Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alberto de Juan, David Lozano, Andrew W. Heard, Michael A. Jinks, Jorge Meijide Suarez, Graham J. Tizzard, Stephen M. Goldup
Summary: Rotaxanes can exhibit molecular chirality solely due to the mechanical bond between the axle and encircling macrocycle, without the presence of covalent stereogenic units. The synthesis of such molecules remains challenging, but a chiral interlocking auxiliary strategy has been discovered to effectively load macrocycles onto new axles. This strategy has shown potential for producing mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes with high enantiopurity, including 'impossible' rotaxanes lacking functional groups for direct synthesis by other means.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Shinya Tajima, Atsuya Muranaka, Masaya Naito, Noriho Taniguch, Mei Harada, Shinobu Miyagawa, Masahiro Ueda, Hikaru Takaya, Nagao Kobayashi, Masanobu Uchiyama, Yuji Tokunaga
Summary: In this study, a [2]rotaxane with both mechanically planar chiral and axially chiral properties was synthesized, consisting of a symmetrical biscrown ether with a biphenyl moiety as the macrocyclic component and a symmetrical bis-ammonium salt as the dumbbell-shaped component.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ayumi Imayoshi, Bhatraju Vasantha Lakshmi, Yoshihiro Ueda, Tomoyuki Yoshimura, Aki Matayoshi, Takumi Furuta, Takeo Kawabata
Summary: Since the discovery of mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes and topologically chiral catenanes, their asymmetric synthesis has been a long-standing challenge. Here, the authors report enantioselective preparation of mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes with up to 99.9% ee in 29% yield.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Organic
Matthias Krajnc, Jochen Niemeyer
Summary: In this mini-review, we present the synthesis and properties of BINOL-based chiral mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) and their applications in asymmetric catalysis and chemosensing. We believe that this research area will continue to grow and deliver many useful applications in the future.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eoin P. McCarney, June I. Lovitt, Thorfinnur Gunnlaugsson
Summary: This study reports the efficient self-templated formation of optically active btp homocircuit [2]catenane enantiomers through X-ray diffraction crystallography for structural characterization. The self-assembly reaction was closely monitored in solution, facilitating the characterization of the pseudo-rotaxane reaction intermediate prior to mechanically interlocking the pre-organised system via ring-closing metathesis.
CHEMISTRY-A EUROPEAN JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
John R. J. Maynard, Peter Gallagher, David Lozano, Patrick Butler, Stephen M. Goldup
Summary: Chirality typically arises in molecules, but can also be created through interthreading molecules to form mechanical bonds. In this study, the symmetry properties of these molecules were re-examined, leading to the discovery of a straightforward method to access enantiopure mechanically axially chiral molecules.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Cui, Qiu-Shui Mu, Xiang Gao, Guo-Xin Jin
Summary: In this study, we successfully constructed chiral [3]catenane and [2]catenane using coordination-driven self-assembly. By adjusting the steric hindrance of the amino acid residues in the ligand, we were able to control the chirality of the resulting molecular catenanes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Antony Wing Hung Ng, Yu Hin Leung, Ho Yu Au-Yeung
Summary: This study describes radial [4]catenane isomers whose dynamics are encoded by the covalent structure of the interlocked macrocycles. Shuttling motion of the interlocked beta-cyclodextrin was found to be dependent on the position and interaction strength of the interlocked cucurbit[6]urils on the central macrocycle. The coordination of dynamics in different mechanically bonded macrocycles in a hetero[n]catenane suggests the potential exploitation of higher-order [n]catenanes as the next level molecular machines capable of performing more complex tasks with sophisticated intramolecular motions.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nicholas Pearce, Marysia Tarnowska, Nathan J. Andersen, Alexander Wahrhaftig-Lewis, Ben S. Pilgrim, Neil R. Champness
Summary: This paper reviews the field of mechanically interlocked molecules that utilize a handcuff component. The different structures of rotaxanes and catenanes that interlock different components using the handcuff motif are discussed, and a new nomenclature is proposed to unify terminology. By interpreting this class of molecules in a unified manner, new opportunities for employing this structural unit for new architectures are identified.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lili Zhou, Jie Wang, Zhichen Xiong, Yaxun Fan, Yilin Wang
Summary: The chirality of surfactants can regulate the phase behavior and lead to the formation of different network structures. The different aggregate structures are achieved through intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen-bond interactions. Specifically, the coacervate formed by enantiomers displays liquid-like characteristics, strong capacity to sequester solutes, and high affinity for tightly bound water.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zheng Cui, Xiang Gao, Yue-Jian Lin, Guo-Xin Jin
