Intramolecular Dimer Research Articles

Controllable π-π coupling of intramolecular dimer models in aggregated states.

π-π coupling as a common interaction plays a key role in emissions, transport and mechanical properties of organic materials. However, the precise control of π-π coupling is still challenging owing to the possible interference from other intermolecular interactions in the aggregated state, usually resulting in uncontrollable emission properties. Herein, with the rational construction of intramolecular dimer models and crystal engineering, π-π coupling can be subtly modulated by conformation variation with balanced π-π and π-solvent interactions and visualized by green-to-blue emission switching. Moreover, it can rapidly respond to temperature, pressure and mechanical force, affording a facile way to modulate π-π coupling in situ. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of the internal mechanism of molecular motions in aggregated states.

HOMO- AND HETERONUCLEAR Yb(III) AND Lu(III) COMPLEXES WITH CALIX[4]ARENE MODIFIED WITH PORPHYRIN SUBSTITUENTS.

In this work we describe the approaches for the synthesis of lanthanide-containing homo- and heteronuclear complexes using 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis[(N-meso-­(p-aminophenyl)-meso-triphenylporphyrincarbonyl)methoxy]-calix[4]arene (1). Such spatially preorganizedcalix[4]arene macrocycle facilitates lanthanide cation coordination, impacting the structure and analytical signal of porphyrin substituents. The study employs two synthesis stra­tegies resulting in mononuclear and homobinuclear complexes, influenced by steric effects and changes in hydrogen bonding. The complexes exhibit changes in fluorescence spectra due to intramolecular dimerization and hydrogen bonding during complex formation. Mononuclear complexes (Ln-1) are synthesized under mild conditions, while homobinuclear complexes (Ln2-1) require high-boiling solvents and specific reaction conditions, detailed synthesis procedures are described. The structural changes during complex formation were analyzed with the use of NMR analysis. The absorption spectra of lanthanide complexes demonstrate shifts in maxima, reflecting coordination changes, with notable variations between mononuclear and homobinuclear complexes. Additionally, heteronuclear compounds with copper(II), zinc(II), and palladium(II) exhibit distinctive absorption patterns, emphasizing the role of d-metal ions. Luminescence stu­dies reveal the sensitization of 4f-luminescence by both calix[4]arene and porphyrin fragments. The use of deuterated solvents enhances 4f-luminescence intensity, highlighting solvent effects. Furthermore, 4f-luminescence characteristics were investigated in both solid and solution states for heterometallic compounds, emphasizing differences between copper-containing and zinc/palladium-containing complexes. The results offer valuable insights into the design, synthesis, and spectral properties of these complexes, showcasing their potential applications in various fields, and the findings contribute to the understanding of lanthanide-porphyrin systems and their coordination behavior.

Upgrading the Toolbox: Two-Photon Absorption Induced Cleavage of Coumarin Dimers for Light-Based 4D Printing.

The use of light for shaping and changing matter is of high relevance in polymer and material science. Herein, a photopolymer method is presented, which comprises the combination of 3D photo-printing at 405nm light and subsequent modification under two-photon absorption (TPA) conditions at 532nm light, adding the fourth dimension. The TPA-triggered cycloreversion reaction of an intramolecular coumarin dimer (ICD) structure occurs within the absorbing material. The 3D-printable matrix does not show any degradation under the TPA conditions. With the presented photochemical tool of TPA processes inside absorbing 3D photo-printable matrices, new possibilities for post-printing modification, e. g. for smart materials, are added.

Facile synthesis of calabash-shaped and twin-tail tadpole-shaped copolymers via photothermal-induced topological transformation

Rational design of architecture-transformable polymers with dynamic covalent bonds allows to form multiple ring-bearing analogues and gain insight into topology-tunable physicochemical properties. To reveal unique properties originating from size-asymmetric twincycles and ring-linear conjugates, twin-tail tadpole-shaped (TTP) and calabash-shaped bicyclic (CLB) copolymers comprising poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL, A) and polystyrene (PSt, B) segments are synthesized. Controlled polymerization and radical trap-assisted atom transfer radical coupling are combined to synthesize a multisite telechelic ABA. By virtue of UV-induced intramolecular anthracene dimerization and selective thermolysis of in-chain alkoxyamine and anthracene dimer linkers of the macrocycle, versatile topological transformations from linear copolymer to TTP, CLB and ring/tail-reversal TTP are achieved. Owing to distinct chain architectures, three types of analogues can exhibit some differences in hydrodynamic volume, crystallization, diffusion coefficient and aggregation behavior, revealing pronounced topology effect. This study affords a promising method to construct stimuli-labile ring-bearing architectures to reveal topology-dependent properties.

