Structures, vibrational frequencies, and stabilities of halogen cluster anions and cations, X(n)(+/-), n = 3, 4, and 5.

The structures, vibrational frequencies, and thermodynamic stabilities of the homonuclear polyhalogen ions, X3(+), X3(-), X4(+), X4(-), X5(+), and X5(-) (X = Cl, Br, I), have been calculated at the CCSD(T) level. The energetics were calculated using the Feller-Peterson-Dixon approach for the prediction of reliable enthalpies of formation. The calculations allow the following predictions where stabilities are defined in terms of thermodynamic quantities. (1) The X3(+) cations are stable toward loss of X2; (2) the X3(-) anions are marginally stable toward loss of X2 with Cl3(-) being the least stable; (3) the X4(+) cations and X4(-) anions are only weakly bound dimers of X2(+1/2) and X2(-1/2) units, respectively, but the cations are marginally stable toward decomposition to X3(+) and X, with I4(+) having the lowest dissociation energy, whereas the X4(-) anions decompose spontaneously to X3(-) and X; (4) the X5(+) cations are only marginally stable at low temperatures toward loss of X2, with Cl5(+) being the least stable; and (5) the X5(-) anions are also only stable at low temperatures toward loss of X2, with Cl5(-) being the least stable.

Linear versus dendritic molecular binders for hydrogel network formation with clay nanosheets: studies with ABA triblock copolyethers carrying guanidinium ion pendants.

ABA-triblock copolyethers 1a-1c as linear polymeric binders, in combination with clay nanosheets (CNSs), afford high-water-content moldable supramolecular hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties by constructing a well-developed crosslinked network in water. The linear binders carry in their terminal A blocks guanidinium ion (Gu(+)) pendants for adhesion to the CNS surface, while their central B block comprises poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) that serves as a flexible linker for adhered CNSs. Although previously reported dendritic binder 2 requires multistep synthesis and purification, the linear binders can be obtained in sizable quantities from readily available starting materials by controlled polymerization. Together with dendritic reference 2, the modular nature of compounds 1a-1c with different numbers of Gu(+) pendants and PEO linker lengths allowed for investigating how their structural parameters affect the gel network formation and hydrogel properties. The newly obtained hydrogels are mechanically as tough as that with 2, although the hydrogelation takes place more slowly. Irrespective of which binder is used, the supramolecular gel network has a shape memory feature upon drying followed by rewetting, and the gelling water can be freely replaced with ionic liquids and organic fluids, affording novel clay-reinforced iono- and organogels, respectively.

Supramolecular guests in solvent driven block copolymer assembly: From internally structured nanoparticles to micelles.

Supramolecular interactions between different hydrogen-bonding guests and poly(2-vinyl pyridine)-block-poly (styrene) can be exploited to prepare remarkably diverse self-assembled nanostructures in dispersion from a single block copolymer (BCP). The characteristics of the BCP can be efficiently controlled by tailoring the properties of a guest which preferentially binds to the P2VP block. For example, the incorporation of a hydrophobic guest creates a hydrophobic BCP complex that forms phase separated nanoparticles upon self-assembly. Conversely, the incorporation of a hydrophilic guest results in an amphiphilic BCP complex that forms spherical micelles in water. The ability to tune the self-assembly behavior and access dramatically different nanostructures from a single BCP substrate demonstrates the exceptional versatility of the self-assembly of BCPs driven by supramolecular interactions. This approach represents a new methodology that will enable the further design of complex, responsive self-assembled nanostructures.

Improved performance of protected catecholic polysiloxanes for bioinspired wet adhesion to surface oxides.

A facile synthetic strategy for introducing catecholic moieties into polymeric materials based on a readily available precursor (eugenol) and efficient chemistries [tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane-catalyzed silation and thiol-ene coupling] is reported. Silyl protection is shown to be critical for the oxidative stability of catecholic moieties during synthesis and processing, which allows functionalized polysiloxane derivatives to be fabricated into 3D microstructures as well as 2D patterned surfaces. Deprotection gives stable catechol surfaces whose adhesion to a variety of oxide surfaces can be precisely tuned by the level of catechol incorporation. The advantage of silyl protection for catechol-functionalized polysiloxanes is demonstrated and represents a promising and versatile new platform for underwater surface treatments.

