Three-fold aromatic boranes: spherical aromaticity in borane ortho-carboranes as useful trimer nodes for cluster-based architectures

The characterized tris(ortho-carboranyl)borane (BoCb3) structure enables further understanding of building blocks in three-fold architectures as useful nodes for envisaging cluster-based materials, extending the already known linear array. Our results show the formation of shielding cones enabled in adjacent cluster units that overlap in long-range regions by different orientations of the applied field, in contrast to planar aromatic triarylborane counterparts. Thus, three spherical aromatic circuits or states are retained in the resulting molecular unit, as indicated by the isotropic and anisotropic descriptors of the magnetic behavior. In addition, the superacidic Lewis characteristics of BoCb3, in comparison to triarylboranes, are enabled by the increase in the orbital interaction towards adduct formation, highlighting the relevance of the donor-acceptor charge transfer, where the control of steric repulsion may lead to further stabilization, suggesting plausible enhanced Lewis acidic performance. These results enhance the understanding of cluster-based architectures, paving the way for explorative synthesis efforts toward the achievement of novel superacidic Lewis species by using polyhedral standing molecules.

Aromatic Anion Carrier via Self-Assembly with Imidazolium-Fused Aromatic Amphiphiles

The transport of anions across cell membranes is difficult because of the negatively charged outer surfaces of cell membranes. To overcome this limitation, herein, we report a system for transporting aromatic anions across cellular membranes via self-assembly using a synthetic imidazolium-fused aromatic amphiphile. The amphiphile with cationic and aromatic groups in close proximity to each other could interact with anionic pyranine via electrostatic and aromatic interactions to form supramolecular vesicles. Supramolecular vesicles based on the synthetic imidazolium-fused aromatic amphiphile and pyranine complex transport anionic aromatic pyranine across the membranes of live MCF-7 cells without cytotoxicity.

Global and Local Shielding/Deshielding Variation in C60 and C70 Fullerenes Upon Reduction: Evaluation of Aromaticity, 13C-NMR and Anisotropy Patterns

Fullerenes are statically pleasant species featuring symmetric cages, which can be modified upon reduction. Here, we theoretically account for the variation of 13C-NMR patterns in C60 and C70 upon six-fold reduction and the overall variation of the enabled shielding/deshielding regions induced by π and σ electrons according to different orientations of the external field and the related anisotropy. Our results show a significant modification of the chemical shift given by the main variation of the σ33 (or δ33) shielding component under the principal axis system (PAS) of the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) at the representative carbon nucleus. For C60 6- a shielding cone property is enabled from any orientation, accounting for a significant spherical aromatic character. In contrast, in C70 6-, a shielding cone is reserved only for an axial-oriented field, with a deshielding cone behavior obtained from the complementary equatorial orientations. The overall anisotropy shows an inner isotropic region for C60 and C60 6-, with a continuous anisotropic outer contour for the latter. In contrast, C70 and C70 6- both show larger anisotropies, given the lesser spherical shape in addition to the modified π-surface. Such information is useful for further rationalizing the implementation of magnetic anisotropic molecular devices into fullerene-based materials.

Useful synthetic artifacts? The impact of ubiquitous linker-adjacent groups on the self-assembly of discotic dimers

Although discotic dimers commonly feature bulky ether substituents adjacent to the linking group, the impact of these chains on self-assembly remains unclear. A series of dibenzo[a,c]phenazine dimers with alkoxy groups ortho to the linker were prepared and their solution conformational dynamics and liquid crystalline properties examined. The presence of a methoxy substitutent adjacent to the bridging group increased the phase stability, whereas longer chains dramatically decreased clearing temperatures. NMR solution studies indicated that adjacent groups increased the preference of dimers to adopt unfolded conformers. DFT models indicated that the unfolded structures were nonplanar and hence less compatible with columnar ordering, leading to a destabilization of the mesophases.

