Ultrafast Removal of Thorium and Uranium from Radioactive Waste and Groundwater Using Highly Efficient and Radiation-Resistant Functionalized Triptycene-Based Porous Organic Polymers

Thorium (Th) and uranium (U) are important strategic resources in nuclear energy-based heavy industries such as energy and defense sectors that also generate significant radioactive waste in the process. The management of nuclear waste is therefore of paramount importance. Contamination of groundwater/surface water by Th/U is increasing at an alarming rate in certain geographical locations. This necessitates the development of strategic adsorbent materials with improved performance for capturing Th/U species from radioactive waste and groundwater. This report describes the design of a unique, robust, and radiation-resistant porous organic polymer (POP: TP-POP-SO3NH4), which demonstrates ultrafast removal of Th(IV) (<30 s)/U(VI) (<60 s) species present in simulated radioactive wastewater/groundwater samples. Thermal, chemical, and radiation stabilities of these POPs were studied in detail. The synthesized ammoniated POP revealed exceptional capture efficiency for trace-level Th (<4 ppb) and U (<3 ppb) metal ions through the cation-exchange mechanism. TP-POP-SO3NH4 shows a significant sorption capacity [Th (787 mg/g) and U (854 mg/g)] with an exceptionally high distribution coefficient (Kd) of 107 mL/g for Th. This work also demonstrates a facile protocol to convert a nonperforming POP, by simple chemical modifications, into a superfast adsorbent for efficient uptake/removal of U/Th.

Highly Luminescent Chiral Carbon Nanohoops via Symmetry Breaking with a Triptycene Unit: Bright Circularly Polarized Luminescence and Size-Dependent Properties

Chiral carbon nanohoops with both high fluorescence quantum yield and large luminescence dissymmetry factor are essential to the development of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) materials. Herein, the rational design and synthesis of a series of highly fluorescent chiral carbon nanohoops TP-[8-13]CPPs via symmetry breaking with a chiral triptycene motif is reported. Theoretical calculations revealed that breaking the symmetry of nanohoops causes a unique size-dependent localization in the highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) and the lowest unoccupied molecular obtitals (LUMOs) as the increasing of sizes, which is sharply different from those of [n]cycloparaphenylenes. Photophysical investigations demonstrated that TP-[n]CPPs display size-dependent emissions with high fluorescence quantum yields up to 92.9% for TP-[13]CPP, which is the highest value among the reported chiral conjugated carbon nanohoops. The high fluorescence quantum yields are presumably attributed to both the unique acyclic, and radial conjugations and high radiative transition rates, which are further supported by theoretical investigations. Chiroptical studies revealed that chiral TP-[n]CPPs exhibit bright CPL with CPL brightness up to 100.5 M-1 cm-1 for TP-[11]CPP due to the high fluorescence quantum yield. Importantly, the investigations revealed the intrigued size-dependent properties of TP-[n]CPPs with regards to (chir)optical properties, which follow a nice linear relationship versus 1/n. Such a nice linear relationship is not observed in other reported conjugated nanohoops including CPPs.

Structure-Property Relationships for Potential Inversion From Electron Acceptors Based on Thiophene-Fused Triptycene Quinones, 1,4-Diketones and Their Malononitrile Adducts

The synthesis and properties of a series of 11,11,12,12-tetracyano-9,10-anthraquinodimethane (TCAQ) inspired electron acceptors based on thiophene-fused quinone and triptycene motifs is presented. This has yielded insights into structure-property relationships for establishing and modulating simultaneous two-electron reduction processes in TCAQ analogues. These new compounds were synthesised using a Friedel-Crafts acylation between triptycene and thiophene-3,4-dicarbonyl chloride. Isomeric para-quinones featuring a [c]-fused thiophene on one side and a β,β- or α,β-fused triptycene on the other were isolated alongside a thiophene-3,4-diketone which bears two triptycene fragments. Knoevenagel condensation of these products with malononitrile produced a quinoidal bis(dicyanomethylene), an oxo-dicyanomethylene and an acyclic bis(dicyanomethylene). This series of new electron accepting molecules has been studied using X-ray crystallography and the implications of their 3D structures on NMR and UV/vis absorbance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry results have been ascertained with conclusions underpinned by computational methods.

Monitoring Hierarchical Assembly of Ring-in-Ring and Russian Doll Complexes Based on Carbon Nanoring by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer

We presented the construction of the ring-in-ring and Russian doll complexes on the basis of triptycene-derived carbon nanoring (TP-[12]CPP), which not only acts as a host for pillar[5]arene (P5A) but also serves as an energy donor for building Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) systems. We also demonstrated that their hierarchical assembly processes could be efficiently monitored in real time using FRET. NMR, UV-vis and fluorescence, and mass spectroscopy analyses confirmed the successful encapsulation of the guests P5A/P5A-An by TP-[12]CPP, facilitated by C-H···π and ···π interactions, resulting in the formation of a distinct ring-in-ring complex with a binding constant of Ka = 2.23 × 104 M-1. The encapsulated P5A/P5A-An can further reverse its role to be a host for binding energy acceptors to form Russian doll complexes, as evidenced by the occurrence of FRET and mass spectroscopy analyses. The apparent binding constant of the Russian doll complexes was up to 3.6 × 104 M-1, thereby suggesting an enhanced synergistic effect. Importantly, the Russian doll complexes exhibited both intriguing one-step and sequential FRET dependent on the subcomponent P5A/P5A-An during hierarchical assembly, reminiscent of the structure and energy transfer of the light-harvesting system presented in purple bacteria.

