Direct Through-Space Substituent-π Interactions in Noncovalent Arene-Fullerene Assemblies

The arene-arene interactions between electron-rich and deficient aromatics have been less understood. Herein, we focus on a [60]fullerene π-surface as an electron-deficient aromatics. Using a 1H signal of H2O@C60 as a magnetic probe, the presence of benzene-fullerene interactions was confirmed. To investigate substituent effects on the noncovalent arene-fullerene interactions, NMR titration experiments were carried out using an open-[60]fullerene and a series of substituted benzenes, i. e., PhX (X=NO2, CN, Cl, OMe, H, CH3, and NH2), demonstrating a 1 : 2 stoichiometry with a positive correlation between stabilization energies upon the first association (ΔG1) and Hammet constants (σm). The destabilization of the self-assembled structure for X=OMe with a σ-withdrawing nature clearly showed direct through-space substituent-π interactions describable by the Wheeler-Houk model while the second association was suggested to be considerably perturbed by the secondary effects.

Commercializable Naphthalene Diimide Anolytes for Neutral Aqueous Organic Redox Flow Batteries

Neutral aqueous organic redox flow batteries (AORFBs) hold the potential to facilitate the transition of renewable energy sources from auxiliary to primary energy, the commercial production of anolyte materials still suffers from insufficient performance of high-concentration and the high cost of the preparation problem. To overcome these challenges, this study provides a hydrothermal synthesis methodology and introduces the charged functional groups into hydrophobic naphthalene diimide cores, and prepares a series of high-performance naphthalene diimide anolytes. Under the synergistic effect of π-π stacking and H-bonding networks, the naphthalene diimide exhibits excellent structural stability and the highest water solubility (1.85 M for dex-NDI) reported to date. By employing the hydrothermal method, low-cost naphthalene diimides are successfully synthesized on a hundred-gram scale of $0.16 g-1 ($2.43 Ah-1), which is also the lowest price reported to date. The constructed full battery achieves a high electron concentration of 2.4 M, a high capacity of 54.4 Ah L-1, and a power density of 318 mW cm-2 with no significant capacity decay observed during long-duration cycling. These findings provide crucial support for the commercialization of AORFBs and pave the way for revolutionary developments in neutral AORFBs.

Aqua-bis-(2,2'-bi-pyridine-κ2N,N')(isonicotinamide-κN)ruthenium(II) bis-(trifluoromethanesulfonate)

In the title complex, [Ru(C10H8N2)2(C6H6N2O)(H2O)](CF3SO3)2, the central RuII atom is sixfold coordinated by two bidentate 2,2'-bi-pyridine, an isonic-otinamide ligand, and a water mol-ecule in a distorted octa-hedral environment with tri-fluoro-methane-sulfonate ions completing the outer coordination sphere of the complex. Hydrogen bonding involving the water mol-ecule and weak π-π stacking inter-actions between the pyridyl rings in adjacent mol-ecules contribute to the alignment of the complexes in columns parallel to the c axis.

New copper carboxyl-ate pyrene dimers: synthesis, crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and electrochemical characterization

Two new copper dimers, namely, bis-(dimethyl sulfoxide)-tetra-kis-(μ-pyrene-1-carboxyl-ato)dicopper(Cu-Cu), [Cu2(C17H9O2)4(C2H6OS)2] or [Cu2(pyr-COO-)4(DMSO)2] (1), and bis-(di-methyl-formamide)-tetra-kis-(μ-pyrene-1-carboxyl-ato)dicopper(Cu-Cu), [Cu2(C17H9O2)4(C3H7NO)2] or [Cu2(pyr-COO-)4(DMF)2] (2) (pyr = pyrene), were synthesized from the reaction of pyrene-1-carb-oxy-lic acid, copper(II) nitrate and tri-ethyl-amine from solvents DMSO and DMF, respectively. While 1 crystallized in the space group P , the crystal structure of 2 is in space group P21/n. The Cu atoms have octa-hedral geometries, with four oxygen atoms from carboxyl-ate pyrene ligands occupying the equatorial positions, a solvent mol-ecule coordinating at one of the axial positions, and a Cu⋯Cu contact in the opposite position. The packing in the crystal structures exhibits π-π stacking inter-actions and short contacts through the solvent mol-ecules. The Hirshfeld surfaces and two-dimensional fingerprint plots were generated for both compounds to better understand the inter-molecular inter-actions and the contribution of heteroatoms from the solvent ligands to the crystal packing. In addition, a Cu2+/Cu1+ quasi-reversible redox process was identified for compound 2 using cyclic voltammetry that accounts for a diffusion-controlled electron-donation process to the Cu dimer.

Integrated Structural, Functional, and ADMET Analysis of 2-Methoxy-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitrile: The Convergence of X-ray Diffraction, Molecular Docking, Dynamic Simulations, and Advanced Computational Insights

This study systematically investigates the molecular structure and electronic properties of 2-methoxy-4,6-diphenylnicotinonitrile, employing X-ray diffraction (XRD) and sophisticated computational methodologies. XRD findings validate the compound's orthorhombic crystallization in the P21212 space group, composed of a pyridine core flanked by two phenyl rings. Utilizing the three-dimensional Hirshfeld surface, the research decodes the molecule's spatial attributes, further supported by exhaustive statistical assessments. Key interactions, such as π-π stacking and H⋯X contacts, are spotlighted, underscoring their role in the crystal's inherent stability and characteristics. Energy framework computations and density functional theory (DFT) analyses elucidate the prevailing forces in the crystal and reveal geometric optimization facets and molecular reactivity descriptors. Emphasis is given to the exploration of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), aromaticity, and π-π stacking capacities. The research culminates in distinguishing electron density distributions, aromatic nuances, and potential reactivity hotspots, providing a holistic view of the compound's structural and electronic landscape. Concurrently, molecular docking investigates its interaction with the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 protein. Notably, the compound showcases significant interactions with the protein's active site. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the compound's influence on protein stability and flexibility. Although the molecule exhibits strong inhibitory potential against Lp-PLA2, its drug development prospects face challenges related to solubility and interactions with drug transport proteins.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 8-aza-niumylquinolinium tetra-chlorido-zincate(II)

The reaction of 8-amino-quinoline, zinc chloride and hydro-chloric acid in ethanol yielded the title salt, (C9H10N2)[ZnCl4], which consists of a planar 8-aza-n-ium-yl-quinolinium dication and a tetra-hedral tetra-chloro-zincate dianion. The 8-amino-quinoline moiety is protonated at both the amino and the ring N atoms. In the crystal, the cations and anions are connected by inter-molecular N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to (001). Adjacent sheets are linked through π-π inter-actions involving the pyridine and arene rings of the 8-aza-niumylquinolinium dication. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H⋯Cl (48.1%), H⋯H (19.9%), H⋯C/C⋯H (14.3%) (involving the cations) and H⋯Cl (82.6%) (involving the anions) interactions.