[Ag(Sn9-Sn9)]5- and [(η4-Sn9)Ag(η1-Sn9)]7-, as aggregates of spherical aromatic building blocks. Persistence of aromaticity upon cluster gathering

Formation of cluster-based materials requires a fundamental understanding of the resulting cluster aggregation processes. The Sn94- Zintl-ion structure can be viewed as a building block featuring a spherical aromatic species, leading to a cluster gathering upon oxidative coupling and/or mediated by transition metals. Here, we evaluate the spherical aromatic properties of [Sn9-Sn9]6-, [Ag(Sn9-Sn9)]5- and [(η4-Sn9)Ag(η1-Sn9)]7-, as aggregates of two Sn9 building units held together via oxidative coupling and mediated by a Ag(I) transition metal center. Our results from magnetic criteria of aromaticity show that the inherent spherical aromatic characteristics of the parent Sn94- cluster are persistent in the overall aggregate where the enabled shielding cones ascribed to each Sn9 unit are able to interplay between them, leading to an overlap of the shielding regions. Hence, the two approaches for bringing cluster units together are able to retain the inherent spherical aromatic features for each Sn9 unit, leading to a cluster-based dimer where the parent properties remain. Thus, further cluster-based materials can be envisaged from aggregation upon oxidative coupling and/or mediated by transition metals, where the constituent building blocks retain their initial features, useful to guide the formation of more complex cluster-based aggregates.

Self-Assembled Tamoxifen-Selective Fluorescent Nanomaterials Driven by Molecular Structural Similarity

Most supramolecular systems were discovered by using a trial-and-error approach, leading to numerous synthetic efforts to obtain optimal supramolecular building blocks for selective guest encapsulation. Here, we report a simple coassembly strategy for preparing tamoxifen-selective supramolecular nanomaterials in an aqueous solution. The synthetic amphiphile molecule, 1,1,2,2-tetraphenylethylene (TPE), promotes large tamoxifen aggregate disassembly into smaller, discrete aggregates such as ribbon-like and micellar assemblies in coassembled solutions, enhancing the solubility and dispersion. The TPE moiety exhibits enhanced emission upon tamoxifen interaction, enabling the observation of the coassembled species in an aqueous solution for cell imaging. The tamoxifen-selective fluorescent micelles in the presence of a 1:1 molar ratio of TPE derivative with tamoxifen show enhanced tamoxifen absorption and anticancer effects against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. These supramolecular approaches, based on the coassembly of building blocks with molecular structural similarity, can provide a novel strategy for the efficient development of selective molecular carriers with enhanced biological activities.

Infinitene as two fused helicoidal trails of fused rings: evaluation of the magnetic behavior of [12]infinitene and anionic species displaying global aromaticity and antiaromaticity

The unique formation of an infinity-shaped carbon backbone made exclusively from fused benzene rings has recently been achieved. The structure of [12]infinitene can be viewed as two fused [6]helicene structures with a central crossover section, depicting a global aromatic behavior along with the overall structure, with deshielding regions along both helicoidal axes. In addition, the ¹³C-NMR characteristics are discussed. The formation of a cumulative region involving the shielding regions from the aromatic rings is depicted along with the overall aesthetically pleasant structural backbone, which is enhanced at the crossover section. For the evaluated dianionic counterpart, the structure shows a deshielding region above the fused-ring trail and a helicoidal shielding region, ascribed to a global antiaromatic counterpart. The aromaticity is recovered and enhanced at the tetranionic state. Thus, the neutral and tetranionic states are able to build up a long-ranged shielding region, given by the global aromatic behavior, with an enhanced shielding region at the center of the crossover section displaying π-π stacked rings.

Switch from local to global aromatic character in Möbius carbon nanobelts upon dioxidation. Evaluation of magnetic behavior in neutral and charged species

Here we show that recent Möbius carbon nanobelts (MCNBs) can be switched from a local to a global aromatic behavior upon dioxidation. Hence, large aromatic structures can be achieved by the choice of the charge states, giving rise to shielding cone characteristics extended within the overall structure at the nanoscale regime, pushing the limit of aromatic circuits to 198 π-electrons.

