Translational Isomers Research Articles

ChemInform Abstract: Switchable Rotaxane System in Response to External Stimulus

AbstractReview: ca. 80 refs.

A redox-active reverse donor–acceptor bistable [2]rotaxane

The synthesis and the dynamic behavior of a bistable [2]rotaxane, based on a reverse donor–acceptor motif containing naphthalene diimide (NpI) and 4,4′-bipyridinium (BIPY2+) as two electron-deficient stations and bis-1,5-dioxynaphthalene[38]crown-10 (BDNP38C10) as the electron-rich ring, is described. A functionalized tetraarylmethane moiety has been incorporated between the two stations in order to control the free energy barrier for the shuttling of the BDNP38C10 on the dumbbell component. The bistable [2]rotaxane was synthesized using the so-called “threading-followed-by-stoppering” approach and characterized by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Initially, the BDNP38C10 ring resides on the NpI station on account of the synthetic approach employed in the synthesis of the bistable [2]rotaxane. 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to follow the equilibration process between the two translational isomers of the bistable [2]rotaxane—namely, NpI ⊂ BDNP38C10 and BIPY2+ ⊂ BDNP38C10. After 72 h, equilibrium was reached with a 3 : 2 ratio of the two translational isomers in favor of the NpI ⊂ BDNP38C10 co-conformation in CD3CN. The rate of relaxation of the crown ether from NpI ⊂ BDNP38C10 back to BIPY2+ ⊂ BDNP38C10 was associated with a rate constant of 2.2 ± 0.3 × 10−5 s−1 (t1/2 = 3.4 h), corresponding to a free energy of activation of 23.8 ± 0.1 kcal mol−1. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) reveals that the BDNP38C10 ring can be enticed to pass over the speed bump onto the neutral BIPY0 unit upon the generation of the NpI2− dianion, even although the neutral BIPY0 has presumably little or no affinity for the BDNP38C10 ring.

外部刺激によるロタキサン類の分子運動制御

Noncovalent interactions sometimes play critical roles in restricting molecular dynamics. Rotaxanes that contain two or more recognition sites in one of their components can exist as two or more different translational isomers. Regulating the motion of these isomers, or the association and dissociation of pseudorotaxanes, in response to external stimuli is an attractive challenge because such switching systems would aid the development of molecular devices, sensors, drug delivery systems, and so on. Many molecular switch systems based on (pseudo) rotaxane respond to external stimuli, including chemical additives, pH, solvent polarity, light, electrochemical reduction and oxidation, and temperature. This review focuses on mechanisms of the translational isomerism and the association and dissociation of pseudorotaxanes: regulation of interactions between two or more components caused by the provisional changes of functional groups and the changes in three-dimensional structures of the molecules.

Three-state molecular shuttles operated using acid/base stimuli with distinct outputs

This paper describes the acid/base-mediated three-state translational isomerization of two [2]rotaxanes, each containing N-alkylaniline and N,N-dialkylamine centers as binding sites for threaded dibenzo[24]crown-8 units. Under neutral conditions, the dialkylamine unit predominantly recognized the crown ether component through cooperative binding of a proton; when both amino units were protonated under acidic conditions, both translational isomers were generated; the addition of a strong base caused aniline-crown ether interactions to dominate. The three states of the [2]rotaxane featuring the 3,5-diphenylaniline terminus in its dumbbell-shaped component were accompanied by distinct absorptive outputs that were detectable using UV spectroscopy.

Very Contracted to Extended co-Conformations with or without Oscillations in Two- and Three-Station [c2]Daisy Chains