1,8-Dihydroxy Naphthalene-A New Building Block for the Self-Assembly with Boronic Acids and 4,4'-Bipyridine to Stable Host-Guest Complexes with Aromatic Hydrocarbons

The new Lewis acid-base adducts of general formula X(nad)B←NC₅H₄-C₅H₄N→B(nad)X [nad = 1,8-O₂C₁₀H_6, X = C₆H₅ (2c), 3,4,5-F₃-C₆H₂ (2d)] were synthesized in high yields via reactions of 1,8-dihydroxy naphthalene [nadH₂] and 4,4'-bipyridine with the aryl boronic acids C₆H₅B(OH)₂ and 3,4,5-F₃-C₆H₂B(OH)₂, respectively, and structurally characterized by multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy and SCXRD. Self-assembled H-shaped Lewis acid-base adduct 2d proved to be effective in forming thermally stable host-guest complexes, 2d × solvent, with aromatic hydrocarbon solvents such as benzene, toluene, mesitylene, aniline, and m-, p-, and o-xylene. Crystallographic analysis of these solvent adducts revealed host-guest interactions to primarily occur via π···π contacts between the 4,4'-bipyridyl linker and the aromatic solvents, resulting in the formation of 1:1 and 1:2 host-guest complexes. Thermogravimetric analysis of the isolated complexes 2d × solvent revealed their high thermal stability with peak temperatures associated with the loss of solvent ranging from 122 to 147 °C. 2d, when self-assembled in an equimolar mixture of m-, p-, and o-xylene (1:1:1), preferentially binds to o-xylene. Collectively, these results demonstrate the ability of 1,8-dihydroxy naphthalene to serve as an effective building block in the selective self-assembly to supramolecular aggregates through dative covalent N→B bonds.

Long-circulating gambogic acid-loaded nanodiamond composite nanosystem with inhibition of cell migration for tumor therapy

Herein, ultra dispersed and stably suspended nanodiamonds (NDs) were demonstrated to have a high load capacity, sustained release, and ability to serve as a biocompatible vehicle for delivery anticancer drugs. NDs with size of 50-100 nm exhibited good biocompatibility in normal human liver (L-02) cells. In particular, 50 nm ND not only promoted the noticeable proliferation of the L-02 cells but also can effectively inhibited the migration of human liver carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The gambogic acid-loaded nanodiamond (ND/GA) complex assembled by π-π stacking exhibits ultrasensitive and apparent suppression efficiency on the proliferation of HepG2 cells through high internalization and less efflux compared to free GA. More importantly, the ND/GA system can significantly increase the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in HepG2 cells and thus induce the cell apoptosis. The increase in intracellular ROS levels causes damage to the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and activates cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (Caspase-3) and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 9 (Caspase-9), which leads to the occurrence of apoptosis. In vivo experiments also confirmed that the ND/GA complex has a much higher anti-tumor capability than free GA. Thus, the current ND/GA system is promising for cancer therapy.

Supramolecular interactions in salts/cocrystals involving pyrimidine derivatives of sulfonate/carboxylic acid

The crystal structures of three compounds involving aminopyrimidine derivatives are reported, namely, 5-fluorocytosinium sulfanilate-5-fluorocytosine-4-azaniumylbenzene-1-sulfonate (1/1/1), C₄H₅FN₃O⁺·C₆H₆NO₃S^-·C₄H₄FN₃O·C₆H₇NO₃S, I, 5-fluorocytosine-indole-3-propionic acid (1/1), C₄H₄FN₃O·C₁₁H₁₁NO₂, II, and 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidinium 3-nitrobenzoate, C₄H₈N₅⁺·C₇H₄NO₄^-, III, which have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In I, there are two 5-fluorocytosine (5FC) molecules (5FC-A and 5FC-B) in the asymmetric unit, with one of the protons disordered between them. 5FC-A and 5FC-B are linked by triple hydrogen bonds, generating two fused rings [two R₂²(8) ring motifs]. The 5FC-A molecules form a self-complementary base pair [R₂²(8) ring motif] via a pair of N-H...O hydrogen bonds and the 5FC-B molecules form a similar complementary base pair [R₂²(8) ring motif]. The combination of these two types of pairing generates a supramolecular ribbon. The 5FC molecules are further hydrogen bonded to the sulfanilate anions and sulfanilic acid molecules via N-H...O hydrogen bonds, generating R₄⁴(22) and R⁶₆(36) ring motifs. In cocrystal II, two types of base pairs (homosynthons) are observed via a pair of N-H...O/N-H...N hydrogen bonds, generating R₂²(8) ring motifs. The first type of base pair is formed by the interaction of an N-H group and the carbonyl O atom of 5FC molecules through a couple of N-H...O hydrogen bonds. Another type of base pair is formed via the amino group and a pyrimidine ring N atom of the 5FC molecules through a pair of N-H...N hydrogen bonds. The base pairs (via N-H...N hydrogen bonds) are further bridged by the carboxyl OH group of indole-3-propionic acid and the O atom of 5FC through O-H...O hydrogen bonds on either side of the R₂²(8) motif. This leads to a DDAA array. In salt III, one of the N atoms of the pyrimidine ring is protonated and interacts with the carboxylate group of the anion through N-H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to the primary ring motif R₂²(8). Furthermore, the 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidinium (TAP) cations form base pairs [R₂²(8) homosynthon] via N-H...N hydrogen bonds. A carboxylate O atom of the 3-nitrobenzoate anion bridges two of the amino groups on either side of the paired TAP cations to form another ring [R₃²(8)]. This leads to the generation of a quadruple DADA array. The crystal structures are further stabilized by π-π stacking (I and III), C-H...π (I and II), C-F...π (I) and C-O...π (II) interactions.

Synthesis, crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of di-μ2-iodido-bis-[(2,2'-bi-quinoline-κ2 N,N')copper(I)]

The mol-ecular and crystal structures of the title compound, [Cu₂I₂(C₁₈H₁₂N₂)₂], were examined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirshfeld surface analysis. The Cu atom is coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry by two N atoms from the 2,2'-bi-quinoline ligands and the two μ₂-bridging iodide ligands. The mol-ecules are in contact via π-π-stacking inter-actions. Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the most important contributions to the inter-molecular inter-actions are H⋯H (39.7%), H⋯I/I⋯H (17.8%), C⋯H/H⋯C (17.5%), C⋯C (16.5%), N⋯C/C⋯N (3.9%) and N⋯H/H⋯N (3.5%).

The Influence of the Halide in the Crystal Structures of 1-(2,3,5,6-Tetrafluoro-4-pyridyl)-3-benzylimidazolium Halides

The crystal structures of 1-(2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-4-pyridyl)-3-benzylimidazolium chloride (1) and iodide (3) have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of 1 is similar to that of the bromide salt (2), possessing anion···C5F5N···C6H5 motifs, whilst that of 3 contains columns of alternating iodide anions and parallel tetrafluoropyridyl rings. All three crystal structures possess C(1)−H∙∙∙X− and C(2)−H∙∙∙X− hydrogen bonding. DFT calculations reveal that the strengths of the hydrogen bonding interactions lie in the order C(1)−H···X− > C(3)−H···X− > C(2)−H···X− for the same halide (X−) and Cl− > Br− > I− for each position. It is suggested that salt 3 adopts a different structure to salts 1 and 2 because of the larger size of iodide.

Fabrication of Multilayered Two-Dimensional Micelles and Fibers by Controlled Self-Assembly of Rod-Coil Block Copolymers

Fabricating hierarchical nanomaterials by self-assembly of rod-coil block copolymers attracts great interest. However, the key factors that affect the formation of the hierarchical nanomaterials have not been thoroughly researched. Herein, we have synthesized two diblock copolymers composed of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). Through a heating, cooling, and aging process, a series of multilayered hierarchical micelles and fibers were prepared in alcoholic solutions. The transition from fibers to hierarchical micelles are strictly influenced by the strength of the π-π stacking interaction, the PEG chain length, and solvent. In isopropanol, the P3HT₂₂-b-PEG₄₃ could self-assemble into hierarchical micelles composed of several two-dimensional (2D) laminar layers, driven by the π-π stacking interaction and van der Waals force. The P3HT₂₂-b-PEG₄₃ could not self-assemble into well-defined nanostructures in methanol and ethanol, but could self-assemble into fibers in isobutanol. However, the P3HT₂₂-b-PEG₁₁₃ with a longer corona block only self-assembled into fibers in four alcoholic solutions, due to the increase in dissolving capacity and steric hindrance. The sizes and the size distributions of the nanostructures both increased with the increase in polymer concentration and the decrease in solvent polarity. This study shows a method to fabricate the hierarchical micelles.

