Supramolecular Units Research Articles

A hydrostable and twofold interpenetrating three-dimensional zinc-organic framework with rob topology based on 4,4'-oxydibenzoate and 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridine ligands.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a new class of porous materials that have received widespread attention due to their potential applications in gas storage and/or separation, catalysis, luminescence, and so on. The title compound, poly[[(μ2-3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridine-κ(2)N:N')bis(μ4-4,4'-oxydibenzoato-κ(4)O:O':O'':O''')dizinc] tetrahydrate], {[Zn2(C14H8O5)2(C12H12N2)]·4H2O}n, has been prepared by the solvothermal assembly of Zn(NO3)2·6H2O, 4,4'-oxydi(benzoic acid) and 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridine. The two Zn(II) atoms adopt the same five-coordinated distorted square-pyramidal geometry (i.e. ZnO4N), bonding to four O atoms from four different 4,4'-oxydibenzoate (oba) ligands and one N atom from a 3,3'-dimethyl-4,4'-bipyridine (dmbpy) ligand. The supramolecular secondary building unit (SBU) is a paddle-wheel [Zn2(COO)4] unit and these units are linked by oba ligands within the layer to form a two-dimensional net parallel to the b axis, with the dmbpy ligands pointing alternately up and down, which is further extended by dmbpy ligands to form a three-dimensional framework with rob topology. The single net leaves voids that are filled by mutual interpenetration of an independent equivalent framework in a twofold interpenetrating architecture. The title compound shows thermal stability up to 673 K and is stable in aqueous solutions in the pH range 5-9. Excitation and luminescence data observed at room temperature show that it emits a bright-blue fluorescence.

Engineering Short, Strong, Charge-Assisted Hydrogen Bonds in Benzoic Acid Dimers through Cocrystallization with Proton Sponge

A series of molecular complexes of the proton sponge 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene (DMAN) with monosubstituted halobenzoic acids are reported, illustrating the designed exploitation of the characteristics of the proton sponge to induce short, charge-assisted hydrogen bonds in a predictable and reproducible manner. In every case, a DMAN molecule extracts a proton from the carboxylic acid group of the benzoic acid, as a result of which a recurrent supramolecular unit between a neutral and a deprotonated benzoic acid molecule is formed, featuring an extremely short, strong O–H···O hydrogen bond, within a predominant crystallization ratio of 1:2 (DMAN:benzoic acid).

A smart nanoreactor with photo-responsive molecular switches for controlling catalytic reactions

A smart nanoreactor with photo-responsive molecular switches was constructed through introduction of an azobenzene/α-CD supramolecular unit on mesoporous silica.

Enhanced performance in gas adsorption and Li ion batteries by docking Li(+) in a crown ether-based metal-organic framework.

Incorporating supramolecular interaction units, crown ether rings, into metal-organic frameworks enables the docking of metal ions through complexation for enhanced performance in H2 and CO2 adsorption and lithium ion batteries.

1,4-Diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane-based disalts showing non-centrosymmetric structures and phase transition behaviors

Two non-centrosymmetric crystals, [(H2dabco)(H2O)](ClO4)2 (1; dabco = 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) and [(H2dabco)(H2O)](BF4)2 (2), were synthesized and characterized, along with their deuterated species [(D2dabco)(D2O)](ClO4)2 (3) and [(D2dabco)(D2O)](BF4)2 (4). The polar structures are formed by the directional packing of the asymmetric hydrogen-bonded supramolecular unit [(H2dabco)(H2O)] and stabilized by hydrogen bonds among the cations and the anions. Meanwhile, these compounds undergo phase transitions in the temperature range of 230–250 K, revealed by differential scanning calorimetry and dielectric constant measurements. Crystal structure analysis and deuteration study indicate that the order–disorder transition of the anions is the main driving force for the phase transitions in 1 and 2.

Supramolecular Recognition and Energy Frameworks in Host–Guest Complexes of 18-Crown-6 and Sulfonamides

Crystalline molecular complexes of 18-crown-6 with three sulfonamide analogues (methane, benzene, and toluene sulfonamides) have been synthesized and characterized. Among these, the 18-crown-6:benzenesulfonamide complex exhibits three crystal forms, including a polymorphic pair. Interaction energy calculations show that the host–guest binding energies in these complexes are very high (∼92–104 kJ·mol–1). Energy framework analysis identifies the hierarchy of intermolecular interactions and their topology; a trimeric motif formed by two guest molecules and a crown host is found to be a salient structural feature in these complexes. This study establishes the “sulfonamide-crown motif” as a very robust and predictable supramolecular recognition unit.