LRRK2 Structure-Based Activation Mechanism and Pathogenesis.

Mutations in the multidomain protein Leucine-rich-repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) have been identified as a genetic risk factor for both sporadic and familial Parkinson's disease (PD). LRRK2 has two enzymatic domains: a RocCOR tandem with GTPase activity and a kinase domain. In addition, LRRK2 has three N-terminal domains: ARM (Armadillo repeat), ANK (Ankyrin repeat), and LRR (Leucine-rich-repeat), and a C-terminal WD40 domain, all of which are involved in mediating protein-protein interactions (PPIs) and regulation of the LRRK2 catalytic core. The PD-related mutations have been found in nearly all LRRK2 domains, and most of them have increased kinase activity and/or decreased GTPase activity. The complex activation mechanism of LRRK2 includes at least intramolecular regulation, dimerization, and membrane recruitment. In this review, we highlight the recent developments in the structural characterization of LRRK2 and discuss these developments from the perspective of the LRRK2 activation mechanism, the pathological role of the PD mutants, and therapeutic targeting.

Intramolecular dimer formation reveals anomalous solvation within fluorous solvent perfluorodecalin.

Due to the unusual properties of fluorine, a fluorous solvent obtained by replacing hydrogen atoms with fluorine atoms in a hydrocarbon solvent may afford unusual solute solvation and aggregation. A fluorescent dipyrenyl probe, 1,3-bis(1-pyrenyl)propane (BPP), was utilized to explore intramolecular aggregation within perfluorodecalin (PFD), a prototypical fluorous solvent. Steady-state fluorescence emission and excitation along with excited-state emission intensity decay of BPP were acquired in the temperature range of 293.15 to 333.15 K in fluorous solvent PFD and n-hexane-added PFD. The probe BPP is known to form an intramolecular excimer in common hydrocarbon solvents, which is characterized by a broad structureless low-energy emission band; the formation of intramolecular excimers exclusively in the excited state was confirmed via excitation scans along with the intensity decay of the monomer and excimer, respectively. While intramolecular dimerization of BPP does occur in PFD, emission wavelength-dependent excitation spectra and fits of the intensity decay data reveal that intramolecular aggregation takes place in the ground state as well. This ground-state heterogeneity is reduced as the temperature is increased. In the presence of as small as 0.1 mole fraction of n-hexane, the ground-state aggregation vanishes, and intramolecular dimerization again takes place exclusively in the excited state. The data hint at the poor solvation of BPP in PFD to be responsible for intramolecular ground-state aggregation. In PFD-rich (PFD + n-hexane) mixtures, probe pyrene (Py) was found to be preferentially solvated by n-hexane, further corroborating the above-mentioned proposition. Clear differences in solute solvation within a fluorous solvent as compared to hydrocarbon solvents leading to unexpected solubilization and aggregation in fluorous media are amply demonstrated.

Quantum interference effects elucidate triplet-pair formation dynamics in intramolecular singlet-fission molecules.

Quantum interference (QI)-the constructive or destructive interference of conduction pathways through molecular orbitals-plays a fundamental role in enhancing or suppressing charge and spin transport in organic molecular electronics. Graphical models were developed to predict constructive versus destructive interference in polyaromatic hydrocarbons and have successfully estimated the large conductivity differences observed in single-molecule transport measurements. A major challenge lies in extending these models to excitonic (photoexcited) processes, which typically involve distinct orbitals with different symmetries. Here we investigate how QI models can be applied as bridging moieties in intramolecular singlet-fission compounds to predict relative rates of triplet pair formation. In a series of bridged intramolecular singlet-fission dimers, we found that destructive QI always leads to a slower triplet pair formation across different bridge lengths and geometries. A combined experimental and theoretical approach reveals the critical considerations of bridge topology and frontier molecular orbital energies in applying QI conductance principles to predict rates of multiexciton generation.