Semirigid discotic dimers: flexible but not flexible enough?

Two diastereomeric dibenzo[a,c]phenazine 1,2-cyclohexyl bridged diesters were prepared and their phase properties examined. While the trans dimer exhibited a broad columnar liquid crystal phase, the cis dimer was amorphous at all temperatures studied. This difference was attributed to the conformational dynamics of the two systems. NMR and DFT studies indicate that both dimers adopt folded and unfolded conformers in solution. While their folded geometries were similar, the trans dimer adopts an extended, largely planar structure, whereas the cis dimer is limited to non-planar unfolded structures and likely disrupts columnar ordering. Geometric constraints imposed by the cylcic linker were also important for columnar stability, with the trans dimer clearing 40 °C lower than the corresponding acyclic 2R,3R-butyl linked dimer, likely because the cyclohexyl group hinders π-π stacking in the unfolded conformation of the former.

Evaluating the conformational space of the active site of D2 dopamine receptor. Scope and limitations of the standard docking methods

We report here for the first time the potential energy surfaces (PES) of phenyletilamine (PEA) and meta-tyramine (m-OH-PEA) at the D₂ dopamine receptor (D2DR) binding site. PESs not only allow us to observe all the critical points of the surface (minimums, maximums, and transition states), but also to note the ease or difficulty that each local minima have for their conformational inter-conversions and therefore know the conformational flexibility that these ligands have in their active sites. Taking advantage of possessing this valuable information, we analyze how accurate a standard docking study is in these cases. Our results indicate that although we have to be careful in how to carry out this type of study and to consider performing some extra-simulations, docking calculations can be satisfactory. In order to analyze in detail the different molecular interactions that are stabilizing the different ligand-receptor (L-R) complexes, we carried out quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) computations and NMR shielding calculations. Although some of these techniques are a bit tedious and require more computational time, our results demonstrate the importance of performing computational simulations using different types of combined techniques (docking/MD/hybrid QM-MM/QTAIM and NMR shielding calculations) in order to obtain more accurate results. Our results allow us to understand in details the molecular interactions stabilizing and destabilizing the different L-R complexes reported here. Thus, the different activities observed for dopamine (DA), m-OH-PEA, and PEA can be clearly explained at molecular level.

Enabling dual aromaticity in fused nanobelts: evaluation of the magnetic behavior of fused [10]CPP units

Cyclo-para-phenylene (CPP) nanobelt structures with curved π-surfaces are of relevance in the development of desirable building units for materials science.

Stereochemistry, Conformational Dynamics, and the Stability of Liquid Crystal Phases

Although discotic liquid crystal dimers have been widely targeted as organic semiconductors and as LC-glass formers, the role of conformational dynamics on the self-assembly of these flexible mesogens remains poorly understood. In an effort to probe this effect, we investigated the impact of linker stereochemistry on the phase behavior of discotic liquid crystalline dimers. Diastereomeric dibenzo[a,c]phenazine diesters were prepared from (2R,3R)- and meso-2,3-butanediol. While both dimers form columnar phases, the meso-isomer had a clearing temperature (T_c) that was 31 °C higher than that of its chiral diastereomer. Conformational analysis via DFT calculations, ¹H-NMR, and DOSY experiments indicated that both compounds adopt predominantly extended conformations but that the meso-dimer shows a stronger preference to unfold in solution. To probe how conformation alters phase stability, we prepared derivatives in which catechol and hydroquinone act as rigid linkers that lock the dimers in a folded or an extended conformation, respectively. The diester of hydroquinone possessed a T_c that was nearly 100 °C higher than the catechol derivative, consistent with a model where extended conformations stabilize the LC phase. Extended dimers also exhibited higher transition enthalpies at the T_c, an indication that their columnar phases are more ordered than folded structures.

