Directional Molecular Transportation Based on a Catalytic Stopper-Leaving Rotaxane System

Directional Macrocycle Transport, Release, and Recapture Enabled by a Rotaxane Transporter

A transporter for a directional macrocycle transport, release, and recapture was constructed. This was achieved using a rotaxane featuring a dibenzo-24-crown-8 macrocycle, dibenzylammonium (DBA)/methyl triazolium (MTA) stations on the thread and anthracene/triisopropylsilyl-acetylene stoppers, respectively. In the protonated rotaxane, the macrocycle primarily resides on the DBA station, followed by directional shuttling to the MTA station upon treatment with base. Addition of fluoride as an additional chemical input cleaves the triisopropylsilyl stopper, leading to release of the macrocycle and the half-thread into solution. The released macrocycle can be recaptured by protonation, and the mechanical bond can be reestablished via CuAAC click reaction, enabled by the terminal acetylene unit on the half-thread. This generates an elongated second-generation rotaxane transporter, which was used for a second cycle of directional macrocycle transport and release, proving the possibility of an iterative operation of the rotaxane-transporter in this molecular design.

Macrocycle Unidirectional Transport Along a Linear Molecule by a Two-Step Chemical Reaction Sequence

Chemical systems displaying directional motions are relevant to the operation of artificial molecular machines. Herein we present the functioning of a molecule capable of transporting a cyclic species in a preferential direction. Our system is based on a linear, non-symmetric, positively charged molecule. This cation integrates into its structure two different reactive regions. On one side features a bulky ester group that can be exchanged by a smaller substituent; the other extreme contains an acid/base responsive moiety that plays a dual role, as part of the recognition motif and as a terminal group. In the acidic state, a dibenzo-24-crown-8 ether slides into the linear component attracted by the positively charged recognition site. It does this selectively through the extreme that contains the azepanium group, since the other side is sterically hindered. After base addition, intermolecular interactions are lost; however, the macrocycle is unable to escape from the linear component since the energy barrier to slide over the neutral azepane is too large. Therefore, a metastable mechanically interlocked molecule is formed. A second reaction, now on the ester functionality, exchanges the bulky mesityl for a methyl group, small enough to allow macrocycle dissociation, completing the directional transit of the ring along the track.

1-[2,6-Dimethyl-4-(pent-4-yn-1-yloxy)phenyl]-4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazolidine-3,5-dione

Urazolyl radicals are a class of persistent nitrogen-centered radicals. In a previous work, we successfully formed self-assembled monolayers of substituted urazolyl radicals on gold surfaces. To extend the scope of these investigations, we sought to form a self-assembled monolayer using a urazolyl radical species that we knew existed predominantly in the dimerized N-N form instead of existing predominantly as free N-centered radical species, as had previously been investigated. We successfully synthesized the precursor urazole compound needed to generate the desired urazolyl radical, and completely characterized its structure. Most importantly, it was determined that the alkyne functional group that is needed to adhere to the gold surface remained intact. Unfortunately, however, we only obtained ambiguous results from attempts at forming self-assembled monolayers of this species on gold.

Solvent effects on the motion of a crown ether/amino rotaxane

Solvents have been recognized as a significant factor for modulating the shuttle of rotaxanes and regulating their functions regarding molecular machines by a lot of published studies. The mechanism of the effects of solvents on the motion of crown ether/amino rotaxanes, however, remains unclear. In this work, a rotaxane, formed by dibenzo-24-crown-8 (C[8]) and a dumbbell-shaped axle with two positively charged amino groups, was investigated at the atom level. Two-dimensional free-energy landscapes characterizing the conformational change of C[8] and the shuttling motions in chloroform and water were mapped. The results indicated that the barriers in water were evidently lower than those in chloroform. By analyzing the trajectories, there was no obvious steric effect during shuttling. Instead, the main driving force of shuttling was verified from electrostatic interactions, especially strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the axle and water, which resulted in the fast shuttling rate of the rotaxane. All in all, the polarity and hydrogen bond-forming ability of solvents are the main factors in affecting the shuttling rate of a crown ether/amino rotaxane. In addition, C[8] would adopt S-shaped conformations during shuttling except for situating in the amino sites with C-shaped ones adopted due to π-π stacking interactions. The results of this research improve the comprehension of the solvent modulation ability for shuttling in crown ether-based rotaxanes and illustrate the effects of structural modifications on motions. These new insights are expected to serve the efficient design and construction of molecular machines.

