Supramolecular Stabilization Research Articles

Supramolecular trapping of a cationic all-metal σ-aromatic {Bi4} ring

Aromaticity in organic molecules is well defined, but its role in metal-only rings remains controversial. Here we introduce a supramolecular stabilization approach of a cationic {Bi4} rhomboid within the symmetric charge sphere of two bowl-shaped dianionic calix[4]pyrrolato indinates. Crystallographic and spectroscopic characterization, quantum chemical analysis and magnetically induced ring currents indicate σ-aromaticity in the formally tetracationic 16-valence electron [Bi4]4+ ring. Computational screening for other p-block elements identifies the planar rhomboid as the globally preferred structure for 16-valence electron four-atomic clusters. The aromatic [Bi4]4+ is isoelectronic to the [Al4]4−, a motif previously observed as antiaromatic in Li3[Al4]− in the gas phase. Thus, subtle factors such as charge isotropy seem to decide over aromaticity or antiaromaticity, advising for caution in debates based on the Hückel model—a concept valid for second-row elements but less deterministic for the heavier congeners.

1H and 13C chemical shift-structure effects in anhydrous β-caffeine and four caffeine-diacid cocrystals probed by solid-state NMR experiments and DFT calculations.

By using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we refined the H atom positions in the structures of β-caffeine (C), α-oxalic acid (OA; (COOH)2), α-(COOH)2·2H2O, β-malonic acid (MA), β-glutaric acid (GA), and I-maleic acid (ME), along with their corresponding cocrystals of 2 : 1 (2C-OA, 2C-MA) or 1 : 1 (C-GA, C-ME) stoichiometry. The corresponding 13C/1H chemical shifts obtained by gauge including projector augmented wave (GIPAW) calculations agreed overall very well with results from magic-angle-spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiments. Chemical-shift/structure trends of the precursors and cocrystals were examined, where good linear correlations resulted for all COO1H sites against the H⋯O and/or H⋯N H-bond distance, whereas a general correlation was neither found for the aliphatic/caffeine-stemming 1H sites nor any 13C chemical shift against either the intermolecular hydrogen- or tetrel-bond distance, except for the 13COOH sites of the 2C-OA, 2C-MA, and C-GA cocrystals, which are involved in a strong COOH⋯N bond with caffeine that is responsible for the main supramolecular stabilization of the cocrystal. We provide the first complete 13C NMR spectral assignment of the structurally disordered anhydrous β-caffeine polymorph. The results are discussed in relation to previous literature on the disordered α-caffeine polymorph and the ordered hydrated counterpart, along with recommendations for NMR experimentation that will secure sufficient 13C signal-resolution for reliable resonance/site assignments.

Copper(II) Furancarboxylate Complexes with 5-Nitro-1,10-Phenanthroline as Promising Biological Agents

The reaction of copper(II) acetate with 2-furancarboxylic (HFur)/5-nitro-2-furancarboxylic (HNfur) acids and 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline (Nphen) in methanol resulted in the formation of the binuclear coordination compounds [Cu2(L)4(Nphen)2]·X (L = Fur (I), Nfur (II); X = H2O (I)), which were structurally studied by direct X-ray diffraction (CCDC no. 2244205 (I) and 2244206 (II)). According to X-ray diffraction data, the coordination environment of the central metal ion in I and II is composed of two nitrogen atoms of Nphen and three oxygen atoms of the acid anions, which thus form the {CuN2O3} tetragonal pyramid in which the copper coordination number is five. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds and stacking interactions between the Nphen aromatic rings provide supramolecular stabilization of I and II. A characteristic feature of supramolecular organization of II is the presence of a coordination bond between the Cu2+ cation and oxygen of the Nphen NO2- group of parallel chains. A biological activity assay for complexes I and II concerning the cytotoxic properties against a human ovarian adenocarcinoma cell line (SKOV3) and the mycobacterial strain Mycolicibacterium smegmatis showed an efficient suppression of cell viability. The results of mathematical modeling of the probability of Cu2+ binding to amino acid residues of M. smegmatis proteins suggested the affinity of the Cu(II) ion to a number of amino acids in polypeptide sites. It was shown that metal ion binding in mycobacterial proteins is more characteristic of histidine- and glutamic acid-containing moieties.