Summary: In this study, two chiral radial [5]catenanes were successfully synthesized in a single step through the self-assembly of bidentate ligands containing L-alanine residues and binuclear half-sandwich organometallic rhodium(III)/iridium(III) clips. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction results revealed the complex stereochemical structures of these two chiral radial [5]catenanes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mingfeng Li, Xiu Li Chia, Chong Tian, Ye Zhu
Summary: This study presents a catalyst-controlled strategy that decouples the creation of mechanical chirality and the assembly of interlocked bonds. By using a novel class of anionic chiral phosphine ligands, enantioselective access to various mechanically planar chiral rotaxanes is achieved in Pd-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura reactions. The results demonstrate that precise catalytic stereocontrol over mechanical chirality can be achieved through distal ionic substrate-catalyst interactions, despite the noncovalent nature of the interlocking stereogenic elements.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hendrik Schroeder, Yi Zhang, A. James Link
Summary: The synthesis strategy of mechanically interlocked peptides (MIPs) solely made from peptides was reported in this study. These MIPs were self-assembled in water, breaking the tradition of MIMs usually being prepared in organic solvents. Detailed NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry characterization revealed that MIPs exhibit rich conformational dynamics reminiscent of protein folding.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chaoqing Yang, Hongliang Chen
Summary: This review provides an overview of the research progress in mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), focusing on their unique structural properties and the electron transport mechanisms in MIM junctions (MIMJs) for different nanodevices.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kenji Caprice, David Pal, Celine Besnard, Bartomeu Galmes, Antonio Frontera, Fabien B. L. Cougnon
Summary: This study demonstrates the amplification of a mechanically chiral (P)-catenane by binding to (R)-1,1'-binaphthyl 2,2'-disulfonate, with a diastereomeric excess of 85%. The chirality of the [2]catenane was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR/CD spectroscopies, establishing a basis for the development of new synthetic approaches to enantioenriched mechanically chiral [2]catenanes.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
De-Ao Xu, Qing-Yang Zhou, Xianyin Dai, Xin-Kun Ma, Ying-Ming Zhang, Xiufang Xu, Yu Liu
Summary: A phosphorescent supramolecular foldamer has been successfully constructed through the 1:1 host-guest complexation with cucurbit[8]uril and 1,2-diaminocyclohexane-bridged 4-(4-bromophenyl)-pyridinium salt. The foldamer exhibits green phosphorescence in aqueous solution and shows rapid and sensitive responsiveness to different antibiotics.
CHINESE CHEMICAL LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Xian-Yin Dai, Bing Zhang, Qilin Yu, Yu Liu
Summary: This study presents a multivalent supramolecular coassembly strategy for tumor treatment, which involves the aggregation of mitochondria and enhanced drug delivery. The approach achieves long-time phosphorescent labeling and significantly improves the efficiency of chemotherapy against drug-resistant tumors. The study also demonstrates the potential of using biological phosphorescent imaging for the treatment of drug-resistant cancers.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Conghui Wang, Yao-Hua Liu, Yu Liu
Summary: In this work, the authors report a macrocycle-confined pure organic room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) supramolecular assembly, which emits efficient near-infrared (NIR) phosphorescence. The assembly is constructed by a diarylethene phenylpyridinium derivative and cucurbit[8]uril, and its phosphorescence can be reversibly regulated by light irradiation. The supramolecular assembly shows potential applications in high-resolution bioimaging and luminescent materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yonghui Sun, Yong Chen, Linnan Jiang, Xiaoyong Yu, Yuexiu Qin, Shuaipeng Wang, Yu Liu
Summary: A purely solid supramolecular assembly with blue phosphorescence is constructed by in situ photopolymerization strategy, which effectively restricts the motion of the chromophore and realizes purely blue RTP emission. The quantum yield and lifetime are improved by the supramolecular assembly, showing potential applications.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhixue Liu, Mengdi Tian, Heng Zhang, Yu Liu
Summary: In this study, coumarin was modified on ethylenediamine beta-cyclodextrin, which improved its binding affinity to glutathione by a reversible Michael addition, showing 113 times higher affinity than coumarin itself. This modification enabled dynamic real-time sensing of glutathione in living HeLa cells.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Yu, Hui Wang, Xian-Yin Dai, Jie Niu, Yu Liu
Summary: An injectable polysaccharide supramolecular hydrogel was synthesized by cross-linking opened d-glucopyranosyl beta-cyclodextrin with aldehyde groups (ACD) with biomacromolecule chitosan (CS). It showed clustering-triggered emission with high quantum yield (32.25%) and could co-assemble with triphenylamine derivative (TPA) and encapsulate Cyanine 5 (Cy5) or Nile blue (NiB) for supramolecular cascade energy transfer. This hydrogel has potential applications in cell imaging.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wen-Wen Xing, Hui-Juan Wang, Zhixue Liu, Zhen-Hai Yu, Heng-Yi Zhang, Yu Liu