Docking rings in a solid: reversible assembling of pseudorotaxanes inside a zirconium metal-organic framework

An unprecedented zirconium metal–organic framework featuring a T-shaped benzimidazole strut was constructed and employed as a sponge-like material for selective absorption of macrocyclic guests. The neutral benzimidazole domain of the as-synthesized framework can be readily protonated and fully converted to benzimidazolium. Mechanical threading of [24]crown-8 ether wheels onto recognition sites to form pseudorotaxanes was evidenced by solution nuclear magnetic resonance, solid-state fluorescence, and infrared spectroscopy. Selective absorption of [24]crown-8 ether rather than its dibenzo counterpart was also observed. Further study reveals that this binding process is reversible and acid–base switchable. The success of docking macrocyclic guests in crystals via host–guest interactions provides an alternative route to complex functional materials with interpenetrated structures.

A T-shaped ligand was designed as struts for building a zirconium metal–organic framework. Acid–base switchable docking and releasing a 24-membered crown ether inside crystals was successfully accomplished via post-synthetic modification.

Vinyl sulfonyl chemistry-driven unidirectional transport of a macrocycle through a [2]rotaxane

The pH- and chemically-driven unidirectional transport of a macrocycle through a [2]rotaxane based on the vinyl sulfonyl groups is reported.

A Mortise-and-Tenon Joint Inspired Mechanically Interlocked Network

Mortise-and-tenon joints have been widely used for thousands of years in wooden architectures in virtue of their artistic and functional performance. However, imitation of similar structural and mechanical design philosophy to construct mechanically adaptive materials at the molecular level is a challenge. Herein, we report a mortise-and-tenon joint inspired mechanically interlocked network (MIN), in which the [2]rotaxane crosslink not only mimics the joint in structure, but also reproduces its function in modifying mechanical properties of the MIN. Benefiting from the hierarchical energy dissipative ability along with the controllable intramolecular movement of the mechanically interlocked crosslink, the resultant MIN simultaneously exhibits notable mechanical adaptivity and structural stability in a single system, as manifested by decent stiffness, strength, toughness, and deformation recovery capacity.

Acid-Activated Motion Switching of DB24C8 between Two Discrete Platinum(II) Metallacycles

The precise operation of molecular motion for constructing complicated mechanically interlocked molecules has received considerable attention and is still an energetic field of supramolecular chemistry. Herein, we reported the construction of two tris[2]pseudorotaxanes metallacycles with acid-base controllable molecular motion through self-sorting strategy and host-guest interaction. Firstly, two hexagonal Pt(II) metallacycles M1 and M2 decorated with different host-guest recognition sites have been constructed via coordination-driven self-assembly strategy. The binding of metallacycles M1 and M2 with dibenzo-24-crown-8 (DB24C8) to form tris[2]pseudorotaxanes complexes TPRM1 and TPRM2 have been investigated. Furthermore, by taking advantage of the strong binding affinity between the protonated metallacycle M2 and DB24C8, the addition of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) as a stimulus successfully induces an acid-activated motion switching of DB24C8 between the discrete metallacycles M1 and M2. This research not only affords a highly efficient way to construct stimuli-responsive smart supramolecular systems but also offers prospects for precisely control multicomponent cooperative motion.

Repurposing Existing Molecular Machines through Accurate Regulation of Cooperative Motions

To understand how different external stimuli affect the cooperative motions in a molecular machine consisting of multiple components, we have investigated at the atomic level the effects of pH, solvent, and ionic strength on the mechanism underlying the ring-through-ring movement in a saturated [3]rotaxane. Our results indicate that different external stimuli regulate the stable states, the shuttling rate, and the mechanism that governs the ring-through-ring motion by controlling the cooperative movement of the components and triggering a gamut of responses, thereby opening to a vast number of potential applications, such as quaternary logical calculations. The present work cogently demonstrates that with existing nanomachines possessing a simple topology, but using different external stimuli-an approach coined multidimensional regulation-challenging tasks requiring precise control of the molecular motions at play can be achieved, and our methodology is particularly germane for de novo design of intelligent molecular machines.