Dissecting the Supramolecular Dispersion of Fullerenes by Proteins/Peptides: Amino Acid Ranking and Driving Forces for Binding to C60

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to quantitatively investigate the interactions between the twenty proteinogenic amino acids and C₆₀. The conserved amino acid backbone gave a constant energetic interaction ~5.4 kcal mol⁻¹, while the contribution to the binding due to the amino acid side chains was found to be up to ~5 kcal mol⁻¹ for tryptophan but lower, to a point where it was slightly destabilizing, for glutamic acid. The effects of the interplay between van der Waals, hydrophobic, and polar solvation interactions on the various aspects of the binding of the amino acids, which were grouped as aromatic, charged, polar and hydrophobic, are discussed. Although π–π interactions were dominant, surfactant-like and hydrophobic effects were also observed. In the molecular dynamics simulations, the interacting residues displayed a tendency to visit configurations (i.e., regions of the Ramachandran plot) that were absent when C₆₀ was not present. The amino acid backbone assumed a “tepee-like” geometrical structure to maximize interactions with the fullerene cage. Well-defined conformations of the most interactive amino acids (Trp, Arg, Met) side chains were identified upon C₆₀ binding.

Development of Mitomycin C-Loaded Nanoparticles Prepared Using the Micellar Assembly Driven by the Combined Effect of Hydrogen Bonding and π-π Stacking and Its Therapeutic Application in Bladder Cancer

Micelle is mainly used for drug delivery and is prepared from amphiphilic block copolymers. It can be formed into an obvious core-shell structure that can incorporate liposoluble drugs. However, micelles are not suitable for the encapsulation of water-soluble drugs, and it is also difficult to maintain stability in the systemic circulation. To solve these problems, a type of polymer material, Fmoc-Lys-PEG and Fmoc-Lys-PEG-RGD, was designed and synthesized. These copolymers could self-assemble into micelles driven by π-π stacking and the hydrophobic interaction of 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbony (Fmoc) and, at the same time, form a framework for a hydrogen-bonding environment in the core. Mitomycin C (MMC), as a water-soluble drug, can be encapsulated into micelles by hydrogen-bonding interactions. The interaction force between MMC and the polymers was analyzed by molecular docking simulation and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). It was concluded that the optimal binding conformation can be obtained, and that the main force between the MMC and polymers is hydrogen bonding. Different types of MMC nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared and the physicochemical properties of them were systematically evaluated. The pharmacodynamics of the MMC NPs in vitro and in vivo were also studied. The results show that MMC NPs had a high uptake efficiency, could promote cell apoptosis, and had a strong inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. More importantly, the as-prepared NPs could effectively induce tumor cell apoptosis and inhibit tumor growth and metastasis in vivo.

Square-Planar Heteroleptic Complexes of α-Diimine-NiII-Catecholate Type: Intramolecular Ligand-to-Ligand Charge Transfer

Two heteroleptic NiII complexes combined the redox-active catecholate and 2,2'- bipyridine ligand platforms were synthesized to observe a photoinduced intramolecular ligand-to-ligand charge transfer (LL'CT, HOMOcatecholate → LUMOα-diimine). A molecular design of compound [NiII(3,6-Cat)(bipy)]∙CH3CN (1) on the base of bulky 3,6-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone (3,6-DTBQ) was an annelation of the ligand with an electron donor glycol fragment, producing derivative [NiII(3,6-Catgly)(bipy)]∙CH2Cl2 (2), in order to influence the energy of LL'CT transition. A substantial longwave shift of the absorption peak was observed in the UV-Vis-NIR spectra of 2 compared with those in 1. In addition, the studied NiII derivatives demonstrated a pronounced negative solvatochromism, which was established using a broad set of solvents. The molecular geometry of both compounds can be ascribed as an insignificantly distorted square-planar type, and the π-π intermolecular stacking of the neighboring α-diimines is realized in a crystal packing. There is a lamellar crystal structure for complex 1, whereas the perpendicular T-motifs with the inter-stacks attractive π-π interactions form the packing of complex 2. The redox-active nature of ligand systems was clearly shown through the electrochemical study: a quasi-reversible one-electron reduction of 2,2'-bipyridine and two reversible successive one-electron oxidative conversations ("catecholate dianion-o-benzosemiquinonato radical anion-neutral o-benzoquinone") were detected.

Structural study and Hirshfeld surface analysis of (Z)-4-(2-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-3-phenyl-isoxazol-5(4H)-one

The title compound, C17H13NO3, adopts a Z configuration about the C=C bond. The isoxazole and meth-oxy-benzyl-idene rings are almost coplanar with a dihedral angle of 9.63 (7)° between them. In contrast, the phenyl substituent is twisted significantly out of the plane of the oxazole ring, with the two rings inclined to each other by 46.22 (4)°. The crystal structure features C-H⋯O, C-H⋯N and C-H⋯π hydrogen bonds and π-π contacts. An analysis of the Hirshfeld surfaces points to the importance of H⋯H, H⋯C/C⋯H and H⋯O/O⋯H contacts. The included surface areas of the title compound were compared to those of the isomeric structure (Z)-4-(4-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-3-phenyl-isoxazol-5(4H)-one [Zhang et al. (2015 ▸). CrystEngComm, 17, 7316-7322].

Synthesis and comparative structural study of 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-perimidine and its mono- and di-N-methyl-ated analogues

The title compounds, 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-perimidine (C16H11N3; 1), 1-methyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-perimidine (C17H13N3; 2), and 1,3-dimethyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-perimidinium iodide (C18H16N3 +·I-; 3) were synthesized under mild conditions and their structures were determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray analysis. The N-methyl-ation of the nitro-gen atom(s) at the perimidine moiety results in a significant increase of the inter-plane angle between the pyridin-2-yl ring and the perimidine system. The unsubstituted perimidine (1) forms a weak intra-molecular N-H⋯N bond that consolidates the mol-ecular conformation. In the crystal structures of 1-3, the mol-ecular entities all are assembled through π-π and C-H⋯π inter-actions.

Underappreciated Chemical Interactions in Protein-Ligand Complexes

Non-covalent interactions lie at the bases of the molecular recognition process. In medicinal chemistry, understanding how bioactive molecules interact with their target can help to explain structure-activity relationships (SAR) and improve potency of lead compounds. In particular, computational analysis of protein-ligand complexes can help to unravel key interactions and guide structure-based drug design.The literature describing protein-ligand complexes is typically focused on few types of non-covalent interactions (e.g., hydrophobic contacts, hydrogen bonds, and salt bridges). Stacking interactions involving aromatic rings are also relatively well known to medicinal chemistry practitioners. Potency optimization efforts are often focused on targeting these interactions. However, a variety of underappreciated interactions were shown to have a relevant effect on the stabilization of protein-ligand complexes. This chapter aims at listing selected non-covalent interactions and discuss some examples on how they can impact drug design.