The syntheses of various two- and three-station mannosyl [c2]daisy chains, based on a dibenzo-24-crown-8 macrocyclic moiety and an ammonium, a triazolium, and a mono- or disubstituted pyridinium amide station, are reported. The ability of these molecules to act as molecular machine based mimetics has been further studied by (1)H NMR studies. In all the protonated ammonium states, the interwoven rotaxane dimers adopt an extended co-conformation. However, carbamoylation of the ammonium station led to many different other [c2]daisy chain co-conformations, depending on the other molecular stations belonging to the axle. In the two-station [c2]daisy chains containing an ammonium and a mono- or disubstituted pyridinium amide station, two large-amplitude relative movements of the interwoven components were noticed and afforded either an extended and a contracted or very contracted state with, in the latter case, an impressive chairlike conformational flipping of the mannopyranose from (1)C(4) to (4)C(1). In the case of the three-station-based [c2]daisy chains containing an ammonium, a triazolium, and disubstituted pyridinium amide, an extended and a half-contracted molecular state could be obtained because of the stronger affinity of the dibenzo-24-crown-8 part for, respectively, the ammonium, the triazolium, and the disubstituted pyridinium amide. Eventually, with axles comprising an ammonium, a triazolium, and a monosubstituted pyridinium amide, an extended conformation was noticed in the protonated state whereas a continuous oscillation between half-contracted and contracted states, in fast-exchange on the NMR time scale, was triggered by carbamoylation. Variations of the solvent or the temperature allow the modification of the population of each co-conformer. Thermodynamic data provided a small free Gibbs energy ΔG of 2.1 kJ·mol(-1) between the two translational isomers at 298 K.

Bistable or Oscillating State Depending on Station and Temperature in Three‐Station Glycorotaxane Molecular Machines

High-yield, straightforward synthesis of two- and three-station [2]rotaxane molecular machines based on an anilinium, a triazolium, and a mono- or disubstituted pyridinium amide station is reported. In the case of the pH-sensitive two-station molecular machines, large-amplitude movement of the macrocycle occurred. However, the presence of an intermediate third station led, after deprotonation of the anilinium station, and depending on the substitution of the pyridinium amide, either to exclusive localization of the macrocycle around the triazolium station or to oscillatory shuttling of the macrocycle between the triazolium and monosubstituted pyridinium amide station. Variable-temperature (1)H NMR investigation of the oscillating system was performed in CD(2)Cl(2). The exchange between the two stations proved to be fast on the NMR timescale for all considered temperatures (298-193 K). Interestingly, decreasing the temperature displaced the equilibrium between the two translational isomers until a unique location of the macrocycle around the monosubstituted pyridinium amide station was reached. Thermodynamic constants K were evaluated at each temperature: the thermodynamic parameters DeltaH and DeltaS were extracted from a Van't Hoff plot, and provided the Gibbs energy DeltaG. Arrhenius and Eyring plots afforded kinetic parameters, namely, energies of activation E(a), enthalpies of activation DeltaH( not equal), and entropies of activation DeltaS( not equal). The DeltaG values deduced from kinetic parameters match very well with the DeltaG values determined from thermodynamic parameters. In addition, whereas signal coalescence of pyridinium hydrogen atoms located next to the amide bond was observed at 205 K in the oscillating rotaxane and at 203 K in the two-station rotaxane with a unique location of the macrocycle around the pyridinium amide, no separation of (1)H NMR signals of the considered hydrogen atoms was seen in the corresponding nonencapsulated thread. It is suggested that the macrocycle acts as a molecular brake for the rotation of the pyridinium-amide bond when it interacts by hydrogen bonding with both the amide NH and the pyridinium hydrogen atoms at the same time.

Isolation by crystallization of translational isomers of a bistable donor-acceptor [2]catenane.

The template-directed synthesis of a bistable donor-acceptor [2]catenane wherein both translational isomers--one in which a tetrathiafulvalene unit in a mechanically interlocked crown ether occupies the cavity of a cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) ring and the other in which a 1,5-dioxynaphthalene unit in the crown ether resides inside the cavity of the tetracationic cyclophane--exist in equilibrium in solution, has led to the isolation and separation by hand picking of single crystals colored red and green, respectively. These two crystalline co-conformations have been characterized separately at both the molecular and supramolecular levels, and also by dynamic NMR spectroscopy in solution where there is compelling evidence that the mechanically interlocked molecules are present as a complex mixture of translational, configurational, and conformational isomers wherein the isomerization is best described as being a highly dynamic and adaptable phenomenon.

