Adrian-Mihail Stadler

Solvent-modulated reversible conversion of a [2×2]-grid into a pincer-like complex

The triazine derived ligand reacts with one equivalent of Co(II) salts to give complexes whose architecture depends on the solvent employed: the [2 x 2]-grid like tetranuclear complex and the pincer-like mononuclear complex, obtained respectively by crystallization from nitromethane and from acetonitrile may be interconverted reversibly, the grid-pincer conversion being markedly accelerated by adding an amine.

Coupled Nanomechanical Motions: Metal-Ion-Effected, pH-Modulated, Simultaneous Extension/Contraction Motions of Double-Domain Helical/Linear Molecular Strands

A new class of shape-enforced synthetic polyheterocyclic molecular strands, containing both a helical and a linear domain, has been designed and synthesized. On reaction with Pb(II), under the effect of cation binding to the coordination subunits, the helical section unfolds into a linear shape in the complex and the linear domain folds into a helical ligand wrapped around the bound cations. Such double-domain ligand strands are thus able to undergo a combined unfolding-folding interconversion on binding and release of metal cations. These changes can be modulated through coupling to a competing ligand that reversibly binds and releases metal cations, when respectively unprotonated and protonated, on effecting alternate pH changes. The resulting process thus performs nanomechanical extension/contraction molecular motions of a linear motor type, which is fueled by acid-base neutralization.

Copper(II) dinuclear pyrazine-based rack-type complexes: preparation, structure, and magnetic properties.

A novel class of ditopic ligands, 1, was synthesized by the reaction of 2,5-pyrazine-dicarboxaldehyde with 2 equiv of acyl-/aroyl-hydrazine. Their structures were confirmed by 1D and 2D NMR and by X-ray crystallography. They gave heteroleptic Cu(II) dinuclear rack-like complexes of the formula [Cu(2)1(terpy)(2)](OTf)(4), thus undergoing shape changes of significant amplitude. The solid-state structures of these complexes were determined by X-ray crystallography. The magnetic measurements performed on the complexes revealed the presence of antiferromagnetic intramolecular interactions.

Controlled Folding, Motional, and Constitutional Dynamic Processes of Polyheterocyclic Molecular Strands

General design principles have been developed for the control of the structural features of polyheterocyclic strands and their effector-modulated shape changes. Induced defined molecular motions permit designed enforcement of helical as well as linear molecular shapes. The ability of such molecular strands to bind metal cations allows the generation of coiling/uncoiling processes between helically folded and extended linear states. Large molecular motions are produced on coordination of metal ions, which may be made reversible by competition with an ancillary complexing agent and fueled by sequential acid/base neutralization energy. The introduction of hydrazone units into the strands confers upon them constitutional dynamics, whereby interconversion between different strand compositions is achieved through component exchange. These features have relevance for nanomechanical devices. We present a morphological and functional analysis of such systems developed in our laboratories.

Contraction/extension molecular motion by protonation/deprotonation induced structural switching of pyridine derived oligoamides

NMR, mass spectrometry and X-ray diffraction studies show reversible structural interconversion between helical and extended forms of pyridine derived oligoamide molecular strands, by simple protonation/deprotonation.

A Ca2+‐, Mg2+‐, and Zn2+‐Based Dendritic Contractile Nanodevice with Two pH‐Dependent Motional Functions

A contractile dendritic motional device is reported where metal ions with biological importance--Ca(2+) (the main regulatory and signaling species of the natural muscles), Mg(2+), and Zn(2+)--initiate two kinds of motional functions. The first motional function is the metal-ion-induced contraction of a linear strand into a Z-shaped dinuclear complex, and the second one is the change of the height of Z-shaped complexes via transmetalation. By means of the pH-dependent counterligand tren, the two motional features of the machine can depend on alternate additions of acid and base. An optical response is associated with the conversion of the linear form (which is yellow) into the metalated Z-shaped one (which is red).

Synthetic Molecular Machines and Polymer/Monomer Size Switches that Operate Through Dynamic and Non-Dynamic Covalent Changes

The present chapter is focused on how synthetic molecular machines (e.g. shuttles, switches and molecular motors) and size switches (conversions between polymers and their units, i.e., conversions between relatively large and small molecules) can function through covalent changes. Amongst the interesting examples of devices herein presented are molecular motors and size switches based on dynamic covalent chemistry which is an area of constitutional dynamic chemistry.

Places and chemistry: Strasbourg—a chemical crucible seen through historical personalities

At the crossroads of Europe, having the particularity to be influenced and shaped during their history by both French and German cultures and systems, Strasbourg and Alsace have produced internationally significant science. This review is focused on the personalities of Strasbourg and Alsace who influenced many aspects of both the development and the perception of chemistry in particular.