Rigidity with Flexibility: Porous Triptycene Networks for Enhancing Methane Storage

In the pursuit of advancing materials for methane storage, a critical consideration arises given the prominence of natural gas (NG) as a clean transportation fuel, which holds substantial potential for alleviating the strain on both energy resources and the environment in the forthcoming decade. In this context, a novel approach is undertaken, employing the rigid triptycene as a foundational building block. This strategy is coupled with the incorporation of dichloromethane and 1,3-dichloropropane, serving as rigid and flexible linkers, respectively. This combination not only enables cost-effective fabrication but also expedites the creation of two distinct triptycene-based hypercrosslinked polymers (HCPs), identified as PTN-70 and PTN-71. Surprisingly, despite PTN-71 manifesting an inferior Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area when compared to the rigidly linked PTN-70, it showcases remarkably enhanced methane adsorption capabilities, particularly under high-pressure conditions. At a temperature of 275 K and a pressure of 95 bars, PTN-71 demonstrates an impressive methane adsorption capacity of 329 cm3 g-1. This exceptional performance is attributed to the unique flexible network structure of PTN-71, which exhibits a pronounced swelling response when subjected to elevated pressure conditions, thus elucidating its superior methane adsorption characteristics. The development of these advanced materials not only signifies a significant stride in the realm of methane storage but also underscores the importance of tailoring the structural attributes of hypercrosslinked polymers for optimized gas adsorption performance.

Zn-Based Metal-Organic Frameworks Using Triptycene Hexacarboxylate Ligands: Synthesis, Structure, and Gas-Sorption Properties

A series of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on zinc ions and two triptycene ligands of different size have been synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Structural analyses revealed that they are isostructural 3D-network MOFs. The high porosity and thermal stability of these MOFs can be attributed to the highly rigid triptycene-based ligands. Their BET specific surface areas depend on the size of the triptycene ligands. In contrast to these surface-area data, the H2 and CO2 adsorption of these MOFs is larger for MOFs with small pores. Consequently, we introduced functional groups to the bridge-head position of the triptycene ligands and investigated their effect on the gas-sorption properties. The results unveiled the role of the functional groups in the specific CO2 binding via an induced interaction between adsorbates and the functional groups. Excellent H2 and CO2 properties in these MOFs were achieved in the absence of open metal sites.

A Molecular Dynamics Study of Single-Gas and Mixed-Gas N2 and CH4 Transport in Triptycene-Based Polyimide Membranes

Fluorinated polyimides incorporated with triptycene units have gained growing attention over the last decade since they present potentially interesting selectivities and a higher free volume with respect to their triptycene-free counterparts. This work examines the transport of single-gas and mixed-gas N2 and CH4 in the triptycene-based 6FDA-BAPT homopolyimide and in a block 15,000 g mol-1/15,000 g mol-1 6FDA-mPDA/BAPT copolyimide by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The void-space analyses reveal that, while the free volume consists of small-to-medium holes in the 6FDA-BAPT homopolyimide, there are more medium-to-large holes in the 6FDA-mPDA/BAPT copolyimide. The single-gas sorption isotherms for N2 and CH4 over the 0-70 bar range at 338.5 K show that both gases are more soluble in the block copolyimide, with a higher affinity for methane. CH4 favours sites with the most favourable energetic interactions, while N2 probes more sites in the matrices. The volume swellings remain limited since neither N2 nor CH4 plasticise penetrants. The transport of a binary-gas 2:1 CH4/N2 mixture is also examined in both polyimides under operating conditions similar to those used in current natural gas processing, i.e., at 65.5 bar and 338.5 K. In the mixed-gas simulations, the solubility selectivities in favour of CH4 are enhanced similarly in both matrices. Although diffusion is higher in 6FDA-BAPT/6FDA-mPDA, the diffusion selectivities are also close. Both triptycene-based polyimides under study favour, to a similar extent, the transport of methane over that of nitrogen under the conditions studied.

Triptycene-Fused Sterically Shielded Multi-Resonance TADF Emitter Enables High-Efficiency Deep Blue OLEDs with Reduced Dexter Energy Transfer

Designing multi-resonance (MR) emitters that can simultaneously achieve narrowband emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions is challenging for realizing high color purity and stable blue organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Herein, a sterically shielded yet extremely rigid emitter based on a triptycene-fused B,N core (Tp-DABNA) is proposed to address the issue. Tp-DABNA exhibits intense deep blue emissions with a narrow full width at half maximum (FWHM) and a high horizontal transition dipole ratio, superior to the well-known bulky emitter, t-DABNA. The rigid MR skeleton of Tp-DABNA suppresses structural relaxation in the excited state, with reduced contributions from the medium- and high-frequency vibrational modes to spectral broadening. The hyperfluorescence (HF) film composed of a sensitizer and Tp-DABNA shows reduced Dexter energy transfer compared to those of t-DABNA and DABNA-1. Notably, deep blue TADF-OLEDs with the Tp-DABNA emitter display higher external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax = 24.8%) and narrower FWHMs (< 26 nm) than t-DABNA-based OLEDs (EQEmax = 19.8%). The HF-OLEDs based on the Tp-DABNA emitter further demonstrate improved performance with an EQEmax of 28.7% and mitigated efficiency roll-offs.