A [2]Rotaxane Containing N,N-Dialkylammonium Ion and N-Alkylaniline Centers. Translational Isomerism, and Specific N-Acylations

This paper describes the molecular shuttling and specific N-acylations of a [2]rotaxane featuring an encircling crown ether unit and both N-alkylaniline and N,N-dialkylamine centers on its dumbbell-shaped component. The crown binds predominantly to the dialkylammonium center under neutral conditions. Reactions with acid anhydride in nonpolar solvents and in the absence or presence of a weak base resulted in the N-acylations occurring mainly at the aniline moiety, and selective N-acylations of the dialkylamine unit occurred in polar solvents in the presence of strong bases.

Entropy- and Hydrolytic-Driven Positional Switching of Macrocycle between Imine- and Hydrogen-Bonding Stations in Rotaxane-Based Molecular Shuttles

The construction and switching properties of a novel class of molecular shuttles 1 with imine-bonding stations for macrocyclic diamine parts are reported. Studies on dithioacetalized [2]rotaxane 4 with two hydrogen-bonding stations and a masked imine-bonding station showed that protonation of a macrocycle increases the shuttling barrier due to hydrogen-bond formation between NH 3 (+) groups and the TEG-stations. Hydrolysis of the imine-bonds of the imine-bridged molecular shuttles 1b, c with TEG-stations could exclusively give the [2]rotaxane 2b, c.2H (2+), with the macrocycle hydrogen-bonded with the TEG-station. In contrast, 1a without TEG-stations gave an equilibrated mixture of 1a, monoimine 3a.H (+), and 2a.2H (2+) under similar acidic hydrolytic conditions. The equilibrium between 1b, c and 2b, c.2H (2+) to control the position of the macrocycle could be successfully switched to either side by applying acidic hydrolytic or dehydrating conditions. Furthermore, the equilibrium was largely biased to [2]rotaxane 2b, c.2H (2+) under acidic hydrolytic conditions and could be reversed in favor of bis-imine 1b, c just by heating. This is a successful example of a molecular shuttle exhibiting entropy-driven translational isomerism with remarkable positional discrimination. An examination of thermodynamic parameters showed that imine-bond hydrolyses and the formation of hydrogen bonds between the macrocycle and the station are thermodynamically matched processes, because both processes are enthalpically favored and accompanied by a loss of entropy. The combination of imine-bonding and hydrogen-bonding station in a rotaxane system is the key to realizing the clear entropy-driven positional switching of the macrocycle observed.

Three State Redox-Active Molecular Shuttle That Switches in Solution and on a Surface

Although the desirability of developing synthetic molecular machine systems that can function on surfaces is widely recognized, to date the only well-characterized examples of electrochemically switchable rotaxane-based molecular shuttles which can do so are based on the tetracationic viologen macrocycle pioneered by Stoddart. Here, we report on a [2]rotaxane which features succinamide and naphthalene diimide hydrogen-bonding stations for a benzylic amide macrocycle that can shuttle and switch its net position both in solution and in a monolayer. Three oxidation states of the naphthalene diimide unit can be accessed electrochemically in solution, each one with a different binding affinity for the macrocycle and, hence, corresponding to a different distribution of the rings between the two stations in the molecular shuttle. Cyclic voltammetry experiments show the switching to be both reversible and cyclable and allow quantification of the translational isomer ratios (thermodynamics) and shuttling dynamics (kinetics) for their interconversion in each state. Overall, the binding affinity of the naphthalene diimide station can be changed by 6 orders of magnitude over the three states. Unlike previous electrochemically active amide-based molecular shuttles, the reduction potential of the naphthalene diimide unit is sufficiently positive (-0.68 V) for the process to be compatible with operation in self-assembled monolayers on gold. Incorporating pyridine units into the macrocycle allowed attachment of the shuttles to an acid-terminated self-assembled monolayer of alkane thiols on gold. The molecular shuttle monolayers were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and their electrochemical behavior probed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and double-potential step chronoamperometry, which demonstrated that the redox-switched shuttling was maintained in this environment, occurring on the millisecond time scale.

