A facile, moisture-insensitive method for synthesis of pillar[5]arenes—the solvent templation by halogen bonds

Deep-Cavity Calix[4]naphth[4]arene Macrocycles: Synthesis, Conformational Features, and Solid-State Structures

We recently introduced calix[n]naphth[m]arenes as a novel class of deep-cavity hybrid macrocycles constituted by phenol (n) and naphthalene (m) units. In this study, we report the synthesis, conformational analysis, spectroscopic properties, and solid-state structures of calix[4]naphth[4]arene (C4N4) and its permethylated analog (C4N4-Me), thereby expanding the calix[n]naphth[m]arene family. C4N4 was synthesized through a 2 + 2 fragment coupling macrocyclization under acidic conditions, where the solvent played a crucial role in selectively forming the C4N4 derivative. The X-ray structure of C4N4 reveals a chair-like 1,2,3,4-alternate conformation characterized by two opposing 3/4-cone moieties stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds. In contrast, the X-ray structure of C4N4-Me exhibits a 1,3,5,7-alternate conformation.

Self-Inclusion Complexation of Electron-Accepting Guest into Electron-Donating Cyclic Host by Photoexcitation

Self-inclusion complexes consisting of host-guest conjugates are one of the unique supramolecular structures because they form in-state and out-state depending on the external stimuli. Despite many reports of the stimuli-responsive self-inclusion complex formation, study of the structural relaxation from out-state to in-state by photoexcitation has been unexplored. Herein, we report that an electron-donating host and an electron-accepting guest conjugate exhibits the structural relaxation from out-state to in-state by photoexcitation. Formation of the in-state in the excited state resulted in exciplex emission along with the locally excited emission from the out-state. Moreover, this structural relaxation by photoexcitation was suppressed not only by temperature, but also by the presence of guest molecules, resulting in changes in the ratio of the dual emission intensities.

Tunable Supramolecular Ag+-Host Interactions in Pillar[n]arene[m]quinones and Ensuing Specific Binding to 1-Alkynes

We developed an improved, robust synthesis of a series of pillar[6]arenes with a varying number (0-3) of quinone moieties in the ring. This easy-to-control variation yielded a gradually less electron-rich cavity in going from zero to three quinone units, as shown from the strength of host-guest interactions with silver ions. Such macrocycle-Ag2 complexes themselves were shown to display an unprecedented, sharp distinction between terminal alkynes, which strongly bound to such complexes, and internal alkynes, internal alkenes and terminal alkenes, which do hardly bind.

Balancing on a Knife's Edge: Studies on the Synthesis of Pillar[6]arene Derivatives

Pillar[6]arenes are established as crucial building blocks in supramolecular chemistry; however, they can be difficult to synthesize, particularly in the absence of large solubilizing substituents. In this work, we explore variability in literature syntheses of pillar[6]arene derivatives and suggest that the outcome is dependent on whether oligomeric intermediates stay in solution long enough for the thermodynamically favorable macrocyclization to occur. We demonstrate that in a previously capricious BF₃·OEt₂-mediated procedure, ≤5 mol % of a Brønsted acid can slow down the reaction to favor macrocycle formation.

Solvent-Dependent Self-Assembly of a Pillar[5]arene-Based Poly-Pseudo-Rotaxane Linked and Threaded by Silver(I) Trifluoroacetate: A Double Role

In the supramolecule area, the fabrication of a new concept called polyrotaxanes or poly-pseudo-rotaxanes remains challenging. We herein report the formation of a poly-pseudo-rotaxane in which the same salt-type guest serves both linking and threading in the resulting structure. The combination of A1/A2-thiopyridyl pillar[5]arene (L) and silver(I) trifluoroacetate in CHCl₃/CH₃OH afforded a one-dimensional (1D) poly-pseudo-rotaxane. In this structure, to our surprise, the AgCF₃CO₂ guest not only links the di-armed L ligands via an infinite -L-Ag-L-Ag- arrangement but also threads into a pillar[5]arene cavity in a dimer form, (AgCF₃CO₂)₂. In contrast, the same reaction in CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH yielded a simple 1D coordination polymer because an included CH₂Cl₂ molecule in the pillar[5]arene cavity prevents the threading of the silver(I) trifluoroacetate guest. Comparative ¹H- and ¹⁹F-NMR studies support the solvent-dependent poly-pseudo-rotaxane formation at a lower concentration of L.

