The active template approach to interlocked molecules

Strategies for the Synthesis of Mechanically Planar Chiral Rotaxanes

Rotaxanes, belonging to the class of classical mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), exhibit chiral properties that diverge from those of traditional chiral elements, particularly displaying mechanically planar chirality. Their distinctive spatial structure further augments their chiral significance, thereby imparting them with vast potential for applications in the realm of chiral materials and asymmetric catalysis. In recent years, mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes have garnered increasing attention from researchers. In this review, we summarize the recent advancements in obtaining enantiopure mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes. In this regard, chiral separation techniques, the use of chiral auxiliaries, and asymmetric catalytic synthesis have emerged as potent methodologies for constructing chiral rotaxanes, thereby enabling the synthesis of diverse types of mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes. Additionally, we analyze the current challenges faced in this field and look forward to the future development opportunities that lie ahead.

Influence of Protonation and Iron(II) Complexation on Magnetic Interactions in Spin-Labeled Mechanically Interlocked Molecules

This study reports the effects of protonation and Fe(II) complexation on the exchange coupling and magnetic properties of a [2]-rotaxane and its corresponding free-axle biradicals. The rotaxane features nitronyl-nitroxide units as bulky stopper groups, a triazole-pyridine-triazole ligand as the axle component, and a bipyridine moiety within the macrocyclic ring. Our findings, obtained by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance spectroscopy in solution and magnetometry in solid state, demonstrate that rotaxanation and protonation induce profound changes in the magnetic interactions of the biradical both in its free form and as complexed with Fe(II). These results highlight the transformative impact of the mechanical bond on the electronic structure of interlocked radical systems.

Organic Cage Rotaxanes

Organic cages are a robust class of molecular hosts with a myriad of applications in materials science. Despite this, there has been a paucity of explorations into the modification of their properties via external functionalization. In this work, [n]rotaxanes featuring unoccupied organic cages as stopper components and a small 2,2'-bipyridine macrocycle were constructed using the active metal template (AMT) approach. By exploiting a scrambling methodology, it was possible to synthesize cages with a defined number of interlocked components (n = 2-4). The gas uptake, solubility, and thermal properties of the interlocked systems were compared against those of their constituent, non-interlocked components. In this manner, we were able to demonstrate the potential of exploiting the mechanical bond for modulating the physiochemical properties of these molecular materials.

Synthesis and Properties of [3]Rotaxanes with Two Oligo(para-phenylene) Axles

Oligo(para-phenylene) (PPn) is a π-conjugated compound where phenylene units are directly connected at the 1,4-positions. Utilizing the catalytic activity of the macrocyclic dihydrodibenzophenanthroline-Ni complex, we succeeded in the synthesis of [3]- and [2]rotaxanes with PPn axles by biaryl coupling. The size of the macrocycle was critical to synthesize [3]rotaxanes, which consist of two oligo(para-phenylene) axles, in good yields. The relationship between the length of the PPn structure on the 1H NMR spectra of the rotaxanes was studied. The aggregation of a PP8 derivative was suppressed by the presence of the macrocycle in the rotaxanes. A [3]rotaxane could be considered as a model compound of an aggregated PPn, and the photophysical studies disclosed the influence of the aggregation on the properties of PPn.

Emergent chiral and topological nanoarchitectonics in self-assembled supramolecular systems

The fabrication of structures with designated topologies at the nanoscale is an intriguing issue, attributed to the possibility of both imparting unique properties to functional materials and unravelling the codes that lie in many natural systems. As a significant bottom-up approach, the self-assembly strategy is potent in formulating various exquisite structures. While the building of common types of miniaturized structures such as tubes, twists and spheres has been investigated in depth to gain insight into the intrinsic principles that dictate their formation and functions, the preparation of peculiar topological nanostructures is still scattered and unsystematic. In parallel, chirality is among the most ubiquitous phenomena of fundamental significance in nature and is in close relationship with the origin of life. Essentially, chirality represents a type of orderliness and thus may interplay with peculiar topologies in an orchestrated and serendipitous way. In this review, we describe the development of constructing emergent chiral and topological nanoarchitectures via the self-assembly method, mainly focusing on structures including toroids, catenanes, Möbius strips, spirals and fractals. In addition, other types involving toruloids/kebabs, trumpets and bamboos, screws, dendritic and lamellar twists are also exemplified. The design of building blocks and various self-assembling strategies towards these target architectures are highlighted in this review, in an effort to provide an overview of the feasible approaches that facilitate the tailored construction of mesoscopic structures.

Synthesis of a Station-Less Molecular Daisy Chain

A daisy chain architecture without a preferred low energy arrangement of the mechanically linked components is presented. The molecular design combines a rigid-rod type oligophenylene ethynylene subunit with an oligoethylene glycol macrocycle that features a bipyridine coordination site. The daisy chain dimer was synthesized via kinetic trapping of the interlocked structure using a Cadiot-Chodkiewicz active metal template reaction. Comparison of the isolated interlocked dimer with its monomeric analogue indicates the presence of a variety of different geometries for the molecular daisy chain. The dynamic sliding motion in the daisy chain is studied by variable temperature UV-vis and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy experiments, which point to a highly mobile system even at low temperatures.

Gluconobacter oxydans DSM 50049 - an efficient biocatalyst for oxidation of 5-formyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (FFCA) to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA)

BACKGROUND

2,5-Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is a promising building block for biobased recyclable polymers and a platform for other potential biobased chemicals. The common route of its production is by oxidation of sugar-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). Several reports on biocatalytic oxidation using whole microbial cells or enzymes have been reported, which offers potentially a greener alternative compared to the chemical process. HMF oxidases and aryl alcohol oxidases are the only enzymes able to catalyse the complete oxidation to FDCA, however at low concentrations and are subject to inhibition by the FFCA (5-formylfuran-2-carboxylic acid) intermediate. The present report presents a study on the oxidation of FFCA to FDCA using the obligately aerobic bacterium Gluconobacter oxydans and identification of the enzymes catalyzing the reaction.

