Shape-assisted self-assembly

Self-assembly and molecular recognition are critical processes both in life and material sciences. They usually depend on strong, directional non-covalent interactions to gain specificity and to make long-range organization possible. Most supramolecular constructs are also at least partially governed by topography, whose role is hard to disentangle. This makes it nearly impossible to discern the potential of shape and motion in the creation of complexity. Here, we demonstrate that long-range order in supramolecular constructs can be assisted by the topography of the individual units even in the absence of highly directional interactions. Molecular units of remarkable simplicity self-assemble in solution to give single-molecule thin two-dimensional supramolecular polymers of defined boundaries. This dramatic example spotlights the critical function that topography can have in molecular assembly and paves the path to rationally designed systems of increasing sophistication

Control of Electrons' Spin Eliminates Hydrogen Peroxide Formation during Water Splitting

The production of hydrogen through water splitting in a photoelectrochemical cell suffers from an overpotential that limits the efficiencies. In addition, hydrogen-peroxide formation is identified as a competing process affecting the oxidative stability of photoelectrodes. We impose spin-selectivity by coating the anode with chiral organic semiconductors from helically aggregated dyes as sensitizers; Zn-porphyrins and triarylamines. Hydrogen peroxide formation is dramatically suppressed, while the overall current through the cell, correlating with the water splitting process, is enhanced. Evidence for a strong spin-selection in the chiral semiconductors is presented by magnetic conducting (mc-)AFM measurements, in which chiral and achiral Zn-porphyrins are compared. These findings contribute to our understanding of the underlying mechanism of spin selectivity in multiple electron-transfer reactions and pave the way toward better chiral dye-sensitized photoelectrochemical cells

Saddles as rotational locks within shape-assisted self-assembled nanosheets

Two-dimensional (2D) materials are a key target for many applications in the modern day. Self-assembly is one approach that can bring us closer to this goal, which usually relies upon strong, directional interactions instead of covalent bonds. Control over less directional forces is more challenging and usually does not result in as well-defined materials. Explicitly incorporating topography into the design as a guiding effect to enhance the interacting forces can help to form highly ordered structures. Herein, we show the process of shape-assisted self-assembly to be consistent across a range of derivatives that highlights the restriction of rotational motion and is verified using a diverse combination of solid state analyses. A molecular curvature governed angle distribution nurtures monomers into loose columns that then arrange to form 2D structures with long-range order observed in both crystalline and soft materials. These features strengthen the idea that shape becomes an important design principle leading towards precise molecular self-assembly and the inception of new materials

Anion transport with anion-π interactions and halogen bonds

Anion-π interactions and halogen bonds are applied to anion transport through lipids bilayer membranes. Calix[4]arenes and calix[4]pyrroles scaffolds, and minimalist π-acidic naphthalenediimides were explored for anion transport. Calix[4]arenes and octiphenyl rigid-rods scaffolds, and minimalistic perfluorinated halogen-bond donors were applied to anion transport with halogen bonds. The different systems were tested in large unilamelar vesicles to explore their ability to promote anion translocation. Anion-π interaction had been reported before for anion transport, here we extend its scope in anion-π moieties. In addition, by considerably varying the systems used, their general applicability to anion transport was assessed. Halogen bonds are introduced here to the field of anion transport; anion transporters based on this non-covalent interaction can be very simple due to their intrinsic lipophilicity as exemplified by the smallest organic anion-transport system: trifluoroiodomethane. These results are confirmed by planar membrane conductance experiments

Transmembrane Halogen-Bonding Cascades

Halogen bonds have recently been introduced as ideal to transport anions across lipid bilayer membranes. However, activities obtained with small transporters were not impressive, and cyclic arrays of strong halogen-bond donors above a calix[4]arene scaffold gave even weaker activities. Here, we report that their linear alignment for anion hopping along transmembrane rigid-rod scaffolds gives excellent activities with an unprecedented cooperativity coefficient m = 3.37

Anion Transport in Lipid Bilayer Membranes Using Halogen Bonds

The development of ion transport systems employing halogen bonding for function and structure started less than a decade ago. This line of research was motivated by the intrinsically compatible characteristics of this noncovalent interaction with transmembrane ion transport, leading to a number of macrocyclic and supramolecular approaches to be explored and reported. Amidst more elaborated molecular frameworks, simple perfluoro‐1‐iodoalkanes have conclusively proven the relevance and suitability of halogen bonding toward this functional application. Indeed, the strength and directionality of the halogen bond, added to a hydrophobic scaffold, were sufficient to enable anion binding and transport across a lipid bilayer membrane. Macrocyclic arrays were advanced to demonstrate multitopic binding and transport, further enlarging the possibilities. Finally, ion channels relying on halogen bonding to enable multi‐ion hopping across the membrane have also been reported. These larger structures could be constructed both using covalent and supramolecular approaches and were the most active transporters exploiting halogen bonding