"Rim-Differentiated" Pillar[6]arenes

A "rim-differentiated" pillar[6]arene (RD-P[6]) was obtained successfully, with the assistance of a dimeric silver trifluoroacetate template, among eight different constitutional isomers in a direct and regioselective manner. The solid-state conformation of this macrocycle could switch from the 1,3,5-alternate to a truly rim-differentiated one upon guest inclusion. This highly symmetric RD-P[6] not only hosts metal-containing molecules inside its cavity, but also can form a pillar[6]arene-C₆₀ adduct through co-crystallization on account of donor-acceptor interactions. The development of synthetic strategies to desymmetrize pillararenes offers new opportunities for engineering complex molecular architectures and organic electronic materials.

Thermodynamic-dominated stereoselective meshing of molecular nano-links based on fluorenes

The path-selectivity and stereoselectivity of gridization pathways into fluorene-based Drawing Hand Grids (DHGs-F) are precisely modulated through tuning acid conditions and side-chain effects. BF3•OEt2 supports the realization of the gridization path (rac-DHG1-F, yield: 82%, meso-DHG1-F, yield: 11%). On the contrary, CF3SO3H will lead to the enhancements in polymerization pathways (about 85% yield). When the side chain is a methoxy group, rac-DHG1-F and meso-DHG1-F will be obtained. However, when the side chain is a group without an oxygen atom, only rac-DHG1-F can be obtained (de = 100%). Moreover, through excitonic physical proper-ties, rac-DHGs-F exhibits a more π-electronic delocalization, potentially serving as the intriguing tactic strategy to modulate the optoelectronic properties.

Cavity-promotion by pillar[5]arenes expedites organic photoredox-catalysed reductive dehalogenations

The efficiency of the photo-induced electron transfer in photoredox catalysis is limited by the diffusional collision of the excited catalyst and the substrate. We herein present cavity-bound photoredox catalysts, which preassociate the substrates, leading to significantly shortened reaction times. A pillar[5]arene serves as the cavity and phenothiazine as a catalyst in the reductive dehalogenation of aliphatic bromides as a proof of concept reaction.

An intramolecularly self-templated synthesis of macrocycles: self-filling effects on the formation of prismarenes

Ethyl- and propyl-prism[6]arenes are obtained in high yields and in short reaction times, independent of the nature and size of the solvent, in the cyclization of 2,6-dialkoxynaphthalene with paraformaldehyde. PrS[6]Et or PrS[6]nPr adopt, both in solution and in the solid state, a folded cuboid-shaped conformation, in which four inward oriented alkyl chains fill the cavity of the macrocycle. On these bases, we proposed that the cyclization of PrS[6]Et or PrS[6]nPr occurs through an intramolecular thermodynamic self-templating effect. In other words, the self-filling of the internal cavity of PrS[6]Et or PrS[6]nPr stabilizes their cuboid structure, driving the equilibrium toward their formation. Molecular recognition studies, both in solution and in the solid state, show that the introduction of guests into the macrocycle cavity forces the cuboid scaffold to open, through an induced-fit mechanism. An analogous conformational change from a closed to an open state occurs during the endo-cavity complexation process of the pentamer, PrS[5]. These results represent a rare example of a thermodynamically controlled cyclization process driven through an intramolecular self-template effect, which could be exploited in the synthesis of novel macrocycles.