RESULTS

Screening of three different strains showed G. oxydans DSM 50049 to possess the highest FFCA oxidation efficiency. Optimal reaction conditions for obtaining 100% conversion of 10 g/L (71 mM) FFCA to FDCA at 100% reaction yield were at pH 5, 30 °C and using 200 mg wwt /mL cells harvested at mild-exponential phase. In a reaction run at a 1 L scale using a total of 15 g/L (107 mM) FFCA supplied in a fed-batch mode, FDCA was obtained at a yield of 90% in 8.5 h. The product was recovered at 82% overall yield and 99% purity using a simple recovery process. Screening of several oxidoreductase enzymes from the gene sequences identified in the bacterial genome revealed two proteins annotated as membrane-bound aldehyde dehydrogenase (MALDH) and coniferyl aldehyde dehydrogenase (CALDH) to be the enzymes catalyzing the oxidization of FFCA.

CONCLUSION

The study shows G. oxydans DSM 50049 and its enzymes to be promising biocatalysts for use in the FDCA production process from biomass. The high reaction rate and yield motivate further studies on characterization of the identified enzymes exhibiting the FFCA oxidizing activity, which can be used to construct an enzyme cascade together e.g. with HMF oxidase or aryl alcohol oxidase for one-pot production of FDCA from 5-HMF.

Precise assembly/disassembly of homo-type and hetero-type macrocycles with photoresponsive and non-photoresponsive dynamic covalent bonds

Dynamic covalent macrocycles offer the advantage of tunable ring-opening/ring-closure and structural transformation, but their control with precision remains a daunting task due to the labile nature of reversible bonds. Herein we demonstrate the precise formation/scission of covalent macrocycles with varied sizes by contrasting the reactivity, stability, and degradability of light-active and light-inactive dynamic covalent bonds. The incorporation of photoswitchable and non-photoresponsive aldehyde sites into one single dialdehyde component afforded the creation of [1 + 1] type macrocycles with primary diamines of suitable lengths. The manipulation of light and acid/base stimuli allowed on-demand breaking/remaking of macrocycles, achieving the interconversion between macrocyclic and linear skeletons. Moreover, a combination of the dialdehyde, primary diamines, and secondary diamines enabled the construction of hetero-type [2 + 1 + 1'] macrocycles via enhanced discrimination and hierarchical assembly. Light-induced kinetic locking/unlocking of dynamic bonds further afforded macrocycle-to-macrocycle conversion when needed. Through leveraging controllable covalent connection/disconnection, switchable formation/disintegration of mechanically interlocked catenanes was further accomplished. The results described showcase the potential of photoinduced dynamic covalent chemistry for preparing complex architectures and should set the stage for molecular recognition, dynamic assemblies, synthetic motors, and responsive materials.

Photoswitchable Topological Regulation of Covalent Macrocycles, Molecular Recognition, and Interlocked Structures

Macrocycles represent one important class of functional molecules, and dynamic macrocycles with the potential of cleavability, adaptability, and topological conversion are challenging. Herein we report photoswitchable allosteric and topological control of dynamic covalent macrocycles and further the use in guest binding and mechanically interlocked molecules. The manipulation of competing ring-chain equilibria and bond formation/scission within reaction systems enabled light-induced structural regulation over dithioacetal and thioacetal dynamic bonds, accordingly realizing bidirectional switching between crown ether-like covalent macrocycles and their linear counterparts. The on-demand photoswitchable topological transformation of macrocycles further allowed guest recognition/release exhibiting controllable binding affinity and selectivity. To showcase the capability light-triggered assembly/disassembly of diverse mechanically interlocked structures, such as rotaxanes and catenanes, was achieved. The realization of photoswitchable topological conversion of covalent macrocycles, which has been rarely reported before, demonstrates the potential of light-triggered reactivity control and structural reconfiguration for enhanced complexity and sophisticated function. The strategies and results should be appealing to endeavors in molecular recognition, dynamic assemblies, molecular machines, and intelligent materials.

Amphoteric chalcogen-bonding and halogen-bonding rotaxanes for anion or cation recognition

The ever-increasing demand in the development of host molecules for the recognition of charged species is stimulated by their fundamental roles in numerous biological and environmental processes. Here, capitalizing on the inherent amphoteric nature of anisotropically polarized tellurium or iodine atoms, we demonstrate a proof of concept in charged guest recognition, where the same neutral host structure binds both cations or anions solely through its chalcogen or halogen donor atoms. Through extensive 1H nuclear magnetic resonance titration experiments and computational density functional theory studies, a library of chalcogen-bonding (ChB) and halogen-bonding (XB) mechanically interlocked [2]rotaxane molecules, including seminal examples of all-ChB and mixed ChB/XB [2]rotaxanes, are shown to function as either Lewis-acidic or Lewis-basic multidentate hosts for selective halide anion and metal cation binding. Notably, the exploitation of the inherent amphoteric character of an atom for the strategic purpose of either cation or anion recognition constitutes the inception of a previously unexplored area of supramolecular host-guest chemistry.