Porous Triptycene Network Based on Tröger's Base for CO2 Capture and Iodine Enrichment

A three-dimensional rigid "six-connected" porous triptycene network based on Tröger's base (TB-PTN) was synthesized by using triptycenes as connectors and Tröger's base as linkers. With characteristics of a high surface area of 1528 m² g^-1, nitrogen-enriched groups, and superior thermal stability, TB-PTN displays a high CO₂ uptake of 22.3 wt % (273 K, 1 bar) and excellent iodine vapor adsorption (240 wt %).

Intramolecular Hiyama Coupling: Synthesis of 1,8,13-Trisubstituted Chiral Triptycenes with Three Different Substituents by Intramolecular Substituent Transfer

Herein, we describe Hiyama coupling via intramolecular substituent transfer from silicon on one blade of triptycenes to another to yield 1,8,13-trisubstituted chiral triptycenes. This reaction is attributed to the proximity effect of substituents on triptycene, which plays an important role in not only the formation of the oxy-palladacycle but also the activation of the silyl group to facilitate σ-bond metathesis. After bromination and nucleophilic ring opening, the second intramolecular Hiyama coupling provided various 1,8,13-trisubstituted chiral triptycenes. The optical resolution of 1,8,13-triptycene afforded an optically active form for the first time.

Influence of Triptycene Annulation on the Photochromism of Diphenylnaphthopyrans: Entropic Control of Thermal Reversion

Regioisomeric naphthopyrans annulated with triptycene, i. e., Prox-NP and Dist-NP, display divergent photochromic behaviors. While steady-state photolysis of Dist-NP led to a very labile colored intermediate that is not observable at room temperature, Prox-NP yielded a remarkably stable species characterized by X-ray crystallography as the TT isomer of o-quinonoid intermediate (Prox-NPQ) with t_1/2 ca. 0.18 years at 298 K. The kinetic analysis of thermal reversion reveals that the bleaching of Prox-NPQ is entropically controlled; the steric effect due to the rigid triptycene scaffold renders Prox-NP a highly constrained system such that the photogenerated colored o-quinonoid form is more entropically relaxed. This constitutes the first instance of an entropically-controlled thermal reversion for the celebrated class of photochromic naphthopyrans. Based on the response of Prox-NP and its colored intermediate Prox-NPQ to different stimuli, namely, light, heat, and acid, the molecular system can be likened to a logic gate with the 'INHIBIT' function.

Dispersive 2D Triptycene-Based Crystalline Polymers: Influence of Regioisomerism on Crystallinity and Morphology

The merging of good crystallinity and high dispersibility into two-dimensional (2D) layered crystalline polymers (CPs) still represents a challenge because a high crystallinity is often accompanied by intimate interlayer interactions that are detrimental to the material processibility. We herein report a strategy to address this dilemma using rationally designed three-dimensional (3D) monomers and regioisomerism-based morphology control. The as-synthesized CPs possess layered 2D structures, where the assembly of layers is stabilized by relatively weak van der Waals interactions between C-H bonds other than the usual π-π stackings. The morphology and dispersibility of the CPs are finely tuned via regioisomerism. These findings shed light on how to modulate the crystallinity, morphology, and ultimate function of crystalline polymers using the spatial arrangements of linking groups.

Triptycene-Based Molecular Rods for Langmuir-Blodgett Monolayers

Herein we introduce fully modular synthesis leading to three representative examples of rigid molecular rods that are intended to form sturdy monolayers on various surfaces. These molecules contain two triptycene units that are designed to interlock into a compact "double-decker" structure. Two of the three final products provided suitable crystals for X-ray diffraction (analyzed on synchrotron), allowing deeper insight into packing in the 3-D crystal lattice. The acidity of all three compounds were determined by capillary electrophoresis, and the pKa values ranged between 2.06-2.53. All three rigid rods easily formed Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers (LBMs) on the water-air interfaces, with the area per molecule equal to 55-59 Å2 /molecule, suggesting tight intermolecular packing. The thickness of all three films reached ∼19 Å after transfer to a gold (111) surface, meaning that individual molecules are tilted maximally 38° from the axis perpendicular to the surface. The structure of one of these films on a gold (111) surface was visualized by AFM. These geometrically unique molecules represent promising platforms with a wide scope of applicability in the supramolecular architecture.

Triptycene Derivatives: From Their Synthesis to Their Unique Properties

Since the first preparation of triptycene, great progress has been made with respect to its synthesis and the understanding of its properties. Interest in triptycene-based systems is intense; in recent years, advances in the synthetic methodology and properties of new triptycenes have been reported by researchers from various fields of science. Here, an account of these new developments is given and placed in reference to earlier pivotal works that underpin the field. First, we discuss new approaches to the synthesis of new triptycenes. Progress in the regioselective synthesis of sterically demanding systems is discussed. The application of triptycenes in catalysis is also presented. Next, progress in the understanding of the relations between triptycene structures and their properties is discussed. The unique properties of triptycenes in the liquid and solid states are elaborated. Unique interactions, which involve triptycene molecular scaffolds, are presented. Molecular interactions within a triptycene unit, as well as between triptycenes or triptycenes and other molecules, are also evaluated. In particular, the summary of the synthesis and useful features will be helpful to researchers who are using triptycenes as building blocks in the chemical and materials sciences.