Using Acetate Anions To Induce Translational Isomerization in a Neutral Urea-Based Molecular Switch

Konkurrenz um Harnstoff: Die Translationsisomerie eines neutralen [2]Rotaxans lässt sich in Lösung durch Zugeben und Entfernen von Acetationen steuern. In Abwesenheit von Acetationen erkennt der makrocyclische Wirt ein Diphenylharnstoff-Derivat; bei Erkennung von Acetationen durch die Harnstoff-Einheit wird der Makrocyclus zu einer anderen Bindungsstelle verschoben (siehe Bild).

Using Acetate Anions To Induce Translational Isomerization in a Neutral Urea‐Based Molecular Switch

Using Acetate Anions To Induce Translational Isomerization in a Neutral Urea‐Based Molecular Switch

Use of Anions To Allow Translational Isomerism of a [2]Rotaxane

We report a molecular [2]rotaxane which comprises a molecular cage and a dumbbell-shaped component, in which translational isomerism can be performed reversibly through an in situ anion exchange process, that is, sequential addition of Bu4NCl/AgPF6 reagent pairs. The [2]rotaxane incorporates two pyridinium and two dialkylammonium centers and functions as a triply operable molecular switch, which can be controlled through altering the polarity of the solvent, adding acidic and basic reagents (TFA/Et3N), and the varying the nature of the counteranions (Cl- vs PF6-).

Nondegenerate π-Donor/π-Acceptor [2]Catenanes Containing Proton-Ionizable 1H-1,2,4-Triazole Subunits: Synthesis and Spontaneous Resolution

Chirality can hold the key to inducing directionality of motion in components of molecular devices. With this idea in mind, we describe here 1) the template-directed synthesis of two [2]catenanes wherein cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) is interlocked with polyether macrocycles containing, in addition to one 3,5-bis(oxymethylene)-1H-1,2,4-triazole unit, either one 1,4-dioxybenzene or one 1,5-dioxynaphthalene ring system. We also report 2) the full characterization of both [2]catenanes by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS), X-ray crystallography, and dynamic (1)H NMR spectroscopy. We reveal 3) the fact that the [2]catenanes not only exist, both in the solution-state and in the solid-state, as strictly one of the two possible translational isomers, but that they also exhibit spontaneous resolution on crystallization leading to formation of homochiral crystals, as indicated by X-ray crystallography and circular dichroism (CD) experiments. Finally, we comment 4) on the chances of switching these catenanes chemically.

Functionally Rigid Bistable [2]Rotaxanes

Two-station [2]rotaxanes in the shape of a degenerate naphthalene (NP) shuttle and a nondegenerate monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF)/NP redox-controllable switch have been synthesized and characterized in solution. Their dumbbell-shaped components are composed of polyether chains interrupted along their lengths by (i) two pi-electron-rich stations-two NP moieties or a MPTTF unit and a NP moiety-with (ii) a rigid arylethynyl or butadiynyl spacer situated between the two stations and terminated by (iii) flexibly tethered hydrophobic stoppers at each end of the dumbbells. This modification was investigated as a means to simplify both molecular structure and switching function previously observed in related bistable [2]rotaxanes with flexible spacers between their stations and incorporating a cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT4+) ring. The nondegenerate MPTTF-NP switch was isolated as near isomer-free bistable [2]rotaxane. Utilization of MPTTF removes the cis/trans isomerization that characterizes the tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) parent core structure. Furthermore, only one translational isomer is observed (> 95 < 5), surprisingly across a wide temperature range (198-323 K), meaning that the CBPQT4+ ring component resides, to all intents and purposes, predominantly on the MPTTF unit in the ground state. As a consequence of these two effects, the assignment of NMR and UV-vis data is more simplified as compared to previous donor-acceptor bistable [2]rotaxanes. This development has not only allowed for much better control over the position of the ring component in the ground state but also for control over the location of the CBPQT4+ ring during solution-state switching experiments, triggered either chemically (1H NMR) or electrochemically (cyclic voltammetry). In this instance, the use of the rigid spacer defines an unambiguous distance of 1.5 nm over which the ring moves between the MPTTF and NP units. The degenerate NP/NP [2]rotaxane was used to investigate the shuttling barrier by dynamic 1H NMR spectroscopy for the movement of the CBPQT4+ ring across the new rigid spacer. It is evident from these measurements that the rigid spacer poses a much lower barrier to the 1.0 nm movement of the CBPQT4+ ring from one station to another as compared with previous systems-a finding that is thought to be a result of the combination of fewer favorable interactions between the spacer and the CBPQT4+ ring and a relatively unimpeded path between the two NP stations. This example augers well for exploiting rigidity during the development of well-defined bistable [2]rotaxanes, which are unencumbered by the excesses of structural conformations that have characterized the first generations of molecular switches based on the donor-acceptor recognition motif.