Multimodal Molecular Motion in the Rotaxanes and Catenanes Incorporating Flexible Calix[n]phyrin Stations

The synthesis of [2]rotaxanes stoppered with one or two dipyrromethane groups has opened a route for the construction of mechanically interlocked molecules incorporating various porphyrinoid stations. The exploitation of those precursors allowed the creation of [3]rotaxanes and [2]catenanes based on the calix[4]phyrin motif, presenting intriguing molecular dynamics. The intrinsic flexibility of the porphyrinoid allowed the introduction of a new type of molecular motion within the rotaxanes, termed fluttering. The latter involved a bending of the axle, interconverting two angular-shaped stereoisomers of the rotaxane through a planarised transition state. Simple chemical transformations, i.e. methylation and (de)protonation of the [3]rotaxane and [2]catenane allowed controllable transformations within the conformationally flexible calix[4]phyrin-incorporated mechanically interlocked porphyrinoids.

Allosteric release of cucurbit[6]uril from a rotaxane using a molecular signal

Rotaxanes can be regarded as storage systems for their wheel components, which broadens their application potential as a complement to the supramolecular systems that retain a mechanically interlocked structure. However, utilising rotaxanes in this way requires a method to release the wheel while preserving the integrity of all molecular constituents. Herein, we present simple rotaxanes based on cucurbit[6]uril (CB6), with an axis equipped with an additional binding motif that enables the binding of another macrocycle, cucurbit[7]uril (CB7). We demonstrate that the driving force behind the wheel dethreading originates from the binding of the signalling macrocycle to the allosteric site, leading to an increase in the system's strain. Consequently, the CB6 wheel leaves the rotaxane station overcoming the mechanical barrier. Portal-portal repulsive interactions between the two cucurbituril units play a crucial role in this process. Thus, the repulsive strength and the related rate of slipping off can be finely tuned by the length of the allosteric binding motif. Finally, we show that the CB6 wheel can be utilised within complexes with other guests in the mixture once released from the rotaxane.

Steerable Structural Evolvement and Adsorption Behavior of Metastable Polyoxovanadate-Based Metal-Organic Polyhedra

Promoting the advancement of the structure and function of metastable substances is challenging but worthwhile. In particular, how to harness the entangled state and evolution path of labile porous structures has been at the forefront of research in molecular self-assembly. In this work, the metastable structures of polyoxovanadate-based metal-organic polyhedra (VMOPs) can be manually regulated, including separation of the interlocked aggregate by a ligand-widening approach as well as transformation from a tetrahedral to capsule-like scaffold via a vertice-remodeling strategy. In these processes, intra- and intermolecular π···π and C-H···π interactions have been recognized as the primary driving forces. Besides being responsible for commanding the structural evolvement of VMOPs, such weak interactions were able to program their spatial arrangements and hence the adsorption performances for dye and iodine. The successful use of such a weak force-dominated design concept beacons a feasible route for customization of the function-oriented metastable structures. Separation and transformation of the interlocked metastable VMOPs have been achieved via the respective ligand-widening approach and vertice-remodeling strategy. Not only their structures but also adsorption features could be well regulated by such a weak force-dominated design concept.

Skeletal Editing of Mechanically Interlocked Molecules: Nitrogen Atom Deletion from Crown Ether-Dibenzylammonium Rotaxanes

Removing the nitrogen atom from secondary amines while simultaneously linking the remaining fragments is a powerful form of late-stage skeletal editing. Here, we report its use for the deletion of the nitrogen atom of the dibenzylammonium template used to assemble crown ether rotaxanes. The reaction uses an anomeric amide that activates secondary amines to generate a carbon-carbon bond that replaces the amine nitrogen. Despite the potential for dethreading of the intermediate diradical pair, the nitrogen atom was successfully deleted from a series of rotaxane axles as long as the macrocycle could access coconformations that did not inhibit the reaction of the amine group. The skeletally edited interlocked molecules were obtained directly from the parent crown ether-dibenzylammonium rotaxanes in modest yields (23-36%) and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. One skeletally edited rotaxane shows a network of weak CH···O hydrogen bonds between the crown ether and benzylic methylene groups of the axle in the solid state, in place of the crown ether-ammonium binding motif used to assemble the parent, unedited, rotaxane.

Supramolecular and molecular capsules, cages and containers

Stemming from early seminal notions of molecular recognition and encapsulation, three-dimensional, cavity-containing capsular compounds and assemblies have attracted intense interest due to the ability to modulate chemical and physical properties of species encapsulated within these confined spaces compared to bulk environments. With such a diverse range of covalent motifs and non-covalent (supramolecular) interactions available to assemble building blocks, an incredibly wide-range of capsular-type architectures have been developed. Furthermore, synthetic tunability of the internal environments gives chemists the opportunity to engineer systems for uses in sensing, sequestration, catalysis and transport of molecules, just to name a few. In this tutorial review, an overview is provided into the design principles, synthesis, characterisation, structural facets and properties of coordination cages, porous organic cages, supramolecular capsules, foldamers and mechanically interlocked molecules. Using seminal and recent examples, the advantages and limitations of each system are explored, highlighting their application in various tasks and functions.

Halide-triggered assembly and selective bisulfate recognition in a quadruply interlocked coordination cage

Interlocked coordination cages are a class of multi-cavity architectures with applications in selective anion recognition, adaptive sensing, and catalysis. Controlling the partitioning of their cavities through ligand design and appropriate anion templates is critical to their guest binding scope, yet remains a challenge. Here, we present a thermodynamically stable [Pd2L4](BF4)4 cage assembled from a bis-monodentate ligand featuring a non-coordinating bis-pyrazole methane backbone. As a result of its idealized dimensions, NMR, ESI-MS, and X-ray analyses reveal that halides can trigger the interpenetration of this cage into a [X@Pd4L8]7+ dimer (X = Cl- or Br-) where the halide template resides only in the central pocket. The anion-cation pattern of this interlocked host facilitates exceptional binding affinity for the bisulfate anion in its two outer pockets (up to 106 M-1 in MeCN), strongly outcompeting other tetrahedral anions of similar size.

