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The synthesis of chiral α-amino acid derived (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide (tzpa) ligands 4–6 designed by combining the coordination properties of two well-known ligand structures within a single unit is described.

Analogues of the canonical nucleosides have a longstanding presence and proven capability within medicinal chemistry and drug-discovery research. Herein, we report chemical diversification of carbocyclic pyrimidine nucleosides containing CF2 and CHF in place of the furanose oxygen to introduce ring unsaturation and 2′-epimers. Utilizing gram-scale access to 6′-(R)-monofluoro- and 6′-gem-difluorouridine, we explore the provision of 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy, and 1′,2′-didehydro-2′-deoxy analogues, alongside the first example of a 6′-(R)-fluoro arabino-carbauridine. Key stereochemistries and the presence of unsaturation are confirmed using X-ray crystallography and NMR, and an indicative conformational preference for a monofluoro 2′,3′-didehydro-2′,3′-dideoxy system is presented. This synthetic blueprint offers a potential to explore biological activity for these hitherto unavailable materials, including a direct comparison to established nucleoside analogue drugs.

Fused azolate ligands are hydrolytically-stable linkers for metal–organic frameworks. Their unique geometries and capacity for functionalisation have opened new pathways at the convergence of simple N-heterocycles and biologically relevant purines.

Spiro[3.3]heptane-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (Fecht's acid, H2SHDC) is examined as a non-aromatic terephthalic acid isostere for the first time. The rigid spirocyclic backbone provides greater steric bulk than conventional aromatic dicarboxylates with consequences for pore chemistry and control of interpenetration, presented here in the structures of two new MOFs. Complex 1 is a three-dimensional rod packed structure consisting of Yb-carboxylate chains bridged by SHDC linkers which, although non-porous, exhibits a surprisingly high thermal stability for a spirocyclic cyclobutane derivative. Complex 2 is a co-ligand complex of SHDC with trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (bpe) which contains linear solvent channels despite fourfold interpenetration. Although the framework does not retain its structure following evacuation, a clear difference is observed in the extended structure compared to the structurally related terephthalate species. This observation suggests the non-aromatic backbone of Fecht's acid and other rigid aliphatic linkers may prove an effective means to disfavour deleterious close inter-framework contacts which prevail in interpenetrated aromatic MOFs.

The synthesis and characterisation of tripodal ligand 1 containing 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide core and diethyl 4-(phenylethynyl)pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate is described. The crystal structure of the intermediate tripodal molecule 7 exhibits an unusual staggered hydrogen-bonded chain motif instead of the anticipated helical assembly. We studied the basic photophysical properties of 1 in solvents of various polarity including CH3OH, CH3CN, DMSO, and CHCl3. The self-assembly experiments between 1 and Eu(CF3SO3)3⋅6H2O confirmed the formation of metal-ligand self-assembly species in the solution of CH3CN. It was also shown that the excitation of the Eu(III)-centred emission in such species occurred through the energy transfer from the ligand acting as an antenna to the metal centre. The binding constant values were evaluated using the nonlinear regression analysis software SPECFIT®, and their values correspond to those previously observed for the assemblies between 2,6-dipicolinic acid derivatives and lanthanide ions. This work describes the synthesis of tripodal 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide ligand with dipicolinic acid units and its binding with Eu(III) ions in solution. The photophysical properties of the target tripodal ligand were studied in solvents of various polarity. The self-assembly experiments between the ligand and Eu(III) ions in solution confirmed the formation of luminescent metal-ligand self-assembly species.

The ability to use bio-inspired building-blocks in the assembly of novel supramolecular frameworks is at the forefront of this exciting research field. Herein, we present the first polyproline helix to self-assemble into a reversibly porous, crystalline, supramolecular peptide framework (SPF). This framework is assembled from a short oligoproline, adopting the polyproline II conformation, driven by hydrogen-bonding and dispersion interactions. Thermal activation, guest-induced dynamic porosity and enantioselective guest inclusion have been demonstrated for this novel system. The principles of the self-assembly associated with this SPF will be used as a blueprint allowing for the further development of helical peptide linkers in the rational design of SPFs and metalpeptide frameworks.