Complexation‐Induced Translational Isomerism: Shuttling through Stepwise Competitive Binding

Complexation‐Induced Translational Isomerism: Shuttling through Stepwise Competitive Binding

Complexation‐Induced Translational Isomerism: Shuttling through Stepwise Competitive Binding

Complexation‐Induced Translational Isomerism: Shuttling through Stepwise Competitive Binding

Ground‐State Equilibrium Thermodynamics and Switching Kinetics of Bistable [2]Rotaxanes Switched in Solution, Polymer Gels, and Molecular Electronic Devices

We report on the kinetics and ground-state thermodynamics associated with electrochemically driven molecular mechanical switching of three bistable [2]rotaxanes in acetonitrile solution, polymer electrolyte gels, and molecular-switch tunnel junctions (MSTJs). For all rotaxanes a pi-electron-deficient cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT4+) ring component encircles one of two recognition sites within a dumbbell component. Two rotaxanes (RATTF4+ and RTTF4+) contain tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) recognition units, but different hydrophilic stoppers. For these rotaxanes, the CBPQT4+ ring encircles predominantly (>90 %) the TTF unit at equilibrium, and this equilibrium is relatively temperature independent. In the third rotaxane (RBPTTF4+), the TTF unit is replaced by a pi-extended analogue (a bispyrrolotetrathiafulvalene (BPTTF) unit), and the CBPQT4+ ring encircles almost equally both recognition sites at equilibrium. This equilibrium exhibits strong temperature dependence. These thermodynamic differences were rationalized by reference to binding constants obtained by isothermal titration calorimetry for the complexation of model guests by the CBPQT4+ host in acetonitrile. For all bistable rotaxanes, oxidation of the TTF (BPTTF) unit is accompanied by movement of the CBPQT4+ ring to the DNP site. Reduction back to TTF0 (BPTTF0) is followed by relaxation to the equilibrium distribution of translational isomers. The relaxation kinetics are strongly environmentally dependent, yet consistent with a single electromechanical-switching mechanism in acetonitrile, polymer electrolyte gels, and MSTJs. The ground-state equilibrium properties of all three bistable [2]rotaxanes were reflective of molecular structure in all environments. These results provide direct evidence for the control by molecular structure of the electronic properties exhibited by the MSTJs.