Active template synthesis

The active template synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecular architectures exploits the dual ability of various structural elements (metals or, in the case of metal-free active template synthesis, particular arrangements of functional groups) to serve as both a template for the organisation of building blocks and as a catalyst to facilitate the formation of covalent bonds between them. This enables the entwined or threaded intermediate structure to be covalently captured under kinetic control. Unlike classical passive template synthesis, the intercomponent interactions transiently used to promote the assembly typically do not 'live on' in the interlocked product, meaning that active template synthesis can be traceless and used for constructing mechanically interlocked molecules that do not feature strong binding interactions between the components. Since its introduction in 2006, active template synthesis has been used to prepare a variety of rotaxanes, catenanes and knots. Amongst the metal-ion-mediated versions of the strategy, the copper(I)-catalysed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) remains the most extensively used transformation, although a broad range of other catalytic reactions and transition metals also provide effective manifolds. In metal-free active template synthesis, the recent discovery of the acceleration of the reaction of primary amines with electrophiles through the cavity of crown ethers has proved effective for forming an array of rotaxanes without recognition elements, including compact rotaxane superbases, dissipatively assembled rotaxanes and molecular pumps. This Review details the active template concept, outlines its advantages and limitations for the synthesis of interlocked molecules, and charts the diverse set of reactions that have been used with this strategy to date. The application of active template synthesis in various domains is discussed, including molecular machinery, mechanical chirality, catalysis, molecular recognition and various aspects of materials science.

Mechanical Regulation of Polymer Gels

The mechanical properties of polymer gels devote to emerging devices and machines in fields such as biomedical engineering, flexible bioelectronics, biomimetic actuators, and energy harvesters. Coupling network architectures and interactions has been explored to regulate supportive mechanical characteristics of polymer gels; however, systematic reviews correlating mechanics to interaction forces at the molecular and structural levels remain absent in the field. This review highlights the molecular engineering and structural engineering of polymer gel mechanics and a comprehensive mechanistic understanding of mechanical regulation. Molecular engineering alters molecular architecture and manipulates functional groups/moieties at the molecular level, introducing various interactions and permanent or reversible dynamic bonds as the dissipative energy. Molecular engineering usually uses monomers, cross-linkers, chains, and other additives. Structural engineering utilizes casting methods, solvent phase regulation, mechanochemistry, macromolecule chemical reactions, and biomanufacturing technology to construct and tailor the topological network structures, or heterogeneous modulus compositions. We envision that the perfect combination of molecular and structural engineering may provide a fresh view to extend exciting new perspectives of this burgeoning field. This review also summarizes recent representative applications of polymer gels with excellent mechanical properties. Conclusions and perspectives are also provided from five aspects of concise summary, mechanical mechanism, biofabrication methods, upgraded applications, and synergistic methodology.

Steric Engineering of Rotaxane Catalysts: Benefits and Limits of Using the Mechanical Bond in Catalyst Design

The mechanical bond is emerging as a novel design element in catalyst development. Here, we report a series of 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diol (BINOL) based catalysts in which the number of interlocked macrocycles is varied. Unsurprisingly, the macrocycles have a profound steric influence on the catalytic performance of these molecules. However, in the enantioselective transformations examined, the macrocycles are detrimental to catalyst stereoselectivity whereas in lactide polymerization, they increase the molecular weight of the polymeric product.

Mechanically Interlocked Water-Soluble Pd6 Host for the Selective Separation of Coal Tar-Based Planar Aromatic Molecules

Research on the synthesis of catenated cages has been a growing field of interest in the past few years. While multiple types of catenated cages with different structures have been synthesized, the application of such systems has been much less explored. Specifically, the use of catenated cages in the separation of industrially relevant molecules that are present in coal tar has not been explored before. Herein, we demonstrate the use of a newly synthesized interlocked cage 1 [C184H240N76O48Pd6] (M6L4), formed through the self-assembly of ligand L.HNO3 (tris(4-(1H-imidazole-1-yl)benzylidene)hydrazine-1-carbohydrazonhydrazide) with acceptor cis-[(tmchda)Pd(NO3)2] [tmchda = ±N,N,N',N'-tetramethylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine] (M). The interlocked cage 1 was able to separate the isomers (anthracene and phenanthrene) using a simple solvent extraction technique. Using the same technique, the much more difficult separation of structurally and physiochemically similar compounds acenaphthene and acenaphthylene was performed for the first time with 1 as the host. Other noninterlocked hexanuclear Pd6 cages having a wider cavity proved inefficient for such separation, demonstrating the uniqueness of the interlocked cage 1 for such challenging separation.

