimeric building blocks.

Angular Dipyridyl Ligands 2,5-Bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and Its 3-Pyridyl Analogue as Building Blocks for Coordination Architectures: Assemblies, Structural Diversity, and Properties

Abstract The rational design and construction of functional coordination architectures, which rely upon the docile assemblages of organic ligands with metal centers, have attracted continuing interest for many years. The selection of suitable organic ligands as building blocks is a key point for the construction of novel coordination architectures with desired structures and functions. This article will briefly review the coordination-driven assembly of angular dipyridyl-type building blocks involving the oxadiazole spacer, namely 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole and its 3-pyridyl-donor analog 2,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, with transition-metal ions. Diversity of the established structural motifs thus far (only considering the coordination interaction) is outlined, illustrating the broad range of coordination frameworks from discrete molecular architectures to infinite extended one-, two-, and three-dimensional (1-D, 2-D, and 3-D) networks. The specific influencing factors such as anion, solvent, and metal-to-ligand ratio on structural assemblies and the interesting properties of anion exchange, magnetism, fluorescence, and guest inclusion of these crystalline solids will also be discussed.

Genomic Anatomy of the Hippocampus

Availability of genome-scale in situ hybridization data allows systematic analysis of genetic neuroanatomical architecture. Within the hippocampus, electrophysiology and lesion and imaging studies demonstrate functional heterogeneity along the septotemporal axis, although precise underlying circuitry and molecular substrates remain uncharacterized. Application of unbiased statistical component analyses to genome-scale hippocampal gene expression data revealed robust septotemporal molecular heterogeneity, leading to the identification of a large cohort of genes with robust regionalized hippocampal expression. Manual mapping of heterogeneous CA3 pyramidal neuron expression patterns demonstrates an unexpectedly complex molecular parcellation into a relatively coherent set of nine expression domains in the septal/temporal and proximal/distal axes with reciprocal, nonoverlapping boundaries. Unique combinatorial profiles of adhesion molecules within these domains suggest corresponding differential connectivity, which is demonstrated for CA3 projections to the lateral septum using retrograde labeling. This complex, discrete molecular architecture provides a novel paradigm for predicting functional differentiation across the full septotemporal extent of the hippocampus.