Crystallographic and theoretical interpretation of supramolecular architecture in a new salt hydrate of DL-Tartaric acid and Dimethylamine (DLTA-DA)

Herein, DL-tartaric acid normally used as a coformer in cocrystal engineering is exploited to create the hybrid molecule with secondary amine utilizing the supramolecular synthon approach. The crystal engineering tactics are potentially applied to a wide range of crystalline materials and the nature of the intermolecular interactions, hydrogen bonds in particular which decide the supramolecular stabilization of the solid form can be studied. The mechanochemical mixing of DL-tartaric acid and aqueous dimethylamine showed salt-pseudopolymorphism, resulted in N-methylmethanaminium-3-carboxy-2,3-dihydroxypropanoate hydrate. The interactions present between the molecules were demonstrated by simulating the FTIR spectrum which showed O − H stretching of the carboxylic group that did not match with experimental value as only one supramolecular unit was considered; whereas the experimental spectrum displayed a broad band for O − H stretch at 3200 cm−1. The salt crystallized in the monoclinic system with space group I2/a. The complementary hydrogen bond functionalities present in the molecules instilled the formation of O–H···O, O–H···N, and N − H···O intermolecular contacts. From the graph set analysis, it was noted that the supramolecular architecture was maintained by the homosynthon dimer and one-dimensional O–H···O anionic chain built by R22(12)and C(7) motifs. Additionally, the cage type assembly was formed by additional hydrogen bonds present in between the chains with H2O as a linker. The 2D fingerprint plots confirmed the maximum percentage contribution of -O–H (59%) towards the Hirshfeld surface. Hence, a full analysis of crystal packing and discussions in the context of the supramolecular chemistry of the salt hydrate is presented.

Mol-ecular structure, DFT studies and Hirshfeld analysis of anthracenyl chalcone derivatives.

The mol-ecular and crystal structure of two new chalcone derivatives, (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-[4-(piperidin-1-yl)phen-yl]prop-2-en-1-one, C28H25NO, (I), and (E)-1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-[4-(di-phenyl-amino)-phen-yl]prop-2-en-1-one, C35H25NO, (II), with the fused-ring system at the same position are described. In the crystals of (I) and (II), the mol-ecules are linked via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers, forming R22(22) and R22(14) ring motifs, respectively. Weak inter-molecular C-H⋯π inter-actions further help to stabilize the crystal structure, forming a two-dimensional architecture. The mol-ecular structures are optimized using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6-311 G++(d,p) level and compared with the experimental results. The smallest HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of (I) (exp . 2.76 eV and DFT 3.40 eV) and (II) (exp . 2.70 eV and DFT 3.28 eV) indicates the suitability of these crystals in optoelectronic applications. All inter-molecular contacts and weaker contributions involved in the supra-molecular stabilization are investigated using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The mol-ecular electrostatic potential (MEP) further identifies the positive, negative and neutral electrostatic potential regions of the mol-ecules.

The effect of the fused-ring substituent on anthracene chalcones: crystal structural and DFT studies of 1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(naphthalen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one and 1-(anthracen-9-yl)-3-(pyren-1-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.

