Steffen Bähring

A Bis-calix[4]pyrrole Enzyme Mimic That Constrains Two Oxoanions in Close Proximity

Herein we describe a large capsule-like bis-calix[4]pyrrole 1, which is able to host concurrently two dihydrogen phosphate anions within a relatively large internal cavity. Evidence for the concurrent, dual recognition of the encapsulated anions came from 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies and ITC titrations carried out in CD2Cl2/CD3OD (9/1, v/v) or dichloroethane (DCE), as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Receptor 1 was also found to bind two dianionic sulfate anions bridged by two water molecules in the solid state. The resulting sulfate dimer was retained in DCE solution, as evidenced by spectroscopic analyses. Finally, receptor 1 was found capable of accommodating two trianionic pyrophosphate anions in the cavity. The present experimental findings are supported by DFT calculations along with 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies, ITC studies, and single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses.

Acid/Base Controllable Molecular Recognition

The study of controllable molecular recognition in supramolecular receptors is important for elucidating design strategies that can lead to external control of molecular recognition applications. In this work, we present the design and synthesis of an asymmetric (TTF) tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole receptor and show that its recognition of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB) can be controlled by an acid/base input. The new receptor is composed of three identical TTF units and a fourth TTF unit appended with a phenol moiety. Investigation of the host-guest complexation taking place between the TTF-calix[4]pyrrole receptor and the TNB guests was studied by means of absorption and (1)H NMR spectroscopy; this revealed that the conformation of the molecular receptor can be switched between locked and unlocked states by using base and acid as the input. In the unlocked state, the receptor is able to accommodate two TNB guest molecules, whereas the guests are not able to bind to the receptor in the locked state. This work serves to illustrate how external control (acid/base) of a receptor may be used to direct the molecular recognition of guests (TNBs). It has led to a new controllable molecular recognition system that functions as an acid/base switch.

Use of solvent to regulate the degree of polymerisation in weakly associated supramolecular oligomers

Using a tetrathiafulvalene functionalised calix[4]pyrrole (TTF-C[4]P; ) and alkyl diester-linked bis-dinitrophenols (), it was found that the solvent polarity and linker length have an effect on the molecular aggregation behaviour. 2D (1)H NOESY, DOSY NMR and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopic studies, as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses support these conclusions.

Very Strong Binding for a Neutral Calix[4]pyrrole Receptor Displaying Positive Allosteric Binding

The dual-analyte responsive behavior of tetraTTF-calix[4]pyrrole receptor 1 has been shown to complex electron-deficient planar guests in a 2:1 fashion by adopting a so-called 1,3-alternate conformation. However, stronger 1:1 complexes have been demonstrated with tetraalkylammonium halide salts that defer receptor 1 to its cone conformation. Herein, we report the complexation of an electron-deficient planar guest, 1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride (NTCDA, 2) that champions the complexation with 1, resulting in a high association constant Ka = 3 × 1010 M-2. The tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) subunits in the tetraTTF-calix[4]pyrrole receptor 1 present a near perfect shape and electronic complementarity to the NTCDA guest, which was confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis, DFT calculations, and electron density surface mapping. Moreover, the complexation of these species results in the formation of a charge transfer complex (22⊂1) as visualized by a readily apparent color change from yellow to brown.

Coordination‐Driven Switching of a Preorganized and Cooperative Calix[4]pyrrole Receptor

The study of preorganization in receptors, particularly in cooperative receptors, and their reversible control by external stimuli is important for elucidating design strategies that can lead to increased sensitivity and external control of molecular recognition. In this work we present the design, synthesis, and operation of an asymmetric tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)-calix[4]pyrrole receptor appended with a pyridine moiety. (1)H NMR spectroscopy was employed to demonstrate that intramolecular complexation between the receptor and the pyridine moiety leads to a preorganized receptor. Absorption and (1)H NMR spectroscopy along with a computational investigation were used to demonstrate the ability of the receptor to complex the substrate 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB) and that the receptor can be reversibly modulated between negative and positive cooperativity by employing external stimuli in the form of Zn(II). Fitting procedures incorporating multiple datasets and fitting to multiple equilibria simultaneously have been employed to quantitatively determine the preorganization effects.

Functionalized Calixpyrroles: Building Blocks for Self-Assembly

This chapter covers advances in the development of anion and ion pair recognition systems based on calix[4]pyrrole. The intention of this manuscript is to provide of an overview of promising systems for the sensing of relevant analytes, such as the toxic fluoride anion, phosphate anions, as well as the extraction and transport of anionic species and ion pairs including cesium halide and sulfate salts. It is divided into seven sections. The first section describes the synthetic methods employed to functionalized calix[4]pyrrole. The second section focuses on functionalized calix[4]pyrroles that display enhanced anion binding properties compared to the non-functionalized parent system, octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole. The use of functionalized calix[4]pyrroles containing a fluorescent group or functionalized calix[4]pyrroles as building blocks for the preparation of stimulus-responsive materials is discussed in Sect. 12.3. Receptors that are able to recognize and selectively extract ionic species from aqueous media into organic environments are the topic of Sect. 12.4. Anion and ion pair receptors based on calix[4]pyrroles that are designed to achieve the transmembrane transport of ions are the focus of the fifth section. Finally, the last section will summarize work devoted on calix[4]pyrrole systems capable of forming higher order supramolecular aggregates and capsules, as well as studies of their response to external stimuli. Potential applications, including the possible removal of deleterious anions and the eventual development of therapeutics that function via the transport of anions across cell membranes, are discussed.

Cover Profile: Design and Sensing Properties of a Self-Assembled Supramolecular Oligomer

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Jonathan L. Sessler at the University of Texas at Austin. The image depicts the controlled self-assembly of electron rich and electron deficient components to create stimulus responsive oligomeric ensemble that functions as a sensor system for nitroaromatic explosives. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.201503701.

CCDC 988772: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

Related Article: Steffen Bahring, Dong Sub Kim, Troels Duedal, Vincent M. Lynch, Kent A. Nielsen, Jan O. Jeppesen, Jonathan L. Sessler|2014|Chem.Commun.|50|5497|doi:10.1039/C4CC01514B