Summary: Cascade energy capturers based on supramolecular assembly have attracted great research interest in luminescent materials. A cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8])-encapsulated coumarin-bridged phenylpyridinium salt (G) was reported to form a biaxial polypseudorotaxane (G subset of CB[8]), which not only induced the phosphorescence of the guest G, but also activated the photodimerization of coumarin functional group in the CB[8] cavity (G-dimer subset of CB[8]), resulting in enhanced phosphorescence emission. The system showed potential for targeted imaging in HeLa cells.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Wen-Wen Xu, Yue-Xiu Qin, Jie Niu, Wenshi Xu, Yong Chen, Heng-Yi Zhang, Yu Liu
Summary: This study reports the construction of dual-rotor luminogens through supramolecular secondary reassembly, resulting in bright fluorescence emission. The reassembly not only transforms the morphology, but also activates the fluorescence of the dual-rotor molecule with a large Stokes shift. The system shows potential applications in information security and targeted cancer cell imaging.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yonghui Sun, Linnan Jiang, Lijuan Liu, Yong Chen, Wen-Wen Xu, Jie Niu, Yuexiu Qin, Xiufang Xu, Yu Liu
Summary: Two kinds of amorphous solid-state supramolecular systems with purely organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) were reported, which were activated by calix[3]phenothiazine (C[3]Pz) and 1,2-/1,3-dicyanobenzene (1,2-/1,3-DCB). The RTP of these supramolecular systems was entirely from the interaction between 1,2-/1,3-DCB and C[3]Pz, forming dense supramolecular complexes, leading to two different phosphorescence emissions. The use of 1,2-DCB and 1,3-DCB as molecular rivets fixed the C[3]Pz, inhibiting molecular vibration and reducing nonradiative relaxation, resulting in effective RTP emission with high quantum yields.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rong Zhang, Yong Chen, Lei Chen, Yi Zhang, Yu Liu
Summary: Photoacid sulfonato-merocyanine (MEH) is added to a mixed solution of amphiphilic calix[4]arene (SC4A8) and tetra-(4-pyridylphenyl) ethylene (TPE-4Py), resulting in in situ supramolecular self-assembly or disassembly and regulation of two types of fluorescence emission. Under 420 nm irradiation, MEH releases protons and becomes a ring-closed isomer spiropyran (SP), which protonates TPE-4Py and assembles with SC4A8 to form a supramolecular assembly with yellow fluorescence at 540 nm through electrostatic interactions. In the dark, SP changes to ring-opened MEH, leading to a spontaneous disassembly accompanied by fluorescence emission at 495 nm. A photo-activated reversible in situ supramolecular system is successfully obtained. Furthermore, Rhodamine B (RhB) is doped as an energy acceptor in the ternary supramolecular assembly, allowing efficient energy transfer through light irradiation.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yi Zhang, Yong Chen, Hui Zhang, Lei Chen, Qiyu Bo, Yu Liu
Summary: A solid slide-ring supramolecular elastomer with excellent tensile property, toughness, and fatigue resistance has been constructed. It exhibits reversible mechano-induced fluorescence changes and highly reversible mechano-induced regulation of energy transfer. This bifunctional mechanochromic slide-ring supramolecular elastomer has the intrinsic superiority of slide-ring into fatigue resistant mechanoresponsive strain sensing materials.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wei-Lei Zhou, Xian-Yin Dai, Wenjing Lin, Yong Chen, Yu Liu
Summary: A photo-responsive lanthanide supramolecular switch was constructed by combining a synthetic 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylic acid-modified pillar[5]arene with lanthanide ions and a dicationic diarylethene derivative. The supramolecular complex exhibited lanthanide emission and further encapsulated the diarylethene derivative to form a network supramolecular polymer, resulting in increased emission intensity and lifetime. The switch demonstrated full-color luminescence and could be reversibly tuned by UV/vis light irradiation. It also showed potential for anti-counterfeiting and on-demand color tuning applications.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hong-Mei Yu, Xiao-Yong Yu, Yong Chen, Yu Liu
Summary: A fullerene-polysaccharide supramolecular hydrogel with good antioxidant and antiglycation properties was constructed by co-assembly of fullerene@hydroxypropyl-b-cyclodextrin, chitosan, and bentonite, showing promising cosmetics applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jie Niu, Yao-Hua Liu, Wenshi Xu, Wen-Wen Xu, Ya-Hui Song, Jie Yu, Ying-Ming Zhang, Yu Liu
Summary: A ternary supramolecular assembly, consisting of a morpholine-modified permethyl beta-cyclodextrin, sulfonated porphyrin, and folic acid-modified chitosan, was constructed with dual-targeting capability towards lysosomes and cancer cells. The obtained assembly exhibited enhanced photodynamic effect and achieved precise imaging in cancer cells, surpassing the performance of free porphyrin.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Shuaipeng Wang, Yong Chen, Yonghui Sun, Yuexiu Qin, Hui Zhang, Xiaoyong Yu, Yu Liu
Summary: In this study, a slide-ring hydrogel was created via photo-initiated polymerization, using Hydroxypropyl-modified alpha-cyclodextrin (Hy-alpha-CD) and acrylamide-PEG(20000)-acrylamide (ACA-PEG(20000)-ACA) to construct a polypseudorotaxane with good water solubility. The hydrogel showed excellent mechanical properties, being capable of being stretched and rapidly recovering on unloading. The addition of Ca2+ ions during crosslinking enhanced its ionic conductivity. This Ca2+-doped hydrogel was used to prepare wearable strain sensors for monitoring human motion.
COMMUNICATIONS MATERIALS
(2022)