Aromaticity in Phenyl Decorated closo-Monocarboranes. Planar-Spherical Aggregates Involving 7-12-Vertex Cages

The characterized phenyl decorated closo-monocarboranes with variable sizes from 7- to 12-vertex cages, [Ph-closo-CB_nH_n]^-, n = 6-11, allow us to address the role of the varying size and shape of the carborane cage in dual planar-spherical aromatic species. Our results show the formation of adjacent shielding cone characteristics enabled from both planar and spherical aromatic fragments, despite the different structures of the closo-monocarboranes. Under a field perpendicular to the phenyl ring, both shielding cones are enabled, which overlap at long-range regions, in contrast to other orientations leading to a short-range response from the planar aromatic fragment. Thus, a two- or one-aromatic circuit is enabled selectively within the same molecular unit, by controlling the orientation of the external field. Along with the series, a variable extension of the shielding cone from the carborane cage is observed, which is larger for the -CB₁₁H₁₁ case, decreasing toward -CB₆H₆, denoting a similar extension from both the planar and spherical aromatic regions at the [4-Ph-closo-4-CB₈H₈]^- (4) counterpart. The analysis of such multiple aromatic structures shows that, despite the different sizes and shapes of the closo cages, a similar aromatic behavior remains. In addition, the anisotropy of the induced magnetic field is given graphically, denoting a larger anisotropy for the planar aromatic moiety owing to its two-dimensional structure, which is suggested to discriminate between planar and spherical aromatic fragments within the same molecule.

Controlling Singlet Fission with Coordination Chemistry-Induced Assembly of Dipyridyl Pyrrole Bipentacenes

Singlet fission has the potential to surpass current efficiency limits in next-generation photovoltaics and to find use in quantum information science. Despite the demonstration of singlet fission in various materials, there is still a great need for fundamental design principles that allow for tuning of photophysical parameters, including the rate of fission and triplet lifetimes. Here, we describe the synthesis and photophysical characterization of a novel bipentacene dipyridyl pyrrole (HDPP-Pent) and its Li- and K-coordinated derivatives. HDPP-Pent undergoes singlet fission at roughly 50% efficiency (τSF = 730 ps), whereas coordination in the Li complex induces significant structural changes to generate a dimer, resulting in a 7-fold rate increase (τSF = 100 ps) and more efficient singlet fission with virtually no sacrifice in triplet lifetime. We thus illustrate novel design principles to produce favorable singlet fission properties, wherein through-space control can be achieved via coordination chemistry-induced multipentacene assembly.

Unusual Two-Step Assembly of a Minimalistic Dipeptide-Based Functional Hypergelator

Self-assembled peptide hydrogels represent the realization of peptide nanotechnology into biomedical products. There is a continuous quest to identify the simplest building blocks and optimize their critical gelation concentration (CGC). Herein, a minimalistic, de novo dipeptide, Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-Asp, as an hydrogelator with the lowest CGC ever reported, almost fourfold lower as compared to that of a large hexadecapeptide previously described, is reported. The dipeptide self-assembles through an unusual and unprecedented two-step process as elucidated by solid-state NMR and molecular dynamics simulation. The hydrogel is cytocompatible and supports 2D/3D cell growth. Conductive composite gels composed of Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-Asp and a conductive polymer exhibit excellent DNA binding. Fmoc-Lys(Fmoc)-Asp exhibits the lowest CGC and highest mechanical properties when compared to a library of dipeptide analogues, thus validating the uniqueness of the molecular design which confers useful properties for various potential applications.

Shielding cone behavior in the spherical aromatic He@C606-: origin of the record for the most shielded encapsulated 3He nucleus and comparison to He@C706