The steric influences of the triazole side chains in two tripodal chelating ligands tris[(1-benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine (TBTA) and tris[(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methyl]amine (TPTA) are explored through structural studies of four new mononuclear d-block metal complexes. The manganese(II) complex [Mn(TPTA)2](ClO4)2·H2O 1 includes two TPTA ligands each coordinated in a tridentate fashion to give an unusual trigonal prismatic coordination geometry with two non-coordinated pendant triazole groups which engage in weak hydrogen bonding interactions. [Ni(TBTA)(OH2)Cl]Cl·3H2O·MeCN 2 contains an octahedral nickel(II) centre bound by a tetradentate TBTA ligand along with aqua and chloride ligands, where the significant degree of lattice solvation leads to an extensive hydrogen bonding network linking complexes through hexa-aqua water clusters. The mononuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(TPTA)Cl2]·MeCN 3 contains no classical hydrogen bond donors but instead intermolecular aggregation takes place through chelating Csingle bondH···Cl hydrogen bonds involving the acidic triazole Csingle bondH groups which leads to close association of adjacent complexes. The zinc complex [Zn(TPTA)Cl]2[ZnCl4]·MeOH 4, in which cationic [Zn(TPTA)Cl]+ species are accompanied by tetrachlorozincate anions, exhibits a tris-triazole chelating coordination geometry for the TPTA ligand and associates through tetrameric π···π stacking interactions despite the positive charge present on each species. Structural analysis of these complexes, supported by solution-state mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopic and magnetic susceptibility measurements, where applicable, provides new insights into the breadth of coordination geometries and intermolecular packing modes available to this important class of chelating ligand.

In the design of new metal–organic frameworks, the constant challenges of framework stability and structural predictability continue to influence ligand choice in favour of well-studied dicarboxylates and similar ligands. However, a small subset of known MOF ligands contains suitable functionality for coordination sphere hydrogen bonding which can provide new opportunities in ligand design. Such interactions may serve to support and rigidity the coordination geometry of mononuclear coordination spheres, as well as providing extra thermodynamic and kinetic stabilisation to meet the challenge of hydrolytic stability in these materials. In this perspective, a collection of pyrazole, amine, amide and carboxylic acid containing species are examined through the lens of (primarily) inner-sphere hydrogen bonding. The influence of these interactions is then related to the overall structure, stability and function of these materials, to provide starting points for harnessing these interactions in future materials design.

Here we report the synthesis of two morpholino-substituted naphthalimide ligands, N-(3-picolyl)-4-(1-morpholino)-1,8-naphthalimide L1 and N-benzyl-4-(1-morpholino)-1,8-naphthalimide L2, and study their supramolecular properties in the crystalline, solution and gel phases. These ligands were designed through incorporation of the morpholino group to enhance their photophysical and pH-responsive properties following recently reported N-(3-picolyl) naphthalimide metallogels. L1 was found to form metallogels on reaction with either Mn2+ or Co2+. The gels were found to be thermally and chemically responsive to various stimuli including pH. Conversely, L2 showed no reaction or coordination with transition metals, and did not gel under analogous conditions to L1. In the solution state, the fluorescence of both L1 and L2 exhibited pH responsiveness and counterion-influenced aggregation. The microparticle formation over the pH range was further investigated through Dynamic Light Scattering and Scanning Electron Microscopy. These two ligands illustrate how a modular ligand family can derive structure–function relationships and allow for systematic tuning, thus allowing for the future development of luminescent pH responsive soft materials.

The development of a team-based approach to research-led transnational practical chemistry teaching is described in which a team of five Chinese students on an articulated transnational degree programme, supported by a team of academic and technical staff, carried out a study examining the structural chemistry of a series of manganese(III) salen complexes. A series of four crystallographically characterized manganese(III) salen complexes with ancillary carboxylate ligands are reported here. The carboxylate coordination modes range from the bridging syn-anti μ2 -κO : κO' mode observed in the predominant cyclohexanoate and isobutyrate species, to a capping terminal monodentate mode for the adamantanoate species, and an unusual mixture of bridging and terminal coordination modes observed in a second minor phase of the cyclohexanoate species. The variation on extended structures based on the weakly interacting aliphatic backbones may provide a useful basis for further structural studies.

Fused-ring pyrazoles offer a versatile platform for derivitization to give finely tuned and functional ligands in coordination assemblies. Here, we explore the pyrazolo[4,3

Analogues of the canonical nucleosides required for nucleic acid synthesis have a longstanding presence and proven capability within antiviral and anticancer research. 4'-Thionucleosides, that incorporate bioisosteric replacement of furanose oxygen with sulfur, represent an important chemotype within this field. Established herein is synthetic capability towards a common 4-thioribose building block that enables access to thio-ribo and thio-arabino pyrimidine nucleosides, alongside their 4'-sulfinyl derivatives. In addition, this building block methodology is templated to deliver 4'-thio and 4'-sulfinyl analogues of the established anticancer drug gemcitabine. Cytotoxic capability of these new analogues is evaluated against human pancreatic cancer and human primary glioblastoma cell lines, with observed activities ranging from low μM to >200 μM; explanation for this reduced activity, compared to established nucleoside analogues, is yet unclear. Access to these chemotypes, with thiohemiaminal linkages, will enable a wider exploration of purine and triphosphate analogues and the application of such materials for potential resistance towards relevant hydrolytic enzymes within nucleic acid biochemistries.