Control over π-π stacking of heteroheptacene-based nonfullerene acceptors for 16% efficiency polymer solar cells

Nonfullerene acceptors are being investigated for use in polymer solar cells (PSCs), with their advantages of extending the absorption range, reducing the energy loss and therefore enhancing the power conversion efficiency (PCE). However, to further boost the PCE, mobilities of these nonfullerene acceptors should be improved. For nonfullerene acceptors, the π-π stacking distance between cofacially stacked molecules significantly affects their mobility. Here, we demonstrate a strategy to increase the mobility of heteroheptacene-based nonfullerene acceptors by reducing their π-π stacking distances via control over the bulkiness of lateral side chains. Incorporation of 2-butyloctyl substituents into the nonfullerene acceptor (M36) leads to an increased mobility with a reduced π-π stacking distance of 3.45 Å. Consequently, M36 affords an enhanced PCE of 16%, which is the highest among all acceptor-donor-acceptor-type nonfullerene acceptors to date. This strategy of control over the bulkiness of side chains on nonfullerene acceptors should aid the development of more efficient PSCs.

Exploring the Interfacial Phase and π-π Stacking in Aligned Carbon Nanotube/Polyimide Nanocomposites

To characterize the interfacial microstructure and interaction at a nanoscale has a significant meaning for the interface improvement of the nanocomposites. In this study, the interfacial microstructure and features of aligned multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWNT) and conjugated polymer polyimide (PI) with three molecular structures were investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD), and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. It was found that aligned MWNT/PI nanocomposites had a nonideal two-phase system with the interfaces belonging to long period stacking ordered structure. Attributed to the π-π stacking effect, MWNT/BTDA-MPD presented the most regular arrangement verified by fractal dimension. By adopting a one-dimension correlation function, each phase dimension in aligned MWNT/PI nanocomposites was calculated and verified by high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The π-π stacking was demonstrated to be an important interaction between MWNT and PI via WAXD and fluorescence emission spectroscopy, and it was influenced by the linkage bond between benzene rings in PIs. This work is of significance to reveal the interfacial features between conjugated polymer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which is favorable for the interface design of CNT-based high performance nanocomposites.

Evaluation of the Covalent Functionalization of Carbon Nano-Onions with Pyrene Moieties for Supercapacitor Applications

Herein, we report the surface functionalization of carbon nano-onions (CNOs) through an amidation reaction that occurs between the oxidized CNOs and 4-(pyren-4-yl)butanehydrazide. Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy methods were used to confirm the covalent functionalization. The percentage or number of groups in the outer shell was estimated with thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, the potential applications of the functionalized CNOs as electrode materials in supercapacitors were evaluated by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Functionalization increased the specific capacitance by approximately 138% in comparison to that of the pristine CNOs, while acid-mediated oxidation reduced the specific capacitance of the nanomaterial by 24%.

Crystal structure of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium-based hybrid salt (C13H12N3)2[MnCl4]

A new organic-inorganic hybrid salt [L]2[MnCl4] (I) where L + is the 2-methyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium cation, is built of discrete organic cations and tetra-chlorido-manganate(II) anions. The L + cation was formed in situ in the oxidative cyclo-condensation of 2-pyridine-carbaldehyde and CH3NH2·HCl in methanol. The structure was refined as a two-component twin using PLATON (Spek, 2020 ▸) to de-twin the data. The twin law (-1 0 0 0 - 1 0 0.5 0 1) was applied in the refinement where the twin component fraction refined to 0.155 (1). The compound crystallizes in the space group P21/c with two crystallographically non-equivalent cations in the asymmetric unit, which possess similar structural conformations. The fused pyridinium and imidazolium rings of the cations are virtually coplanar [dihedral angles are 0.89 (18) and 0.78 (17)°]; the pendant pyridyl rings are twisted by 36.83 (14) and 36.14 (13)° with respect to the planes of the remaining atoms of the cations. The tetra-hedral MnCl4 2- anion is slightly distorted with the Mn-Cl distances falling in the range 2.3469 (10)-2.3941 (9) Å. The distortion value of 0.044 relative to the ideal tetra-hedron was obtained by continuous shape measurement (CShM) analysis. In the crystal, the cations and anions form separate stacks propagating along the a-axis direction. The organic cations display weak π-π stacking. The anions, which are stacked identically one above the other, demonstrate loose packing; the minimum Mn⋯Mn separation in the cation stack is approximately 7.49 Å. The investigation of the fluorescent properties of a powdered sample of (I) showed no emission. X-band EPR data for (I) at 293 and 77 K revealed broad fine structure signals, indicating moderate zero-field splitting.

Magnetic Template Anion Polyacrylamide-Polydopamine-Fe3O4 Combined with Ultraviolet/H2O2 for the Rapid Enrichment and Degradation of Diclofenac Sodium from Aqueous Environment

In this study, a novel system was set up by preparing a magnetic flocculant combining with ultraviolet/H₂O₂ to realize the rapid enrichment and degradation of diclofenac sodium (DCFS). For the magnetic flocculant, template anion polyacrylamide (TAPAM) with anion micro-block structure was prepared. Thereafter, polydopamine was used to modify TAPAM, Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was grafted to the modified TAPAM by chelation, named template anion polyacrylamide-polydopamine-Fe₃O₄ (TAPAM-PDA-Fe₃O₄). Furthermore, the TAPAM-PDA-Fe₃O₄ preparation protocol was optimized by the response surface method (RSM). In the DCFS enrichment section, the rapid separation of flocs from water was realized by an external magnetic field and it indicated that the π–π stacking effect was dominant in neutral/alkaline condition, whereas charge neutralization was favored in acidic conditions. Meanwhile, a DCFS enrichment kinetic curve was much fitted by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and DCFS enrichment isothermal curve was close to the Freundlich isothermal model, indicating the dependence of DCFS quantity enriched by TAPAM-PDA-Fe₃O₄ and a multilayer heterogeneous enrichment process. The degradation experiment confirmed that DCFS was effectively degraded by ultraviolet/H₂O₂/TAPAM-PDA-Fe₃O₄ and the maximum value of DCFS degradation efficiency reached 98.1%. Furthermore, the regeneration experiment showed that the enrichment and degradation efficiency of DCFS could maintain a relatively high level in the initial three recycles.

Ultrasound-induced radicals initiated the formation of inorganic-organic Pr2O3/polystyrene hybrid composite for electro-oxidative determination of chemotherapeutic drug methotrexate

To dates, the facile synthesis of inorganic-coated organic polymer composite has received greater attention in the order of research fields including advanced materials and electrochemical analysis owing to the complementary or synergistic effects. In this context, Pr₂O₃ and Pr₂O₃ coated polystyrene (Pr₂O₃/PS) inorganic-organic colloidal composite were prepared via ultrasound-induced radicals initiated precipitation and dispersion polymerization methods. The synthesized Pr₂O₃/PS composite was systematically studied by FE-SEM, TEM, EDX, FT-IR, XRD, and XPS analysis. This composite modified glassy carbon electrode (Pr₂O₃/PS GCE) was utilized to construct a novel electrochemical sensor for the detection assay of chemotherapy agent methotrexate (MTA). Under optimal condition, the designed sensor showed outstanding performance for MTA trace level detection over the linear concentration range of 0.01-236 µM with a detection limit of 0.8 nM for MTA. Furthermore, the prepared sensor accomplished excellent stability and relevant reproducibility, in addition to reliable practical assay in real human blood serum and urine samples. Besides, the possible MTA sensing mechanism of Pr₂O₃/PS GCE has been deliberated in detail. Our finding suggested that the developed Pr₂O₃/PS composite might be a favorable material for the fabrication of the high-performance electrochemical sensor.

Crystal structures of an imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium-based ligand and its (C13H12N3)2[CdI4] hybrid salt

An organic–inorganic hybrid salt with two [L]₂[CdI₄] mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit related by pseudosymmetry exhibits a layered structure. In the mixed chloride/nitrate salt, the one-dimensional hydrogen-bonding polymer built of anions and water mol­ecules runs parallel to a column of stacked L⁺ cations.