The title chalcone compounds, C27H18O (I) and C33H20O (II), were synthesized using a Claisen-Schmidt condensation. Both compounds display an s-trans configuration of the enone moiety. The crystal structures feature inter-molecular C-H⋯O and C-H⋯π inter-actions. Quantum chemical analysis of density functional theory (DFT) with a B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set has been employed to study the structural properties of the compound. The effect of the inter-molecular inter-actions in the solid state are responsible for the differences between the experimental and theoretical optimized geometrical parameters. The small HOMO-LUMO energy gap in (I) (exp : 3.18 eV and DFT: 3.15 eV) and (II) (exp : 2.76 eV and DFT: 2.95 eV) indicates the suitability of these compounds for optoelectronic applications. The inter-molecular contacts and weak contributions to the supra-molecular stabilization are analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Guest Back-Folding: A Molecular Design Strategy That Produces a Deep-Red Fluorescent Host/Guest Pair with Picomolar Affinity in Water.

One of the major goals of modern supramolecular chemistry, with important practical relevance in many technical fields, is the development of synthetic host/guest partners with ultrahigh affinity and selectivity in water. Currently, most association pairs exhibit micromolar affinity or weaker, and there are very few host/guest systems with Ka > 109 M-1, apparently due to a barrier imposed by enthalpy/entropy compensation. This present study investigated the threading of a water-soluble tetralactam cyclophane by a deep-red fluorescent squaraine guest with flanking polyethylene glycol chains, an association process that is dominated by a highly favorable enthalpic driving force. A squaraine structure was rationally designed to permit guest back-folding as a strategy to greatly expand the hydrophobic surface area that could be buried upon complexation. Guided by computational modeling, an increasing number of N-benzyl groups were appended to the squaraine core, so that, after threading, the aromatic rings could fold back and stack against the cyclophane periphery. The final design iteration exhibited an impressive combination of fluorescence and supramolecular properties, including ratiometric change in deep-red emission, picomolar affinity ( Ka = 5.1 × 1010 M-1), and very rapid threading ( kon = 7.9 × 107 M-1 s-1) in water at 25 °C. Similar excellent behavior was observed in serum solution. A tangible outcome of this study is a new cyclophane/squaraine association pair that will be a versatile platform for many different types of fluorescence-based imaging and diagnostics applications. From a broader perspective, guest back-folding of aromatic groups is a promising new supramolecular stabilization strategy to overcome enthalpy/entropy compensation and produce ultrahigh affinity [2]pseudorotaxane complexes in water and biological media.

Supramolecular hydrogel networks formed by molecular recognition of collagen and a peptide grafted to hyaluronic acid

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a nano-structured, highly complex hydrogel, in which the macromolecules are organized primarily by non-covalent interactions. Here, in a biomimetic approach, the decorin-derived collagen-binding peptide LSELRLHNN was grafted to hyaluronic acid (HA) in order to enable the formation of a supramolecular hydrogel network together with collagen. The storage modulus of a mixture of collagen and HA was increased by more than one order of magnitude (G′=157Pa) in the presence of the HA-grafted peptide compared to a mixture of collagen and HA (G′=6Pa). The collagen fibril diameter was decreased, as quantified using electron microscopy, in the presence of the HA-grafted peptide. Here, the peptide mimicked the function of decorin by spatially organizing collagen. The advantage of this approach is that the non-covalent crosslinks between collagen molecules and the HA chains created by the peptide form a reversible and dynamic hydrogel, which could be employed for a diverse range of applications in regenerative medicine. Statement of SignificanceBiopolymers of the extracellular matrix (ECM) like collagen or hyaluronan are attractive starting materials for biomaterials. While in biomaterial science covalent crosslinking is often employed, in the native ECM, stabilization and macromolecular organization is primarily based on non-covalent interactions, which allows dynamic changes of the materials. Here, we show that collagen-binding peptides, derived from the small proteoglycan decorin, grafted to hyaluronic acid enable supramolecular stabilization of collagen hydrogels. These hydrogels have storage moduli more than one order of magnitude higher than mixtures of collagen and hyaluronic acid. Furthermore, the peptide supported the structural organization of collagen. Such hydrogels could be employed for a diverse range of applications in regenerative medicine. Furthermore, the rational design helps in the understanding ECM structuring.