High hopes: can molecular electronics realise its potential?

Manipulating and controlling the self-organisation of small collections of molecules, as an alternative to investigating individual molecules, has motivated researchers bent on processing and storing information in molecular electronic devices (MEDs). Although numerous ingenious examples of single-molecule devices have provided fundamental insights into their molecular electronic properties, MEDs incorporating hundreds to thousands of molecules trapped between wires in two-dimensional arrays within crossbar architectures offer a glimmer of hope for molecular memory applications. In this critical review, we focus attention on the collective behaviour of switchable mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs)--specifically, bistable rotaxanes and catenanes--which exhibit reset lifetimes between their ON and OFF states ranging from seconds in solution to hours in crossbar devices. When these switchable MIMs are introduced into high viscosity polymer matrices, or self-assembled as monolayers onto metal surfaces, both in the form of nanoparticles and flat electrodes, or organised as tightly packed islands of hundreds and thousands of molecules sandwiched between two electrodes, the thermodynamics which characterise their switching remain approximately constant while the kinetics associated with their reset follow an intuitively predictable trend--that is, fast when they are free in solution and sluggish when they are constrained within closely packed monolayers. The importance of seamless interactions and constant feedback between the makers, the measurers and the modellers in establishing the structure-property relationships in these integrated functioning systems cannot be stressed enough as rationalising the many different factors that impact device performance becomes more and more demanding. The choice of electrodes, as well as the self-organised superstructures of the monolayers of switchable MIMs employed in the molecular switch tunnel junctions (MSTJs) associated with the crossbars of these MEDs, have a profound influence on device operation and performance. It is now clear, after much investigation, that a distinction should be drawn between two types of switching that can be elicited from MSTJs. One affords small ON/OFF ratios and is a direct consequence of the switching in bistable MIMs that leads to a relatively small remnant molecular signature--an activated chemical process. The other leads to a very much larger signature and ON/OFF ratios resulting from physical or chemical changes in the electrodes themselves. Control experiments with various compounds, including degenerate catenanes and free dumbbells, which cannot and do not switch, are crucial in establishing the authenticity of the small ON/OFF ratios and remnant molecular signatures produced by bistable MIMs. Moreover, experiments conducted on monolayers in MSTJs of molecules designed to switch and molecules designed not to switch have been probed directly by spectroscopic and other means in support of MEDs that store information through switching collections of bistable MIMs contained in arrays of MSTJs. In the quest for the next generation of MEDs, it is likely that monolayers of bistable MIMs will be replaced by robust crystalline extended structures wherein the switchable components, derived from bistable MIMs, are organised precisely in a periodic manner.

Mesostructured Block Copolymer Nanoparticles: Versatile Templates for Hybrid Inorganic/Organic Nanostructures.

We present a versatile strategy to prepare a range of nanostructured poly(styrene)-block-poly(2-vinyl pyridine) copolymer particles with tunable interior morphology and controlled size by a simple solvent exchange procedure. A key feature of this strategy is the use of functional block copolymers incorporating reactive pyridyl moieties which allow the absorption of metal salts and other inorganic precursors to be directed. Upon reduction of the metal salts, well-defined hybrid metal nanoparticle arrays could be prepared, while the use of oxide precursors followed by calcination permits the synthesis of silica and titania particles. In both cases, ordered morphologies templated by the original block copolymer domains were obtained.

Donor-acceptor ring-in-ring complexes.