Analogues of the canonical nucleosides required for nucleic acid synthesis have a longstanding presence and proven capability within antiviral and anticancer research. Despite their success, newer generations of such analogues are required, to overcome issues surrounding cellular proficiency and growing resistance profiles. The chemical synthesis of a series of nucleoside analogues that incorporate bioisosteric replacement of furanose oxygen with sulfur is presented herein. Developing access to a common 4-thioribose building block enables access to thio-ribo and thio-arabino pyrimidine nucleosides, alongside their 4’-sulfinyl derivatives. In addition, this building block methodology is templated to deliver 4’-thio and 4’-sulfinyl analogues of the established anticancer drug gemcitabine. Cytotoxic capability of these new analogues is evaluated against human pancreatic cancer and human primary glioblastoma cell lines, with observed activities ranging from low μM to >200 μM; explanation for this reduced activity, compared to established nucleoside analogues, is yet unclear. Access to these chemotypes, with thiohemiaminal linkages, will enable a wider exploration of such materials for resistance towards relevant hydrolytic enzymes within nucleotide and nucleic acid biochemistries.

A new flexible and divergent 1,2,3-triazol-4-yl-picolinamide (tzpa) ligand 2 and the half-equivalent model ligand 1, both functionalised with pendant 3-pyridyl groups, are reported and their coordination behaviour with silver(i) ions is explored, both in the crystalline phase and through the formation of a supramolecular metallogel. The self-assembly of tzpa ligand 1 with AgCF3SO3 resulted in the formation of a 1D coordination polymer, binding in a bidentate fashion through the pyridyl and triazole nitrogen atoms of the tzpa binding site and a pendant pyridyl nitrogen atom of an adjacent ligand. Doubling the number of metal binding sites in ligand 2, while retaining the same metal binding domain, gives rise to the formation of a supramolecular metallogel on reaction with AgBF4 at 5 wt% in MeCN, possessing self-healing properties.

Pyrazoles with unsymmetric substitution are useful ligands in coordination chemistry, but are under-developed due to synthetic challenges in accessing the pure isomers. We have prepared four new structurally related N-(2-pyridyl)-3,5-dialkylpyrazole ligands, L1–L4, and probed their coordination chemistry in the crystalline phase and in solution to elucidate a relationship between steric influence of the alkyl substituents, the stability of the subsequent metal complexes, and their crystal packing influences. We find that L1 and L2, bearing linear or branched alkyl substituents, show similar stabilities and crystal packing motifs featuring π···π and C-H···Cl interactions in the crystalline complexes 1 and 2, respectively. The cyclohexyl-fused species L3 and L4 vary both in the solution stability of complexes 3 and 4, respectively, and in their crystal packing. Complex [ZnCl2(L3)] (3) is a mononuclear complex similar to 1 and 2, albeit with π···π interactions disallowed by the bulk of the cyclohexyl ring. Reaction of isomeric L4 with ZnCl2 gives two polymorphic complexes, 4α and 4β, of the form [Zn2Cl2(μ2-Cl)2(L4)2], varying only in their long-range packing modes. These results show the importance of understanding the steric influences in substituted pyridylpyrazoles, which determine both stability in solution and speciation in the crystalline phase.

The synthesis and characterisation of two novel self‐assembled amphiphiles (SSAs) SQS‐1 and SQS‐2 are reported. Both compounds, based on the squaramide motif, were fully soluble in a range of solvents and were shown to undergo self‐assembly through a range of physical techniques. Self‐assembly was shown to favour the formation of crystalline domains on the nanoscale but also fibrillar film formation, as suggested by SEM analysis. Moreover, both SQS‐1 and SQS‐2 were capable of anion recognition in DMSO solution as demonstrated using 1H NMR and UV/Vis absorption spectroscopy, but displayed lower binding affinities for various anions when compared against other squaramide based receptors. In more competitive solvent mixtures SQS‐1 gave rise to a colourimetric response in the presence of HPO4 2− that was clearly visible to the naked eye. We anticipate that the observed response is due to the basic nature of the HPO4 2− anion when compared against other biologically relevant anions., Sticky squaramides: Two squaramide‐based self‐assembled amphiphiles (SSAs) are reported that are capable of colorimetric anion recognition in both organic and aqueous solution. Although these SSAs displayed lower binding affinities for anions than other squaramide‐based receptors, in competitive aqueous mixtures, they are fully soluble and capable of selective recognition of HPO4 2− in comparison with other biologically relevant anions.