4-[(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)meth-oxy]benzene-1,2-dicarbo-nitrile: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and energy-minimization calculations.

In the solid state, the title compound, C18H13N5O, adopts a conformation whereby the phenyl ring and meth-oxy-benzene-1,2-dicarbo-nitrile residue (r.m.s. deviation of the 12 non-H atoms = 0.041 Å) lie to opposite sides of the central triazolyl ring, forming dihedral angles of 79.30 (13) and 64.59 (10)°, respectively; the dihedral angle between the outer rings is 14.88 (9)°. This conformation is nearly 7 kcal mol(-1) higher in energy than the energy-minimized structure which has a syn disposition of the outer rings, enabling intra-molecular π-π inter-actions. In the crystal, methyl-ene-C-H⋯N(triazol-yl) and carbo-nitrile-N⋯π(benzene) inter-actions lead to supra-molecular chains along the a axis. Supra-molecular layers in the ab plane arise as the chains are connected by benzene-C-H⋯N(carbo-nitrile) inter-actions; layers stack with no directional inter-actions between them. The specified inter-molecular contacts along with other, weaker contributions to the supra-molecular stabilization are analysed in a Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Supramolecular stabilization of metastable tautomers in solution and the solid state.

This work presents a successful application of a recently reported supramolecular strategy for stabilization of metastable tautomers in cocrystals to monocomponent, non-heterocyclic, tautomeric solids. Quantum-chemical computations and solution studies show that the investigated Schiff base molecule, derived from 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde and 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine (ap), is far more stable as the enol tautomer. In the solid state, however, in all three obtained polymorphic forms it exists solely as the keto tautomer, in each case stabilized by an unexpected hydrogen-bonding pattern. Computations have shown that hydrogen bonding of the investigated Schiff base with suitable molecules shifts the tautomeric equilibrium to the less stable keto form. The extremes to which supramolecular stabilization can lead are demonstrated by the two polymorphs of molecular complexes of the Schiff base with ap. The molecules of both constituents of molecular complexes are present as metastable tautomers (keto anion and protonated pyridine, respectively), which stabilize each other through a very strong hydrogen bond. All the obtained solid forms proved stable in various solid-state and solvent-mediated methods used to establish their relative thermodynamic stabilities and possible interconversion conditions.

Cucurbit[7]uril: A High‐Affinity Host for Encapsulation of Amino Saccharides and Supramolecular Stabilization of Their α‐Anomers in Water

AbstractCucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), an uncharged and water‐soluble macrocyclic host, binds protonated amino saccharides (D‐glucosamine, D‐galactosamine, D‐mannosamine and 6‐amino‐6‐deoxy‐D‐glucose) with excellent affinity (Ka=103 to 104 M−1). The host–guest complexation was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and MALDI‐TOF mass spectral analyses. NMR analyses revealed that the amino saccharides, except D‐mannosamine, are bound as α‐anomers within the CB[7] cavity. ITC analyses reveal that CB[7] has excellent affinity for binding amino saccharides in water. The maximum affinity was observed for D‐galactosamine hydrochloride (Ka=1.6×104 M−1). Such a strong affinity for any saccharide in water using a synthetic receptor is unprecedented, as is the supramolecular stabilization of an α‐anomer by the host.

Cucurbit[7]uril: A High‐Affinity Host for Encapsulation of Amino Saccharides and Supramolecular Stabilization of Their α‐Anomers in Water

Cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]), an uncharged and water-soluble macrocyclic host, binds protonated amino saccharides (D-glucosamine, D-galactosamine, D-mannosamine and 6-amino-6-deoxy-D-glucose) with excellent affinity (Ka =10(3) to 10(4) M(-1) ). The host-guest complexation was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and MALDI-TOF mass spectral analyses. NMR analyses revealed that the amino saccharides, except D-mannosamine, are bound as α-anomers within the CB[7] cavity. ITC analyses reveal that CB[7] has excellent affinity for binding amino saccharides in water. The maximum affinity was observed for D-galactosamine hydrochloride (Ka =1.6×10(4) M(-1) ). Such a strong affinity for any saccharide in water using a synthetic receptor is unprecedented, as is the supramolecular stabilization of an α-anomer by the host.

