Themed collection Supramolecular & Macrocyclic chemistry
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Recent progress in iodine capture by macrocycles and cages
Advances of macrocycle and cage-based materials for iodine capture, with an emphasis on the structure of hosts, complexation mechanism and adsorption efficiency, have been summarized.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 779-792
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05337G
A summary of calixarene-based fluorescent sensors developed during the past five years
Calixarenes are “chalice like” phenol-based macrocycles that are one of the most fascinating studied scaffolds in supramolecular chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13790-13799
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04179D
Frustrated π-stacking
This article introduces the concept of “frustrated π-stacking,” strategically balancing attractive (π–π interaction) and repulsive (steric hindrance) forces in self-assembly to exert control over the sizes, sequences of π-stacks, and slip-stacked structures.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 935-942
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04123A
Artificial transmembrane potassium transporters: designs, functions, mechanisms and applications
In this review, we provide the very first comprehensive exposition of artificial potassium transporters developed mostly over the past ten years.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 482-500
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04488B
New opportunities for cyclodextrins in supramolecular assembly: metal organic frameworks, crystalline self-assembly, and catalyzed assembly
Cyclodextrin (CD) is widely used in supramolecular assembly due to its availability, functionality and excellent biocompatibility. In recent years, new opportunities of CD in supramolecular assembly have emerged, including CD-based frameworks, crystalline self-assembly and catalyzed assembly.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14759-14775
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04048H
Dynamic supramolecular hydrogels mediated by chemical reactions
This Feature Article summarizes the recent advances in the chemical reaction mediated supramolecular hydrogels and provides perspectives for further advances.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14236-14248
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04353C
Water-soluble organic macrocycles based on dye chromophores and their applications
This feature article focuses on recent water-soluble macrocyclic compounds based on organic dye chromophores, and introduces their applications such as molecular recognition, drug release and phototheranostics.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13562-13570
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04159J
A supramolecular assembly strategy towards organic luminescent materials
This review summarizes multi-dimensional supramolecular organic luminescent materials, illustrating the relationship between assembly and luminescence as well as the present challenges impeding the development of supramolecular luminescent systems.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13421-13433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04051H
Advances in circularly polarized luminescence materials based on chiral macrocycles
This review comprehensively summarizes circularly polarized luminescence materials from chiral macrocycles, especially chiral macrocyclic hosts and their derivatives.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13089-13106
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04187E
Dual reactivity based dynamic covalent chemistry: mechanisms and applications
Dual reactivity based dynamic covalent chemistry was developed via activating/switching the reaction pathways of ring-chain tautomers toward diverse reversible systems. The underlying mechanistic insights and versatile applications are summarized.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12943-12958
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04022D
Chiroptical regulation of macrocyclic arenes with flipping-induced inversion of planar chirality
Studies on various macrocyclic arenes have received increasing attention due to their straightforward syntheses, convenient derivatization, and unique complexation properties.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 11469-11483
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03829G
Fluorescence-enhanced supra-amphiphiles based on pillar[5]arene: construction, controllable self-assembly and application in cell imaging
Fluorescence-enhanced supra-amphiphiles based on (WP5)2⊃ENDTn were constructed successfully. When n = 9, they can self-assemble into uniform micelles with an average diameter of about 90 nm and be further applied in cell imaging.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 7646-7649
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4CC01987C
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Supramolecular helix of an oligomeric azapeptide building block containing four β-turn structures
Oligomers of benzoylalanine-based amidothiourea, consisting of 4 β-turns spaced by meta-substituted benzenes, assembled into supramolecular helices in CH3CN, but not those containing less turns or 4 turns but spaced by para-substituted benzenes.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 4648-4651
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04859D
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A non-peptide-based fluorescent probe capable of sensitively visualizing asparagine endopeptidase
A sensitive and facilely synthesized fluorescent probe, QMC11, was designed for visualizing AEP.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 3031-3034
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05419E
A two-dimensional metal–organic framework assembled from scandium-based cages for the selective capture of sulfur hexafluoride
A two-dimensional metal–organic framework assembled from scandium-based octahedral cages for the selective capture of sulfur hexafluoride.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 2397-2400
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05087D
Supramolecular assemblies of Cu(II) with a tetraphenylethene-imidazole ligand for tuning photocatalytic CO2 reduction
Two Cu(II) assemblies were constructed, and the relationship between the structure/coordination environment and photocatalytic CO2 reduction under visible-light irradiation was explored.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 2204-2207
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05514K
A donor–acceptor cage for circularly polarized TADF emission
Herein, we report the first example of chiral donor–acceptor cage DA-2 displaying efficient circularly polarized thermally activated delayed fluorescence (CP-TADF) with |glum| values up to 2.1 × 10−3 and PLQY of 32%.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 1758-1761
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05136F
Self-assembly of conformation-adaptive dihydrophenazine-based coordination cages
This work investigates how dihydrophenazine ligands and their conformational changes affect the assembly of coordination cages. Self-assembly, in turn, can tune the conformation of dihydrophenazine units and their photophysical and redox properties.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 1184-1187
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04864K
Pillar[5]arene-segregated ion pairs for enhanced cycloaddition of epoxides with CO2
A supramolecular catalytic approach that utilizes ion pair segregation and CO2 fixation is presented for efficient synthesis of cyclic carbonates under metal- and solvent-free conditions.
Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 300-303
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03878E
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Reversing the ion transport selectivity through arm modification of an artificial molecular hourglass
An arm modification strategy of tethering electron-rich arms on a central macrocyclic scaffold endows an artificial hourglass channel with weak cation selectivity.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14689-14692
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04573K
A designed DNA/amino acid amphiphile-based supramolecular oxidase-mimetic catalyst for colorimetric DNA detection
The self-assembled DNA/Fmoc-amino acids/Cu2+ material exhibits remarkable catechol oxidase-mimetic activity towards catalyzing colorimetric oxidative reaction, which are employed for selective and sensitive detection of DNA hybridization.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14540-14543
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04047J
Controlled assembly of photosensitizers through directional interactions for effective photooxidation
We report a rational strategy for the generation of a reactive 1O2 system based on the control of hierarchical assemblies of PS-based amphiphiles with fundamental function and morphologically different architectures.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14544-14546
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC05196J
Hyperbranched polyphthalocyanine micelles with dual PTT/PDT functions for bacteria eradication under an NIR window
A novel hyperbranched polyphthalocyanine micelle with dual-modal PTT/PDT functions was developed for a highly efficient non-antibiotic bacteria eradication under 808 nm NIR window.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14169-14172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04082H
Polyelectrolyte chain conformation matters in macroscopic supramolecular self-assembly
We demonstrate molecular-conformation-dependent macroscopic supramolecular self-assembly (MSA) driven by electrostatic interactions.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14114-14117
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04140A
Aggregation-induced emission (AIE)-active metallacycles with near-infrared emission for photodynamic therapy
Multifunctional metallacycles with solid-state emission are highly important in cancer therapy.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 14021-14024
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04166B
Cucurbit[7]uril-based carbon dots for recognizing histamine
An effective histamine sensing technique was created using cucurbit[7]uril-CQDs by utilizing the host–guest chemistry.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13851-13854
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03750A
A cavitand-based supramolecular artificial light-harvesting system with sequential energy transfer for photocatalysis
A supramolecular artificial light-harvesting system with two-step sequential energy transfer processes was fabricated for the photocatalysis of a cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13707-13710
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04040B
Multicolor circularly polarized luminescence inversion of metal–organic supramolecular polymers
Metal–organic supramolecular polymers with multicolor CPL and handedness inversion were constructed from the co-assembly of pyridine-cyanostilbene-cholesterol (PCSPCC) and metal salts by modulating the treatment modes, solvents, and metal ions.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13751-13754
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04068B
The assembly of [Mo2O2S2]2+ based on polydentate phosphonate templates and their proton conductivity
This research reveals non-planar macrocyclic clusters, self-assembled from [Mo2O2S2]2+ units templated by organophosphates. These clusters serve as molecular-based proton conductors with high conductivity and ideal for studying proton transport mechanisms.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13446-13449
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04114J
Construction of metallo-helicoids with high antimicrobial activity via intermolecular coordination
Metallo-helicoids are constructed by intermolecular coordination interactions between covalent linear polymer and tritopic/hexatopic molecular templates.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13022-13025
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04115H
Controlled synthesis of cyclic helical polyisocyanides and bottlebrush polymers using a cyclic alkyne–Pd(II) catalyst
A cyclic catalyst was prepared which initiates the living polymerisation of isocyanide monomers and macromonomers, affording various well-defined cyclic polymers with predictable molar mass and low distribution.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 13002-13005
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04095J
Enantiomeric filtration separation of supramolecular framework membranes
A supramolecular framework is constructed through a 4+2 host–guest interaction between pillar[5]arene-modified polyoxometalate and guest-grafting porphyrin for enantiomeric membrane separation via a simple filtration.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12895-12898
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04060G
pH-Dependent phosphate separation using a tripodal hexaurea receptor
A tripodal hexaurea receptor enables reversible uptake and release of phosphate anions from water under the control of pH.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12923-12926