The self-assembly of three donor-acceptor ring-in-ring complexes, prepared from the π-electron-deficient tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene), and three large π-electron-rich crown ethers (each 50-membered rings) containing dioxynaphthalene (DNP) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units in pairs (DNP/DNP, DNP/TTF and TTF/TTF), is reported. (1)H NMR spectroscopic analyses are indicative of the formation of 1:1 complexes in CD(3)CN, whilst the charge-transfer interactions between the DNP and TTF units of the crown ethers and the tetracationic cyclophane have permitted the measurement of binding constants of up to 4×10(3) M(-1) in CH(3)CN to be made using UV/Vis spectroscopy. Ring-in-ring complexes are proposed as intermediates in the stepwise synthesis of molecular Borromean rings (BRs) comprised of three different rings. With the particular choice of crown ethers, the 1:1 complexes have polyether loops that protrude from the donor-acceptor recognition point above and below the mean plane of the tetracationic cyclophane, which, ideally, could conceivably bind dialkylammonium centers present in a third ring. X-ray crystallographic analyses of the solid-state superstructures of two of the three 1:1 complexes reveal, however, the presence of prodigious CH···O interactions between the polyether loops of the crown ethers and the rims of the cyclophane, no doubt stabilizing the complexes, but, at the same time, masking their potential recognition sites from further interactions that are essential to the subsequent emergence of the third ring. The solid-state superstructure of one of the crown ethers binding two dibenzylammonium ions provides some insight into the design requirements for the next generation of these systems; longer polyether loops may be required to allow optimal interactions between all components. It has become clear during a pursuit of the stepwise synthesis of the molecular BRs that, when designing complex mechanically interlocked molecules utilizing multiple recognition sites, the unsullied orthogonality of the recognition motifs is of the utmost importance.

Reactive, multifunctional polymer films through thermal cross-linking of orthogonal click groups.

The ability to produce robust and functional cross-linked materials from soluble and processable organic polymers is dependent upon facile chemistries for both reinforcing the structure through cross-linking and for subsequent decoration with active functional groups. Generally, covalent cross-linking of polymeric assemblies is brought about by the application of heat or light to generate highly reactive groups from stable precursors placed along the chains that undergo coupling or grafting reactions. Typically, these strategies suffer from a general lack of control of the cross-linking chemistry as well as the fleeting nature of the reactive species that precludes secondary chemistry. We have addressed both of these issues using orthogonal chemistries to effect both cross-linking and subsequent functionalization of polymer films by mild heating, which results in exacting control of the cross-link density as well as the density of the residual stable functional groups available for subsequent, stepwise functionalization. This methodology is exploited to develop a strategy for the independent and orthogonal triple-functionalization of cross-linked polymer thin-films through microcontact printing.

Mechanically stabilized tetrathiafulvalene radical dimers.

Two donor-acceptor [3]catenanes-composed of a tetracationic molecular square, cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene), as the π-electron deficient ring and either two tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) containing macrocycles or two TTF-butadiyne-containing macrocycles as the π-electron rich components-have been investigated in order to study their ability to form TTF radical dimers. It has been proven that the mechanically interlocked nature of the [3]catenanes facilitates the formation of the TTF radical dimers under redox control, allowing an investigation to be performed on these intermolecular interactions in a so-called "molecular flask" under ambient conditions in considerable detail. In addition, it has also been shown that the stability of the TTF radical-cation dimers can be tuned by varying the secondary binding motifs in the [3]catenanes. By replacing the DNP station with a butadiyne group, the distribution of the TTF radical-cation dimer can be changed from 60% to 100%. These findings have been established by several techniques including cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry and UV-vis-NIR and EPR spectroscopies, as well as with X-ray diffraction analysis which has provided a range of solid-state crystal structures. The experimental data are also supported by high-level DFT calculations. The results contribute significantly to our fundamental understanding of the interactions within the TTF radical dimers.

Monofunctionalized pillar[5]arene as a host for alkanediamines.

Alkanediamines serve as neutral guests for the recently discovered host pillar[5]arene. The proposed [2]pseudorotaxane nature of the superstructure of the 1:1 host-guest complexes is supported by the template-directed synthesis of a related [2]rotaxane. A synthetic route to monofunctional pillar[5]arenes has also been developed, allowing for the creation of a fluorescent sensor for alkylamine binding. The precursors to this host could act as starting points for a large library of monofunctional pillar[5]arene macrocycles.

Highly stable tetrathiafulvalene radical dimers in [3]catenanes.

Two [3]catenane 'molecular flasks' have been designed to create stabilized, redox-controlled tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) dimers, enabling their spectrophotometric and structural properties to be probed in detail. The mechanically interlocked framework of the [3]catenanes creates the ideal arrangement and ultrahigh local concentration for the encircled TTF units to form stable dimers associated with their discrete oxidation states. These dimerization events represent an affinity umpolung, wherein the inversion in electronic affinity replaces the traditional TTF-bipyridinium interaction, which is over-ridden by stabilizing mixed-valence (TTF)2•+ and radical-cation (TTF•+)2 states inside the 'molecular flasks.' The experimental data, collected in the solid state as well as in solution under ambient conditions, together with supporting quantum mechanical calculations, are consistent with the formation of stabilized paramagnetic mixed-valence dimers, and then diamagnetic radical-cation dimers following subsequent one-electron oxidations of the [3]catenanes.