Grafting Dendrons onto Pillar[5]Arene Scaffolds

With their ten peripheral substituents, pillar[5]arenes are attractive compact scaffolds for the construction of nanomaterials with a controlled number of functional groups distributed around the macrocyclic core. This review paper is focused on the functionalization of pillar[5]arene derivatives with small dendrons to generate dendrimer-like nanomaterials and bioactive compounds. Examples include non-viral gene vectors, bioactive glycoclusters, and liquid-crystalline materials.

Holding of planar chirality of pillar[5]arene by kinetic trapping using host-guest interactions with achiral guest solvents

We report a solvent-dependent switching and holding of planar chirality of pillar[5]arene with stereogenic carbons at both rims by host-guest complexation with achiral guest solvents. The planar chirality could be held for a given length of time at 25 °C in long linear guest solvents by kinetic trapping through host-guest complexation. The kinetic trapping worked at 25 °C, but not at 60 °C, thus a planar-chiral inversion using kinetic trapping based on host-guest complexation in the long linear solvents was demonstrated.

Resolution and Racemization of a Planar-Chiral A1/A2-Disubstituted Pillar[5]arene

Butoxycarbonyl (Boc)-protected pillar[4]arene[1]-diaminobenzene (BP) was synthesized by introducing the Boc protection onto the A1/A2 positions of BP. The oxygen-through-annulus rotation was partially inhibited because of the presence of the middle-sized Boc substituents. We succeeded in isolating the enantiopure RP (RP, RP, RP, RP, and RP)- and SP (SP, SP, SP, SP, and SP)-BP, and studied their circular dichroism (CD) spectral properties. As the Boc substituent is not large enough to completely prevent the flip of the benzene units, enantiopure BP-f1 underwent racemization in solution. It is found that the racemization kinetics is a function of the solvent and temperature employed. The chirality of the BP-f1 could be maintained in n-hexane and CH2Cl2 for a long period at room temperature, whereas increasing the temperature or using solvents that cannot enter into the cavity of BP-f1 accelerated the racemization of BP-f1. The racemization kinetics and the thermodynamic parameters of racemization were studied in several different organic solvents.

Insights into the synthesis of pillar[5]arene and its conversion into pillar[6]arene

The synthesis of pillar[5]arenes from p-dialkoxybenzene and formaldehyde in the presence of iron(iii) chloride and tetramethylammonium chloride under mild reaction conditions was investigated in detail.

Recent advances in pillar[n]arenes: synthesis and applications based on host-guest interactions

Pillar[n]arenes (n = 5-15) are a novel class of macrocyclic molecules with hydroquinone as the repeating unit linked by methylene bridges at para-positions. Introduced by T. Ogoshi for the first time in 2008, pillararenes have attracted increasing interest and have been widely studied during the last eight years, due to their unique structural advantages as host molecules, such as symmetrical rigid architecture, electron-rich cavities and facile functional modification. In this review, we first describe the syntheses of pillar[n]arenes including cyclooligomerization of pillar[n]arenes and modification of pillar[n]arenes after cyclooligomerization, summarising almost twenty different kinds of guest motifs and dividing them into three types: cationic, neutral and anionic motifs. The main section of this review examines the applications of pillar[n]arenes based on the host-guest interactions in different research fields, including biology, materials science and environmental science. Finally, future research directions and potential for novel applications are discussed.

Supramolecular motifs for the self-assembly of monosubstituted pillar[5]arenes with an amide fragment: from nanoparticles to supramolecular polymers

The effects of solvents on the aggregation properties of novel monosubstituted pillar[5]arenes containing an N-alkylamide fragment have been investigated.