In this work, we report the coordination chemistry of a rigid heterotopic ligand 1H-pyrazolo[4,3-h]quinoline HL1 in copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes and examine both the structural properties and solution-phase behavior of these species. On reaction with zinc(II) nitrate in acetonitrile, a mononuclear complex [Zn(HL1)2(OH2)2](NO3)2 1 is generated, where a size mismatch between the metal ion and the binding pocket leads to an anomalously long Zn–N bond to the pyrazole nitrogen. This is consistent with solution-state absorption and fluorescence measurements which indicate a relatively low stability constant logβ of 9.1(3) in acetonitrile. The reaction of HL1 with copper(II) nitrate in methanol gave four new crystalline phases, the major forms of which are two polymorphs of [Cu2(μ2-L1)2(NO3)2(MeOH)2] 2α and 2β which also constitutes the dominant solution-phase behavior of this mixture. Additionally, trace amounts of the nitric acid salt of HL1 were crystallized along with the slow formation of a tetranuclear species [Cu4(μ2-L1)6(OH2)2](NO3)2 · 2MeOH 3 which also features anomalously long bridging distances from L1 as a result of its backbone rigidity.

Here we report the synthesis of two N-(2-picolyl) substituted bis-imide ligands, N,N′-di(2-picolyl)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide L1 and N,N′-di(2-picolyl)-4,4′-oxybisphthalimide L2, and describe their coordination chemistry in the crystalline state with late d-block metals, with the intention of probing the applicability of the recently reported N,O-chelating mode observed in N-(2-picolyl) substituted 1,8-naphthalimides. Four new crystalline coordination compounds have been prepared and structurally characterised; poly-[Zn(L1)Cl2]·3(C3H6O) 1 and poly-[ZnCl2(L1)]·MeCN 2 are structurally related one-dimensional coordination polymers whose extended structure contains well-defined solvent channels, the nature of which is coupled to the ability of the lattice solvent molecules to undergo n⋯π interactions with the 1,4,5,8-napthaletetracarboxylic diimide (NDI) core. [H2L1][ZnCl4]·2H2O 3 is a hydrogen-bonded structure of tetrachlorozincate anions bound by the doubly protonated H2L1 cation, while repeating this reaction in the presence of copper(II) ions gave the ligand dihydrochloride salt (H2L1)2Cl 4. Finally, reaction of L1 with AgSbF6 gave the one-dimensional polymer poly-[AgL1]SbF65, in which weak but notable carbonyl coordination was observed in addition to stronger coordination from the pyridyl groups. Conversely, compound L2 failed to convincingly show any reaction or coordination with transition metals, and only the crystalline ligand itself could be isolated. Analysis of these results, as well as studies into the solution state coordination chemistry of these compounds, suggests an underlying barrier to coordination in these species compared to the 1,8-naphthalimides, but provides interesting avenues for crystal engineering.

Zn2+ plays an important role in the normal function of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and its deficiency can cause ER stress, which is related to a wide range of diseases. In order to provide tools to better understand the role of mobile Zn2+ in ER processes, the first custom designed ER-localised fluorescent Zn2+ probes have been developed through the introduction of a cyclohexyl sulfonylurea as an ER-targeting unit with different Zn2+ receptors. Experiments in vitro and in cellulo show that both probes have a good fluorescence switch on response to Zn2+, high selectivity over other cations, low toxicity, ER-specific targeting ability and are efficacious imaging agents for mobile Zn2+ in four different cell lines. Probe 9 has been used to detect mobile Zn2+ changes under ER stress induced by both tunicamycin or thapsigargin, which indicates that the new probes should allow a better understanding of the mechanisms cells use to respond to dysfunction of zinc homeostasis in the ER and its role in the initiation and progression of diseases to be developed.

An investigation into the self-assembly of two 4-amino- and a 4-bromo-1,8-naphthalimide (Nap) based structures (1-3) possessing an appended glycan unit, from protic polar media, is presented. The results demonstrate the formation of complex hierarchical luminescent aggregates, wherein the morphologies, sizes and spherical structures were highly dependent on both the media and the Nap structure. Upon cleaving the native glycosidic bond, using an enzyme, the structure/morphology of the self-assembly of 3 in buffered solution was significantly transformed.

