Themed collection Most popular 2022 supramolecular chemistry articles

30 items
Open Access Perspective

Porous liquids – the future is looking emptier

The realisation of permanent microporosity in liquids transforms the way functional porosity may be implemented. Considering recent advances, we explore the developing theory of porous liquids and delve into the discovery process and applications.

Graphical abstract: Porous liquids – the future is looking emptier
Open Access Perspective

Mechanically interlocked molecular handcuffs

Mechanically interlocked molecules that employ a handcuff component provide a pathway to highly unusual structures, a new nomenclature is proposed which helps to identify opportunities for employing this structural unit for new architectures.

Graphical abstract: Mechanically interlocked molecular handcuffs
Open Access Perspective

Distinctive features and challenges in catenane chemistry

Catenane chemistry is closely associated with that of rotaxane and knot, and this perspective highlights their similarities and differences in various aspects including synthesis, structure and properties.

Graphical abstract: Distinctive features and challenges in catenane chemistry
Open Access Perspective

Bottom-up supramolecular assembly in two dimensions

The self-assembly of molecules in two dimensions (2D) is gathering attention from all disciplines across the chemical sciences. This perspective discusses the main strategies to direct the supramolecular self-assembly of organic monomers in 2D.

Graphical abstract: Bottom-up supramolecular assembly in two dimensions
Open Access Review Article

Supramolecular assembly confined purely organic room temperature phosphorescence and its biological imaging

Purely organic room temperature phosphorescence, especially in aqueous solution, is attracting increasing attention owing to its large Stokes shift, long lifetime, low preparation cost, low toxicity, good processing performance advantages, and broad application value.

Graphical abstract: Supramolecular assembly confined purely organic room temperature phosphorescence and its biological imaging
Open Access Edge Article

A light-gated regulation of the reaction site by a cucurbit[7]uril macrocycle

On–off competitive inhibition is presented. Photoswitchable pseudorotaxane controls the rate of self-reaction and product selectivity of external reactions.

Graphical abstract: A light-gated regulation of the reaction site by a cucurbit[7]uril macrocycle
Open Access Edge Article

Orientational self-sorting in cuboctahedral Pd cages

Cuboctahedral [Pd12L24]24+ cages based on low-symmetry ligands can potentially form a vast number of isomers, but the self-assembly process was found to be highly selective.

Graphical abstract: Orientational self-sorting in cuboctahedral Pd cages
Open Access Edge Article

Stereomutation and chiroptical bias in the kinetically controlled supramolecular polymerization of cyano-luminogens

The emissive features of supramolecular polymers formed by cyano-luminogens depends on the nature of the central aromatic unit. Intramolecular H-bonded species influence the chiroptical properties and the resulting aggregated species can be kinetically controlled.

Graphical abstract: Stereomutation and chiroptical bias in the kinetically controlled supramolecular polymerization of cyano-luminogens
Open Access Edge Article

A chemically fueled supramolecular glue for self-healing gels

Chemically fueled supramolecular materials offer unique properties like the ability to self-heal, yet, mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that chemically fueled gels heal because of a molecular glue-based mechanism.

Graphical abstract: A chemically fueled supramolecular glue for self-healing gels
Open Access Edge Article

Reconstructing reactivity in dynamic host–guest systems at atomistic resolution: amide hydrolysis under confinement in the cavity of a coordination cage

Encapsulation of guests in metal–organic cages allows control over chemical reactivity. Focusing on the hydrolysis of amides, here we show an effective molecular simulation approach to reconstruct reactivity in host–guest systems in dynamic regimes.

Graphical abstract: Reconstructing reactivity in dynamic host–guest systems at atomistic resolution: amide hydrolysis under confinement in the cavity of a coordination cage
Open Access Edge Article

Establishing the selective phospholipid membrane coordination, permeation and lysis properties for a series of ‘druggable’ supramolecular self-associating antimicrobial amphiphiles

A combination of computational and synthetic phospholipid vesicle/nanodisc assays are used to investigate the mode of action for a class of antimicrobial agents, while a range of DMPK studies establish agent druggability.

Graphical abstract: Establishing the selective phospholipid membrane coordination, permeation and lysis properties for a series of ‘druggable’ supramolecular self-associating antimicrobial amphiphiles
Open Access Edge Article

The rippled β-sheet layer configuration—a novel supramolecular architecture based on predictions by Pauling and Corey

The rippled sheet was proposed by Pauling and Corey in 1953, yet structural foundation remains extremely limited. Here we report on three X-ray crystal structures of rippled β-sheets, thus providing the long-sought structural basis for the field.