Intramolecular H-type dimer and excimer formation in dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride dyads connected via diphenylsiloxane linkers

A series of new dibenzoylmethanatoboron difluoride (DBMBF2) and methoxy-substituted DBMBF2 dyads linked via flexible diphenylsiloxane linkers of various length have been synthesized and characterized. The structure and optical properties of these compounds were studied by X-ray single-crystal measurements, electron absorption, and steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. In the dyads under study, which are in an equilibrium between the open and folded conformations, the formation of intramolecular H-dimers in the ground state are observed. For the dyads in dilute solutions in various solvents, both monomer and excimer (through intramolecular excimer formation) emissions are observed at room temperature. The effect of solvent polarity and linker length on the formation of intramolecular excimers has been studied. The contribution of excimers into the total fluorescence spectrum decreases with increasing the solvent polarity, and the length of the siloxane linker. The studied dyads in hexane and cyclohexane solutions have CIE chromaticity coordinates very close to the white color point. The mechanofluorochromic properties of the synthesized dyads were studied.

Intramolecular Coumarin-Dimer Containing Polyurethanes: Optical Tuning via Single- and Two-Photon Absorption Processes

The synthesis of an isomer-pure intramolecular coumarin dimer (ICD) in virtually unlimited amounts using a photo flow reactor is described. Based on this compound, polyurethanes with different ratios of hexamethylene diisocyanate and polytetrahydrofuran were synthesized and characterized. The reversibility of the photoinduced cycloaddition and cycloreversion reactions, one of the critical features, was compared for polymers prepared from closed ICDs and open ICDs. It was found that closed ICDs lead to a pre-orientation of the photoactive groups in the polymers, which results in a reduced loss in photoswitchable absorption. By varying the ICD content of the polymers, refractive indices ranging from 1.47 to 1.59 were achieved. With illumination, refractive index changes of Δn ≥ 0.02, as well as fluorescence changes, were achieved. Photoreactions induced by both single-photon absorption (SPA) and two-photon absorption (TPA) were studied. For the TPA-induced reaction, an autocatalytically sensitized mechanism was found. These novel polymers based on an intramolecular dimeric coumarin compound have great potential as optical materials with light-switchable properties, in particular, by TPA processes.

Fungal dual-domain LysM effectors undergo chitin-induced intermolecular, and not intramolecular, dimerization.

Chitin is a homopolymer of β-(1,4)-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc) and a major structural component of fungal cell walls. In plants, chitin acts as a microbe-associated molecular pattern (MAMP) that is recognized by lysin motif (LysM)-containing plant cell surface-localized pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) that activate a plethora of downstream immune responses. To deregulate chitin-induced plant immunity and successfully establish infection, many fungal pathogens secrete LysM domain-containing effector proteins during host colonization. The LysM effector Ecp6 from the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) leaf mold fungus Cladosporium fulvum can outcompete plant PRRs for chitin binding because two of its three LysM domains cooperate to form a composite groove with ultra-high (pM) chitin-binding affinity. However, most functionally characterized LysM effectors contain only two LysMs, including Magnaporthe oryzae MoSlp1, Verticillium dahliae Vd2LysM, and Colletotrichum higginsianum ChElp1 and ChElp2. Here, we performed modeling, structural, and functional analyses to investigate whether such dual-domain LysM effectors can also form ultra-high chitin-binding affinity grooves through intramolecular LysM dimerization. However, our study suggests that intramolecular LysM dimerization does not occur. Rather, our data support the occurrence of intermolecular LysM dimerization for these effectors, associated with a substantially lower chitin binding affinity than monitored for Ecp6. Interestingly, the intermolecular LysM dimerization allows for the formation of polymeric complexes in the presence of chitin. Possibly, such polymers may precipitate at infection sites to eliminate chitin oligomers, and thus suppress the activation of chitin-induced plant immunity.