Crystal structure of cyclo-tris-(μ-3,4,5,6-tetra-fluoro-o-phenyl-ene-κ(2) C (1):C (2))trimercury-tetra-cyano-ethyl-ene (1/1).

The title compound, [Hg3(C6F4)3]·C6N4, contains one mol-ecule of tetra-cyano-ethyl-ene B per one mol-ecule of mercury macrocycle A, i.e., A•B, and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c. Macrocycle A and mol-ecule B both occupy special positions on a twofold rotation axis and the inversion centre, respectively. The supra-molecular unit [A•B] is built by the simultaneous coordination of one of the nitrile N atoms of B to the three mercury atoms of the macrocycle A. The Hg⋯N distances range from 2.990 (4) to 3.030 (4) Å and are very close to those observed in the related adducts of the macrocycle A with other nitrile derivatives. The mol-ecule of B is almost perpendicular to the mean plane of the macrocycle A at the dihedral angle of 88.20 (5)°. The donor-acceptor Hg⋯N inter-actions do not affect the CN bond lengths [1.136 (6) and 1.140 (6) Å]. The trans nitrile group of B coordinates to another macrocycle A, forming an infinite mixed-stack [A•B]∞ architecture toward [101]. The remaining N atoms of two nitrile groups of B are not engaged in any donor-acceptor inter-actions. In the crystal, the mixed stacks are held together by inter-molecular C-F⋯CN secondary inter-actions [2.846 (5)-2.925 (5) Å].

Access to Multiblock Copolymers via Supramolecular Host-Guest Chemistry and Photochemical Ligation.

We combine supramolecular host-guest interactions of β-cyclodextrin (CD) with light-induced Diels-Alder reactions of 2-methoxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde (photoenol, PE) for the formation of multiblock copolymers. Via the synthesis of a new bifunctional chain transfer agent (CTA) and subsequent reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, we introduce a supramolecular recognition unit (tert-butyl phenyl) and a photoactive unit (photoenol) to a polymer chain in order to obtain an α,ω-functionalized polymeric center block, having orthogonal recognition units at each chain end. Multiblock copolymers are formed via the light-induced reaction of the photoenol with a maleimide-functionalized polymer chain and the supramolecular self-assembly of the tert-butyl phenyl group with the β-CD end group of a third polymer chain. By employing the fast and efficient photoinduced Diels-Alder reaction in combination with supramolecular host-guest interactions, a novel method for macromolecular modular ligation is introduced.

Photochemical Design of Stimuli-Responsive Nanoparticles Prepared by Supramolecular Host–Guest Chemistry

We introduce the design of a thermoresponsive nanoparticle via sacrificial micelle formation based on supramolecular host–guest chemistry. Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization was employed to synthesize well-defined polymer blocks of poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide) (poly(DMAAm)) (Mn,SEC = 10 700 g mol–1, Đ = 1.3) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (poly(NiPAAm)) (Mn,SEC = 39 700 g mol–1, Đ = 1.2), carrying supramolecular recognition units at the chain termini. Further, 2-methoxy-6-methylbenzaldehyde moieties (photoenols, PE) were statistically incorporated into the backbone of the poly(NiPAAm) block as photoactive cross-linking units. Host–guest interactions of adamantane (Ada) (at the terminus of the poly(NiPAAm/PE) chain) and β-cyclodextrin (CD) (attached to the poly(DMAAm chain end) result in a supramolecular diblock copolymer. In aqueous solution, the diblock copolymer undergoes micellization when heated above the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the thermoresponsive poly(NiPAAm/PE) chain, forming the core of the micelle. Via the addition of a 4-arm maleimide cross-linker and irradiation with UV light, the micelle is cross-linked in its core via the photoinduced Diels–Alder reaction of maleimide and PE units. The adamantyl–cyclodextrin linkage is subsequently cleaved by the destruction of the β-CD, affording narrowly distributed thermoresponsive nanoparticles with a trigger temperature close to 30 °C. Polymer chain analysis was performed via size exclusion chromatography (SEC), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The size and thermoresponsive behavior of the micelles and nanoparticles were investigated via DLS as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Synthesis, characterization and comparative study of a series of fluorinated Schiff bases containing different orientation [sbnd]CH[dbnd]N[sbnd] spacers