A push-button molecular switch.

The preparation, characterization, and switching mechanism of a unique single-station mechanically switchable hetero[2]catenane are reported. The facile synthesis utilizing a "threading-followed-by-clipping" protocol features Cu(2+)-catalyzed Eglinton coupling as a mild and efficient route to the tetrathiafulvalene-based catenane in high yield. The resulting mechanically interlocked molecule operates as a perfect molecular switch, most readily described as a "push-button" switch, whereby two discrete and fully occupied translational states are toggled electrochemically at incredibly high rates. This mechanical switching was probed using a wide variety of experimental techniques as well as quantum-mechanical investigations. The fundamental distinctions between this single-station [2]catenane and other more traditional bi- and multistation molecular switches are significant.

Acid-base actuation of [c2]daisy chains.

A versatile synthetic strategy, which was conceived and employed to prepare doubly threaded, bistable [c2]daisy chain compounds, is described. Propargyl and 1-pentenyl groups have been grafted onto the stoppers of [c2]daisy chain molecules obtained using a template-directed synthetic protocol. Such [c2]daisy chain molecules undergo reversible extension and contraction upon treatment with acid and base, respectively. The dialkyne-functionalized [c2]daisy chain (AA) was subjected to an [AA+BB] type polymerization with an appropriate diazide (BB) to afford a linear, mechanically interlocked, main-chain polymer. The macromolecular properties of this polymer were characterized by chronocoulometry, size exclusion chromatography, and static light-scattering analysis. The acid-base switching properties of both the monomers and the polymer have been studied in solution, using (1)H NMR spectroscopy, UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The experimental results demonstrate that the functionalized [c2]daisy chains, along with their polymeric derivatives, undergo quantitative, efficient, and fully reversible switching processes in solution. Kinetics measurements demonstrate that the acid/base-promoted extension/contraction movements of the polymeric [c2]daisy chain are actually faster than those of its monomeric counterpart. These observations open the door to correlated molecular motions and to changes in material properties.

Heterogeneous catalysis of a copper-coated atomic force microscopy tip for direct-write click chemistry.

We report a constructive scanning probe lithography method that uses heterogeneous copper-coated atomic force microscopy tips to catalyze azide-alkyne cycloadditions (CuAAC) between solvated terminal alkyne molecules and azide-terminated self-assembled monolayers on silicon surfaces. Spatially controlled surface functionalization was carried out successfully with 50 mM ethanolic solutions of small molecules bearing terminal alkyne groups--propargylamine, 4-pentynoic acid, and an alkynyl-oligoethyleneoxide. We observed that reaction occurs only where the copper tip is in contact with an azide-terminated surface resulting in features with linewidths on the order of 50 nm. The extent of surface functionalization, as measured by changes in surface topography and lateral force microscopy, depends on the scanning force (31-350 nN) and scanning speed, with significant surface patterning observed even at speeds as high as 64 microm/s. In contrast with related SPL techniques, this approach affords a direct-write lithographic approach to constructively modifying and patterning surfaces at the nanoscale without the need for auxiliary reagents. All that is required is (1) an azide surface, (2) a solution of a terminal alkyne, and (3) a copper-coated AFM tip. These advantages allow the direct attachment of a potentially limitless library of molecules that bear terminal alkyne functionalities, including biomolecules, under relatively mild conditions, with sub-100 nm spatial resolution.

Complexation between methyl viologen (paraquat) bis(hexafluorophosphate) and dibenzo[24]crown-8 revisited.