The monocation product of the oxidative condensation–cyclization between two mol­ecules of pyridine-2-carbaldehyde and one mol­ecule of CH₃NH₂·HCl in methanol, 2-methyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinium, was isolated in the presence of metal ions as bis­[2-methyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-ium] tetra­iodo­cadmate, (C₁₃H₁₂N₃)₂[CdI₄], (I), and the mixed chloride/nitrate salt, bis­[2-methyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-2-ium] 1.5-chlor­ide 0.5-nitrate trihydrate, 2C₁₃H₁₂N₃⁺·1.5Cl⁻·0.5NO₃⁻·3H₂O, (II). Hybrid salt (I) crystallizes in the space group P2₁/n with two [L]₂[CdI₄] mol­ecules in the asymmetric unit related by pseudosymmetry. In the crystal of (I), layers of organic cations and of tetra­halometallate anions are stacked parallel to the ab plane. Anti­parallel L⁺ cations disposed in a herring-bone pattern form π-bonded chains through aromatic stacking. In the inorganic layer, adjacent tetra­hedral CdI₄ units have no connectivity but demonstrate close packing of iodide anions. In the crystal lattice of (II), the cations are arranged in stacks propagating along the a axis; the one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded polymer built of chloride ions and water mol­ecules runs parallel to a column of stacked cations.

Functionalized acupuncture needle as a SERS-active platform for rapid and sensitive determination of adenosine triphosphate

The development of sensitive and rapid methods for analysis and detection of small molecules is highly desirable for medical diagnostics and therapeutics. We report an acupuncture needle functionalized with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and a macrocyclic amine (MA) Raman tag as the platform to realize the sensitive detection of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The assembled Au NPs with abundant hot spots on the surface of the needle avoids the aggregation of Au NPs and results in a good signal response. Moreover, there is strong combination between ATP and MA through electrostatic adsorption, hydrogen-bonding interactions, and π-π stacking, and as a consequence, this functionalized needle can be used as a SERS platform for detection of ATP (25 nM) through a decrease of the Raman signal of MA resulting from the high chemical affinity of ATP for MA. Specially, the Au NP/MA-functionalized needle is conveniently used to monitor ATP (100 nM) added to serum, and demonstrates great promise in the study and detection of ATP in a complex sample, laying the foundation for SERS applications in complex acupuncture specimens with fast response and simple operation. Graphical abstract.

An unsymmetrical dinuclear scandium complex comprising salophen ligands [H2salophen = N,N'-bis-(salicyl-idene)-1,2-phenyl-enedi-amine]

Scandium nitrate tetra­hydrate reacts with H₂salophen [N,N′-bis­(salicyl­idene)-1,2-phenyl­enedi­amine] in ethanol to give the unsymmetrical dinuclear complex Sc(NO₃)₂(μ-salophen)Sc(salophen)(EtOH).

Treatment of scandium nitrate tetra­hydrate with the tetra­dentate ligand H₂salophen [N,N′-bis­(salicyl­idene)-1,2-phenyl­enedi­amine] afforded the yellow dinuclear complex Sc(NO₃)₂(μ-salophen)Sc(salophen)(EtOH) or [Sc₂(C₂₀H₁₄N₂O₂)₂(NO₃)₂(C₂H₆O)] (systematic name: (ethanol-κO)bis­(nitrato-κ²O,O′){μ-2,2′-[1,2-phenyl­enebis(nitrilo­methanylyl­idene)]diphenolato-κ⁴N,N′,O,O′:κ²O,O′}{2,2′-[1,2-phenyl­enebis(nitrilo­methanylyl­idene)]diphenolato-κ⁴O,N,N′,O′}discandium). In this compound, one salophen ligand displays a bridging coordination via the two oxygen atoms, while the other salophen ligand is attached to only one Sc center. This arrangement is stabilized by a hydrogen-bonded EtOH co-ligand, and by π–π stacking inter­actions between the two salophen ligands.

The π-π stacking-guided supramolecular self-assembly of nanomedicine for effective delivery of antineoplastic therapies

In traditional nano drug-delivery systems, the complex chemical bonds between drug and carrier often complicate the preparation process and are less prone to rupture upon entry into the target, which is detrimental to the timely release of the drug. The π-π stacking provides us with a promising alternative as it is a weak interaction between the aromatic rings. Since most antitumor drugs are hydrophobic molecules with complex aromatic π-π-conjugated structures, the construction of self-assembly based on π-π stacking between drugs and carriers has the advantage of improving the stability and drug loading capacity as well as the improvement of hydrophilicity and biosafety. This article introduces the recent advances in π-π stacking-guided nano self-assembly for antineoplastic delivery.

Mesomorphic Behavior in Silver(I) N-(4-Pyridyl) Benzamide with Aromatic π⁻π Stacking Counterions

Organic semiconductor materials composed of π–π stacking aromatic compounds have been under intense investigation for their potential uses in flexible electronics and other advanced technologies. Herein we report a new family of seven π–π stacking compounds of silver(I) bis-N-(4-pyridyl) benzamide with varying counterions, namely [Ag(NPBA)2]X, where NPBA is N-(4-pyridyl) benzamine, X = NO₃⁻ (1), ClO₄⁻ (2), CF₃SO₃⁻ (3), PF₆⁻ (4), BF₄⁻ (5), CH₃PhSO₃⁻ (6), and PhSO₃⁻ (7), which form extended π−π stacking networks in one-dimensional (1D), 2D and 3D directions in the crystalline solid-state via the phenyl moiety, with average inter-ring distances of 3.823 Å. Interestingly, the counterions that contain π–π stacking-capable groups, such as in 6 and 7, can induce the formation of mesomorphic phases at 130 °C in dimethylformamide (DMF), and can generate highly branched networks at the mesoscale. Atomic force microscopy studies showed that 2D interconnected fibers form right after nucleation, and they extend from ~30 nm in diameter grow to reach the micron scale, which suggests that it may be possible to stop the process in order to obtain nanofibers. Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed no remarkable thermal behavior in the complexes in the solid state, which suggests that the mesomorphic phases originate from the mechanisms that occur in the DMF solution at high temperatures. An all-electron level simulation of the band gaps using NRLMOL (Naval Research Laboratory Molecular Research Library) on the crystals gave 3.25 eV for (1), 3.68 eV for (2), 1.48 eV for (3), 5.08 eV for (4), 1.53 eV for (5), and 3.55 eV for (6). Mesomorphic behavior in materials containing π–π stacking aromatic interactions that also exhibit low-band gap properties may pave the way to a new generation of highly branched organic semiconductors.

Hexa-aqua-zinc(II) dinitrate bis-[5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetra-zol-1-ide]

Hexa-aqua-zinc(II) dinitrate 5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetra-zol-1-ide, [Zn(H2O)6](NO3)2·2C6H5N5, crystallizes in the space group P . The asymmetric unit contains one zwitterionic 5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetra-zol-1-ide mol-ecule, one NO3- anion and one half of a [Zn(H2O)6]2+ cation ( symmetry). The pyridinium and tetra-zolide rings in the zwitterion are nearly coplanar, with a dihedral angle of 5.4 (2)°. Several O-H⋯N and N-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions exist between the [Zn(H2O)6]2+ cation and the N atoms of the tetra-zolide ring, and between the nitrate anions and the N-H groups of the pyridinium ring, respectively, giving rise to a three-dimensional network. The 5-(pyridinium-3-yl)tetra-zol-1-ide mol-ecules show parallel-displaced π-π stacking inter-actions; the centroid-centroid distance between adjacent tetra-zolide rings is 3.6298 (6) Å and that between the pyridinium and tetra-zolide rings is 3.6120 (5) Å.