Honing Up a Genre of Amphiphilic Bistable [2]Rotaxanes for Device Settings

AbstractIn response to molecular electroactive device requirements, a molecular shuttle in the shape of an amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxane has been designed, synthesized, and characterized. It contains a hydrophobic, tetraarylmethane and a hydrophilic, dendritic stopper and two π‐electron‐rich stations—a (monopyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene unit and a 1,5‐dioxynaphthalene moiety — on the rod section of its dumbbell component, which can act as recognition sites for the tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene), to reside around. In contrast to a previously reported “slow” amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxane, which has an SMe group attached directly to the (monopyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene unit, this “new and improved” bistable [2]rotaxane has a much less bulky hydrogen atom attached to the (monopyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene unit. This seemingly small difference in the substituents on the (monopyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene unit leads to profound changes when comparing the physical properties of the two bistable [2]rotaxanes. Two hydrophilic semidumbbell compounds, comprising only a (monopyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene unit, and one hydrophobic semidumbbell compound comprising only a 1,5‐dioxynaphthalene moiety on its rod section have also been prepared and used to form their corresponding cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) complexes. The kinetics of the complexation/decomplexation process occurring in these complexes have been investigated, using both absorption and 1H NMR spectroscopy. In addition, these model complexes have been used to investigate the strength of the noncovalent bonding interactions occurring between the cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) ring component and the semidumbbell component at different temperatures, allowing the free energies, enthalpies, and entropies for the formation of these complexes to be determined. The outcome of these investigations can be used to explain the fact that the “slow” [2]rotaxane exists as a 1:1 mixture of its two possible translational isomers, whereas the “new and improved” [2]rotaxane exists as a 4:1 mixture in favor of the translational isomer where the cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) tetracation encircles the (monopyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene unit, and also to explain the thermochromic behavior of the “new and improved” [2]rotaxane. In this amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxane, shuttling of the cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) tetracation can be driven by both chemical and electrochemical oxidation of the (monopyrrolo)tetrathiafulvalene unit rendering it a good candidate for incorporation into two‐terminal molecular switch tunnel junctions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)

Controllable Donor–Acceptor Neutral [2]Rotaxanes

In pursuit of a neutral bistable [2]rotaxane made up of two tetraarylmethane stoppers--both carrying one isopropyl and two tert-butyl groups located at the para positions on each of three of the four aryl rings--known to permit the slippage of the pi-electron-donating 1,5-dinaphtho[38]crown-10 (1/5DNP38C10) at the thermodynamic instigation of pi-electron-accepting recognition sites, in this case, pyromellitic diimide (PmI) and 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylate diimide (NpI) units separated from each other along the rod section of the rotaxane's dumbbell component, and from the para positions of the fourth aryl group of the two stoppers by pentamethylene chains, a modular approach was employed in the synthesis of the dumbbell-shaped compound NpPmD, as well as of its two degenerate counterparts, one (PmPmD) which contains two PmI units and the other (NpNpD) which contains two NpI units. The bistable [2]rotaxane NpPmR, as well as its two degenerate analogues PmPmR and NpNpR, were obtained from the corresponding dumbbell-shaped compounds NpPmD, PmPmD, and NpNpD and 1/5DNP38C10 by slippage. Dynamic 1H NMR spectroscopy in CD2Cl2 revealed that shuttling of the 1/5DNP38C10 ring occurs in NpNpR and PmPmR, with activation barriers of 277 K of 14.0 and 10.9 kcal mol(-1), respectively, reflecting a much more pronounced donor-acceptor stabilizing interaction involving the NpI units over the PmI ones. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of the three neutral [2]rotaxanes and their dumbbell-shaped precursors have also been investigated in CH2Cl2. Interactions between 1/5DNP38C10 and PmI and NpI units located within the rod section of the dumbbell components of the [2]rotaxane give rise to the appearance of charge-transfer bands, the energies of which correlate with the electron-accepting properties of the two diimide moieties. Comparison between the positions of the visible absorption bands in the three [2]rotaxanes shows that, in NpPmR, the major translational isomer is the one in which 1/5DNP38C10 encircles the NpI unit. Correlations of the reduction potentials for all the compounds studied confirm that, in this non-degenerate [2]rotaxane, one of the translational isomers predominates. Furthermore, after deactivation of the NpI unit by one-electron reduction, the 1/5DNP38C10 macrocycle moves to the PmI unit. Li+ ions have been found to strengthen the interaction between the electron-donating crown ether and the electron-accepting diimide units, particularly the PmI one. Titration experiments show that two Li+ ions are involved in the strengthening of the donor-acceptor interaction. Addition of Li+ ions to NpPmR induces the 1/5DNP38C10 macrocycle to move from the NpI to the PmI unit. The Li+-ion-promoted switching of NpPmR in a 4:1 mixture of CD2Cl2 and CD3COCD3 has also been shown by 1H NMR spectroscopy to involve the mechanical movement of the 1/5DNP38C10 macrocycle from the NpI to the PmI unit, a process that can be reversed by adding an excess of [12]crown-4 to sequester the Li+ ions.