Investigation of the crystal structures of three pairs of multi-fluorinated compounds with bridge-flipped isomeric character, which on the molecular level differ only in the orientation of the bridging bond CHN connecting two larger parts of the molecule, offers a useful context for the examination and evaluation of supramolecular assembly in the case. The results show that the orientation of the bridging bond CHN determines the conformation of six organic molecules 1a–b, 2a–b and 3a–b, thus further influencing intermolecular weak interactions and final supramolecular arrangements. Accordingly, each molecule of six multi-fluorinated compounds as supramolecular building block unit, via strong intermolecular interactions, including interactions between fluorine atoms and aromatic ring hydrogen atoms, between fluorine atoms, and between hydroxyl groups and fluorine atoms, as well as interaromatic π⋯π stacking interactions etc., constructs a series of different and attractive crystal packings. These results demonstrate that by changing CHN orientation, we can obtain different hydrogen-bonded supramolecular structures through different interactions.

Theoretical design and simulation of supramolecular polymer unit based on multiple hydrogen bonds

The heterocyclic urea of deazapterin (DeAP a) and its protomeric conformers (b, c) with different substituents are selected as the building block for a series of dimers in different configurations. The stabilities of all dimers in various conditions have been investigated by density functional theory. Homodimer of b has more stability than other dimers. Topological analyses certify the coexistence of intermolecular with intramolecular H-bonds. Investigations into frequency demonstrate that all H-bonds show an evident red shift in their stretching vibrational frequencies. Electron donating substituents can provide favorable free energies of the dimer. Solvent effect computations suggest that the dimerization can be favored in weakly polar solvents, such as toluene and chloroform. UV–visible spectra exhibit obvious difference of maximum absorption wavelengths between monomers and dimers, thus may have potential applications for identifying intermolecular H-bonds and calculating association constant of DeAP equilibrium systems in experiments.

Evidence for stereoelectronic effects in the N-C-N group of 8,10,12-triaza-1-azoniatetracyclo[8.3.1.1(8,12).0(2,7)]pentadecane 4-nitrophenolate 4-nitrophenol monosolvate from the protonation of aminal (2R,7R)-1,8,10,12-tetraazatetracyclo[8.3.1.1(8,12).0(2,7)]pentadecane: X-ray and natural bond orbital analysis.

The title molecular salt, C11H21N4(+)·C6H4NO3(-)·C6H5NO3, (II), crystallizes with two independent three-component aggregates in the asymmetric unit. In the cations, the cyclohexane rings fused to the cage azaadamantane systems both adopt a chair conformation. In the crystal structure, the aggregates are connected by C-H···O hydrogen bonds, forming a supramolecular unit enclosing an R4(4)(24) ring motif. These units are linked via C-H···O and C-H···N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. Even hydrogen-bond formation to one of the N atoms is enough to induce structural stereoelectronic effects in the normal donor→acceptor direction. The C-N bond distances provide structural evidence for a strong anomeric effect. The structure also displays O-H···O and N-H···O hydrogen bonding. Geometric optimization and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis of (II) were undertaken by utilizing DFT/B3LYP with the 6-31+G(d,p) basis set. NBO second-order perturbation theory calculations indicate donor-acceptor interactions between nitrogen lone pairs and the antibonding orbital of the C-C and C-N bonds for the protonated polyamine, in agreement with the occurrence of bond-length and bond-angle changes within the aminal cage structure.

Unusually short chalcogen bonds involving organoselenium: insights into the Se-N bond cleavage mechanism of the antioxidant ebselen and analogues.

Structural studies on the polymorphs of the organoselenium antioxidant ebselen and its derivative show the potential of organic selenium to form unusually short Se⋅⋅⋅O chalcogen bonds that lead to conserved supramolecular recognition units. Se⋅⋅⋅O interactions observed in these polymorphs are the shortest such chalcogen bonds known for organoselenium compounds. The FTIR spectral evolution characteristics of this interaction from solution state to solid crystalline state further validates the robustness of this class of supramolecular recognition units. The strength and electronic nature of the Se⋅⋅⋅O chalcogen bonds were explored using high-resolution X-ray charge density analysis and atons-in-molecules (AIM) theoretical analysis. A charge density study unravels the strong electrostatic nature of Se⋅⋅⋅O chalcogen bonding and soft-metal-like behavior of organoselenium. An analysis of the charge density around Se-N and Se-C covalent bonds in conjunction with the Se⋅⋅⋅O chalcogen bonding modes in ebselen and its analogues provides insights into the mechanism of drug action in this class of organoselenium antioxidants. The potential role of the intermolecular Se⋅⋅⋅O chalcogen bonding in forming the intermediate supramolecular assembly that leads to the bond cleavage mechanism has been proposed in terms of electron density topological parameters in a series of molecular complexes of ebselen with reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Efficient Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction.