The End of the Beginning of Mechanical Stereochemistry

ConspectusStereochemistry has played a key role in the development of synthetic chemistry for the simple reason that the function and properties of most molecules, from medicine to materials science, depend on their shape and thus the stereoisomer used. However, despite the potential for rotaxanes and catenanes to display unusual forms of stereochemistry being identified as early as 1961, this aspect of the mechanical bond remained underexplored and underexploited; until 2014 it was only possible to access chiral rotaxanes and catenanes whose stereoisomerism is solely attributable to the mechanical bond using chiral stationary phase high performance liquid chromatography, which limited their production on scale and thus inhibited the investigation of their properties and applications. Furthermore, the stereogenic units of such molecules and analogues were often poorly described, which made it hard to fully articulate both what had been achieved in the field and what problems were left to solve. Relatively recently, methods to access rotaxanes and catenanes that display mechanical stereochemistry selectively have been developed, making these intriguing structures available for study in a range of prototypical applications including catalysis, sensing, and as chiral luminophores.In this Account, we briefly discuss the history of mechanical stereochemistry, beginning in 1961 when the potential for mechanical stereoisomerism was first identified, before defining how mechanical stereochemistry arises from a structural point of view. Building on this, using simple stereochemical arguments, we confirm that the complete set of unique stereogenic units of two-component rotaxanes and catenanes have finally been identified and categorized unambiguously, with the last being identified only in 2024. After pausing to discuss some of the stereochemical curiosities that arise when molecules contain both covalent and mechanical stereogenic units, and the potential for stereoisomerism to arise due to co-conformational movement, we use our stereochemical framework to summarize our efforts to develop conceptually general approaches to [2]catenanes and [2]rotaxanes containing all of the possible mechanical stereogenic units. In particular, we highlight how the nature of a mechanical stereogenic unit affects the available strategies for their stereoselective synthesis. We finish by highlighting recent prototypical chemical applications of interlocked molecules that rely on their mechanical stereochemistry, before discussing future directions and challenges.Taken together, we propose that the transition of such molecules from being hard to make and poorly described, to being available in high stereopurity using clearly articulated methodological and stereochemical concepts suggests that the field is finally maturing. Thus, we are now coming to the end of the beginning of mechanical stereochemistry. The stage is now set for such molecules to play a functional role in a range of areas, indeed in any chemical or physical application where control over molecular shape is required.

Advancements and strategic approaches in catenane synthesis

Catenanes, a distinctive category of mechanically interlocked molecules composed of intertwined macrocycles, have undergone significant advancements since their initial stages characterized by inefficient statistical synthesis methods. Through the aid of molecular recognition processes and principles of self-assembly, a diverse array of catenanes with intricate structures can now be readily accessed utilizing template-directed synthetic protocols. The rapid evolution and emergence of this field have catalyzed the design and construction of artificial molecular switches and machines, leading to the development of increasingly integrated functional systems and materials. This review endeavors to explore the pivotal advancements in catenane synthesis from its inception, offering a comprehensive discussion of the synthetic methodologies employed in recent years. By elucidating the progress made in synthetic approaches to catenanes, our aim is to provide a clearer understanding of the future challenges in further advancing catenane chemistry from a synthetic perspective.

Molecular entanglement can strongly increase basicity

Brønsted basicity is a fundamental chemical property featured by several kinds of inorganic and organic compounds. In this Review, we treat a particularly high basicity resulting from the mechanical entanglement involving two or more molecular subunits in catenanes and rotaxanes. Such entanglement allows a number of basic sites to be in close proximity with each other, highly increasing the proton affinity in comparison with the corresponding, non-entangled counterparts up to obtain superbases, properly defined as mechanically interlocked superbases. In the following pages, the development of this kind of superbases will be described with a historical perusal, starting from the initial, serendipitous findings up to the most recent reports where the strong basic property of entangled molecular units is the object of a rational design.

Tuning vibration-induced emission through macrocyclization and catenation

In order to investigate the effect of macrocyclization and catenation on the regulation of vibration-induced emission (VIE), the typical VIE luminogen 9,14-diphenyl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a, c]phenazine (DPAC) was introduced into the skeleton of a macrocycle and corresponding [2]catenane to evaluate their dynamic relaxation processes. As investigated in detail by femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectra, the resultant VIE systems revealed precisely tunable emissions upon changing the solvent viscosity, highlighting the key effect of the formation of [2]catenane. Notably, the introduction of an additional pillar[5]arene macrocycle featuring unique planar chirality endows the resultant chiral VIE-active [2]catenane with attractive circularly polarized luminescence in different states. This work not only develops a new strategy for the design of new luminescent systems with tunable vibration induced emission, but also provides a promising platform for the construction of smart chiral luminescent materials for practical applications.

A High-Yielding Active Template Click Reaction (AT-CuAAC) for the Synthesis of Mechanically Interlocked Nanohoops

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) represent an exciting yet underexplored area of research in the context of carbon nanoscience. Recently, work from our group and others has shown that small carbon nanotube fragments-[n]cycloparaphenylenes ([n]CPPs) and related nanohoop macrocycles-may be integrated into mechanically interlocked architectures by leveraging supramolecular interactions, covalent tethers, or metal-ion templates. Still, available synthetic methods are typically difficult and low yielding, and general methods that allow for the creation of a wide variety of these structures are limited. Here we report an efficient route to interlocked nanohoop structures via the active template Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (AT-CuAAC) reaction. With the appropriate choice of substituents, a macrocyclic precursor to 2,2'-bipyridyl embedded [9]CPP (bipy[9]CPP) participates in the AT-CuAAC reaction to provide [2]rotaxanes in near-quantitative yield, which can then be converted into the fully π-conjugated catenane structures. Through this approach, two nanohoop[2]catenanes are synthesized which consist of a bipy[9]CPP catenated with either Tz[10]CPP or Tz[12]CPP (where Tz denotes a 1,2,3-triazole moiety replacing one phenylene ring in the [n]CPP backbone).

Modular Synthesis of Improbable Rotaxanes with All-Benzene Scaffolds

"Improbable" rotaxanes consisting of interlocked conjugated components represent non-trivial synthetic targets, not to mention those with all-benzene scaffolds. Herein, a modular synthetic strategy has been established using an isolable azo-linked pre-rotaxane as the core module, in which the azo group functions as a tracelessly removable template to direct mechanical bond formations. Through versatile connections of the pre-rotaxane and other customizable modules, [2]- and [3]rotaxanes derived from all-benzene scaffolds have been accomplished, demonstrating the utility and potential of the synthetic design for all-benzene interlocked supramolecules.