An orthogonal photoresponsive tristable [3]rotaxane with non-destructive readout

An orthogonal photoresponsive [3]rotaxane is constructed by introducing two orthogonal photoswitchable azobenzene binding sites, and it features reversible photoregulated tristate absorption spectral changes with non-destructive readout capability.

Rotaxane-Branched Dendrimers with Enhanced Photosensitization

During the past few decades, fabrication of functional rotaxane-branched dendrimers has become one of the most attractive yet challenging topics within supramolecular chemistry and materials science. Herein, we present the successful fabrication of a family of new rotaxane-branched dendrimers containing up to 21 platinum atoms and 42 photosensitizer moieties through an efficient and controllable divergent approach. Notably, the photosensitization efficiencies of these rotaxane-branched dendrimers gradually increased with the increase of dendrimer generation. For example, third-generation rotaxane-branched dendrimer PG3 revealed 13.3-fold higher ¹O₂ generation efficiency than its corresponding monomer AN. The enhanced ¹O₂ generation efficiency was attributed to the enhancement of intersystem crossing (ISC) through the simple and efficient incorporation of multiple heavy atoms and photosensitizer moieties on the axles and wheels of the rotaxane units, respectively, which has been validated by UV-visible and fluorescence techniques, time-dependent density functional theory calculations, photolysis model reactions, and apparent activation energy calculations. Therefore, we develop a new promising platform of rotaxane-branched dendrimers for the preparation of effective photosensitizers.

Selective Monofunctionalization Enabled by Reaction-History-Dependent Communication in Catalytic Rotaxanes

Selective monofunctionalization of substrates with distant, yet equally reactive functional groups is difficult to achieve, as it requires the second functional group to selectively modulate its reactivity once the first functional group has reacted. We now show that mechanically interlocked catalytic rings can effectively regulate the reactivity of stoppering groups in rotaxanes over a distance of about 2 nm. Our mechanism of communication is enabled by a unique interlocked design, which effectively removes the catalytic rings from the substrates by fast dethreading as soon as the first reaction has taken place. Our method not only led to a rare example of selective monofunctionalization, but also to a "molecular if function". Overall, the study presents a way to get distant functional groups to communicate with each other in a reaction-history-dependent manner by creating linkers that can ultimately perform logical operations at the molecular level.

Efficient self-assembly of heterometallic triangular necklace with strong antibacterial activity

Sophisticated mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) with interesting structures, properties and applications have attracted great interest in the field of supramolecular chemistry. We herein report a highly efficient self-assembly of heterometallic triangular necklace 1 containing Cu and Pt metals with strong antibacterial activity. Single-crystal X-ray analysis shows that the finely arranged triangular necklace 1 has two racemic enantiomers in its solid state with intriguing packing motif. The superior antibacterial activity of necklace 1 against both standard and clinically drug-resistant pathogens implies that the presence of Cu(I) center and platinum(II) significantly enhance the bacterium-binding/damaging activity, which is mainly attributed to the highly positively charged nature, the possible synergistic effect of heterometals in the necklace, and the improved stability in culture media. This work clearly discloses the structure-property relationships that the existence of two different metal centers not only facilitates successful construction of heterometallic triangular necklace but also endows it with superior nuclease properties and antibacterial activities.

Precise assembly of heterometallic complexes is a challenge. Here, the authors design a heterometallic triangular necklace through a highly efficient threading-and-ring-closing approach driven by metal-ligand coordination, which shows strong bacterium-binding and cell wall/plasma membrane-disrupting capacity for killing bacterial cells.

