Hexayne Amphiphiles and Bolaamphiphiles.

Oligoynes with two or more conjugated carbon-carbon triple bonds are useful precursors for carbon-rich nanomaterials. However, their range of applications has so far been severely limited by the challenging syntheses, particularly in the case of oligoynes with functional groups. Here, we report a universal synthetic approach towards both symmetric and unsymmetric, functionalized hexaynes through the use of a modified Eglinton-Galbraith coupling and a sacrificial building block.

Redox-Driven Transformation of a Discrete Molecular Cage into an Infinite 3D Coordination Polymer.

Two M L redox-active self-assembled cages constructed from an electron-rich ligand based on the extended tetrathiafulvalene framework (exTTF) and metal complexes with a linear geometry (Pd and Ag ) are depicted. Remarkably, based on a combination of specific structural and electronic features, the polycationic self-assembled Ag coordination cage undergoes a supramolecular transformation upon oxidation into a three-dimensional coordination polymer, that is characterized by X-ray crystallography. This redox-controlled change of the molecular organization results from the drastic conformational modifications accompanying oxidation of the exTTF moiety.

Controlling the Host-Guest Interaction Mode through a Redox Stimulus.

A proof-of-concept related to the redox-control of the binding/releasing process in a host-guest system is achieved by designing a neutral and robust Pt-based redox-active metallacage involving two extended-tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) ligands. When neutral, the cage is able to bind a planar polyaromatic guest (coronene). Remarkably, the chemical or electrochemical oxidation of the host-guest complex leads to the reversible expulsion of the guest outside the cavity, which is assigned to a drastic change of the host-guest interaction mode, illustrating the key role of counteranions along the exchange process.

Neutral versus polycationic coordination cages: a comparison regarding neutral guest inclusion.

A neutral self-assembled container synthesized from a concave π-extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF) ligand and the cis-Pd(dctfb)2(cod) complex (dctfb = 3,5-dichloro-2,4,6-trifluorobenzene; cod = 1,5-cyclooctadiene) is described. This molecular host exhibits a good binding ability for fused polyaromatic substrates. The corresponding inclusion properties are compared with those of a previously described analogous octacationic cage, offering therefore the opportunity to address the effect of the cavity charge state over the binding of neutral molecules.

Reversible Guest Uptake/Release by Redox-Controlled Assembly/Disassembly of a Coordination Cage.

Controlling the guest expulsion process from a receptor is of critical importance in various fields. Several coordination cages have been recently designed for this purpose, based on various types of stimuli to induce the guest release. Herein, we report the first example of a redox-triggered process from a coordination cage.