Divergent Synthesis of Molecular Winch Prototypes

We report the synthesis of conceptually new prototypes of molecular winches with the ultimate aim to investigate the work performed by a single ruthenium-based molecular motor anchored on a surface by probing its ability to pull a load upon electrically-driven directional rotation. According to a technomimetic design, the motor was embedded in a winch structure, with a long flexible polyethylene glycol chain terminated by an azide hook to connect a variety of molecular loads. The structure of the motor was first derivatized by means of two sequential cross-coupling reactions involving a penta(4-halogenophenyl)cyclopentadienyl hydrotris(indazolyl)borate ruthenium(II) precursor and the resulting benzylamine derivative was next exploited as key intermediate in the divergent synthesis of a family of nanowinch prototypes. A one-pot method involving sequential peptide coupling and Cu-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition was developed to yield four loaded nanowinches, with load fragments encompassing triptycene, fullerene and porphyrin moieties.

Triptycene derivatives as chiral probes for studying the molecular enantiorecognition on sub-2-μm particle cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) chiral stationary phase

Two chiral triptycene derivatives were analyzed on the Chiralpak IB-U column packed with cellulose tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)-based sub-2-μm diameter particles. Under normal-phase conditions, sub-minute baseline enantioseparations were obtained. Differences in structural elements and chromatographic behavior of the investigated compounds were evaluated to identify the interactions that drive the chiral discrimination process. From the evaluation of the experimental chromatographic data, it was found that hydrogen bond formation is essential for the separation of enantiomers.

Molecular Gears: From Solution to Surfaces

This review highlights the major efforts devoted to the development of molecular gears over the past 40 years, from pioneering covalent bis-triptycyl systems undergoing intramolecular correlated rotation in solution, to the most recent examples of gearing systems anchored on a surface, which allow intermolecular transmission of mechanical power. Emphasis is laid on the different strategies devised progressively to control the architectures of molecular bevel and spur gears, as intramolecular systems in solution or intermolecular systems on surfaces, while aiming at increased efficiency, complexity and functionality.

Porous Honeycomb Self-Assembled Monolayers: Tripodal Adsorption and Hidden Chirality of Carboxylate Anchored Triptycenes on Ag

Molecules with tripodal anchoring to substrates represent a versatile platform for the fabrication of robust self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), complementing the conventional monopodal approach. In this context, we studied the adsorption of 1,8,13-tricarboxytriptycene (Trip-CA) on Ag(111), mimicked by a bilayer of silver atoms underpotentially deposited on Au. While tripodal SAMs frequently suffer from poor structural quality and inhomogeneous bonding configurations, the triptycene scaffold featuring three carboxylic acid anchoring groups yields highly crystalline SAM structures. A pronounced polymorphism is observed, with the formation of distinctly different structures depending on preparation conditions. Besides hexagonal molecular arrangements, the occurrence of a honeycomb structure is particularly intriguing as such an open structure is unusual for SAMs consisting of upright-standing molecules. Advanced spectroscopic tools reveal an equivalent bonding of all carboxylic acid anchoring groups. Notably, density functional theory calculations predict a chiral arrangement of the molecules in the honeycomb network, which, surprisingly, is not apparent in experimental scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) images. This seeming discrepancy between theory and experiment can be resolved by considering the details of the actual electronic structure of the adsorbate layer. The presented results represent an exemplary showcase for the intricacy of interpreting STM images of complex molecular films. They are also further evidence for the potential of triptycenes as basic building blocks for generating well-defined layers with unusual structural motifs.

Quadruple Role of Pd Catalyst in Domino Reaction Involving Aryl to Alkyl 1,5-Pd Migration to Access 1,9-Bridged Triptycenes

A Pd-catalyzed domino reaction of 1,8,13-tribromo-9-methoxytriptycenes is reported. Under conventional Suzuki coupling conditions, the triptycenes underwent multiple transformations to give 1,9-bridged triptycenes. Based on mechanistic investigations, a single Pd catalyst functions as Pd⁰ , Pd^II and Pd^IV species to catalyze four distinct processes: (1) aryl to alkyl 1,5-Pd migration, (2) intramolecular arylation, (3) homocoupling of phenylboronic acid and (4) Suzuki coupling. DFT calculations revealed that 1,5-Pd migration likely proceeds via both concerted Pd^II and stepwise Pd^IV routes. Asymmetric synthesis of the chiral triptycenes, as well as optical resolution, and further transformation are also reported.

