Supramolecular polymerization provides non-equilibrium product distributions of imine-linked macrocycles
Year: 2020
Type: article
Abstract: Supramolecular polymerization of imine-linked macrocycles has been coupled to dynamic imine bond exchange within a series of macrocycles and oligomers. In this way, macrocycle synthesis is driven by supramolecular assembly, either into small aggregates supported by π-π interactions, or high-aspect ratio nanotubes stabilized primarily by electrostatic and solvophobic interactions. For the latter, supramolecular polymerization into nanotubes restricts imine exchange, thereby conferring chemical stability to the assemblies and their constituent macrocycles. Competition in the formation and component exchange among macrocycles favored pyridine-2,6-diimine-linked species due to their rapid synthesis, thermodynamic stability, and assembly into high-aspect ratio nanotubes under the reaction conditions. In addition, the pyridine-containing nanotubes inhibit the formation of similar macrocycles containing benzene-1,3-diimine-linkages, presumably by disrupting their assembly and templation. Finally, we exploit rapid imine exchange within weak, low-aspect ratio macrocycle aggregates to carry out monomer exchange reactions to macrocycles bearing pyridine moieties. Once a pyridine-containing dialdehyde has exchanged into a macrocycle, the macrocycle becomes capable of nanotube formation, which dramatically slows further imine exchange. This kinetic trap provides chemically diverse macrocycles that are not attainable by direct synthetic methods. Together these findings provide new insights into coupling supramolecular polymerization and dynamic covalent bond-forming processes and leverages this insight to target asymmetric nanotubes. We envision these findings spurring further research efforts in the synthesis of nanostructures with designed and emergent properties.
Source: Chemical Science
DOI: 10.1039/c9sc05422g
Institution: Northwestern University
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
Funders: National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Energy, W. M. Keck Foundation, Northwestern University, Office of Science, Materials Research Science and Engineering Center, Harvard University, Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative, International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, National Cancer Institute, Division of Materials Research, Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems, Division of Chemistry, Basic Energy Sciences, Army Research Office, Argonne National Laboratory
Awards: G1169090945, G1276186940, G1284175734, G1382277591, Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), G336680401, G3454132534, Upgrade of 400 MHz NMR Capabilities for Research, Education and Outreach, G3858703200, G4001230836, G4285583887, G4289625387, G4372147948, G4566764134, G4573007502, G4655342999, MRSEC: Center for Multifunctional Materials, G4912152698, G5218300437, G5385673730, NNCI: Soft and Hybrid Nanotechnology Experimental (SHyNE) Resource, G6350795925, G6627702815, G6851001538, G7452299184, G7461832402, Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP), G7792979783, G8073314406, G8230932042
OpenAlex ID: W3000655858