Novel photothermal pyrolysis on waste tire to generate high-yield limonene

Waste tire is a typical solid municipal waste with large production capacity. Developing new low carbon-emission method to pyrolyze waste tire and produce high-value limonene is promising. Herein, a novel photothermal pyrolysis system was successfully built, and waste tire was firstly pyrolyzed by photothermal at different temperatures (400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, and 700 °C). The photothermal pyrolysis can assist in achieving high yield of limonene, of which the yield can high up to 8.98 wt% at 600 °C and the relative peak areas of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC–MS) results were all about 30 A.%. cis-1,4-polyisoprene in waste tire partly decomposed into some free radicals and they further reacted to generate limonene by intramolecular cyclization, dimerization, and isomerization. Parts of limonene aromatized to 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethenyl)-benzene and converted to triolefins that formed diene rings, the diene rings further aromatized to xylene and toluene, which were partly combined to generate 1,6,7-trimethyl-naphtalene. The photothermal pyrolysis mechanisms of waste tire were revealed: At higher pyrolysis temperature, waste tire partly decomposed and others polymerized to form amorphous carbons. The small aromatic rings and alkyl-aryl CC bonds further polymerized to be large aromatic rings system. The pores in char further formed and limonene generation was strengthened, because the limonene formation/decomposition was mainly limited in the pores. Subsequently, some pores were blocked at 700 °C, the generation of limonene was thus inhibited.

Preparation of coumarin polymer grafted nanocellulose films to form high performance, photoresponsive barrier layers

AbstractHydrophobically modified cellulose is prepared in this research by conducting atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methacrylate substituted coumarin monomer on initiator grafted cellulose. The photocrosslinking of uniformly grafted coumarin on cellulose surface is applied to improve the water vapor barrier property of the film. The water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of films prepared from modified cellulose with varying grafting density, grammage, and photocrosslinking time is studied. By increasing the amount of crosslinking within the grafted cellulose film, we succeeded in reducing WVTR. The WVTR is reduced from 160 to 20 g/m2/day using a sheet of 60 g/m2 after crosslinking. The effect of grafting density on WVTR is also analyzed to observe that the higher the grafting density, lower the WVTR of the sheet both before and after crosslinking. Furthermore, free ATRP polymerization (without cellulose) and polymerization using a sacrificial initiator of the monomer are conducted to estimate the dispersity of the polymer on cellulose. The monomer, free polymer and cellulose grafted polymers are analyzed for the composition, thermal, morphology, photoresponsive behavior, and polymerization quantification using NMR, FTIR, UV–Vis, TGA DSC, GPC, SEM, ICP‐MS. It is concluded that the inter and intramolecular photo dimerization of coumarin molecules forms a hydrophobic crosslinked hyper network in the polymer sheet, which improves its barrier property.

Synthesis and Optical Characterization of a Rhodamine B Spirolactam Dimer

Amide derivatives of xanthene dyes such as rhodamine B are useful in a variety of sensing applications due to their colorimetric responses to stimuli such as acidity changes and UV light. The optical properties of these molecules can be influenced by intermolecular associations into dimeric structures, but the exact impact can be hard to predict. We have designed a covalently linked intramolecular dimer of the dye rhodamine B utilizing p-phenylenediamine to link the two dyes via amide bonds. The doubly closed spirolactam version of this dimer, RSL2, is isolated as a colorless solid. Under acidic conditions or UV exposure, RSL2 solutions develop a pink color that is expected for the ring-opened form of the molecule. However, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and single-crystal diffraction data show that the equilibrium still prefers the closed dimer state. Interestingly, the emission profile of RSL2 shows solvatochromic blue fluorescence. Control studies of model compounds with similar structural motifs do not display similar blue fluorescence, indicating that this optical behavior is unique to the dimeric form. This behavior may lend itself to applications of such xanthene dimers to more sophisticated sensors beyond those with traditional binary on/off fluorescence profiles.