Nonconjugated Triptycene-Spaced Donor-Acceptor-Type Emitters Showing Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence via Both Intra- and Intermolecular Charge-Transfer Transitions

Thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have aroused considerable attention, particularly for their great potential in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). In typical TADF molecules, intramolecular charge transfer (CT) between electron-donor (D) and electron-acceptor (A) moieties is the dominant transition. Actually, CT transitions can possibly occur between different molecules as well. Herein, we used a nonconjugated triptycene (TPE) moiety to space D and A moieties and developed two novel emitters tBuDMAC-TPE-TRZ and tBuDMAC-TPE-TTR to explore the roles of intra- and intermolecular CT transitions. Along with weak intramolecular CT transitions, intermolecular CT transitions are dominant for tBuDMAC-TPE-TRZ and tBuDMAC-TPE-TTR neat films. Particularly, tBuDMAC-TPE-TRZ showed a high maximum external quantum efficiency of 10.0% in a nondoped solution-processed OLED, which was evidently higher than that of a corresponding 10 wt % tBuDMAC-TPE-TRZ-doped OLED with 4,4',4″-tris(carbazol-9-yl)triphenylamine (TCTA) as the host matrix. The results prove that intermolecular CT transitions indeed participate in the CT transition process in these systems and they are helpful to enhance the electroluminescence performance of emitting systems with weak intramolecular CT transitions.

Triptycene-based Chiral Porous Polyimides for Enantioselective Membrane Separation

Enantiomers of 2, 6-diaminotriptycene (R, R-1 and S, S-1) are split by chiral-phase HPLC and their absolute configurations are identified by single-crystal X-ray diffraction technology. Using the enantiomers as monomers, a couple of chiral porous polyimides (R-FTPI and S-FTPI) are prepared by polycondensation reactions and display good heat stability, high BET surface area and good solubility in organic solvents. Moreover, both of R-FTPI and S-FTPI can be cast into robust, free-standing films suitable for enantioselective separation with symmetrical chiral selectivity.

Triptycene End-Capped Benzothienobenzothiophene and Naphthothienobenzothiophene

Previously it was demonstrated that triptycene end-capping can be used as a crystal engineering strategy to direct the packing of quinoxalinophenanthrophenazines (QPPs) towards cofacially stacked π dimers with large molecular overlap resulting in high charge transfer integrals. Remarkably, this packing motif was formed under different crystallization conditions and with a variety of derivatives bearing additional functional groups or aromatic substituents. Benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT) and its derivatives are known as some of the best performing compounds for organic field-effect transistors. Here, the triptycene end-capping concept is introduced to this class of compounds and polymorphic crystal structures are investigated to evaluate the potential of triptycene end-caps as synthons for crystal engineering.

Dipolar Nanocars Based on a Porphyrin Backbone

The design and synthesis of a new family of nanocars is reported. To control their motion, we integrated a dipole which can be tuned thanks to strategic donor and acceptor substituents at the 5- and 15-positions of the porphyrin backbone. The two other meso positions are substituted with ethynyltriptycene moieties which are known to act as wheels. Full characterization of nine nanocars is presented as well as the electrochemistry of these push-pull molecules. DFT calculations allowed us to evaluate the magnitude of the dipoles and to understand the electrochemical behavior and how it is affected by the electron donating and accepting groups present. An X-ray crystal structure of one nanocar has also been obtained.

Anthranoxides as Highly Reactive Arynophiles for the Synthesis of Triptycenes

We report herein an efficient method to synthesize triptycenes by the reaction of benzynes and anthranoxides, which are electron-rich and readily prepared from the corresponding anthrones. Using this method, 1,9-syn-substituted triptycenes were regioselectively obtained employing 3-methoxybenzynes. This method was also applied to synthesize pentiptycenes. A DFT study revealed that the cycloaddition of lithium anthranoxide and benzyne proceeds stepwise.

Towards triptycene functionalization and triptycene-linked porphyrin arrays

Herein, 9,10-diethynyltriptycene is investigated for its use as a rigid isolating unit in the synthesis of multichromophoric arrays. Sonogashira cross-coupling conditions are utilized to attach various porphyrins and boron dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) to the triptycene scaffold. While there are previous examples of triptycene porphyrin complexes, this work reports the first example of a linearly connected porphyrin dimer, linked through the bridgehead carbons of triptycene. Symmetric and unsymmetric examples of these complexes are demonstrated and single crystal X-ray analysis of an unsymmetrically substituted porphyrin dimer highlights the evident linearity in these systems. Moreover, initial UV-vis and fluorescence studies show the promise of triptycene as a linker for electron transfer studies, showcasing its isolating nature.

Blue-Shift Hydrogen Bonds in Silyltriptycene Derivatives: Antibonding σ* Orbitals of the Si-C Bond as Effective Acceptors of Electron Density

Triptycene derivatives are widely utilized in different fields of chemistry and materials sciences. Their physicochemical properties, often of pivotal importance for the rational design of triptycene-based functional materials, are influenced by noncovalent interactions between substituents mounted on the triptycene skeleton. Herein, a unique interaction between electron-rich substituents in the peri position and the silyl group located on the bridgehead sp³ -carbon is discussed on the example of 1,4-dichloro-9-(p-methoxyphenyl)-silyltriptycene (TRPCl) which exists in solution in the form of two rotamers differing by dispositions, syn or anti, of the Si-C_Ph (the C_Ph atom is from the p-methoxyphenyl group) bond against the peri-Cl atom. For the first time, substantial differences between the Si-C_Ph bonds in these two dispositions are identified, based on indirect experimental and direct theoretical evidence. For these two orientations, the experimental ¹ J(Si,C_Ph ) values differ by as much as 10 percent. The differences are explained in terms of effective electron density transfer from the peri-Cl atom to the antibonding σ* orbitals of the Si-X bonds (X=H, C_Ph ) oriented anti to that atom. The electronic effects are revealed by an NBO analysis. Connections of these observations with the notion of blue-shifting hydrogen bonds are discussed.