In this Minireview we outline the development of cyclic aliphatic moieties as ligands in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with a focus on the relationship between ligand design and synthesis and the properties of the subsequent materials. Aliphatic ligands have received considerably less attention than aromatic analogues in MOF chemistry but offer advantages in their unique combinations of geometric and electronic properties which are unattainable from conventional ligands. Here, we focus on rigid and semi-rigid backbone moieties derived from monocyclic and fused polycyclic aliphatic backbones, including cyclohexane and adamantane, cubane and bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and discuss the synthetic chemistry of these species along with their potential importance as the next generation of building blocks for microporous materials.

meta-Phenylene bis(phenylurea) receptors 1-4 were designed and synthesized to investigate the association between receptor shape, anion-selective binding and anion-directed self-assembly processes. Solution studies, performed through 1H NMR titrations with a variety of tetra- N-butylammonium salts, demonstrated strong binding of 2 equiv of H2PO4-, AcO-, BzO- anions and comparatively weak binding of Cl-, HSO4-, and SO42- anions. Binding modes and stability constants (log β) were determined by regression analysis of the obtained 1H NMR titration data in DMSO- d6, and the cooperativities of the binding interactions were probed. Host-guest complexes of receptors 1 and 2 were studied in the crystalline phase to further probe the anion-binding behavior of this motif. This included a triple-stranded helicate consisting of three strands of receptor 2 arranged around a mixed-phosphate anionic core, which was characterized by using X-ray crystallography.

The interdependent effects of temperature and guest uptake on the structure of the ultramicroporous metal-organic framework [Cu3 (cdm)4 ] (cdm=C(CN)2 (CONH2 )- ) were explored in detail by using in situ neutron scattering and density functional theory calculations. The tetragonal lattice displays an anisotropic thermal response related to a hinged "lattice-fence" mechanism, unusual for this topology, which is facilitated by pivoting of the rigid cdm anion about the Cu nodes. Calculated pore-size metrics clearly illustrate the potential for temperature-mediated adsorption in ultramicroporous frameworks due to thermal fluctuations of the pore diameter near the value of the target guest kinetic diameter, though in [Cu3 (cdm)4 ] this is counteracted by a competing contraction of the pore with increasing temperature as a result of the anisotropic lattice response.

The synthesis of the three-dimensional metal–organic framework material, [Zn7L6]·(H2NMe2)4·(H2O)45 (1), derived from a flexible tricarboxylic acid 2,6-bis(1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine (btp) ligand, is presented. The btp ligand, H3L, adopts a three-dimensional hydrogen bonding network in the crystalline state through a combination of carboxylic acid dimer and syn–anti-btp/carboxylic acid hydrogen bonding synthons. The Zn(II) species 1 exhibits a three-dimensional framework structure with the rare crs topology and contains linear and undulated solvent channels extending in three dimensions. The guest exchange and gas adsorption properties of 1 were investigated; herein we demonstrate the exchange of dimethylammonium cations from the as-synthesized material with cationic guest molecules in the form of dyes and luminescent Ln(III) ions. Sensitization of Eu(III) and Tb(III) inside the porous network of 1 was achieved upon cation exchange, with a view toward developing functional luminescent materials.

The first examples of crystalline coordination polymers containing the tetraarylpyrrolo[3,2-b]pyrrole (TPP) fluorophore are presented. We have prepared three new TPP ligands L1, H2L2 and H2L3, containing nitrile, carboxylate and mixed imidazole-carboxylate donor functionality, respectively. The ligands themselves each show significant fluorescence in the solution phase, with the nitrile species exhibiting solvatofluorochromism and the two carboxylate-containing compounds exhibiting concentration-dependent emission colour suggesting aggregation processes in solution. Three 3-dimensional polymeric structures are then presented. The compound poly-[AgL12]SbF6·3THF·2H2O 1 is an eightfold-interpenetrated diamondoid material, while poly-[Zn4O(L2)3]·20DMA·10H2O 2 is a porous Metal-Organic Framework with pcu topology, and both 1 and 2 show notable luminescence in the solid state. Complex 2 readily undergoes guest exchange accompanied by a reversible switching in emission colour with no change in chemical structure. While complex poly-[CdL3]·2.5DMA·3.5H2O 3 is non-emissive, it displays a twofold interpenetrated pts topology with hexagonal symmetry and an extremely long hexagonal pitch of 100.3 Å, and shows an impressive 22 wt% CO2 uptake capacity at 278 K and 1 bar.

Herein we report the coordination chemistry and structural properties of two multifunctional terdentate 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives 4- and 3-(4-nitrophenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine-6-carboxylate, L1/L2, respectively. We report eight new coordination complexes with CdII, CoII, and CoIII, and study their behavior in the crystalline phase with the view of establishing L1 and L2 as robust and functional chelators for use in extended metallosupramolecular systems. The divalent complexes [Cd(L1)2]·H2O 1, [Cd(L2)2] 2, [Co(L1)2] 5, and [Co(L2)2] 7 are mononuclear complexes with distorted octahedral coordination geometries dictated by the two meridionally coordinated L1/L2 ligands. Also reported are two trivalent byproducts [Co(L1)2]NO3 6 and [Co(L2)2]NO3 8 which were formed in trace quantities during the initial screening of complexes 5 and 7, respectively. The extended structures of these complexes are dominated by substantial intermolecular interactions, including anion···π hole interactions. Modification of the reacti...