Dual‐Emission of Fluorescence and Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence for Ratiometric and Colorimetric Oxygen Sensing and Detection Based on Dispersion of Pure Organic Thianthrene Dimer in Polymer Host

AbstractTo improve room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) property, thianthrene (TA) is chemically modified into three intramolecular dimers (1TA1TA, 1TA2TA, and 2TA2TA) at different active sites. They all show dual‐emission of fluorescence and RTP after deoxygenation when they are dispersed in polymer matrix to form films. As for the RTP emission among their films, 2TA2TA shows the largest red shift peaking at 540 nm, the longest lifetime of 36.5 ms, and the highest RTP efficiency of 40.7%. These RTP characteristics enable 2TA2TA to act as a self‐referenced ratiometric and colorimetric probe for oxygen sensing and detection at low concentration. As a result, 2TA2TA exhibits the highest quenching efficiency of 98.4% and highest sensitivity (KSV = 13.32 KPa−1) for quantitative oxygen detection. Besides, these oxygen‐sensitive materials can also be used to study aerodynamics through a direct and visual observation of emission intensity/color distribution. Overall, the new‐generation optical probe will be developed in oxygen sensing and detection with high sensitivity, good reversibility, and reproducibility by using the pure organic materials with single‐molecule dual‐emission of fluorescence and RTP through the dispersion of the materials in polymeric host.

Thermal and redox properties of Donor–Acceptor foldamers consisting of tetrathiafulvalene and viologen

Donor–acceptor (DA)-type foldamers consisting of tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and viologen (V2+) units were synthesized. In those foldamers, tri(ethylene glycol)-substituted DA units were alternatively connected via the folding point of catechol. The synthesis of TV2+-2mer, V2+TV2+-3mer, and V2+TV2+TV2+-5mer were confirmed by 1H and 13C NMR and high-resolution ESI-MS spectra. Thermal and electrochemical properties were characterized through temperature-dependent UV–Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry, respectively. Despite the weak molecular interaction between the tri(ethylene glycol)-substituted TTF and V2+ molecules, the foldamers formed the charge-transfer (CT) complex because of the tethered structure of the DA units on the catechol unit. The melting curve analysis of the polymer folding indicated that the degree of polymer folding was <50% at room temperature due to weak CT interactions. It was confirmed that the thermal stability of the folded state increased with the number of DA units. The oligomers were chemically oxidized, and the changes in their UV–Vis spectra were monitored. For V2+T•+V2+T•+V2+-5mer, intramolecular TTF radical dimer was formed. In the cyclic voltammogram, the redox reactions of the TTF and V2+ units were observed at the positive and negative potentials, respectively. When the V2+ unit was fully reduced to the neutral state, the oligomers became insoluble in acetonitrile. The stepwise conformation change of the V2+TV2+TV2+-5mer (folded, hooped, and extended states) in response to the oxidation states of the TTF unit (neutral, radical cation, and di-cation) was discussed with the help of computational modeling (ONIOM(M06:UFF) method).

Synthesis of diosgenin derivatives by A and B ring modifications and low-valent titanium (Ti0)-catalysed McMurry coupling reactions and designing to create novel biological agents

Diosgenin is a steroidal sapogenin ((25R)-spirost-5-en-3β-ol) occurs abundantly in therapeutic herbs such as Dioscorea alata, Smilax China, and Trigonella foenum graecum. It demonstrates a wide range of pharmacological activities and medicinal properties in a large of experimental and theoretical studies. It also constitutes an important class of compounds for new drug development. In the current study, diosgenin derivatives were synthesized and designed, aiming to discover new steroid-based biological agents. In this work, new diosgenin derivatives were synthesized through low-valent titanium (Ti0)-catalyzed McMurry coupling reaction and structural modifications to the A- and B- rings in the diosgenin. McMurry reaction gave the A-nor and B-nor derivatives in by the intramolecular reductive dimerization of carbonyl compounds in the presence of low-valent titanium agents, in moderate yields (46–47%). The modification reactions on the A and B rings of diosgenin were accomplished by using efficient reagents to give three different series, in moderate to high yields (55–97%). The structures of all novel derivatives were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS methods.