Tetrapodal Diazatriptycene Enforces Orthogonal Orientation in Self-Assembled Monolayers

Conformationally rigid multipodal molecules should control the orientation and packing density of functional head groups upon self-assembly on solid supports. Common tripods frequently fail in this regard because of inhomogeneous bonding configuration and stochastic orientation. These issues are circumvented by a suitable tetrapodal diazatriptycene moiety, bearing four thiol-anchoring groups, as demonstrated in the present study. Such molecules form well-defined self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on Au(111) substrates, whereby the tetrapodal scaffold enforces a nearly upright orientation of the terminal head group with respect to the substrate, with at least three of the four anchoring groups providing thiolate-like covalent attachment to the surface. Functionalization by condensation chemistry allows a large variety of functional head groups to be introduced to the tetrapod, paving the path toward advanced surface engineering and sensor fabrication.

Dynamic Fluid-Like Graphene with Ultralow Frictional Molecular Bearing

Fluid-like sliding graphenes but with solid-like out-of-plane compressive rigidity offer unique opportunities for achieving unusual physical and chemical properties for next-generation interfacial technologies. Of particular interest in the present study are graphenes with specific chemical functionalization that can predictably promote adhesion and wetting to substrate and ultralow frictional sliding structures. Lubricity between stainless steel (SS) and diamond-like carbon (DLC) is experimentally demonstrated with densely functionalized graphenes displaying dynamic intersheet bonds that mechanically transform into stable tribolayers. The macroscopic lubricity evolves through the formation of a thin film of an interconnected graphene matrix that provides a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.01. Mechanical sliding generates complex folded graphene structures wherein equilibrated covalent chemical linkages impart rigidity and stability to the films examined in macroscopic friction tests. This new approach to frictional reduction has broad implications for manufacturing, transportation, and aerospace.

Hybrid Molecular Container Based on Glycoluril and Triptycene: Synthesis, Binding Properties, and Triggered Release

We designed and synthesized a "hybrid" molecular container 1, which is structurally related to both cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) and pillar[n]arene type receptors. Receptor 1 was fully characterized by ¹ H NMR, ¹³ C NMR, IR, MS and X-ray single crystal diffraction. The self-association behavior, host-guest recognition properties of 1, and the [salt] dependence of K_a were investigated in detail by ¹ H NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Optical transmittance and TEM measurements provide strong evidence that receptor 1 undergoes co-assemble with amphiphilic guest C10 in water to form supramolecular bilayer vesicles (diameter 25.6±2.7 nm, wall thickness ≈3.5 nm) that can encapsulate the hydrophilic anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) and the hydrophobic dye Nile red (NR). The release of encapsulated DOX or NR from the vesicles can be triggered by hexamethonium (8 c) or spermine (10) which leads to the disruption of the supramolecular vesicles.

From the Synthesis of Nanovehicles to Participation in the First Nanocar Race-View from the French Team

This review article presents our accomplished work on the synthesis of molecular triptycene wheels and their introduction into nanovehicles such as wheelbarrows and nanocars, equipped with two and four wheels, respectively. The architecture of nanovehicles is based on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which provide a potential cargo zone. Our strategy allowed us to obtain planar or curved nanocars, exhibiting different mobilities on metallic surfaces. Our curved nanocar participated in the first nanocar race organized in Toulouse (France) on 28 and 29 April 2017.

Water and Salt Transport Properties of Triptycene-Containing Sulfonated Polysulfone Materials for Desalination Membrane Applications

A series of triptycene-containing sulfonated polysulfone (TRP-BP) materials was prepared via condensation polymerization, and the desalination membrane-relevant fundamental water and salt transport properties (i.e., sorption, diffusion, and permeability coefficients) of the polymers were characterized. Incorporating triptycene into sulfonated polysulfone increased the water content of the material compared to sulfonated polysulfone materials that do not contain triptycene. No significant difference in salt sorption was observed between TRP-BP membranes and other sulfonated polysulfone membranes, suggesting that the presence of triptycene in the polymer did not dramatically affect thermodynamic interactions between salt and the polymer. Both water and salt diffusion coefficients in the TRP-BP membranes were suppressed relative to other sulfonated polysulfone materials with comparable water content, and these phenomena may result from the influence of triptycene on polymer chain packing and/or free-volume distribution, which could increase the tortuosity of the transport pathways in the polymers. Enhanced water/salt diffusivity selectivity was observed for some of the TRP-BP membranes relative to those materials that did not contain triptycene, and correspondingly, incorporation of triptycene into sulfonated polysulfone resulted in an increase, particularly for acid counterion form TRP-BP materials, in water/salt permeability selectivity, which is favorable for desalination membrane applications.