Anion Transport with Halogen Bonds

This review covers the application of halogen bonds to transport anions across lipid bilayer membranes. The introduction provides a brief description of biological and synthetic transport systems. Emphasis is on examples that explore interactions beyond the coordination with lone pairs or hydrogen bonds for the recognition of cations and anions, particularly cation-π and anion-π interactions, and on structural motifs that are relevant for transport studies with halogen bonds. Section 2 summarizes the use of macrocyclic scaffolds to achieve transport with halogen bonds, focusing on cyclic arrays of halogen-bond donors of different strengths on top of calixarene scaffolds. This section also introduces methods to study anion binding in solution and anion transport in fluorogenic vesicles. In Sect. 3, transport studies with monomeric halogen bond-donors are summarized. This includes the smallest possible organic anion transporter, trifluoroiodomethane, a gas that can be bubbled through a suspension of vesicles to turn on transport. Anion transport with a gas nicely illustrates the power of halogen bonds for anion transport. Like hydrogen bonds, they are directional and strong, but compared to hydrogen-bond donors, halogen-bond donors are more lipophilic. Section 3 also offers a concise introduction to the measurement of ion selectivity in fluorogenic vesicles and conductance experiments in planar bilayer membranes. Section 4 introduces the formal unrolling of cyclic scaffolds into linear scaffolds that can span lipid bilayers. As privileged transmembrane scaffolds, the importance of hydrophobically matching fluorescent p-oligophenyl rods is fully confirmed. The first formal synthetic ion channel that operates by cooperative multiion hopping along transmembrane halogen-bonding cascades is described. Compared to homologs for anion-π interactions, transport with halogen bonds is clearly more powerful

Transmembrane Halogen-Bonding Cascades

Halogen bonds have recently been introduced as ideal to transport anions across lipid bilayer membranes. However, activities obtained with small transporters were not impressive, and cyclic arrays of strong halogen-bond donors above a calix[4]­arene scaffold gave even weaker activities. Here, we report that their linear alignment for anion hopping along transmembrane rigid-rod scaffolds gives excellent activities with an unprecedented cooperativity coefficient <i>m</i> = 3.37

Light-Driven Molecular Whirligig

International audienceAn unidirectional light-driven rotary motor was looped in a figure-of-eight molecule by linking two polymer chains between its stator and rotor parts. By properly tuning the size of these linkers, clockwise rotation of the motor under UV light was shown to create conformationally strained twists between the polymer chains and, in this tensed conformation, the energy stored in the molecular object was sufficient to trigger the reverse rotation of the motor back to its fully relaxed state. The functioning principle of this motorized molecular device appears very similar to the one of macroscopic whirligig crafts used by children for fun. In addition, we found that in its out-of-equilibrium tensed state, the fluorescence emission of the molecular motor increased by 500% due to the mechanical constraints imposed by the polymer chains on its conjugated core. Finally, by calculating the apparent thermal energies of activation for the backward rotations at different levels of twisting, we quantitatively determined a lower estimate of the work generated by this rotary motor, from which a torque and a force were extracted, thus answering a long-term open question in this field of research

Synthetic Ion Transporters that Work with Anion−π Interactions, Halogen Bonds, and Anion–Macrodipole Interactions

The transport of ions and molecules across lipid bilayer membranes connects cells and cellular compartments with their environment. This biological process is central to a host of functions including signal transduction in neurons and the olfactory and gustatory sensing systems, the translocation of biosynthetic intermediates and products, and the uptake of nutrients, drugs, and probes. Biological transport systems are highly regulated and selectively respond to a broad range of physical and chemical stimulation. A large percentage of today's drugs and many antimicrobial or antifungal agents take advantage of these systems. Other biological transport systems are highly toxic, such as the anthrax toxin or melittin from bee venom. For more than three decades, organic and supramolecular chemists have been interested in developing new transport systems. Over time, curiosity about the basic design has evolved toward developing of responsive systems with applications in materials sciences and medicine. Our early contributions to this field focused on the introduction of new structural motifs with emphasis on rigid-rod scaffolds, artificial β-barrels, or π-stacks. Using these scaffolds, we have constructed selective systems that respond to voltage, pH, ligands, inhibitors, or light (multifunctional photosystems). We have described sensing applications that cover the three primary principles of sensor development: immunosensors that use aptamers, biosensors (an “artificial” tongue), and differential sensors (an “artificial” nose). In this Account, we focus on our recent interest in applying synthetic transport systems as analytical tools to identify the functional relevance of less common noncovalent interactions, anion−π interactions, halogen bonds, and anion–macrodipole interactions. Anion−π interactions, the poorly explored counterpart of cation−π interactions, occur in aromatic systems with a positive quadrupole moment, such as TNT or hexafluorobenzene. To observe these elusive interactions in action, we synthesized naphthalenediimide transporters of increasing π-acidity up to an unprecedented quadrupole moment of +39 Buckinghams and characterized these systems in comparison with tandem mass spectrometry and computational simulations. With π-acidic calixarenes and calixpyrroles, we have validated our results on anion−π interactions and initiated our studies of halogen bonds. Halogen bonds originate from the σ-hole that appears on top of electron-deficient iodines, bromines, and chlorines. Halogen-bond donors are ideal for anion transport because they are as strong and at least as directional as hydrogen-bond donors, but also hydrophobic. The discovery of the smallest possible organic anion transporter, trifluoroiodomethane, illustrates the power of halogen-bond donors. This molecule contains a single carbon atom and is a gas with a boiling point of −22 °C. Anion–macrodipole interactions, finally, differ significantly from anion−π interactions and halogen bonds because they are important in nature and cannot be studied with small molecules. We have used anion-transporting peptide/urea nanotubes to examine these interactions in synthetic transport systems. To facilitate the understanding of the described results, we also include an in-depth discussion of the meaning of Hill coefficients. The use of synthetic transport systems to catch less common noncovalent interactions at work is important because it helps to expand the collection of interactions available to create functional systems. Progress in this direction furthers fundamental knowledge and invites many different applications. For illustration, we briefly discuss how this knowledge could apply to the development of new catalysts