A Platform Approach to Cleavable Macrocycles for the Controlled Disassembly of Mechanically Caged Molecules

Inspired by interlocked oligonucleotides, peptides and knotted proteins, synthetic systems where a macrocycle cages a bioactive species that is "switched on" by breaking the mechanical bond have been reported. However, to date, each example uses a bespoke chemical design. Here we present a platform approach to mechanically caged structures wherein a single macrocycle precursor is diversified at a late stage to include a range of trigger units that control ring opening in response to enzymatic, chemical, or photochemical stimuli. We also demonstrate that our approach is applicable to other classes of macrocycles suitable for rotaxane and catenane formation.

Facial Selectivity in Mechanical Bond Formation: Axially Chiral Enantiomers and Geometric Isomers from a Simple Prochiral Macrocycle

In 1971, Schill recognized that a prochiral macrocycle encircling an oriented axle led to geometric isomerism in rotaxanes. More recently, we identified an overlooked chiral stereogenic unit in rotaxanes that arises when a prochiral macrocycle encircles a prochiral axle. Here, we show that both stereogenic units can be accessed using equivalent strategies, with a single weak stereodifferentiating interaction sufficient for moderate to excellent stereoselectivity. Using this understanding, we demonstrated the first direct enantioselective (70% ee) synthesis of a mechanically axially chiral rotaxane.

The Final Stereogenic Unit of [2]Rotaxanes: Type 2 Geometric Isomers

Mechanical stereochemistry arises when the interlocking of stereochemically trivial covalent subcomponents results in a stereochemically complex object. Although this general concept was identified in 1961, the stereochemical description of these molecules is still under development to the extent that new forms of mechanical stereochemistry are still being identified. Here, we present a simple analysis of rotaxane and catenane stereochemistry that allowed us to identify the final missing simple mechanical stereogenic unit, an overlooked form of rotaxane geometric isomerism, and demonstrate its stereoselective synthesis.

Dual Stimuli-Responsive [2]Rotaxanes with Tunable Vibration-Induced Emission and Switchable Circularly Polarized Luminescence

Aiming at the construction of novel stimuli-responsive fluorescent system with precisely tunable emissions, the typical 9,14-diphenyl-9,14-dihydrodibenzo[a, c]phenazine (DPAC) luminogen with attractive vibration-induced emission (VIE) behavior has been introduced into [2]rotaxane as a stopper. Taking advantage of their unique dual stimuli-responsiveness towards solvent and anion, the resultant [2]rotaxanes reveal both tunable VIE and switchable circularly polarized luminescence (CPL). Attributed to the formation of mechanical bonds, DPAC-functionalized [2]rotaxanes display interesting VIE behaviors including white-light emission upon the addition of viscous solvent, as evaluated in detail by femtosecond transient absorption (TA) spectra. In addition, ascribed to the regulation of chirality information transmission through anion-induced motions of chiral wheel, the resolved chiral [2]rotaxanes reveal unique switchable CPL upon the addition of anion, leading to significant increase in the dissymmetry factors (glum ) values with excellent reversibility. Interestingly, upon doping the chiral [2]rotaxanes in stretchable polymer, the blend films reveal remarkable emission change from white light to light blue with significant 6.5-fold increase in glum values up to -0.035 under external tensile stresses. This work provides not only a new design strategy for developing molecular systems with fluorescent tunability but also a novel platform for the construction of smart chiral luminescent materials for practical use.

Synthesis of Interlocked and Non-Interlocked Deca(para-phenylene) Derivatives by Ni-mediated Biaryl Coupling

Oligo(para-phenylene) (PPn) is a compound composed of directly connected 1,4-phenylene moieties. The synthesis of PPn composed of six or more phenylene moieties with no substituent at the internal phenylene moiety has been challenging because of its low solubility. Herein we synthesized oligo(para-phenylene)[2]rotaxanes, including a deca(para-phenylene)[2]rotaxane, with a defined number of phenylene moieties. Biaryl coupling of iodoarenes mediated by macrocyclic dibenzodihydrophenanthroline-Ni complex was utilized for the first time to synthesize the [2]rotaxanes. Compared to the non-interlocked deca(para-phenylene), the deca(para-phenylene)[2]rotaxane showed higher solubility. The properties of the oligo(para-phenylene)[2]rotaxanes and non-interlocked oligo(para-phenylene)s were analyzed by spectroscopic methods.

Capture of mechanically interlocked molecules by rhodium-mediated terminal alkyne dimerisation

The transition metal-mediated dimerisation of terminal alkynes is an attractive and atom-economic method for preparing conjugated 1,3-enynes. Using a phosphine-based macrocyclic pincer ligand, we demonstrate how this transformation can be extended to the synthesis of novel, hydrocarbon-based interlocked molecules: a rotaxane by 'active' metal template synthesis and a catenane by sequential 'active' and 'passive' metal template procedures.

Iminopyrrole-Based Self-Assembly: A Route to Intrinsically Flexible Molecular Links and Knots

The use of 2,5-diformylpyrrole in self-assembly reactions with diamines and Zn(II)/Cd(II) salts allowed the preparation of [2]catenane, trefoil knot, and Borromean rings. The intrinsically dynamic nature of the diiminopyrrole motif rendered all of the formed assemblies intramolecularly flexible. The presence of diiminopyrrole revealed new coordination motifs and influenced the host-guest chemistry of the systems, as illustrated by hexafluorophosphate encapsulation by Borromean rings.