Three types of photocatalytic systems for CO2 reduction, which were recently developed in our group, are reviewed. First, two-component systems containing different rhenium(I) complexes having different roles; i.e., redox photosensitizer and catalyst in the reaction solution are described. The mixed system of a ring-shaped rhenium(I) trinuclear complex and fac-[Re(bpy)(CO)3(MeCN)](+) is currently the most efficient photocatalytic system for CO2 reduction (ΦCO = 0.82 at λex = 436 nm). The second is a series of supramolecular photocatalysts, which have units with different functions in one molecule, i.e., redox photosensitizer, catalyst, and bridging ligand. The highest durability and speed of photocatalysis were achieved by using this system (ΦCO = 0.45, TONCO = 3029, and TOFCO = 35.7 min(-1)). The third is a novel type of artificial Z-Scheme photocatalyst for CO2 reduction, of which photocatalysis is revealed by stepwise excitation of both a semiconductor photocatalyst unit and the supramolecular photocatalyst unit. This system has both strong oxidation and reduction powers.

Advanced glycation end-products reduce collagen molecular sliding to affect collagen fibril damage mechanisms but not stiffness.

Advanced glycation end-products (AGE) contribute to age-related connective tissue damage and functional deficit. The documented association between AGE formation on collagens and the correlated progressive stiffening of tissues has widely been presumed causative, despite the lack of mechanistic understanding. The present study investigates precisely how AGEs affect mechanical function of the collagen fibril – the supramolecular functional load-bearing unit within most tissues. We employed synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and carefully controlled mechanical testing after introducing AGEs in explants of rat-tail tendon using the metabolite methylglyoxal (MGO). Mass spectrometry and collagen fluorescence verified substantial formation of AGEs by the treatment. Associated mechanical changes of the tissue (increased stiffness and failure strength, decreased stress relaxation) were consistent with reports from the literature. SAXS analysis revealed clear changes in molecular deformation within MGO treated fibrils. Underlying the associated increase in tissue strength, we infer from the data that MGO modified collagen fibrils supported higher loads to failure by maintaining an intact quarter-staggered conformation to nearly twice the level of fibril strain in controls. This apparent increase in fibril failure resistance was characterized by reduced side-by-side sliding of collagen molecules within fibrils, reflecting lateral molecular interconnectivity by AGEs. Surprisingly, no change in maximum fibril modulus (2.5 GPa) accompanied the changes in fibril failure behavior, strongly contradicting the widespread assumption that tissue stiffening in ageing and diabetes is directly related to AGE increased fibril stiffness. We conclude that AGEs can alter physiologically relevant failure behavior of collagen fibrils, but that tissue level changes in stiffness likely occur at higher levels of tissue architecture.

Pharmaceutical cocrystals of diflunisal and diclofenac with theophylline.

Pharmaceutical cocrystals of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs diflunisal (DIF) and diclofenac (DIC) with theophylline (THP) were obtained, and their crystal structures were determined. In both of the crystal structures, molecules form a hydrogen bonded supramolecular unit consisting of a centrosymmetric dimer of THP and two molecules of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). Crystal lattice energy calculations showed that the packing energy gain of the [DIC + THP] cocrystal is derived mainly from the dispersion energy, which dominates the structures of the cocrystals. The enthalpies of cocrystal formation were estimated by solution calorimetry, and their thermal stability was studied by differential scanning calorimetry. The cocrystals showed an enhancement of apparent solubility compared to the corresponding pure APIs, while the intrinsic dissolution rates are comparable. Both cocrystals demonstrated physical stability upon storing at different relative humidity.

A twofold interpenetrating three-dimensional zinc-organic framework built from naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylate and 4,4'-bipyridine ligands.

