Coordination-driven self-assembly of a molecular figure-eight knot and other topologically complex architectures

Li-Long Dang, Zhen-Bo Sun, Wei-Long Shan, Yue-Jian Lin, Zhen-Hua Li and Guo-Xin Jin ()
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Li-Long Dang: Fudan University
Zhen-Bo Sun: Fudan University
Wei-Long Shan: Fudan University
Yue-Jian Lin: Fudan University
Zhen-Hua Li: Fudan University
Guo-Xin Jin: Fudan University

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: Abstract Over the past decades, molecular knots and links have captivated the chemical community due to their promising mimicry properties in molecular machines and biomolecules and are being realized with increasing frequency with small molecules. Herein, we describe how to utilize stacking interactions and hydrogen-bonding patterns to form trefoil knots, figure-eight knots and [2]catenanes. A transformation can occur between the unique trefoil knot and its isomeric boat-shaped tetranuclear macrocycle by the complementary concentration effect. Remarkably, the realization and authentication of the molecular figure-eight knot with four crossings fills the blank about 41 knot in knot tables. The [2]catenane topology is obtained because the selective naphthalenediimide (NDI)-based ligand, which can engender favorable aromatic donor-acceptor π interactions due to its planar, electron-deficient aromatic surface. The stacking interactions and hydrogen-bond interactions play important roles in these self-assembly processes. The advantages provide an avenue for the generation of structurally and topologically complex supramolecular architectures.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10075-6

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