Crystal structures of dimethyl 5-iodo-iso-phthal-ate and dimethyl 5-ethynyl-iso-phthal-ate

In dimethyl 5-iodo-isophthalate, C10H9IO4, (I), the planes through the methyl carboxyl-ate moieties are tilted with respect to the benzene ring, whereas the mol-ecular framework of dimethyl 5-ethynylisophthalate, C12H10O4, (II), is perfectly planar. The crystal structure of (I) is stabilized by a three-dimensional supra-molecular network comprising C-H⋯O=C hydrogen bonds, as well as I⋯O=C inter-actions. In the crystal of (II), the mol-ecules are connected via C-Hethyn-yl⋯O=C hydrogen bonds to infinite strands. Moreover, π-π arene stacking inter-actions connect the mol-ecular chains into two-dimensional supra-molecular aggregates.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of ethane-1,2-diaminium 3-[2-(1,3-dioxo-1,3-di-phenyl-propan-2-yl-idene)hydrazin-yl]-5-nitro-2-oxido-benzene-sulfonate dihydrate

In the anion of the title hydrated salt, C2H10N22+·C21H13N3O8S2-·2H2O, the planes of the phenyl rings and the benzene ring of the 5-nitro-2-oxido-benzene-sulfonate group are inclined to one another by 44.42 (11), 56.87 (11) and 77.70 (12)°. In the crystal, the anions are linked to the cations and the water mol-ecules by N-H⋯O and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. Furthermore, there are face-to-face π-π stacking inter-actions between the centroids of one phenyl ring and the benzene ring of the 5-nitro-2-oxido-benzene-sulfonate group [centroid-centroid distance = 3.8382 (13) Å and slippage = 1.841 Å]. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was conducted to verify the contributions of the different inter-molecular inter-actions.

Crystal structures of two isotypic lanthanide(III) complexes: tri-aqua-[2,6-di-acetyl-pyridine bis-(benzoyl-hydrazone)]methano-llanthanide(III) trichloride methanol disolvates (LnIII = Tb and Dy)

The title lanthanide complexes, [Ln(DAPBH2)(CH3OH)(H2O)3]Cl3·2CH3OH [LnIII = Tb and Dy; DAPBH2 = 2,6-di-acetyl-pyridine bis-(benzoyl-hydrazone), C23H21N5O2], are isotypic. The central lanthanide ions are nine-coordinate, being ligated by three N and two O atoms from the penta-dentate DAPBH2 ligand, and four O atoms from the coordinated methanol mol-ecule and three coordinated water mol-ecules. The coordination geometry of the lanthanide ion is a distorted capped square anti-prism. In the crystals, the various components are linked by O-H⋯Cl, N-H⋯Cl and O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming three-dimensional supra-molecular frameworks. Within the frameworks, there are C-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and offset π-π inter-actions (inter-centroid distance ca 3.81 Å).

Crystal structure of 3-[2-(1,3-thia-zol-2-yl)diazen-1-yl]pyridine-2,6-di-amine monohydrate

In the title hydrated azo compound, C8H8N6S·H2O, the two aromatic groups are close to coplanar with the dihedral angle between the mean planes of the thia-zole and pyridine rings being 2.9 (2)°. The organic mol-ecule adopts an E configuration with respect to the double bond of the azo bridge. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by (amine)N-H⋯N(pyridine), (amine)N-H⋯O(water) and (water)O-H⋯N(thia-zole) hydrogen bonds along with π-π inter-actions involving pairs of thia-zole rings and pairs of pyridine rings. The plane-to-plane distance between two parallel mol-ecules is 3.7856 (4) Å and corresponds to the length of the a axis. In this way, a layer structure parallel to (010) is formed. The layers are linked by weak C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, eventually resulting in a three-dimensional network.

Crystal structures of 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexa-methyl-5,6,11,12,17,18-hexa-aza-tri-naphthyl-ene and 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexa-phenyl-5,6,11,12,17,18-hexa-za-tri-naphthyl-ene di-chloro-methane disolvate

The crystal structures of two substituted HATN (hexa-aza-tri-naphthyl-ene) derivatives, namely 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexa-methyl- and 2,3,8,9,14,15-hexa-phenyl-5,6,11,12,17,18- hexa-zatri-naphthyl-ene (HATNMe6 and HATNPh6), are reported. Whereas the structure of the methyl-substituted derivative (HATNMe6) contains no solvent mol-ecules (C30H24N6), the hexa-phenyl-substituted structure (HATNPh6) contains two mol-ecules of di-chloro-methane (C60H36N6·2CH2Cl2). This class of planar bridging ligands is known for its electron-deficient systems and its ability to form π-π stacking inter-actions. Indeed, in both crystal structures strong π-π stacking inter-actions are observed, but with different packing features. The di-chloro-methane mol-ecules in the crystal structure of HATNPh6 are situated in the voids and are involved in C-H⋯N contacts to the nitro-gen atoms of the pyrazine units.

Four closely related N-(3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)benzamides: order versus disorder, and similar molecular conformations but different modes of supramolecular aggregation, with a new disordered refinement of 2-amino-3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene

Four closely related N-(3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)benzamides, bearing different substituents on the benzamide ring, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In each of N-(3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-3-fluorobenzamide, C₂₂H₁₈FNO₂S, (I), N-(3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-4-chlorobenzamide, C₂₂H₁₈ClNO₂S, (II), N-(3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2,6-difluorobenzamide, C₂₂H₁₇F₂NO₂S, (III), and N-(3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)-2-methoxybenzamide, C₂₃H₂₁NO₃S, (IV), the last of which crystallizes with Z' = 2 in the space group P-1, the fused six-membered ring adopts a half-chair conformation. In each of (I)-(III), this ring is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.811 (6) and 0.189 (6) in (I), 0.645 (7) and 0.355 (7) in (II), and 0.784 (6) and 0.216 (6) in (III), such that the two disorder components of the ring are almost enantiomeric. Molecules of (I) are linked into chains by π-π stacking interactions, and those of (II) are linked into chains by a C-H...π hydrogen bond. A combination of two C-H...O hydrogen bonds and two C-H...π hydrogen bonds links the molecules of (III) into complex sheets, but the molecules of (IV) are linked by a combination of two hydrogen bonds, one each of the C-H...O and C-H...π types, to form centrosymmetric tetramers. The structures of (I)-(IV) are compared with that of the unsubstituted analogue N-(3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen-2-yl)benzamide and a new refinement of the parent amine 2-amino-3-benzoyl-4,5,6,7-tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene, using the original data set, has found that here too the fused six-membered ring exhibits conformational disorder, with occupancies of 0.887 (9) and 0.113 (9). Comparisons are made with some related compounds.

Crystal structures of 1-hy-droxy-4-prop-yloxy-9,10-anthra-quinone and its acetyl derivative

1-Hy-droxy-4-prop-yloxy-9,10-anthra-quinone, C17H14O4, (I), and its acetyl derivative, 4-acet-yloxy-4-prop-yloxy-9,10-anthra-quinone, C19H16O5, (II), were synthesized from the commercially available dye quinizarin. In both compounds, the anthra-quinone frameworks are close to planarity. There is a large difference in the conformation of the prop-yloxy group; the mol-ecule of (I) adopts a gauche conformation [O-C-C-C = -64.4 (2)°], although the mol-ecule of (II) takes a trans-planar conformation (zigzag) [O-C-C-C = 176.1 (3)°]. In the mol-ecule of (I), there is an intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond. In both crystals, the mol-ecules are linked by C-H ⋯O hydrogen bonds. A difference in the mol-ecular arrangements of (I) and (II) is found along the stacking directions.