Graphical abstract: The rippled β-sheet layer configuration—a novel supramolecular architecture based on predictions by Pauling and Corey
Open Access Edge Article

Caged bulky organic dyes in a polyaromatic framework and their spectroscopic peculiarities

Here we report that the open large cavity of an M2L4 polyaromatic cage can efficiently bind sterically demanding organic dyes with coumarin, perylene bisimide, and porphyrin cores in aqueous solution. The spectroscopic properties of the caged dyes are largely modulated in the cavity.

Graphical abstract: Caged bulky organic dyes in a polyaromatic framework and their spectroscopic peculiarities
Open Access Edge Article

Hierarchical supramolecular co-assembly formation employing multi-component light-harvesting charge transfer interactions giving rise to long-wavelength emitting luminescent microspheres

Green luminescent microspheres, generated via charge-transfer interaction-induced hierarchical co-assembly of a bis-naphthyl dipicolinic amide derivative and tetracyanobenzene, transfer energy to long-wave emitting dye.

Graphical abstract: Hierarchical supramolecular co-assembly formation employing multi-component light-harvesting charge transfer interactions giving rise to long-wavelength emitting luminescent microspheres
Open Access Edge Article

A host–guest strategy for converting the photodynamic agents from a singlet oxygen generator to a superoxide radical generator

A supramolecular strategy is reported for converting the conventional photodynamic agents from a singlet oxygen generator to a superoxide radical generator by the host–guest interaction enhanced electron transfer.

Graphical abstract: A host–guest strategy for converting the photodynamic agents from a singlet oxygen generator to a superoxide radical generator
Open Access Edge Article

CPL on/off control of an assembled system by water soluble macrocyclic chiral sources with planar chirality

Readily obtained pillar[5]arenes with pure planar chirality enabled CPL on/off control of an assembled system by varying the feed ratio.

Graphical abstract: CPL on/off control of an assembled system by water soluble macrocyclic chiral sources with planar chirality
From the themed collection: 2022 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection
Open Access Edge Article

Metastable doubly threaded [3]rotaxanes with a large macrocycle

Multiple metastable doubly threaded [3]rotaxanes using a large 46 atom ring were prepared and fully characterized. Varying the stopper group size gave a range of interlocked stabilities in CDCl3 from a half-life of <1 minute to ca. 6 months.

Graphical abstract: Metastable doubly threaded [3]rotaxanes with a large macrocycle
Open Access Edge Article

Highly selective synthesis and near-infrared photothermal conversion of metalla-Borromean ring and [2]catenane assemblies

The selective synthesis of three kinds of supermolecular topologies, molecular Borromean ring, [2]catenane and metallarectangle based on two alkynyl ligands is presented. Remarkably, the NIR photothermal conversion efficiency was found to improve as the π–π stacking increases.

Graphical abstract: Highly selective synthesis and near-infrared photothermal conversion of metalla-Borromean ring and [2]catenane assemblies
Open Access Edge Article

Fuel-driven macromolecular coacervation in complex coacervate core micelles

We apply an allyl acetate fuelled chemical reaction network (CRN) to control the coacervation of macromolecular species at constant physiological pH without the need for complex biomolecules.

Graphical abstract: Fuel-driven macromolecular coacervation in complex coacervate core micelles
From the themed collection: 2022 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection
Open Access Edge Article

Recognition competes with hydration in anion-triggered monolayer formation of cyanostar supra-amphiphiles at aqueous interfaces

The selective binding of anions transform macrocycles into amphiphiles that form monolayers on the surface of water depending upon the relative roles of anion hydration and anion recognition.

Graphical abstract: Recognition competes with hydration in anion-triggered monolayer formation of cyanostar supra-amphiphiles at aqueous interfaces
Open Access Edge Article

Chiral molecular nanosilicas

A molecular folding strategy is developed to construct ferrocenyl diamino acid conjugated polyhedral oligosiloxane molecules. Hydrogen bonding-driven folding facilitates the chirality transfer from the molecular scale to the micrometer scale.