Construction of Oligorotaxanes with Hydrogen-Bonded Aramide Macrocycles through Threaded Host-Guest Complexation

The development of efficient and selective organic synthetic approaches for complex molecules has garnered significant attention due to the need for precise control over molecular structures and functions. Rotaxanes, a type of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), have shown promising applications in various fields including sensing, catalysis, and material science. However, the highly selective synthesis of oligo[n]rotaxanes (mostly n≥3) through controlling host-guest complexation and supramolecular threading assembly process still remains an ongoing challenge. In particular, the utilization of two-dimensional (2D) macrocycles with structural shape-persistency for the synthesis of oligo[n]rotaxanes is rare. In this concept, research on cooperatively threaded host-guest complexation with hydrogen-bonded (H-bonded) aramide macrocycles and selective synthetic protocols of oligo[n]rotaxanes has been summarized. The high efficiency and selectivity in synthesis are ascribed to the synergistic interplay of multiple non-covalent bonding interactions such as hydrogen bonding and intermolecular π-π stacking of macrocycles within the unique supramolecular structure of threaded host-guest complexes. This review focuses on the latest progress in the concepts, synthesis, and properties of H-bonded aramide macrocycle-based oligorotaxanes, and presents an in-depth outlook on challenges in this emerging field.

Active-metal template clipping synthesis of novel [2]rotaxanes

Mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) have been important synthetic targets in supramolecular chemistry due to their beautiful structures and intriguing properties. We present herein a new synthetic strategy to access [2]rotaxanes, namely active-metal template clipping. We discuss the design of the target [2]rotaxanes, synthesis and characterization of the axle, macrocycle precursors and macrocycles as well as preparation of the final [2]rotaxanes by active template copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) as key step of the synthesis. HRMS and NMR experiments have been performed to confirm the formation of the interlocked structures.

Daisy chain architectures: from discrete molecular entities to polymer materials

Daisy chain architectures, made by the self-complementary threading of an axle covalently linked to a macrocycle, represent a particularly intriguing family of supramolecular and mechanically interlocked (macro)molecules. In this review, we discuss their recent history, their modular chemical structures, and the various synthetic strategies to access them. We also detail how their internal sliding motions can be controlled and how their integration within polymers can amplify that motions up to the macroscopic scale. This overview of the literature demonstrates that the peculiar structure and dynamics of daisy chains have already strongly influenced the research on artificial molecular machines, with the potential to be implemented from nanometric switchable devices to mechanically active soft-matter materials.

Improbable Rotaxanes Constructed From Surrogate Malonate Rotaxanes as Encircled Methylene Synthons

We have developed a new approach for the synthesis of "improbable" rotaxanes by using malonate-centered rotaxanes as interlocked surrogate precursors. Here, the desired dumbbell-shaped structure can be assembled from two different, completely separate, portions, with the only residual structure introduced from the malonate surrogate being a methylene group. We have synthesized improbable [2]- and [3]rotaxanes with all-hydrocarbon dumbbell-shaped components to demonstrate the potential structural flexibility and scope of the guest species that can be interlocked when using this approach.

Cyaphide-Azide 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions: Scope and Applicability

Several examples of the cyaphide-azide 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction to afford metallo-triazaphospholes are reported. The gold(I) triazaphospholes Au(IDipp)(CPN3 R) (IDipp=1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene; R=t Bu, Ad, Dipp), magnesium(II) triazaphospholes, {Mg(Dipp NacNac)(CPN3 R)}2 (Dipp NacNac=CH{C(CH3 )N(Dipp)}2 , Dipp=2,6-diisopropylphenyl; R=t Bu, Bn), and germanium(II) triazaphosphole Ge(Dipp NacNac)-(CPN3 t Bu) can be prepared straightforwardly, under mild conditions and in good yields, in a manner reminiscent of the classic alkyne-azide click reaction (albeit without a catalyst). This reactivity can be extended to compounds with two azide functional groups such as 1,3-diazidobenzene. It is shown that the resulting metallo-triazaphospholes can be used as precursors to carbon-functionalized species, including protio- and iodo-triazaphospholes.

Catenane and Rotaxane Synthesis from Cucurbit[6]uril-Mediated Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition

The chemistry of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) such as catenane and rotaxane is full of new opportunities for the presence of a mechanical bond, and the efficient synthesis of these molecules is therefore of fundamental importance in realizing their unique properties and functions. While many different types of preorganizing interactions and covalent bond formation strategies have been exploited in MIMs synthesis, the use of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) in simultaneously templating macrocycle interlocking and catalyzing the covalent formation of the interlocked components is particularly advantageous in accessing high-order catenanes and rotaxanes. In this review, catenane and rotaxane obtained from CB[6]-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition will be discussed, with special emphasis on the synthetic strategies employed for obtaining complex [n]rotaxanes and [n]catenanes, as well as their properties and functions.

A translationally active ligand based on a [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle with a 2,2'-bipyridyl core

A rigid H-shaped, [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle comprised of an axle containing two benzimidazole recognition sites and a central 2,2'-bipyridyl (bipy) group interlocked with a 24-crown-8 (24C8) wheel was synthesized using a threading followed by stoppering protocol. The central bipy chelating unit was shown to act as a speed bump that raised the barrier to shuttling for the [2]rotaxane. Coordination of a PtCl₂ moiety to the bipy unit in a square planar geometry created an insurmountable steric barrier to shuttling. Addition of one equivalent of NaB(3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃)₄ removed one of the chloride ligands allowing for translation of the crown ether along the axle into the coordination sphere of the Pt(ii) centre but full shuttling of the crown ether could not be activated. In contrast, addition of Zn(ii) ions in a coordinating solvent (DMF) allowed shuttling to occur using a ligand exchange mechanism. DFT calculations showed this likely occurs via coordination of the 24C8 macrocycle to the Zn(ii) centre bound to the bipy chelate. This interplay of the rotaxane axle and wheel components is an example of a translationally active ligand that utilises the large amplitude displacement of a macrocycle along an axle in a molecular shuttle to access ligand coordination modes not possible with conventional ligand designs.