Complexes of nickel(II) and copper(II) with 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid and of cobalt(III) with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylic acid

Because of their versatile coordination modes and strong coordination ability for metals, triazole ligands can provide a wide range of possibilities for the construction of metal-organic frameworks. Three transition-metal complexes, namely bis(μ-1,2,4-triazol-4-ide-3-carboxylato)-κ³N²,O:N¹;κ³N¹:N²,O-bis[triamminenickel(II)] tetrahydrate, [Ni₂(C₃HN₃O₂)₂(NH₃)₆]·4H₂O, (I), catena-poly[[[diamminediaquacopper(II)]-μ-1,2,4-triazol-4-ide-3-carboxylato-κ³N¹:N⁴,O-[diamminecopper(II)]-μ-1,2,4-triazol-4-ide-3-carboxylato-κ³N⁴,O:N¹] dihydrate], {[Cu₂(C₃HN₃O₂)₂(NH₃)₄(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n, (II), (μ-5-amino-1,2,4-triazol-1-ide-3-carboxylato-κ²N¹:N²)di-μ-hydroxido-κ⁴O:O-bis[triamminecobalt(III)] nitrate hydroxide trihydrate, [Co₂(C₃H₂N₄O₂)(OH)₂(NH₃)₆](NO₃)(OH)·3H₂O, (III), with different structural forms have been prepared by the reaction of transition metal salts, i.e. NiCl₂, CuCl₂ and Co(NO₃)₂, with 1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxylic acid or 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole-5-carboxylic acid hemihydrate in aqueous ammonia at room temperature. Compound (I) is a dinuclear complex. Extensive O-H...O, O-H...N and N-H...O hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions between the centroids of the triazole rings contribute to the formation of the three-dimensional supramolecular structure. Compound (II) exhibits a one-dimensional chain structure, with O-H...O hydrogen bonds and weak O-H...N, N-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds linking anions and lattice water molecules into the three-dimensional supramolecular structure. Compared with compound (I), compound (III) is a structurally different dinuclear complex. Extensive N-H...O, N-H...N, O-H...N and O-H...O hydrogen bonding occurs in the structure, leading to the formation of the three-dimensional supramolecular structure.

Synthesis and structures of photoactive rhenium carbonyl complexes derived from 2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole, 2-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole and 1,10-phenanthroline

Carbon monoxide (CO) has recently been identified as a gaseous signaling molecule that exerts various salutary effects in mammalian pathophysiology. Photoactive metal carbonyl complexes (photoCORMs) are ideal exogenous candidates for more controllable and site-specific CO delivery compared to gaseous CO. Along this line, our group has been engaged for the past few years in developing group-7-based photoCORMs towards the efficient eradication of various malignant cells. Moreover, several such complexes can be tracked within cancerous cells by virtue of their luminescence. The inherent luminecscent nature of some photoCORMs and the change in emission wavelength upon CO release also provide a covenient means to track the entry of the prodrug and, in some cases, both the entry and CO release from the prodrug. In continuation of the research circumscribing the development of trackable photoCORMs and also to graft such molecules covalently to conventional delivery vehicles, we report herein the synthesis and structures of three rhenium carbonyl complexes, namely, fac-tricarbonyl[2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole-κ²N,N'](4-vinylpyridine-κN)rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₂H₈N₂S)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), (1), fac-tricarbonyl[2-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole-κ²N,N'](4-vinylpyridine-κN)rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₆H₁₀N₂S)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), (2), and fac-tricarbonyl[1,10-phenanthroline-κ²N,N'](4-vinylpyridine-κN)rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C₇H₇N)(C₁₂H₈N₂)(CO)₃](CF₃SO₃), (3). In all three complexes, the Re^I center resides in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. These complexes exhibit CO release upon exposure to low-power UV light. The apparent CO release rates of the complexes have been measured to assess their comparative CO-donating capacity. The three complexes are highly luminescent and this in turn provides a convenient way to track the entry of the prodrug molecules within biological targets.

Crystal structures of the dioxane hemisolvates of N-(7-bromo-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)acetamide and bis-[N-(7-di-bromo-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)acetamide]

The syntheses and crystal structures of N-(7-bromo-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)acetamide dioxane hemisolvate, C11H10BrN3O·0.5C4H8O2, (I), and bis-[N-(7-di-bromo-methyl-1,8-naphthyridin-2-yl)acetamide] dioxane hemisolvate, 2C11H9Br2N3O·0.5C4H8O2, (II), are described. The mol-ecules adopt a conformation with the N-H hydrogen pointing towards the lone electron pair of the adjacent naphthyridine N atom. The crystals of (I) are stabilized by a three-dimensional supra-molecular network comprising N-H⋯N, C-H⋯N and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, as well as C-Br⋯π halogen bonds. The crystals of compound (II) are stabilized by a three-dimensional supra-molecular network comprising N-H⋯N, C-H⋯N and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, as well as C-H⋯π contacts and C-Br⋯π halogen bonds. The structure of the substituent attached in the 7-position of the naphthyridine skeleton has a fundamental influence on the pattern of inter-molecular noncovalent bonding. While the Br atom of (I) participates in weak C-Br⋯Oguest and C-Br⋯π contacts, the Br atoms of compound (II) are involved in host-host inter-actions via C-Br⋯O=C, C-Br⋯N and C-Br⋯π bonding.

Tris(N-{bis-[meth-yl(phen-yl)amino]-phosphor-yl}benzene-sulfonamidato-κ2O,O')(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N')lanthanum(III)

The asymmetric unit of [La(C20H21N3O3PS)3(C12H8N2)] is created by one LaIII ion, three deprotonated N-{bis-[meth-yl(phen-yl)amino]-phosphor-yl}benzene-sulfonamidate (L-) ligands and one 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) mol-ecule. Each LaIII ion is eight-coordinated (6O+2N) by three phosphoryl O atoms, three sulfonyl O atoms of three L- ligands and two N atoms of the chelating Phen ligand, leading to the formation of six- and five-membered metallacycles, respectively. The lanthanum coordination polyhedron has a bicapped trigonal-prismatic geometry. 'Sandwich-like' intra-molecular π-π stacking inter-actions are observed between the 1,10-phenanthroline ligand and two benzene rings of two different L- ligands. The phenyl rings of L- that are not involved in the stacking inter-actions show minor positional disorder. Mol-ecules form layers parallel to the (010) plane due to weak C-H⋯O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds. Unidentified highly disordered solvate mol-ecules that occupy ca 400 Å3 large voids have been omitted from the refinement model.

Crystal structure of a heterometallic coordination polymer: poly[di-aqua-bis-(μ7-benzene-1,3,5-tri-carboxyl-ato)dicalcium(II)copper(II)]

The CaO₆ polyhedron and CuO₄ quadrilateral are connected by the benzene-1,3,5-tri­carboxyl­ate anions to give a three-dimensional polymeric complex.

In the title complex, [Ca₂Cu(C₉H₃O₆)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, the Ca^II and Cu^II cations are bridged by the benzene-1,3,5-tri­carboxyl­ate anions (BTC³⁻) to form the coordination polymer, in which each BTC³⁻ anion bridges two Cu^II and five Ca^II cations with a μ₇ coordination mode. The Cu^II cation, located at an inversion centre, is in a nearly square-planar geometry defined by four O atoms from four bridging BTC³⁻ anions, while the Ca^II cation is in a distorted octa­hedral geometry defined by five O atoms from bridging BTC³⁻ anions and one water mol­ecule. O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between coordinating water mol­ecules and carboxyl groups further stabilize the structure; π–π stacking is also observed between parallel benzene rings, the centroid-to-centroid distance being 3.357 (2) Å.