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) based on [Ru(bpy)3 ]2+ systems is widely utilized for immunoassays. In order to extend the promising potential of ECL-based applications, IrIII complexes have recently attracted attention as probes because of their excellent luminescent properties and tunable emission wavelength. Here we describe a series of Ir complexes using a large π-conjugated ligand and different ancillary chelates. The complexes synthesized have been chemically and spectroscopically characterized and used for ECL measurements with annihilation and co-reactant methods. One of the IrIII complexes investigated exhibits the brightest, ever reported, ECL efficiency in acetonitrile employing the benzoyl peroxide (BPO) co-reactant method.

The synthesis of two π-extended pyrazole ligands is reported, with naphtho[2,1-d]-1H-pyrazole HL1 prepared in a modified Jacobson indazole synthesis from 1-amino-2-methylnaphthalene, and subsequent arylation with 2-bromopyridine giving the chelating ligand N-(2-pyridyl)-naphtho[1,2-c]pyrazole L2 as a single isomer, with both species crystallographically characterised. Each forms mononuclear complexes with Cu2+ and Zn2+; in [Cu(HL1)4(NO3)2] 1 and [ZnCl2(HL1)2] 2 the propensity for outer-sphere hydrogen bonding from the pyrazole N–H group supplements the extended π backbone in influencing crystal packing interactions. The equivalent complexes of the chelating L2, [Cu(L2)(NO3)2] 3 and [ZnCl2(L2)] 4, both show distortion at the coordination sphere caused by the close approach of the hydrogen atom at the naphthyl 8-position, and crystal packing in both instances is dictated purely by the flat aromatic backbone of the ligand. Stability constants for complexes 3 and 4 are determined spectroscopically, and photophysical studies reveal fluorescence with vibrational progressions in both the solution and solid state for each ligand and the zinc complexes 2 and 4.

The synthesis of a chiral bis-tridentate (1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-picolinamide (tzpa) ligand is described and its coordination chemistry with Cu(NO3)2 and [Cu(MeCN)4]PF6 is explored in the crystalline phase as well as in solution. Chiral [2 × 2] tetranuclear square grid complexes [Cu4(H21)4](NO3)8 and [Cu4(H1)4](PF6)4 were observed, and crystallographically analysed, these being linkage isomers with N4O2 and N5O coordination spheres, respectively. These come about by an unusual in situ amide deprotonation and coordination, which accompanies a CuI → CuII oxidation process.

A traditionally good chelating motif has been incorporated into a ligand for the synthesis of coordination polymers with vacant amine sites. A novel tetracarboxylic acid diamine ligand, isolated as N,N,N′,N′-tetra(4-carboxybenzyl)-1,3-diaminopropane dihydrochloride trihydrate (H6L1)Cl2·3H2O, has been prepared, structurally characterised, and subsequently used in the formation of three new coordination polymers. Poly-[Cu2(L1)(OH2)2]·6DMF·3H2O 1 consists of (4,4) sheets formed by each L1 ligand coordinating to four copper(II) ‘paddlewheel’ dinuclear clusters. The amines of the ligand are non-coordinating. After solvent exchange and evacuation, 1 was found to adsorb approximately 23 cm3(STP) g−1 of CO2 at atmospheric pressure at 273 K. The isostructural compounds poly-[Zn(H2L1)(OH2)]·DMF·4H2O and poly-[Cd(H2L1)(OH2)]·DMF·3H2O 2Zn/2Cd are self-penetrating (10,3) coordination polymers containing square-shaped one-dimensional solvent channels. After solvent exchange it was found that 2Zn and 2Cd lost crystallinity, which accounts for the low N2 and CO2 uptakes observed.

A heterotopic naphthalimide ligand N-(4-picolyl)-4-(4′-carboxyphenoxy)-1,8-naphthalimide HL is utilised for the formation of self-assembled soft materials. In the presence of K+ ions, L− forms a robust photoluminescent hydrogel 1 which is reversible under thermal, mechanical or chemical stimuli.

We report here a novel one-pot synthetic strategy for the synthesis of a family of N-alkyl-1,8-naphthalimide based Tröger's bases via a nucleophilic substitution reaction of a common 'precursor' (or a 'synthon') N-aryl-1,8-naphthalimide Tröger's base heated at 80 °C in neat aliphatic primary amine, in overall yield of 65-96%. This methodology provides an efficient and one-step facile route to design 1,8-naphthalimide derived Tröger's base structures in analytically pure form without the use of column chromatography purification, that can be used in medicinal chemistry and as supramolecular scaffolds. We also report the formation of the corresponding anhydride, and the crystallographic analysis of two of the resulting products, that of the N-phenyl-4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide and the anhydride derived Tröger's bases.

