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In this study, the ligand exchange mechanism at a biomimetic ZnII centre, embedded in a pocket mimicking the possible constrains induced by a proteic structure, is explored. The residence time of different guest ligands (dimethylformamide, acetonitrile and ethanol) inside the cavity of a calix[6]arene‐based tris(imidazole) tetrahedral zinc complex was probed using 1D EXchange SpectroscopY NMR experiments. A strong dependence of residence time on water content was observed with no exchange occurring under anhydrous conditions, even in the presence of a large excess of guest ligand. These results advocate for an associative exchange mechanism involving the transient exo‐coordination of a water molecule, giving rise to 5‐coordinate ZnII intermediates, and inversion of the pyramid at the ZnII centre. Theoretical modelling by DFT confirmed that the associative mechanism is at stake. These results are particularly relevant in the context of the understanding of kinetic stability/lability in Zn proteins and highlight the key role that a single water molecule can play in catalysing ligand exchange and controlling the lability of ZnII in proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The association of a C 3v -symmetrical calix[6]tris-amine with different concave tris-carboxylic acids of various degrees of flexibility has been explored by 1H NMR spectroscopy. In all cases, self-assembled structures directed by the selective inclusion of a neutral guest molecule were obtained, the more preorganized being stable in protic solvents. With a rigid C 3-symmetrical cap, chiral guest recognition in the calixarene cavity resulted. A large tris-acidic partner gave a unique molecular ditopic receptor that is able to simultaneously accommodate two neutral molecules in two distinct hydrophobic cavities with different binding processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Biomimetism, calixarenes, DFT modelling, funnel complexes, NMR spectroscopy Front Cover: A Water Molecule Triggers Guest Exchange at a Mono-Zinc Centre Confined in a Biomimetic Calixarene Pocket: a Model for Understanding Ligand Stability in Zn Proteins (Chem. Eur. J. 55/2021) Keywords: biomimetism; calixarenes; DFT modelling; funnel complexes; NMR spectroscopy EN biomimetism calixarenes DFT modelling funnel complexes NMR spectroscopy 13659 13659 1 10/05/21 20211001 NES 211001 B The ligand b - B exchange b mechanism at a Zn SP II sp centre embedded in a calix[6]arene pocket was probed by NMR spectroscopy and DFT calculations. [Extracted from the article]

The selective functionalization of macrocyclic receptors remains extremely challenging because it generally requires the transformation of one and only one functional group among several identical groups. Recently, some of us described that the host-guest properties of a calix[6]arene-based Zn complex could be exploited for its selective monofunctionalization. Herein, we report on the extension of this synthetic strategy to a calix[6]arene-based receptor displaying a different recognition pattern with its guest. More precisely, a calix[6]arene tris-carboxylic acid-based receptor bearing three azido groups at the large rim was selectively monofunctionalized through an intramolecular thermal Huisgen reaction with a hexynNH3+ ion accommodated into the cavity. This work shows that the monofunctionalization methodology can also be performed efficiently with host-guest systems involving ionic/H-bonding interactions, and it is thus not limited only to the use of metal-ligand interactions. In other words, this supramolecular methodology can be used as a general tool for the selective functionalization of molecular receptors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]