The textbook concept of shielding cone is one of the characteristic properties for planar aromatic species, which explains the nuclear shielding of neighbor molecules located above and below the molecular plane. Here, we explore its resemblance in spherical aromatic fullerenes, where particularly for C₆₀^6-, it explains the record for the highest shielding observed via ³He-NMR for the endohedral ³He@C₆₀^6- species. Our results compare the behavior for He@C₆₀ and He@C₆₀^6- denoting relevant changes in their magnetic response behavior, where an induced shielding cone was observed for the latter with its long-range shielding character. In contrast to planar aromatics which give rise to a shielding cone property only for a perpendicularly oriented field, it was found that the shielding cone in spherical aromatic fullerenes occurs to any orientation. Thus, the orientation dependence behavior of the shielding cone is accounted, unraveling a characteristic shielding cone pattern in He@C₆₀^6- which further rationalizes its record on the most shielded He nucleus, upon rotation or tumbling from the aromatic ring about the applied field. For the C₇₀ case, the opposite situation has been characterized via ³He-NMR experiments, which is explained in terms of the deshielding/shielding region inside the C₇₀ cage. Graphical abstract.

PIDAZTA: Structurally Constrained Chelators for the Efficient Formation of Stable Gallium-68 Complexes at Physiological pH

Two structurally constrained chelators based on a fused bicyclic scaffold, 4-amino-4-methylperhydro-pyrido[1,2-a][1,4]diazepin-N,N',N'-triacetic acids [(4R*,10aS*)-PIDAZTA (L1) and (4R*,10aR*)-PIDAZTA (L2)], were designed for the preparation of Ga^III -based radiopharmaceuticals. The stereochemistry of the ligand scaffold has a deep impact on the properties of the complexes, with unexpected [Ga(L2)OH] species being superior in terms of both thermodynamic stability and inertness. This peculiar behavior was rationalized on the basis of molecular modeling and appears to be related to a better fit in size of Ga^III into the cavity of L2. Fast and efficient formation of the Ga^III chelates at room temperature was observed at pH values between 7 and 8, which enables ⁶⁸ Ga radiolabeling under truly physiological conditions (pH 7.4).

Planar ten-membered 10-π-electron aromatic (CH)5(XH)5 {X = Ge, Sn} systems

Being monocyclic planar, benzene retains 6π Hückel aromatic backbone. However, for larger analogues, the repulsion between vicinal C-H bonds makes them nonplanar, as for [10]-annulene. Thus, on this basis, a planar 10-π-aromatic C₁₀H₁₀ is unreachable. A detailed structural comparison among the C₃H₃⁺, C₄H₄²⁺, C₅H₅^-, C₆H₆, C₇H₇⁺, C₈H₈²⁺, C₉H₉^-, and C₁₀H₁₀ systems supports that the repulsion between vicinal C-H bonds is the primary reason for the loss of planarity, despite the favorable aromatic electron count. In this respect, here we have discussed ten-membered monocyclic planar 10-π-aromatic, (CH)₅(XH)₅ {X = Si, Ge, Sn} systems, modeled by using DFT. From NBO analysis and the overall magnetic behavior it is shown that (CH)₅(GeH)₅, (CH)₅(SnH)₅ molecules are promising planar 10-π-aromatic system. Thus, such species represent plausible Hückel aromatic rings retaining a ten-membered backbone as discussed here, which may lead to the characterization of novel species expanding the chemistry of larger aromatic rings. We believe that the present study may open new avenues in the formation of 10-π-aromatic species. Graphical abstract Molecular modeling in quest of a planar 10-membered 10-π-electron aromatic system.

Local and global aromaticity in a molecular carbon nanobelt: insights from magnetic response properties in neutral and charged species

The generation of local and global aromaticity in nanobelt structures can be modified according to different charge states.

C50Cl10, a planar aromatic fullerene. Computational study of 13C-NMR chemical shift anisotropy patterns and aromatic properties

The structural characterization of D_5h-C₅₀Cl₁₀ as an IPR-violating fullerene provides an interesting case of an oblate structure displaying a planar-aromatic character provided by the face-to-face disposition of two IPR structural motifs, as unraveled by DFT calculations.