A new divergent and self-complementary halogen bond donor–acceptor molecule 2,6-bis(iodoethynyl)pyridine L has been prepared and structurally characterized, and used to generate a series of extended halogen-bonded adducts with tetrabutylammonium halide salts. The reaction between L and anions such as either bromide or chloride gives the one-dimensional polymeric species {L·TBABr} or {L·TBACl}, respectively, which contains helical strands linked by C–I···X– halogen bonds which partially encapsulate the associated organic cations. Varying the reaction solvent from ethyl acetate to 5:95 methanol/ethyl acetate gives rise to another polymeric phase on combining L with tetrabutylammonium chloride, the one-dimensional looped chain structure {L2·TBACl} in which each chloride ion acts as a four-connected square planar node for halogen bonding interactions originating from L. Similar solvent effects are observed in the discrete macrocyclic species {L·TBAI}-α and {L·TBAI}-β, both consisting of cyclic (L2I2)2– specie...

Luminescent sensors for ions and molecules have found numerous applications in areas such as biology, medicine, security, and environmental monitoring. However, designing portable sensors for differentiating similar chemical species, such as D 2 O in H 2 O, still remains a challenge. In this issue of Chem , Humphrey and co-workers elegantly demonstrate the use of phosphorescent MOFs to achieve this.

Correction for ‘Glycosylated naphthalimides and naphthalimide Tröger's bases as fluorescent aggregation probes for Con A’ by Elena Calatrava-Pérez et al., Org. Biomol. Chem., 2019, DOI: 10.1039/c8ob02980f.

Herein we report the synthesis of fluorescent, glycosylated 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide (Nap) 1, and the related 1,8-naphthalimides Troger's bases (TBNap) 2 and 3, from 1,8-naphthalic anhydride precursors, the α-mannosides being introduced through the use of CuAAC mediated 'click' chemistry. We investigate the photophysical properties of these probes in buffered solution and demonstrate their ability to function as fluorescent probes for Concanavalin A (Con A) lectin. We show that both the Nap and TBNap structures self-assemble in solution. The formation of the resulting supramolecular structures is driven by head-to-tail π-π stacking and extended hydrogen bonding interactions of the Nap and the triazole moieties. These interactions give rise to spherical nano-structures (ca. 260 nm and 100 nm, for 1 and 3, respectively), which interact with the Con-A protein, the interaction being probed by using both luminescent and Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging as well as dynamic light scattering measurements. Finally, we show that these supramolecular assembles can be used as luminescent imaging agents, through confocal fluorescence imaging of HeLa cells of the per-acetylated version 2.

Here we report the synthesis of two new 2-(2′-pyrazinyl)pyridine ligands, and explore their coordination chemistry with Cu(II) and Ag(I) ions, leading to the discovery of metallosupramolecular architectures of surprising complexity. Differing only in the substitution pattern of a nitrophenyl substituent attached to the 4-pyridyl position, ligands L1 and L2 both form sulfate-bridged dinuclear complexes on reaction with copper sulfate, without coordination of the nitrogen atom at the pyrazine 4-position. However, on reaction with Ag(I), both ligands adopt bridging coordination modes which lead to dramatically different outcomes. Ligand L2 reacts with AgCF3SO3 to give a densely packed coordination polymer 3 of unusually low symmetry (Z′ = 7), while the structural isomer L1 instead gives an octanuclear macrocycle 4 in the crystalline state. Macrocycle 4, containing crystallographically-defined solvent molecules within its central cavity as well as in the interstitial spaces, readily undergoes solvent exchange in a single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation. This allows a direct comparison of guest solvent affinity from single component and mixed-component exchange solutions using a combination of X-ray diffraction, NMR and TGA techniques, revealing the fully reversible uptake and exchange preferences of this material.

A new ligand system incorporating the 4-pyridonyl group as a substituent in 1,8-naphthalimide compounds is presented, with the pyridone group acting as both an electron donor for the internal charge transfer (ICT) fluorescence process and as a metal binding moiety. After establishing the solution-state photophysical properties of the new pyridyl and carboxyphenyl derivatives L1 and HL2, respectively, we have prepared and characterised four crystalline d-block metal complexes containing the 4-(4-pyridonyl)-1,8-naphthalimide residue. Complex 1, a discrete mononuclear Ag(I) complex, and complexes 2 and 3, both one-dimensional Zn(II) coordination polymers, all exhibit striking photoluminescence in the crystalline phase, the nature of which can be related to the solid-state behaviour of the pyridone substituent. Complex 4, a permanently porous Cu(II) material, shows no photoluminescence, but instead reveals a rare and intriguing inclined 2D → 3D polyrotaxane architecture, an unusual class of mechanically interlocked network in which the particular coordination chemistry of the pyridone group facilitates alternating looped and linear structural features.