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04122K
Topological transformation across different dimensions of supramolecular polymer via photo-isomerization
The utilization of a complementary photo-isomerization monomer pair realizes dimension-based topological transformation of the resulting supramolecular polymer.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12645-12648
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03911K
Hydroxyfluorooxoborate (NH4)[C(NH2)3][B3O3F4(OH)] for exploring the effects of cation substitution on structure and optical properties
Herein, a metal-free hydroxyfluorooxoborate (NH4)[C(NH2)3][B3O3F4(OH)] has been synthesized using the strategy of heterologous substitution. Tunable structure and optical properties have been achieved via varied A-site cation substitution.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12435-12438
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04346K
Novel biotin-linked amphiphilic calix[4]arene-based supramolecular micelles as doxorubicin carriers for boosted anticancer activity
The lack of targeting, severe toxicity on normal tissues have become an intractable limitation of doxorubicin (DOX)-based chemotherapy. A biotin-modified calix[4]arene based therapeutic agent BPCA4 has been designed for the delivery of DOX to alleviate the adverse side effects.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12487-12490
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04102F
Activation of alkynes by chalcogen bonding: a Se⋯π interaction catalyzed intramolecular cyclization of 1,6-diynes
The activation of alkynes was achieved by Se⋯π bonding, enabling cyclization of 1,6-diynes to take place.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 12278-12281
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04096H
Supramolecular interface decoration on a polymer conductor for an intrinsically stretchable near-infrared photodiode
A supramolecular cathode with high transparency and dynamic stability is developed by interface modification on a polymer conductor for intrinsically stretchable near-infrared photodiodes.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 11975-11978
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC04189A
Triazine pyridinium derivative supramolecular cascade assembly extended FRET for two-photon NIR targeted cell imaging
Supramolecular cascade assembly based on a triazine pyridinium derivative extended an efficient FRET process to achieve two-photon NIR targeted cell imaging.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 11516-11519
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03487A
Phosphorescence enhancement of pyridinium macrocycles by poly(vinylalcohol)
A phosphorescence enhancement of pyridinium macrocycles/monomers phosphors are realized with up to 14.7-fold prolonging of phosphorescence lifetimes and visible afterglow by doping into poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) matrix.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 11248-11251
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03225F
V-shaped chiral hosts based on π-extended hematoxylin
Hematoxylin has a V-shaped chiral geometry, but its potential in chiroptical self-assembled materials is underdeveloped.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 11145-11148
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03631F
In situ assembly of nickel-based ultrathin catalyst film for water oxidation
A nickel-based ultrathin catalyst film is assembled in situ from a solution of Ni(OAc)2 and a Schiff-base ligand L (L = 3-methoxy-salicylidene-glycine).
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 11109-11112
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03110A
Synthesis of Tröger's base-based [3]arenes for efficient iodine adsorption
Enantiomers of Tröger's base-based [3]arenes R6N-E[3] and S6N-E[3] were synthesized successfully as two optically pure Tröger's base-based macrocycles in which three Tröger's base subunits were incorporated.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 10960-10963
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC02804F
Efficient separation of monobromotoluene isomers by nonporous adaptive perbromoethylated pillar[5]arene crystals
We report an efficient strategy for the separation of m-bromotoluene and o-bromotoluene based on nonporous adaptive crystals of perbromoethylated pillar[5]arenes.
Chem. Commun., 2023,59, 10432-10435
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3CC03676F
About this collection
Supramolecular and macrocyclic chemistry, one of the most active research fields in chemical science, fuels intense studies nowadays in constructing molecules and materials with built-in dynamic properties. Guest Edited by Minghua Liu (刘鸣华), Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yongfeng Zhou (周永丰). Shanghai Jiao Tong University, this collection will provide a showcase of the latest advancements in Supramolecular and Macrocyclic chemistry by the Chinese community. The collection will include the new developments of macrocyclic architectures, supramolecular building blocks, supramolecular interactions, self-assembled structures or the potential applications, for example in catalysis, biomedical applications, wearable devices, displays, smart/adaptive materials and some others. It intends to present the trends and emerging interests in Supramolecular and Macrocyclic chemistry, attract researchers and inspire minds in this and related areas.