OPA, TPA and ECD spectra of π-conjugated interlocked chiral nanocarbons

This paper presents a theoretical investigation of the optical absorption and molecular chirality of π-conjugated mechanically interlocked nanocarbons, using one photon absorption (OPA) and two photon absorption (TPA) as well as electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Our findings reveal the optical excitation properties of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) and chirality resulting from interlocked mechanical bonds. While OPA spectra are unable to distinguish interlocked molecules from non-interlocked molecules, we demonstrate that TPA and ECD can effectively discriminate between them, and can also differentiate [2]catenanes from [3]catenanes. Thus, we propose new methods to identify interlocked mechanical bonds. Our results provide physical insight into the optical properties and absolute configuration of π-conjugated interlocked chiral nanocarbons.

A catenane that is topologically achiral despite being composed of oriented rings

Catenanes-molecules comprising two interlocking rings held together like links in a chain-are topologically non-trivial: a catenane is a topological isomer of its separated rings, but the rings cannot be disconnected without bond scission. Catenanes can exist as topological enantiomers if both rings have directionality conferred by a defined atom sequence, but this has led to the assumption that the stereochemistry of chiral catenanes composed of oriented rings is inherently topological in nature. Here we show that this assumption is incorrect by synthesizing an example that contains the same fundamental stereogenic unit but whose stereochemistry is Euclidean. One ring in this chiral catenane is oriented by the geometry of an exocyclic double rather than determined by atom sequence within the ring. Isomerization of the exocyclic double bond results in racemization of the catenane, confirming that the stereochemistry is not topological in nature. Thus, we can unite the stereochemistry of catenanes with that of their topologically trivial cousins, the rotaxanes, enabling a more unified approach to their discussion.

Modulation of chiral spectral deflection by van der Waals force-induced molecular electropolarization in catenane oligomers

The striking chiral optical properties of carbon nanostructures are closely related to the precise three-dimensional spatial arrangement (interaction) of carbon atoms. This work investigated the chiral optical properties of three different structures of all-benzene catenane and trefoil knot regulated by van der Waals (vdW) forces using density functional theory (DFT) calculations and wave function analysis. We systematically illustrate how molecular electrical polarization modulates the chiral optical deflection of alkane oligomers under the induction of van der Waals forces. In this work, the UV-vis spectra, transition density matrices (TDM), and electron-hole density diagrams of three molecules have been studied. Combined with a visualization method to represent the effect of molecular polarization on transition electric/magnetic dipole moments (TEDMs\TMDMs), the results show that vdW interactions can induce chirality deflection in polymers. This mechanism provides a clear direction for designing polymers with specific chirality: by modifying the structure, vdW interactions can be generated in specific regions, and then the chirality of the molecule can be precisely regulated. This will help us to establish a strategy for precisely-oriented design of chiral optical materials, and provide guidance for the application and development of optoelectronic materials in specific fields.

Self-Healing of a Copper(I) [2]Rotaxane Shuttle Monitored by Fluorescence

We demonstrate self-healing of the shuttling dynamics of a molecular machine operating by negative feedback. When zinc(II) was added to the copper(I)-loaded [2]rotaxane shuttle [Cu(R)]⁺, copper(I) was replaced, thereby generating the static zinc(II)-loaded [2]rotaxane [Zn(R)]²⁺. Loss of the dynamics was accompanied by a fluorescence enhancement at λ = 364 nm. Notably, the released copper(I) ions catalyzed the formation of a bis-triazole ligand, which selectively captured zinc(II). As a result, the copper(I) was restored in the rotaxane, and the dynamic shuttling motion of [Cu(R)]⁺ was regained. The healing was conveniently followed by diagnostic fluorescence changes.

Stimuli-Responsive Catenane-Based Catalysts

Rotaxanes and molecular knots exhibit particular properties resulting from the presence of a mechanical bond within their structure that maintains the molecular components interlocked in a permanent manner. On the other hand, the disassembly of the interlocked architecture through the breakdown of the mechanical bond can activate properties which are masked in the parent compound. Herein, we present the development of stimuli-responsive CuI -complexed [2]catenanes as OFF/ON catalysts for the copper-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The encapsulation of the CuI ion inside the [2]catenanes inhibits its ability to catalyze the formation of triazoles. In contrast, the controlled opening of the two macrocycles induces the breaking of the mechanical bond, thereby restoring the catalytic activity of the CuI ion for the CuAAC reaction. Such OFF/ON catalysts can be involved in signal amplification processes with various potential applications.

Active template strategy for the preparation of π-conjugated interlocked nanocarbons

Mechanically interlocked carbon nanostructures represent a relatively unexplored frontier in carbon nanoscience due to the difficulty in preparing these unusual topological materials. Here we illustrate an active-template method in which a [n]cycloparaphenylene precursor macrocycle is decorated with two convergent pyridine donors that coordinate to a metal ion. The metal ion catalyses alkyne-alkyne cross-coupling reactions within the central cavity of the macrocycle, and the resultant interlocked products can be converted into fully π-conjugated structures in subsequent synthetic steps. Specifically, we report the synthesis of a family of catenanes that comprise two or three mutually interpenetrating [n]cycloparaphenylene-derived macrocycles of various sizes. Additionally, a fully π-conjugated [3]rotaxane was synthesized by the same method. The development of synthetic methods to access mechanically interlocked carbon nanostructures of varying topology can help elucidate the implications of mechanical bonding for this emerging class of nanomaterials and allow structure-property relationships to be established.