A humble norbornene functions as an ionic organogelator, forms aqueous biphasic and triphasic systems and assembles to form chiral helices., Phenylalanine functionalised norbornene (9:Na) functions as a potent, low molecular-mass (MW = 333 Da) ionic organogelator with a minimum gelating concentration of 0.5 wt% in THF, i-PrOH, 1,4-dioxane and n-BuOH. Fibrous crystals form in the gel and X-ray crystallography identified a cation mediated helical assembly process controlled by the chirality of the phenylalanine. In addition to excellent gelating properties 9:Na readily forms aqueous biphasic and triphasic systems.

The synthesis, photophysics and biological investigation of fluorescent 4-amino-1,8-naphthalimide Troger's bases (TB-1–TB-3) and a new Troger's base p-cymene–Ru(II)–curcumin organometallic conjugate (TB–Ru–Cur) are described; these compounds showed fast cellular uptake and displayed good luminescence and cytotoxicity against cervical cancer cells.

In this article, we report the synthesis and characterisation of five ligands L1–L5 containing the 2-(pyrazol-1-yl)-benzimidazole chelating group, and investigate their structural chemistry when reacted with either Cu(II) or Zn(II) ions. The mononuclear complexes [Zn(L1)2(NO3)]NO3, 1 and [Cu(L2)2(NO3)]NO3, 2, display similar metal coordination environments although their intermolecular interactions differ through the presence or absence of a benzimidazole N-H group, which allows intermolecular hydrogen bonding to occur in 1, while complex 2 associates purely through π–π interactions. The crystal structure of the dinuclear complex {[Cu2(L3)2(OH2)2]4(ClO4)·PhMe·2MeCN·2H2O}, 3, reveals a series of cyclic units containing internal cavities, within which reside disordered toluene molecules, and which align to form one-dimensional solvent channels throughout the crystal lattice. The structure of the related complex {[Cu2(L4)2(NO3)2]2(NO3)·MeCN}, 4 consists of dimeric units of similar formulation to that of 3, but it contains no internal cavity, and shows a reversal of the relative metal–nitrogen bond length trend observed for the other complexes, due to the steric strain imposed by the backbone group. The structure of complex {[Cu2(L5)2(OH2)2]4(BF4)·0.5(C9H12)}, 5 shows that it forms similar cyclic dimers to those observed in 3, which align throughout the crystal lattice to form much larger (ca. 1 nm diameter) solvent channels.

A new divergent ligand, N,N′-bis(4-carboxyphenylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine (H4L1), has been prepared in high yield and used to generate two copper(II) coordination polymer materials, poly-[Cu(H2L1)(OH2)]·H2O (1) and poly-[Cu(H2L1)(OH2)]·H2O·DMF (2). Both networks possess (4,4) sheet topologies and have almost identical compositions and coordination modes. The only major difference between the compounds lies with the conformation of the chelating ethylenediamine cores; compound 1 adopts a trans-(R,R/S,S) conformation, while compound 2 exhibits a cis-(R,S) conformation. This seemingly small difference arising from variation in synthetic conditions influences the extended structures of each network through hydrogen bonding interactions, resulting in the formation of a close packed 2-fold 2D → 2D parallel interpenetrated network for 1, while the extended, non-interpenetrated structure of 2 contains aligned one-dimensional solvent channels. After solvent exchange and evacuation, compound 2 was found to adsor...

A new piperazine-derived ligand has been prepared and used to synthesise a porous coordination polymer which displays selective carbon dioxide uptake after solvent exchange and thermal activation. The ligand N,N′-bis(4-carboxyphenylmethylene)piperazine H2L1 was prepared from piperazine in three steps and good yield. A structure containing the deprotonated form K2L1·2H2O was determined and consists of a three-dimensional coordination polymer containing inorganic K2(COO)2(OH2) layers separated by the long organic bridging linker. The free compound H2L1 displays a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded polymeric structure in the solid state with hydrogen bonding interactions between carboxylic acids and piperazine groups tightly linking molecules together. The two-dimensional polymeric complex [Zn3(L1)2(OH)2]·2DMF·0.5H2O 1 was prepared and analysed in the solid state to reveal tubular one-dimensional channels which, when activated by solvent exchange and evacuation, displayed selective affinity for CO2 over N2 and H2.