Activatable Carbocyanine Dimers for Photoacoustic and Fluorescent Detection of Protease Activity.

Activatable contrast agents are of ongoing research interest because they offer low background and high specificity to the imaging target. Engineered sensitivity to protease activity is particularly desirable because proteases are critical biomarkers in cancer, infectious disease, inflammatory disorders, and so forth. Herein, we developed and characterized a set of peptide-linked cyanine conjugates for dual-modal detection of protease activity via photoacoustic (PA) and fluorescence imaging. The peptide-dye conjugates were designed to undergo contact quenching via intramolecular dimerization and contained n dyes (n = 2, 3, or 4) with n - 1 cleavable peptide substrates. The absorption peaks of the conjugates were blue-shifted 50 nm relative to the free dye and had quenched fluorescence. This effect was sensitive to solvent polarity and could be reversed by solvent switching from water to dimethyl sulfoxide. Employing trypsin as a model protease, we observed a 2.5-fold recovery of the peak absorbance, 330-4600-fold fluorescent enhancement, and picomolar detection limits following proteolysis. The dimer probe was further characterized for PA activation. Proteolysis released single dye-peptide fragments that produced a 5-fold PA enhancement through the increased absorption at 680 nm with nanomolar sensitivity to trypsin. The peptide substrate could also be tuned for protease selectivity; as a proof-of-concept, we detected the main protease (Mpro) associated with the viral replication in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Last, the activated probe was imaged subcutaneously in mice and signal was linearly correlated to the cleaved probe. Overall, these results demonstrate a tunable scaffold for the PA molecular imaging of protease activity with potential value in areas such as disease monitoring, tumor imaging, intraoperative imaging, in vitro diagnostics, and point-of-care sensing.

Structure\u2013function analysis of oncogenic EGFR Kinase Domain Duplication reveals insights into activation and a potential approach for therapeutic targeting

Mechanistic understanding of oncogenic variants facilitates the development and optimization of treatment strategies. We recently identified in-frame, tandem duplication of EGFR exons 18 - 25, which causes EGFR Kinase Domain Duplication (EGFR-KDD). Here, we characterize the prevalence of ERBB family KDDs across multiple human cancers and evaluate the functional biochemistry of EGFR-KDD as it relates to pathogenesis and potential therapeutic intervention. We provide computational and experimental evidence that EGFR-KDD functions by forming asymmetric EGF-independent intra-molecular and EGF-dependent inter-molecular dimers. Time-resolved fluorescence microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation reveals EGFR-KDD can form ligand-dependent inter-molecular homo- and hetero-dimers/multimers. Furthermore, we show that inhibition of EGFR-KDD activity is maximally achieved by blocking both intra- and inter-molecular dimerization. Collectively, our findings define a previously unrecognized model of EGFR dimerization, providing important insights for the understanding of EGFR activation mechanisms and informing personalized treatment of patients with tumors harboring EGFR-KDD. Finally, we establish ERBB KDDs as recurrent oncogenic events in multiple cancers.

Mn2(CO)10-Catalyzed Intramolecular Dimerization of Diphosphirane Complexes

In this report, a series of biphosphirane complexes 1 were synthesized from the phosphiranide complex. The binuclear Mn2(CO)10-catalyzed intramolecular dimerization of these biphosphirane complexes...

Viologen-cucurbituril host/guest chemistry - redox control of dimerization versus inclusion.

Two calix[4]arene systems, C234+ and C244+ – where 2 corresponds to the number of viologen units and 3–4 corresponds to the number of carbon atoms connecting the viologen units to the macrocyclic core – have been synthesized and led to the formation of [3]pseudorotaxanes when combined with either CB[7] or CB[8]. The [3]pseudorotaxanes spontaneously dissociate upon reduction of the bipyridinium units as the result of intramolecular dimerization of the two face-to-face viologen radical cations. CB[7] and CB[8]-based [2]pseudorotaxanes containing monomeric viologen guest model compounds, MC32+ and MC4+, do not undergo decomplexation and dimerization following electrochemical reduction of their bipyridinium units.