Daisy Chain Dendrimers: Integrated Mechanically Interlocked Molecules with Stimuli-Induced Dimension Modulation Feature

The precise construction of the high-order mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) with well-defined topological arrangements of multiple mechanically interlocked units has been a great challenge. Herein, we present the first successful preparation of a new family of daisy chain dendrimers, in which the individual [c2]daisy chain rotaxane units serve as the branches of dendrimer skeleton. In particular, the third-generation daisy chain dendrimer with 21 [c2]daisy chain rotaxane moieties was realized, which might be among the most complicated discrete high-order MIMs comprised of multiple [c2]daisy chain rotaxane units. Interestingly, such unique topological arrangements of multiple stimuli-responsive [c2]daisy chain rotaxanes endowed the resultant daisy chain dendrimers controllable and reversible nanoscale dimension modulation through the collective and amplified extension/contraction of each [c2]daisy chain rotaxane branch upon the addition of acetate anions or DMSO molecules as external stimulus. Furthermore, on the basis of such an intriguing size switching feature of daisy chain dendrimers, dynamic composite polymer films were constructed through the incorporation of daisy chain dendrimers into polymer films, which could undergo fast, reversible, and controllable shape transformations when DMSO molecules were employed as stimulus. The successful merging of [c2]daisy chain rotaxanes and dendrimers described herein provides not only a brand-new type of high-order mechanically interlocked systems with well-defined topological arrangements of [c2]daisy chain rotaxanes, but also a successful and practical approach toward the construction of supramolecular dynamic materials.

A mutually stabilized host-guest pair

By using click chemistry, a hexacationic cage was synthesized. The cage contains two triscationic π-electron-deficient trispyridiniumtriazine (TPZ³⁺) platforms that are bridged in a face-to-face manner by three ethylene-triazole-ethylene linkers. A diversity of π-electron-rich guests can be recognized within the pocket of the cage, driven by host-guest π-π interactions. The cage cavity acts as a protecting group, preventing an anthracene guest from undergoing Diels-Alder reaction. Under ultraviolet (UV) light, the pyridinium C─N bonds in TPZ³⁺ platforms are polarized and weakened, resulting in the occurrence of cage decomposition via β-elimination. Guest recognition could help to prevent this UV-stimulated cage decomposition by suppressing the excitation of the TPZ³⁺ units.

A [2]Rotaxane-Based Circularly Polarized Luminescence Switch

A rotaxane-based molecular shuttle has been synthesized in which the switching of the position of a fluorescent macrocycle on the thread turns “on” or “off” the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) of the system while maintaining similar fluorescence profiles and quantum yields in both states. The chiroptical activity relies on the chiral information transfer from an ammonium salt incorporating d- or l-phenylalanine residues as chiral stereogenic covalent units to an otherwise achiral crown ether macrocycle bearing a luminescent 2,2′-bipyrene unit when they interact through hydrogen bonding. Each enantiomeric thread induces CPL responses of opposite signs on the macrocycle. Upon addition of base, the switching of the position of the macrocycle to a triazolium group disables the chiral information transfer to the macrocycle, switching “off” the CPL response. The in situ switching upon several acid/base cycles is also demonstrated.

A Molecular Dual Pump

Artificial molecular machines (AMMs) built from mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) can use energy ratchets to control the unidirectional motion of their component parts. These energy ratchets are operated by the alteration of kinetic barriers and thermodynamic wells, which are, in turn, determined by the switching on and off of noncovalent interactions. Previously, we have developed artificial molecular pumps (AMPs) capable of pumping rings consecutively onto a collecting chain as part of a molecular dumbbell, leading to the formation of rotaxanes. Here, we report a molecular dual pump (MDP) consisting of two individual AMPs linked in a head-to-tail fashion, wherein a single ring is pumped, in a linear manner, on and off a dumbbell involving a [2]rotaxane intermediate by exploiting the redox properties of the two pumps. This MDP, defined by the finely tuned noncovalent interactions and fueled by either chemicals or electricity, utilizes an energy ratchet mechanism to capture a ring and subsequently release it back into solution. The unidirectional motion and the resulting controlled capture and release of the ring were followed by 1D and 2D ¹H NMR spectroscopy and supported by control experiments. This molecular dual pump may be considered to be a forerunner of AMMs that are capable of pumping rings across a membrane in a way similar to how bacteriorhodopsin transports protons from one side of a membrane to the other under the influence of light. Such extensive multicomponent AMMs can lead potentially to molecular transporting platforms with positional and directional control of cargo uptake and release when, and only when, instructed.