Synthesis, crystal structure and study of the crystal packing in the complex bis(4-aminopyridine-κN1)dichloridocobalt(II)

Despite the large number of reported crystalline structures of coordination complexes bearing pyridines as ligands, the relevance of π-π interactions among these hereroaromatic systems in the stabilization of their supramolecular structures and properties is not very well documented in the recent literature. The title compound, [CoCl₂(C₅H₆N₂)₂], was obtained as bright-blue crystals suitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis from the reaction of 4-aminopyridine with cobalt(II) chloride in ethanol. The new complex was fully characterized by a variety of spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure showed a tetrahedral complex stabilized mainly by bidimensional motifs constructed by π-π interactions with large horizontal displacements between the 4-aminopyridine units, and N-H...Cl hydrogen bonds. Other short contacts, such as C-H...Cl interactions, complete the three-dimensional arrangement. The supramolecular investigation was extended by statistical studies using the Cambridge Structural Database and a Hirshfeld surface analysis.

Crystal structure of 5-benzyl-8-bromo-2-meth-yl-1,3-oxazolo[4,5-c][1,8]naphthyridin-4(5H)-one

The title compound, C17H12BrN3O2, was unexpectedly isolated during an attempt to synthesize pyridodiazepinediones and identified as an oxazolonaphthyridinone derivative. The almost planar oxazolonaphthyridinone ring (r.m.s. deviation = 0.016 Å) makes a dihedral angle of 61.6 (2)° with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, columns of mol-ecules stacked along the a axis are formed by π-π inter-actions between the six-membered rings of the oxazolonaphthyridone moieties [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.494 (2)-3.906 (3) Å], which further inter-act through C-H⋯π contacts with the phenyl rings.

Crystal structure of di-bromo-meth-oxy-seselin (DBMS), a photobiologically active pyran-ocoumarin

The title compound, C15H14Br2O4 [systematic name: rac-(9S,10R)-3,9-dibromo-10-methoxy-8,8-dimethyl-9,10-dihydropyrano[2,3-h]chromen-2(8H)-one], is a pyran-ocoumarin derivative formed by the bromination of seselin, which is a naturally occurring angular pyran-ocoumarin isolated from the Indian herb Trachyspermum stictocarpum. In the mol-ecule, the benzo-pyran ring system is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.044 (2) Å for the O atom. The di-hydro-pyran ring is in a half-chair conformation and the four essentially planar atoms of this ring form a dihedral angle of 4.6 (2)° with the benzo-pyran ring system. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [010]. In addition, π-π stacking inter-actions, with centroid-centroid distances of 3.902 (2) and 3.908 (2) Å, link the hydrogen-bonded chains into layers parallel to (001).

Crystal structure of bis-(1,10-phenanthroline-κ2N,N')(1,3-thia-zole-2-thiol-ato-κ2S2,N)nickel(II) hexa-fluorido-phosphate 1,4-dioxane sesquisolvate

2-Mercapto­thia­zolate is generally used as a monodentate and bridging ligand. We report here the crystal structure of a new type of nickel(II) complex in which the 2-mercapto­thia­zolate ligand acts as a chelating and non-bridging ligand.

The title salt, [Ni(C₃H₂NS₂)(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]PF₆·1.5C₄H₈O₂, was the unexpected product on making an attempt to prepare an [Ni(2-mercapto­thia­zol­ate)(1,10-phenanthroline)]⁺ complex by reaction of [NiCl₂(1,10-phen­an­throline)] with 2-mercapto­thia­zolate. In the resulting complex, the 2-mercapto­thia­zolate anion acts as a chelating ligand, which coordinates to the Ni^II ion with the thia­zolyl N and thiol­ate S atoms. In the crystal, π–π stacking inter­actions between the coordinating 1,10-phenanthroline mol­ecules of adjacent complexes result in a zigzag chain running parallel to the c axis. Weak C—H⋯X (X = O, F) hydrogen-bonding inter­actions between the chains and 1,4-dioxane solvent mol­ecules and PF₆⁻ counter-anions lead to the formation of sheets parallel to the ac plane.

Crystal structure of (2,2'-bi-pyridine-κ2N,N')bis-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzo-quinonato-κ2O,O')ruthenium(II)

In the title mononuclear complex, [Ru(C₁₄H₂₀O₂)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)], the Ru^II ion has a distorted octa-hedral coordination environment defined by two N atoms of the chelating 2,2'-bi-pyridine ligand and four O atoms from two 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzo-quinone ligands. In the crystal, the complex mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking inter-actions between the 2,2'-bi-pyridine ligands [centroid-centroid distance = 3.538 (3) Å], resulting in a layer structure extending parallel to the ab plane.

Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of ethyl 2-{[4-ethyl-5-(quinolin-8-yloxymeth-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]sulfan-yl}acetate

In the title compound, C18H20N4O3S, the 1,2,4-triazole ring is twisted with respect to the mean plane of quinoline moiety at 65.24 (4)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H⋯O and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds, forming the three-dimensional supra-molecular packing. π-π stacking between the quinoline ring systems of neighbouring mol-ecules is also observed, the centroid-to-centroid distance being 3.6169 (6) Å. Hirshfeld surface (HS) analyses were performed.

Crystal structure of bis-(μ-N-hy-droxy-picolin-amid-ato)bis-[bis-(N-hy-droxy-picolinamide)-sodium]

The title compound, [Na2(C6H5N2O2)2(C6H6N2O2)4], is a centrosymmetric coordination dimer based on the sodium(I) salt of N-hy-droxy-picolinamide. The mol-ecule has an {Na2O6(μ-O)2} core with two bridging carbonyl O atoms and two hydroxamate O atoms of two mono-deprotonated residues of N-hy-droxy-picolinamide, while two neutral N-hy-droxy-picolinamide mol-ecules are coordinated in a monodentate manner to each sodium ion via the carbonyl O atoms [the Na-O distances range from 2.3044 (2) to 2.3716 (2) Å]. The penta-coordinated sodium ion exhibits a distorted trigonal-pyramidal coordination polyhedron. In the crystal, the coordination dimers are linked into chains along the c axis via N-H⋯O and N-H⋯N hydrogen bonds; the chains are linked into a two-dimensional framework parallel to (100) via weak C-H⋯O and π-π stacking inter-actions.

Channels with ordered water and bipyridine mol-ecules in the porous coordination polymer {[Cu(SiF6)(C10H8N2)2]·2C10N2H8·5H2O} n

The structure of a [Cu(SiF₆)(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂]_n coordination polymer with ordered 4,4′-bi­pyridine and water mol­ecule channels is described.

The coordination polymer {[Cu(SiF₆)(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂]·2C₁₀H₈N₂·5H₂O}_n, systematic name: poly[[bis­(μ₂-4,4′-bi­pyridine)(μ₂-hexa­fluorido­silicato)copper(II)] 4,4′-bi­pyridine disolvate penta­hydrate], contains pores which are filled with water and 4,4′-bi­pyridine mol­ecules. As a result of the presence of these ordered species, the framework changes its symmetry from P4/mmm to P2₁/c. The 4,4′-bi­pyridine guest mol­ecules form chains inside the 6.5 × 6.9 Å pores parallel to [100] in which the mol­ecules inter­act through π–π stacking. Ordered water mol­ecules form infinite hydrogen-bonded chains inside a second pore system (1.6 × 5.3 Å free aperture) perpendicular to the 4,4′-bi­pyridine channels.