Long-range magnetic response of toroidal boron structures: B16 and [Co@B16]-/3- species

A correlation between the long-range characteristics of the magnetic response of toroidal boron-based structures is given, involving the uncoordinated B₁₆ cluster and the hypercoordinated [Co@B₁₆]^-/3- counterparts. It is found that the perfectly symmetrical doubly aromatic systems share common features, involving a continuous shielding region for the orientation-averaged response (isotropic), and a long-ranged shielding cone under a perpendicularly oriented applied field (B). In contrast, the conflicting aromatic structure given by the slightly distorted species, exhibits an enhanced deshielding cone under B, which dominates the isotropic character of the response. In addition, [Mn@B₁₆]^- and [Cu@B₁₆]^- clusters were evaluated, denoting the role of the coordinated metal atom in such property. This information is valuable to account for a global magnetic response driven by the bonding pattern acting in each respective compound, and for the possible characterization of intermolecular aggregates or extended structures via NMR experiments.

Aromatic and antiaromatic spherical structures: use of long-range magnetic behavior as an aromatic indicator for bare icosahedral [Al@Al12]− and [Si12]2− clusters

Long-range magnetic behavior unravels aromatic/antiaromatic character equally in hollow or endohedral clusters.

The shielding cone in spherical aromatic structures: insights from models for spherical 2(N + 1)2 aromatic fullerenes

The shielding cone in spherical aromatic fullerenes is of long-range character and permits multiple orientations.

The Relationship between NMR Chemical Shifts of Thermally Polarized and Hyperpolarized 89 Y Complexes and Their Solution Structures

Recently developed dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) technology offers the potential of increasing the NMR sensitivity of even rare nuclei for biological imaging applications. Hyperpolarized ⁸⁹ Y is an ideal candidate because of its narrow NMR linewidth, favorable spin quantum number (I=1/2 ), and long longitudinal relaxation times (T₁ ). Strong NMR signals were detected in hyperpolarized ⁸⁹ Y samples of a variety of yttrium complexes. A dataset of ⁸⁹ Y NMR data composed of 23 complexes with polyaminocarboxylate ligands was obtained using hyperpolarized ⁸⁹ Y measurements or ¹ H,⁸⁹ Y-HMQC spectroscopy. These data were used to derive an empirical equation that describes the correlation between the ⁸⁹ Y chemical shift and the chemical structure of the complexes. This empirical correlation serves as a guide for the design of ⁸⁹ Y sensors. Relativistic (DKH2) DFT calculations were found to predict the experimental ⁸⁹ Y chemical shifts to a rather good accuracy.

Hydrophilic pore-blocked metal–organic frameworks: a simple route to a highly selective CH4/N2 separation

Using the difference in the inclusion of CH₄ and N₂ gases in the hydrophilic pore-blocked Cu₃BTC₂, a highly selective CH₄/N₂ separation was achieved.

Solution-phase dimerization of an oblong shape-persistent macrocycle

A new shape-persistent macrocycle comprising two 2,3-triphenylene moieties bridged by m-phenylene ethynylenes has been synthesized. UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies indicate limited interaction between the two triphenylene units. The compound, which has a pronounced oblong shape (the core measures approximately 2.2 × 1.0 nm), aggregates in CDCl3 and toluene-d8 to give stacked dimers, as indicated by the (1)H NMR signals corresponding to protons on or near the core, which shift upfield with increasing concentration. These changes in NMR shielding were modeled using DFT calculations on candidate dimer geometries. The best match to the experimental data was obtained for a dimer consisting of arene-arene stacking by 3.6 Å (on average) with a displacement along the molecular long axis of 3.5-4.0 Å. This displacement is larger than can be explained by the electronic effects of aromatic stacking interactions. Instead, the minimization of steric interactions between the side chains appears to control the dimer geometry, with the alkoxy groups of one molecule sliding into registry with the gaps along the periphery of the other. Such lateral displacement (as opposed to rotation) is a direct consequence of the extended oval shape of the compound.

Folded discotic dimers

We report the synthesis and properties of a dibenzophenazine discotic dimer, which was found to adopt a folded conformation in solution. This stable π-stacked structure persists at elevated temperatures and in all solvents examined. Folding allows the dimer to assemble into a columnar liquid crystal phase, despite its short linking group.