Type III-C rotaxane dendrimers: synthesis, dual size modulation and in vivo evaluation

Type III-C rotaxane dendrimers were synthesized by a divergent approach. Dual shuttling behavior and size modulation were observed from non-methylated/methylated rotaxane dendrimers under the same external stimuli. The biological distribution of dendrimers in C57BL/6J mice determined by MALDI-TOF-MS shows predominant accumulation in the spleen and liver. Drug encapsulations with chlorambucil and lithocholic acid were demonstrated.

Photo- and Redox-Driven Artificial Molecular Motors

Directed motion at the nanoscale is a central attribute of life, and chemically driven motor proteins are nature's choice to accomplish it. Motivated and inspired by such bionanodevices, in the past few decades chemists have developed artificial prototypes of molecular motors, namely, multicomponent synthetic species that exhibit directionally controlled, stimuli-induced movements of their parts. In this context, photonic and redox stimuli represent highly appealing modes of activation, particularly from a technological viewpoint. Here we describe the evolution of the field of photo- and redox-driven artificial molecular motors, and we provide a comprehensive review of the work published in the past 5 years. After an analysis of the general principles that govern controlled and directed movement at the molecular scale, we describe the fundamental photochemical and redox processes that can enable its realization. The main classes of light- and redox-driven molecular motors are illustrated, with a particular focus on recent designs, and a thorough description of the functions performed by these kinds of devices according to literature reports is presented. Limitations, challenges, and future perspectives of the field are critically discussed.

Chemical On/Off Switching of Mechanically Planar Chirality and Chiral Anion Recognition in a [2]Rotaxane Molecular Shuttle

We exploit a reversible acid–base triggered molecular shuttling process to switch an appropriately designed rotaxane between prochiral and mechanically planar chiral forms. The mechanically planar enantiomers and their interconversion, arising from ring shuttling, have been characterized by NMR spectroscopy. We also show that the supramolecular interaction of the positively charged rotaxane with optically active anions causes an imbalance in the population of the two enantiomeric coconformations. This result represents an unprecedented example of chiral molecular recognition and can disclose innovative approaches to enantioselective sensing and catalysis.

[2]Rotaxane End-Capping Synthesis by Click Michael-Type Addition to the Vinyl Sulfonyl Group

We report the application of the click Michael-type addition reaction to vinyl sulfone or vinyl sulfonate groups in the synthesis of rotaxanes through the threading-and-capping method. This methodology has proven to be efficient and versatile as it allowed the preparation of rotaxanes using template approaches based on different noncovalent interactions (i.e., donor-acceptor π-π interactions or hydrogen bonding) in yields of generally 60-80 % and up to 91 % aided by the mild conditions required (room temperature or 0 °C and a mild base such as Et₃ N or 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP)). Furthermore, the use of vinyl sulfonate moieties, which are suitable motifs for coupling-and-decoupling (CAD) chemistry, implies another advantage because it allows the controlled chemical disassembly of the rotaxanes into their components through nucleophilic substitution of the sulfonates resulting from the capping step with a thiol under mild conditions (Cs₂ CO₃ and room temperature).

Pumping a Ring-Sliding Molecular Motion by a Light-Powered Molecular Motor

Designing artificial molecular machines to execute complex mechanical tasks, like coupling rotation and translation to accomplish transmission of motion, continues to provide important challenges. Herein, we demonstrated a novel molecular machine comprising a second-generation light-driven molecular motor and a bistable [1]rotaxane unit. The molecular motor can rotate successfully even in an interlocked [1]rotaxane system through a photoinduced cis-to -trans isomerization and a thermal helix inversion, resulting in concomitant transitional motion of the [1]rotaxane. The transmission process was elucidated via ¹H NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, HMQC, HMBC, and 2D ROESY NMR spectroscopies, UV-visible absorption spectrum, and density functional theory calculations. This is the first demonstration of a molecular motor to rotate against the appreciably noncovalent interactions between dibenzo-24-crown-8 and N-methyltriazolium moieties comprising the rotaxane unit, showing operational capabilities of molecular motors to perform more complex tasks.

A switchable [2]rotaxane with two active alkenyl groups

A novel functional [2]rotaxane containing two alkenyl bonds was designed, synthesized and characterized by ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy and HRESI mass spectrometry. The introduction of alkenyl bonds endowed the [2]rotaxane a fascinating ability to react with versatile functional groups such as alkenyl and thiol functional groups. The reversible shuttling movement of the macrocycle between two different recognition sites on the molecular thread can be driven by external acid and base. This kind of rotaxane bearing functional groups provides a powerful platform for preparing stimuli-responsive polymers.