Graphical abstract: Chiral molecular nanosilicas
From the themed collection: 2022 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection
Open Access Edge Article

Controlling the lifetime of cucurbit[8]uril based self-abolishing nanozymes

Self-inhibitory feedback regulated transient assembly of a CB[8] based nanozyme is reported whose lifetime can be manipulated in multiple ways, ranging from minutes to hours.

Graphical abstract: Controlling the lifetime of cucurbit[8]uril based self-abolishing nanozymes
Open Access Edge Article

Sterically demanding macrocyclic Eu(III) complexes for selective recognition of phosphate and real-time monitoring of enzymatically generated adenosine monophosphate

We present two new europium-based anion receptors that selectively bind to inorganic phosphate and AMP in aqueous media. Their sensing selectivity follows the order AMP > ADP > ATP, representing a reversal of the selectivity order observed for most nucleoside phosphate receptors.

Graphical abstract: Sterically demanding macrocyclic Eu(iii) complexes for selective recognition of phosphate and real-time monitoring of enzymatically generated adenosine monophosphate
Open Access Edge Article

Helicity-driven chiral self-sorting supramolecular polymerization with Ag+: right- and left-helical aggregates

Chiral self-sorting supramolecular polymerization of bola-type terpyridine-based ligands (R-L1 and S-L1) comprising R- or S-alanine analogs occurred upon addition of Ag+ in one enantiomeric component.

Graphical abstract: Helicity-driven chiral self-sorting supramolecular polymerization with Ag+: right- and left-helical aggregates
Open Access Edge Article

A carbonyl-rich covalent organic framework as a high-performance cathode material for aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries

A covalent organic framework (Tp-PTO-COF) with carbonyl active sites was proposed as a novel cathode material and successfully applied in aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs).

Graphical abstract: A carbonyl-rich covalent organic framework as a high-performance cathode material for aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries
From the themed collection: Metal organic frameworks and porous polymers
Open Access Edge Article

Arene–perfluoroarene interactions confer enhanced mechanical properties to synthetic nanotubes

Arene–perfluoroarene interactions resulted in enhanced crystallinity between analogous perhydro- and perfluoro macrocycles in a supramolecular nanotube assembly.

Graphical abstract: Arene–perfluoroarene interactions confer enhanced mechanical properties to synthetic nanotubes
Open Access Edge Article

Size-dependent compression of threaded alkyldiphosphate in head to head cyclodextrin [3]pseudorotaxanes

Alkyl chain compression of alkanediphosphate guests was achieved by head-to-head cyclodextrin [3]pseudorotaxanes in a mechanostereoselective self-assembly process.

Graphical abstract: Size-dependent compression of threaded alkyldiphosphate in head to head cyclodextrin [3]pseudorotaxanes
Open Access Edge Article

Synthesis, aromatization and cavitates of an oxanorbornene-fused dibenzo[de,qr]tetracene nanobox

A new oxanorbornene-fused nanobox encapsulated C70 selectively in solution with a binding constant of (3.2 ± 0.1) × 106 M−1. Reductive aromatization of this nanobox led to observation of a new zigzag carbon nanobelt by mass spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis, aromatization and cavitates of an oxanorbornene-fused dibenzo[de,qr]tetracene nanobox
From the themed collection: 2022 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection
Open Access Edge Article

Cooperativity of steric bulk and H-bonding in coordination sphere engineering: heteroleptic PdII cages and bowls by design

Coordination Sphere Engineering (CSE) allows non-statistical assembly of heteroleptic supramolecular architectures by fine adjustment of steric and electronic features around square-planar Pd(II) cations with naphthyridine donors.

Graphical abstract: Cooperativity of steric bulk and H-bonding in coordination sphere engineering: heteroleptic PdII cages and bowls by design
Open Access Edge Article

Enhanced N-directed electrophilic C–H borylation generates BN–[5]- and [6]helicenes with improved photophysical properties

An enhanced N-directed electrophilic C–H borylation methodology has been developed that provides access to azaborine containing helicenes.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced N-directed electrophilic C–H borylation generates BN–[5]- and [6]helicenes with improved photophysical properties
From the themed collection: Emerging Frontiers in Aromaticity
30 items

About this collection

This specially curated collection pulls together some of the most popular articles from 2022 in the field of supramolecular chemistry. The collection presents some outstanding contributions to the field, ranging from the synthesis of catenane assemblies to chiral molecular nanosilicas, and as with all Chemical Science articles – they are all completely free to access and read. We hope you enjoy browsing through this collection.

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