Paraquat bis(hexafluorophosphate) undergoes stepwise dissociation in acetone. All three species-the neutral molecule, and the mono- and dications-are represented significantly under the experimental conditions typically used in host-guest binding studies. Paraquat forms at least four host-guest complexes with dibenzo[24]crown-8. They are characterized by both 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometries, and an overall charge of either zero (neutral molecule) or one (monocation). The monocationic 1:1 host-guest complex is the most abundant species under typical (0.5-20 mM) experimental conditions. The presence of the dicationic 1:1 host-guest complex cannot be excluded on the basis of our experimental data, but neither is it unambiguously confirmed to be present. The two confirmed forms of paraquat that do undergo complexation-the neutral molecule and the monocation-exhibit approximately identical binding affinities toward dibenzo[24]crown-8. Thus, the relative abundance of neutral, singly, and doubly charged pseudorotaxanes is identical to the relative abundance of neutral, singly, and doubly charged paraquat unbound with respect to the crown ether in acetone. In the specific case of paraquat/dibenzo[24]crown-8, ion-pairing does not contribute to host-guest complex formation, as has been suggested previously in the literature.

Kinetic and thermodynamic approaches for the efficient formation of mechanical bonds.

Among the growing collection of molecular systems under consideration for nanoscale device applications, mechanically interlocked compounds derived from electrochemically switchable bistable [2]rotaxanes and [2]catenanes show great promise. These systems demonstrate dynamic, relative movements between their components, such as shuttling and circumrotation, enabling them to serve as stimuli-responsive switches operated via reversible, electrochemical oxidation-reduction rather than through the addition of chemical reagents. Investigations into these systems have been intense for a number of years, yet limitations associated with their synthesis have hindered incorporation of their mechanical bonds into more complex architectures and functional materials. We have recently addressed this challenge by developing new template-directed synthetic protocols, operating under both kinetic and thermodynamic control, for the preparation of bistable rotaxanes and catenanes. These methodologies are compatible with the molecular recognition between the pi-electron-accepting cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) (CBPQT(4+)) host and complementary pi-electron-donating guests. The procedures that operate under kinetic control rely on mild chemical transformations to attach bulky stoppering groups or perform macrocyclizations without disrupting the host-guest binding of the rotaxane or catenane precursors. Alternatively, the protocols that operate under thermodynamic control utilize a reversible ring-opening reaction of the CBPQT(4+) ring, providing a pathway for two cyclic starting materials to thread one another to form more thermodynamically stable catenaned products. These complementary pathways generate bistable rotaxanes and catenanes in high yields, simplify mechanical bond formation in these systems, and eliminate the requirement that the mechanical bonds be introduced into the molecular structure in the final step of the synthesis. These new methods have already been put into practice to prepare previously unavailable rotaxane architectures and novel complex materials. Furthermore, the potential for utilizing mechanically interlocked architectures as device components capable of information storage, the delivery of therapeutic agents, or other desirable functions has increased significantly as a result of the development of these improved synthetic protocols.

A one-pot synthesis of constitutionally unsymmetrical rotaxanes using sequential Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloadditions.

A one-pot sequential Cu(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) strategy is presented for the synthesis of constitutionally unsymmetrical cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene)-based rotaxanes in good yields from simple starting materials. The methodology consists of performing multiple CuAAC reactions to stopper a pseudorotaxane in a stepwise manner, the order of which is controlled through silyl-protection and Ag(I)-catalyzed deprotection of a terminal alkyne. The methodology is highlighted by the synthesis of an amphiphilic branched [4]rotaxane. The methodology increases the ability to access ever more complicated mechanically interlocked compounds to serve in devices as sophisticated and functional molecular machinery.

Synthesis of, and structural assignments to the stereoisomers of bis (2,2')- and tris (2,2',2")-tetrahydrofurans: conformational features and ionic binding capacities of these gateway polycyclic networks.

Construction of the polytetrahydrofuranyl building blocks 6-10 from the common bissiloxyacetone precursor 11 is detailed. The approach is concise and, for the bis-(THF) pair, capitalizes on the full retention of configuration observed during the rhodium-promoted decarbonylation of aldehydes 18 and 19. The capability of the title compounds to associate with alkali metal ions in solution and the gas phase has demonstrated a preference for Li+ over Na+ and K+ in all cases, with 6 and 7 exhibiting somewhat higher binding selectivities than 8-10. The relative energy orderings of attainable conformations with the bis-THF and tris-THF series were explored computationally. The various envelope arrangements present in the individual THF units are shown to play a significant role alongside prevailing gauche interactions. The "gauche effect" is shown computationally not to be an accurate predictor of the lowest energy conformer.