Toward a translational molecular ratchet: face-selective translation coincident with deuteration in a pseudo-rotaxane

In the molecular world, molecular ratchets can realize the unidirectional movement in molecular machines. However, construction of artificial molecular ratchets has been still a great challenge. In this study, we investigate the formation of pseudo-rotaxane of a newly designed two-station axis molecule with α-cyclodextrin (α-CD) and the deuteration of acidic protons in the axis in D₂O by ¹H NMR at varying temperatures. Using the NMR data, we roughly estimate apparent rate constants for association, dissociation, and translation of α-CD during the pseudo-rotaxane formation based on a simplified kinetic model. These rate constants are indicative of face-selective and ratchet-like translation of α-CD on the axis because of the 2-methylpyridinium residues in the axis. We also evaluate apparent first-order rate constants for the deuteration. Comparison of these rate constants indicates that the face-selective translation of α-CD somehow couples with the deuteration. On the basis of this study, it is concluded that a translational molecular ratchet can be constructed using a large energy gradient with appropriate energy barriers and an enthalpically-driven coupled reaction.

Light-driven exchange between extended and contracted lasso-like isomers of a bistable [1]rotaxane

A photoactive hydrogen-bonded lasso having an amide-based [1]rotaxane structure has been constructed from acyclic precursors through a self-templating approach. The stability, structural integrity and switching are described.

Efficient control of movement in non-photoresponsive molecular machines by a photo-induced proton-transfer strategy

The first successful application of a PIPT strategy executed by the photoacid 1-MEH in controlling the switch of MIM systems has been demonstrated.

A light-driven molecular machine based on stiff stilbene

We report a new molecular design for optically triggered nm-scale translation of a submolecular component relative to another.

Complexation Between (O-Methyl)6 -2,6-Helic[6]arene and Tertiary Ammonium Salts: Acid/Base- or Chloride-Ion-Responsive Host-Guest Systems and Synthesis of [2]Rotaxane

Complexation between (O-methyl)₆ -2,6-helic[6]arene and a series of tertiary ammonium salts was described. It was found that the macrocycle could form stable complexes with the tested aromatic and aliphatic tertiary ammonium salts, which were evidenced by ¹ H NMR spectra, ESI mass spectra, and DFT calculations. In particular, the binding and release process of the guests in the complexes could be efficiently controlled by acid/base or chloride ions, which represents the first acid/base- and chloride-ion-responsive host-guest systems based on macrocyclic arenes and protonated tertiary ammonium salts. Moreover, the first 2,6-helic[6]arene-based [2]rotaxane was also synthesized from the condensation between the host-guest complex and isocyanate.

Distinguishing Two Ammonium and Triazolium Sites of Interaction in a Three-Station [2]Rotaxane Molecular Shuttle

This paper reports on the synthesis of a tri-stable [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle, in which the motion of the macrocycle is triggered by either selective protonation/deprotonation or specific carbamoylation/decarbamoylation of an alkylbenzylamine. The threaded axle is surrounded by a dibenzo[24]crown[8] (DB24C8) macrocycle and contains three sites of different binding affinities towards the macrocycle. An N-methyltriazolium moiety acts as a molecular station that has weak affinity for the DB24C8 macrocycle and is located in the centre of the molecular axle. Two other molecular stations, arylammonium and alkylbenzylammonium moieties, sit on either side of the triazolium moiety along the molecular axle and have stronger affinities for the DB24C8 macrocycle. These two ammonium moieties are covalently linked to two different stopper groups at each extremity of the thread: a tert-butylphenyl group and a substituted DB24C8 unit. Owing to steric hindrance, the former does not allow any π-π stacking interactions with the encircling DB24C8 macrocycle, whereas the latter residue does; therefore, this allows the discrimination of the two ammonium stations by the surrounding DB24C8 macrocycle in the fully protonated state. In the deprotonated state, the contrasting reactivity of the amine functional groups, as either a base or a nucleophile, allows for selective reactions that trigger the controlled shuttling of the macrocycle around the three molecular stations.