Facile Synthesis of Electroactive and Electrochromic Triptycene Poly(ether-imide)s Containing Triarylamine Units via Oxidative Electro-Coupling

Two bisimide compounds, TPA–TPDI and NPC–TPDI, consisting of a triptycene core and two triphenylamine (TPA) or N-phenylcarbazole (NPC) end groups were successfully synthesized by the condensation reactions from 1,4-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenoxy)triptycene dianhydride with 4-aminotriphenylamine and N-(4-aminophenyl)carbazole, respectively. These two monomers could polymerize electrochemically via the oxidative coupling reactions of triarylamine units. The electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties of the electro-generated triptycene poly(ether-imide)s (TPA–TPPI and NPC–TPPI) were studied. Both polymers have two colored oxidation states, and TPA–TPPI showed better electrochromic performance than NPC–TPPI.

Rigid Nonfullerene Acceptors Based on Triptycene-Perylene Dye for Organic Solar Cells

Three kinds of nonconjugated rigid perylene bisimide (PBI) derivatives based on a triptycene core were designed, synthesized and characterized. The unique three-dimensional (3D) conformation of triptycene could enable formation of polymer with the favorable morphology for organic polymer solar cells (PSCs) by relieving the self-aggregation of rigid PBI units. The low-lying LUMO energy levels of these compounds demonstrated that they are very suitable for use as acceptors in organic solar cells. A higher power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.15 % was obtained for the blend film using the compound with two PBI units (T-2) as the acceptor and commercial poly[[4,8-bis[5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophene-2-yl]benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b']dithiophene-2,6-diyl][3-fluoro-2-[(2-ethylhexyl)-carbonyl]thieno[3,4-b]thiophenediyl]] (PCE-10) as the electron donor.

Three-Dimensional Arylene Diimide Frameworks for Highly Stable Lithium Ion Batteries

Lithium ion batteries are the best commercial technology to satisfy the energy storage needs of current and emerging applications. However, the use of transition-metal-based cathodes precludes them from being low-cost, sustainable, and environmentally benign, even with recycling programs in place. In this study, we report a highly stable organic material that can be used in place of the transition-metal cathodes. By creating a three-dimensional framework based on triptycene and perylene diimide (PDI), a cathode can be constructed that mitigates stability issues that organic electrodes typically suffer from. When a lithium ion battery is assembled using the PDI-triptycene framework (PDI-Tc) cathode, a capacity of 75.9 mAh g^-1 (78.7% of the theoretical value) is obtained. Importantly, the battery retains a near perfect Coulombic efficiency and >80% of its capacity after cycling 500 times, which is the best value reported to date for PDI-based materials.

Microporous Polyamide Membranes for Molecular Sieving of Nitrogen from Volatile Organic Compounds

Microporous polymer membranes continue to receive tremendous attention for energy-efficient gas separation processes owing to their high separation performances. A new network microporous polyamide membrane with good molecular-sieving performance for the separation of N₂ from a volatile organic compound (VOC) mixture is described. Triple-substituted triptycene was used as the main monomer to form a fisherman's net-shaped polymer, which readily forms a composite membrane by solution casting. This membrane exhibited outstanding separation performance and good stability for the molecular-sieving separation of N₂ over VOCs such as cyclohexane. The rejection rate of the membrane reached 99.2 % with 2098 Barrer N₂ permeability at 24 °C under 4 kPa. This approach promotes development of microporous membranes for separation of condensable gases.

Triptycene-terminated thiolate and selenolate monolayers on Au(111)

To study the implications of highly space-demanding organic moieties on the properties of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), triptycyl thiolates and selenolates with and without methylene spacers on Au(111) surfaces were comprehensively studied using ultra-high vacuum infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Due to packing effects, the molecules in all monolayers are substantially tilted. In the presence of a methylene spacer the tilt is slightly less pronounced. The selenolate monolayers exhibit smaller defect densities and therefore are more densely packed than their thiolate analogues. The Se-Au binding energy in the investigated SAMs was found to be higher than the S-Au binding energy.

Self-Assembly of a [2]Pseudorotaxane by an Inchworm-Motion Mechanism

The threading of biomolecules through pores or channels in membranes is important to validate the physiological activities of cells. To aid understanding of the controlling factors required for the translocation in space with confined size and distorted conformation, it is desirable to identify experimental systems with minimized complexity. We demonstrate the mechanism of a linear guest L1 threading into a tris(crown ether) host TC with a combinational distorted cavity to form a triply interlocked [2]pseudorotaxane 3in-[L1⊂TC]. An inchworm-motion mechanism is proposed for the process. For the forward-threading steps that lead to the formation of higher-order interlocked species, guest L1 must adopt a bent conformation to find the next crown ether cavity. Two simplified models are applied to investigate the self-assembly dynamic of 3in-[L1⊂TC]. Kinetic NMR spectroscopic and molecular dynamics (MD) studies show that formation of the singly penetrated species is fast, whereas formation of the doubly and triply threaded species is several orders of magnitude slower. During threading the freedom of both the guest L1 and host TC gradually decrease due to their interactions. This results in a significant entropy effect for the threading dynamic, which is also observed for the threading of a biomolecular chain through a channel.