Cadmium(II) chloride, bromide and iodide complexes with 4,4′-bipyridazine: when are diazine and halide bridges (in)compatible?

In poly[di-μ-chlorido-μ-(4,4'-bipyridazine)-κ(2)N(1):N(1')-cadmium(II)], [CdCl(2)(C(8)H(6)N(4))](n), (I), and its isomorphous bromide analogue, [CdBr(2)(C(8)H(6)N(4))](n), (II), the halide atom lies on a mirror plane and the Cd(II) ion resides at the intersection of two perpendicular mirror planes with m2m site symmetry. The pyridazine rings of the ligand lie in a mirror plane and are related to each other by a second mirror plane perpendicular to the first. The compounds adopt the characteristic structure of the [M(II)X(2)(bipy)] type (bipy is bipyridine) based on crosslinking of [Cd(μ-X)(2)](n) chains [Cd-Cl = 2.5955 (9) and 2.6688 (9) Å; Cd-Br = 2.7089 (4) and 2.8041 (3) Å] by bitopic rod-like organic ligands [Cd-N = 2.368 (3)-2.380 (3) Å]. This feature is discussed in terms of supramolecular stabilization, implying that the periodicity of the inorganic chain [Cd···Cd = 3.7802 (4) Å in (I) and 3.9432 (3) Å in (II)] is favourable for extensive parallel π-π stacking of monodentate pyridazine rings, with centroid-centroid distances of 3.7751 (4) Å in (I) and 3.9359 (4) Å in (II). This is not the case for the longer iodide bridges, which cannot stabilize such a pattern. In poly[tetra-μ-iodido-μ(4)-(4,4'-bipyridazine)-κ(4)N(1):N(2):N(1'):N(2')-dicadmium(II)], [Cd(2)I(4)(C(8)H(6)N(4))](n), (III), the ligands are situated across a centre of inversion; they are tetradentate [Cd-N = 2.488 (2) and 2.516 (2) Å] and link successive [Cd(μ-I)(2)](n) chains [Cd-I = 2.8816 (3)-3.0069 (4) Å] into corrugated layers.

Protein stabilization through supramolecular host–guest interactions with cyclodextrin-modified nanoparticles

This study demonstrates the protein stabilization of gelatin through supramolecular interactions of silica nanoparticles and the influence on the point of denaturation. The phenomenon was studied in diluted solutions by dynamic light scattering, viscosity measurements, and differential scanning calorimetry. Native gelatin is stabilized by cyclodextrin functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles. After heating, increased supramolecular interactions of the nanoparticles with the denaturated gelatin coils are observed by progressive agglomeration. The described observation also resulted in a melting temperature shift from 30 °C, for native gelatin, to about 47 °C for the gelatin/CD-SiO2, which indicates the supramolecular stabilization of the gelatin chain structure. It was found that the gelatin is supramolecularly immobilized on the nanoparticle up to a certain temperature through complexation by cyclodextrin. The described results, also confirmed by DSC and viscosity measurements, show the prospect of using cyclodextrin-modified surfaces for the immobilization of the proteins.