A novel three-dimensional Zn(II) complex, poly[[(μ2-4,4'-bipyridine)(μ4-naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylato)(μ2-naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylato)dizinc(II)] dimethylformamide monosolvate monohydrate], {[Zn2(C12H6O4)2(C10H8N2)]·2C3H7NO·H2O)}n, has been prepared by the solvothermal assembly of Zn(NO3)·6H2O, naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid and 4,4'-bipyridine. The two crystallographically independent Zn atoms adopt the same four-coordinated tetrahedral geometry (ZnO3N) by bonding to three O atoms from three different naphthalene-1,4-dicarboxylate (1,4-ndc) ligands and one N atom from a 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy) ligand. The supramolecular secondary building unit (SBU) is a distorted paddle-wheel-like {Zn2(COO)2N2O2} unit and these units are linked by 1,4-ndc ligands within the layer to form a two-dimensional net parallel to the ab plane, which is further connected by bpy ligands to form the three-dimensional framework. The single net leaves voids that are filled by mutual interpenetration of an independent equivalent framework in a twofold interpenetrating architecture. The title compound is stable up to 673 K. Excitation and luminescence data observed at room temperature show that it emits bright-blue fluorescence.

Molecular Engineering of Fracture Energy Dissipating Sacrificial Bonds Into Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanocomposites

AbstractEven though nanocomposites have provided a plethora of routes to increase stiffness and strength, achieving increased toughness with suppressed catastrophic crack growth has remained more challenging. Inspired by the concepts of mechanically excellent natural nanomaterials, one‐component nanocomposites were fabricated involving reinforcing colloidal nanorod cores with polymeric grafts containing supramolecular binding units. The concept is based on mechanically strong native cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) grafted with glassy polymethacrylate polymers, with side chains that contain 2‐ureido‐4[1H]‐pyrimidone (UPy) pendant groups. The interdigitation of the grafts and the ensuing UPy hydrogen bonds bind the nanocomposite network together. Under stress, UPy groups act as sacrificial bonds: simultaneously providing adhesion between the CNCs while allowing them to first orient and then gradually slide past each other, thus dissipating fracture energy. We propose that this architecture involving supramolecular binding units within side chains of polymer grafts attached to colloidal reinforcements opens generic approaches for tough nanocomposites.

Molecular Engineering of Fracture Energy Dissipating Sacrificial Bonds Into Cellulose Nanocrystal Nanocomposites

Even though nanocomposites have provided a plethora of routes to increase stiffness and strength, achieving increased toughness with suppressed catastrophic crack growth has remained more challenging. Inspired by the concepts of mechanically excellent natural nanomaterials, one-component nanocomposites were fabricated involving reinforcing colloidal nanorod cores with polymeric grafts containing supramolecular binding units. The concept is based on mechanically strong native cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) grafted with glassy polymethacrylate polymers, with side chains that contain 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidone (UPy) pendant groups. The interdigitation of the grafts and the ensuing UPy hydrogen bonds bind the nanocomposite network together. Under stress, UPy groups act as sacrificial bonds: simultaneously providing adhesion between the CNCs while allowing them to first orient and then gradually slide past each other, thus dissipating fracture energy. We propose that this architecture involving supramolecular binding units within side chains of polymer grafts attached to colloidal reinforcements opens generic approaches for tough nanocomposites.

Reversible Transition between SDS@2β-CD Microtubes and Vesicles Triggered by Temperature

Switching between association and dissociation is the well-known strategy for constructing responsive materials based on the host-guest complexes of cyclodextrins (CDs). In this work, we report that temperature may also trigger self-assembly transition in the supramolecular system composed of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) at a molar ratio of 1:2. We reported previously that, at this ratio, SDS and β-CD form a channel-type SDS@2β-CD supramolecular unit, which further self-assembles into non-amphiphilic vesicles and microtubes driven by hydrogen bonding. Here, we report that the vesicles and microtubes can be reversibly switched between each other upon decreasing and increasing temperature. Control experiments in heavy water suggest that water molecules play a dominating role in the hydrogen bonding between SDS@2β-CD supramolecular units at lower concentration and higher temperature. Under opposite conditions, the hydrogen bonding between CDs is dominating. Therefore, for the 5% system, we observed a vesicle to microtube transition with a decreasing temperature, whereas for the 10% system, we observed the reverse process. Both processes are reversible. This is not only an example of temperature-triggered responsiveness in non-amphiphilic self-assemblies but also a new mode of responsiveness for the host-guest inclusion systems based on CDs. This temperature-responsive process is anticipated to shed light on the design and development of novel advanced materials.