Coordination-Driven Folding in Multi-ZnII -Porphyrin Arrays Constructed on a Pillar[5]arene Scaffold

Pillar[5]arene derivatives bearing peripheral porphyrin subunits have been efficiently prepared from a deca-azide pillar[5]arene building block (17) and Zn^II -porphyrin derivatives bearing a terminal alkyne function (9 and 16). For the resulting deca-Zn^II -porphyrin arrays (18 and 20), variable temperature NMR studies revealed an intramolecular complexation of the peripheral Zn^II -porphyrin moieties by 1,2,3-triazole subunits. As a result, the molecules adopt a folded conformation. This was further confirmed by UV/Vis spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. In addition, we have also demonstrated that the coordination-driven unfolding of 18 and 20 can be controlled by an external chemical stimulus. Specifically, addition of an imidazole derivative (22) to solution of 18 or 20 breaks the intramolecular coordination at the origin of the folding. The resulting molecular motions triggered by the addition of the imidazole ligand mimic the blooming of a flower.

Monoaminophosphorylated pillar[5]arenes as hosts for alkaneamines

New synthesized aminophosphonated pillar[5]arenes form host–guest complexes with aliphatic amines contrary to monoamine macrocycles that tend to self-assemble.

Hybrid[4]arenes with anthracene units and tuneable cavities

Acid catalyzed condensation between tetramethoxyanthracenes and formaldehyde in the presence of additional benzene-based building blocks leads to hybrid macrocyclic products that are further modified by the Diels–Alder reaction with benzyne to obtain macrocycles with expanded cavities.

Pillar-Shaped Macrocyclic Hosts Pillar[n]arenes: New Key Players for Supramolecular Chemistry

In 2008, we reported a new class of pillar-shaped macrocyclic hosts, known as "pillar[n]arenes". Today, pillar[n]arenes are recognized as key players in supramolecular chemistry because of their facile synthesis, unique pillar shape, versatile functionality, interesting host-guest properties, and original supramolecular assembly characteristics, which have resulted in numerous electrochemical and biomedical material applications. In this Review, we have provided historical background to macrocyclic chemistry, followed by a detailed discussion of the fundamental properties of pillar[n]arenes, including their synthesis, structure, and host-guest properties. Furthermore, we have discussed the applications of pillar[n]arenes to materials science, as well as their applications in supramolecular chemistry, in terms of their fundamental properties. Finally, we have described the future perspectives of pillar[n]arene chemistry. We hope that this Review will provide a useful reference for researchers working in the field and inspire discoveries concerning pillar[n]arene chemistry.

Highly selective binding of methyl orange dye by cationic water-soluble pillar[5]arenes

The bulky/negatively charged substituents of guest anions hinder the substrate entering the π-electron rich pillar[5]arene cavity.

Chiral supramolecular polymers consisting of planar-chiral pillar[5]arene enantiomers

Supramolecular polymers with diverse chiralities were constructed by supramolecular polymerization of pillar[5]arene-based planar-chiral host–guest conjugates.

Calixarenes with naphthalene units: calix[4]naphthalenes and hybrid[4]arenes

A facile, one-step synthesis of new calix[4]naphthalenes and the conformational and complexation properties of the homomacrocycles and the hybrid macrocycle are presented.

Role of polar solvents for the synthesis of pillar[6]arenes

An efficient procedure for the synthesis of pillar[6]arenes has been developed.

Synthesis of pillar[n]arenes (n = 5 and 6) with deep eutectic solvent choline chloride 2FeCl3

A novel and distinct method of preparing pillar[n]arenes with high selectivity and efficiency has been achieved by condensation of 1,4-dialkoxybenzene and paraformaldehyde with the deep eutectic solvent in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature.

Selective stepwise oxidation of 1,4-decamethoxypillar[5]arene

Pillar[n]arene[m]quinone was synthesized in high yields, and a rule for determining its structure based on the NMR spectra was deduced.

The template effect of solvents on high yield synthesis, co-cyclization of pillar[6]arenes and interconversion between pillar[5]- and pillar[6]arenes

We have successfully synthesized a pillar[6]arene in high yield and a co-pillar[6]arene by a thermodynamically controlled cyclization process.

A low pH sensor from an esterified pillar[5]arene

An esterified pillar[5]arene, incorporated into a PVC membrane, displays a non-Nernstian response to changes in pH.