Design and electrochemical characterization of a new cobalt(II)–cyclodextrin complex. Evidence for a supramolecular stabilization of the Co(I) state

The electrochemical behavior of a new cobalt–cyclodextrin (CD) complex was investigated, in dimethylformamide, from CoX 2 (X = Br and BF 4) in the presence of 1 equiv. 6-Deoxy-6- N-(2-methyliminopyridine)-β-cyclodextrin as ligand. Under these conditions, it was demonstrated for the first time, that the electrogenerated cobalt(I) species can be kinetically and thermodynamically stabilized. The electrochemical study of CoX 2 in the presence of a related iminopyridine ligand (2-pyridyl- N-benzylmethylimine), in which the cyclodextrin (CD) group was replaced by a simple aryl moiety, allowed to highlight the crucial role of the CD in this unexpected stabilization. Importantly, this unprecedented result was only observed when both the iminepyridine and the CD moieties were together covalently attached. Importantly, the supramolecular stabilized low-valent cobalt species remained fairly reactive towards aromatic halides despite its intrinsic stability. This original work opens new opportunities for the development of more selective catalytic processes both in organic and aqueous media.

Syntheses, characterizations and crystal structures of two new complexes, [Co2(CH2 =C(CH3)CO2)4(phen)2(H2O)2] and [Pb2(CH2 =C(CH3)CO2)4(phen)2

Two new complexes, [Co2(CH2=C(CH3)CO2)4(phen)2(H2O)2] (1) and [Pb2(CH2=C(CH3)CO2)4(phen)2] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) (2), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. There are two cocrystallized conformers of [Co(CH2=C(CH3)CO2)2(phen)(H2O)] in the asymmetric unit of 1 with the Co atoms displaying similar coordination modes. In the asymmetric unit of 2, there exist two crystallographically independent [Pb(CH2=C(CH3)CO2)2(phen)] molecules with the Pb atoms showing completely different coordination geometries. Weak intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking are responsible for the supramolecular assembly and stabilization of the crystal structures of 1 and 2. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and UV–Vis spectra. The fluorescent properties of 2 are also discussed.

Supramolecular stabilization of well-ordered water clusters

Supramolecular stabilization of well-ordered water clusters

Blue Fluorescence of a Binuclear Cd(II) Complex: [Cd(ClC2H4CO2)2(phen)]2

A new binuclear complex, [Cd(ClCH2CH2CO2)2(phen)]2 (1), has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The Cd atoms are linked by carboxylate oxygen atoms into a four-membered Cd2O2 rhombic ring with a Cd···Cd separation of 3.824 Å . Two carboxylate groups act as bidentate, and two as both bidentate bridging and bidentate chelating ligands. The hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions are responsible for the supramolecular assembly and stabilization of the crystal structure. The complex has been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV/Vis spectra, and thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The complex exhibits blue fluorescence in the solid at room temperature.

Pseudopolymorphism of Aliphatic Amine/4‐tert‐Butylcalix[4]arene Inclusion Compounds: Supramolecular Stabilization as a Route to Polar Clusters and Layers

4-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene (4tBC4A) is a versatile host capable of forming a variety of 1:1 and 2:1 inclusion compounds typically stabilized through van der Waals interactions. Preliminary studies in our group have demonstrated that inclusion of n-butylamine in 4tBC4A results in a series of pseudopolymorphic inclusion compounds, including a new 3:1 inclusion motif. Using a combination of SCXRD, TGA, solid state NMR, and PXRD, we now elaborate upon the relationship between these pseudopolymorphs. We also demonstrate that larger amines demonstrate a similar degree of pseudopolymorphism, allowing for the production of customized materials using self-assembly guided by competing weak forces. Finally, we comment on the structural implications of the relative dominance such forces in the formation of calixarene-based supramolecular frameworks.

Supramolecular stabilization of the phosphite-based polyoxomolybdate [Mo 6(PO 3)(HPO 3) 3O 18] 9−

A novel phosphite-based hetero-polyoxomolybdate, [Mo 6(PO 3)(HPO 3) 3O 18] 9−, has been isolated and structurally characterized. The most striking feature of this polyanion is the presence of peripheral phosphite groups linked to the MoO 6 octahedra. In the solid state, this cluster shows strong hydrogen bonding interactions that apparently play a key role in its stabilization and isolation from solution.