Redox-Gated Tristable Molecular Brakes of Geared Rotation

p-Bis(arylcarbonyl)pentiptycenes 2 (aryl = 4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl) and 3 (aryl = mesityl) have been prepared and investigated as redox-gated molecular rotors. For 2, rotations about the pentiptycene-carbonyl bond (the α rotation) and about the aryl-carbonyl bond (the β rotation) are independent, and the rotation barriers are 11.3 and 9.5 kcal mol^-1, respectively, at 298 K. In contrast, the α and β rotations in 3 are correlated (geared) in a 2-fold cogwheel pathway between the aryl and the pentiptycene groups with a much lower rotation barrier of 6.5 kcal mol^-1 at 298 K in spite of the bulkier aryl groups. Electrochemical reduction of the neutral forms led first to radical anions (2^•- and 3^•-) and then to a bis(radical anion) for 2^2- but a dianion for 3^2-. The redox operations switch the independent α and β rotations in 2 into a geared rotation in both 2^•- and 2^2- and result in a slow-fast-stop rotation mode for 2-2^•--2^2-. The two redox states 3^•- and 3^2- retain the geared α and β rotations and follow a fast-slow-stop mode for 3-3^•--3^2-. Both molecular systems mimic tristable molecular brakes and display 8-9 orders of magnitude difference in rotation rate through the redox switching.

Complexation of Racemic 2,6-Helic[6]arene and Its Hexamethyl-Substituted Derivative with Quaternary Ammonium Salts, N-Heterocyclic Salts, and Tetracyanoquinodimethane

Complexation of racemic 2,6-helic[6]arene 1 and its hexamethyl-substituted derivative 2 with quaternary ammonium salts, N-heterocyclic salts, and tetracyanoquinodimethane have been described in detail. It was found that host 2 could form stable complexes with acetyl choline, thiaacetyl choline, N,N,N-trimethylbenzenammonium salt, pyridinium, and 4,4'-bipyridinium salts in solution and/or in the solid state. The unsubstituted macrocycle 1 showed more significant complexation with the widely tested quaternary ammonium salts and N-heterocyclic salts, and exhibited stronger complexation towards the guests than its derivative 2. Moreover, it was found that macrocycle 1 and its derivative 2 could also complex with neutral electron-deficient tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ), and the association constants were determined to be 2840±94 and 1358±46 m^-1 , respectively. These results could make this new macrocycle and its derivatives find wide applications in the design and construction of functional supramolecular assemblies.

Insights into the Difference Between Rotaxane and Pseudorotaxane

Rotaxane and pseudorotaxane are two types of mechanically interlocked molecular architectures, and there is a clear topological difference and boundary between them. In this work, a "suggested [2]rotaxane 1⊂α-CD" was constructed based on axle molecule 1 bearing two terminal ferrocene groups and a wheel component α-cyclodextrin (α-CD), but the result obtained indicated that the ferrocene group cannot prevent α-CD dethreading under UV irradiation. That is, 1⊂α-CD is just a pseudo[2]rotaxane. Furthermore, the two ferrocene groups in 1⊂α-CD were encapsulated by two cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) units to obtain a heteropseudo[4]rotaxane 1⊂α-CD⋅2CB[7]. This heteropseudo[4]rotaxane displayed high stability towards harsh temperatures and the isomerization of azobenzene in 1, so it can be regarded as a [2]rotaxane. In this [2]rotaxane, the stoppers are not the bulky groups covalently bonded to the axle, but the cyclic CB[7] units connected through noncovalent interactions.

Formation of charge-transfer complexes based on a tropylium cation and 2,6-helic[6]arenes: a visible redox stimulus-responsive process

Charge-transfer complexes between 2,6-helic[6]arenes and a tropylium cation formed, and they could undergo visible redox stimulus-responsive and switchable complexation processes.

A mini review of the synthesis of poly-1,2,3-triazole-based functional materials

Most recent advances of the synthesis of poly-1,2,3-triazole-based functional materials.

Reversible switching of a supramolecular morphology driven by an amphiphilic bistable [2]rotaxane

A supra-amphiphilic [2]rotaxane-based switch could self-assemble into spherical vesicles in aqueous solution and transform into worm-like micelles in a basic environment.