Synthesis and Structures of Triptycene-Derived Oxacalixarenes with Expanded Cavities: Tunable and Switchable Complexation towards Bipyridinium Salts

New triptycene-derived oxacalixarene H1 was efficiently synthesized by a template cyclization step, and anilino-substituted macrocycle H2 was subsequently afforded through straightforward nucleophilic displacement of the active chlorine atom in H1. Oxacalixarene H1 adopts a fixed boat-like 1,3-alternate conformation and shows moderate complexation abilities towards various bipyridinium salts. However, the affinities of H2 towards the guests were found to be substantially stronger, which could be tentatively attributed to the additional hydrogen-bonding site, π-π stacking site, and especially the increased electron richness of the host. Furthermore, the acid-base switchable complexation process between H1 and the bipyridinium salt was also realized, which could potentially facilitate the construction of high-level stimuli-responsive supramolecular structures based on the newly synthesized oxacalixarene.

Facile Carbonization of Microporous Organic Polymers into Hierarchically Porous Carbons Targeted for Effective CO2 Uptake at Low Pressures

The advent of microporous organic polymers (MOPs) has delivered great potential in gas storage and separation (CCS). However, the presence of only micropores in these polymers often imposes diffusion limitations, which has resulted in the low utilization of MOPs in CCS. Herein, facile chemical activation of the single microporous organic polymers (MOPs) resulted in a series of hierarchically porous carbons with hierarchically meso-microporous structures and high CO2 uptake capacities at low pressures. The MOPs precursors (termed as MOP-7-10) with a simple narrow micropore structure obtained in this work possess moderate apparent BET surface areas ranging from 479 to 819 m(2) g(-1). By comparing different activating agents for the carbonization of these MOPs matrials, we found the optimized carbon matrials MOPs-C activated by KOH show unique hierarchically porous structures with a significant expansion of dominant pore size from micropores to mesopores, whereas their microporosity is also significantly improved, which was evidenced by a significant increase in the micropore volume (from 0.27 to 0.68 cm(3) g(-1)). This maybe related to the collapse and the structural rearrangement of the polymer farmeworks resulted from the activation of the activating agent KOH at high temperature. The as-made hierarchically porous carbons MOPs-C show an obvious increase in the BET surface area (from 819 to 1824 m(2) g(-1)). And the unique hierarchically porous structures of MOPs-C significantly contributed to the enhancement of the CO2 capture capacities, which are up to 214 mg g(-1) (at 273 K and 1 bar) and 52 mg g(-1) (at 273 K and 0.15 bar), superior to those of the most known MOPs and porous carbons. The high physicochemical stabilities and appropriate isosteric adsorption heats as well as high CO2/N2 ideal selectivities endow these hierarchically porous carbon materials great potential in gas sorption and separation.

The Synthesis of Organic Molecules of Intrinsic Microporosity Designed to Frustrate Efficient Molecular Packing

Efficient reactions between fluorine-functionalised biphenyl and terphenyl derivatives with catechol-functionalised terminal groups provide a route to large, discrete organic molecules of intrinsic microporosity (OMIMs) that provide porous solids solely by their inefficient packing. By altering the size and substituent bulk of the terminal groups, a number of soluble compounds with apparent BET surface areas in excess of 600 m(2)  g(-1) are produced. The efficiency of OMIM structural units for generating microporosity is in the order: propellane>triptycene>hexaphenylbenzene>spirobifluorene>naphthyl=phenyl. The introduction of bulky hydrocarbon substituents significantly enhances microporosity by further reducing packing efficiency. These results are consistent with findings from previously reported packing simulation studies. The introduction of methyl groups at the bridgehead position of triptycene units reduces intrinsic microporosity. This is presumably due to their internal position within the OMIM structure so that they occupy space, but unlike peripheral substituents they do not contribute to the generation of free volume by inefficient packing.

Crystal Structures of a Molecule Designed Not To Pack Tightly

Organic molecules of intrinsic microporosity (OMIMs) are structurally constructed to not pack tightly. Consequently, only weak interactions between OMIM molecules can occur, which is the reason that almost all OMIMs have been described and investigated in their amorphous states. For the same reason it is very difficult to grow single crystals of OMIMs for X-ray structural analysis. Here we describe four different polymorphs of an OMIM that was before only described in the amorphous state.

Triptycene induced enhancement of membrane gas selectivity for microporous Tröger's base polymers

A highly gas permeable polymer with exceptional size selectivity is prepared by fusing triptycene units together via a poly-merization reaction involving Tröger's base formation. The extreme rigidity of this polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-Trip-TB) facilitates gas permeability data that lie well above the benchmark 2008 Robeson upper bounds for the important O2 /N2 and H2 /N2 gas pairs.

Synthesis of enantiopure sugar-decorated six-armed triptycene derivatives

A new class of molecules with a triptycene rigid core surrounded by six monosaccharide residues was synthesized. Hexakis(bromomethyl) substituted triptycene was converted into a six-armed triptycene azide (2,3,6,7,14,15-hexakis(azidomethyl)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-[1’,2’]benzenoanthracene). The key step of the synthesis was the cycloaddition of the azide to 2-propyn-1-yl β-D-gluco- or galactopyranosides. All products were isolated in good yields and were fully characterized.