Bernold Hasenknopf

A series of cyclometalated (N^C^N) Pt(II)-platinum complexes featuring a terpyridine ligand with a non-coordinating nitrogen atom and a Pt–C bond was synthesized. In the presence of Ag⁺, the bis(isonitrile)Pt(II) complex formed a remarkable self-assembled helicoidal dimer stabilized by coordination of Ag(I) and metallophilic Pt–Ag interactions. Its assembly was observed in the solid state and maintained in solution. All complexes show strong luminescence and multiple emitting states, which could be rationalized based on solid state X-ray structures and coordinating environment.

The encapsulation of guests in a confined space enables unusual conformations and reactivities. In particular, the compression of akyl chains has been obtained by self-assembled molecular capsules but such an effect has not been reported in solution for pseudorotaxane architectures. By exploiting the tendency of cyclodextrin (CD) to form head to head [3]pseudorotaxanes and the hydrogen bonding abilities of phosphate groups, we have studied the effect of the CD dimer cavity on the conformation of threaded α,ω-alkyl-diphosphate axles. The formation of [2]pseudorotaxanes and [3]pseudorotaxanes was investigated by a combination of NMR, ITC and X-ray diffraction techniques. In the solid state, the [3]pseudorotaxane with a C₈ axle presents a fully extended conformation with both terminal phosphate groups interacting with hydroxyl groups of the primary rim of CDs. Such hydrogen bonding interactions are also present with the C₉ and C₁₀ axles resulting in a compression of the alkyl chain with gauche conformations in the solid state. NMR studies have shown that this effect is maintained in solution resulting in a size-dependent progressive compression of the alkyl chain by the CD [3]pseudorotaxane architecture for C₉, C₁₀ and C₁₁ axles.

A family of cyclodextrins functionalized with zero, one, two, or six amines was shown to control the rate of their threading and dethreading on a molecular axle depending on the pH and their substitution pattern. The originality of this system lies in the rate control of the switch by operating the stimulus directly on the macrocycle.

An alternative strategy for the synthesis of terpyridine based switchable molecular tweezers has been developed to incorporate anisotropic Mn(III)–salphen complexes. The free ligand was synthesized using a building block strategy based on Sonogashira coupling reactions and was then selectively metalated with manganese in a last step. The conformation of the tweezers was switched from an open ‘W’ shaped form to a closed ‘U’ form by Zn(II) coordination to the terpyridine unit bringing the two Mn–salphen moieties in close spatial proximity as confirmed by X-ray crystallography. An alternate switching mechanism was observed by the intercalation of a bridging cyanide ligand between the two Mn–salphen moieties that resulted in the closing of the tweezers. These dual stimuli are attractive for achieving multiple controls of the mechanical motion of the tweezers. A crystallographic structure of unexpected partially oxidized closed tweezers was also obtained. One of the two Mn–salphen moieties underwent a ligand-centered oxidation of an imino to an amido group allowing an intramolecular Mn–O_amide–Mn linkage. The magnetic properties of the manganese(III) dimers were investigated to evaluate the magnetic exchange interaction and analyze the single molecule magnet behavior.

Self‐assembled monolayers formed by chemisorption of thiolated molecules on gold surfaces are widely applied for biosensing. Moreover, and due to the low stability of thiol–gold chemistry, contributions to the functionalisation of gold substrates with linkers that provide a more stable platform for the immobilisation of electroactive or biological molecules are highly appreciated. Herein, it is demonstrated that a carboxylated organotin compound can be successfully grafted onto gold substrates to form a highly stable organic layer with reactivity for subsequent binding to an aminated molecule. A battery of techniques were used to characterise the surface chemistry. The grafted layer was used to anchor aminoferrocene and subjected to both thermostability tests and long‐term stability studies over a period of one year, demonstrating thermostability up to 90 °C and storage stability for at least 12 months at 4 °C protected from light. The stable surface tethering of molecules on gold substrates can be exploited in a plethora of applications, including molecular techniques, such as solid‐phase amplification and solid‐phase melting curve analysis, that require elevated temperature stability, as well as biosensors, which require long‐term storage stability.

Molecular tweezers are artificial receptors that have an open cavity generated by two recognition units pre-organized by a spacer. Switchable molecular tweezers, using a stimuli-responsive spacer, are particularly appealing as prototypes of the molecular machines that combine mechanical motion and allosteric recognition properties. In this present study, the synthesis of switchable molecular tweezers composed of a central terpyridine unit substituted in 4,4″ positions by two Pt(II)-salphen complexes is reported. The terpyridine ligand can be reversibly converted upon Zn(II) coordination from a free ‘U’-shaped closed form to a coordinated ‘W’ open form. This new substitution pattern enables a reverse control of the mechanical motion compared to the previously reported 6,6″ substituted terpyridine-based tweezers. Guest binding studies with aromatic guests showed an intercalation of coronene in the cavity created by the Pt-salphen moieties in the closed conformation. The formation of 1:1 host-guest complex was investigated by a combination of NMR studies and DFT calculations.

Switching magnetic properties have attracted a wide interest from inorganic chemist for the objectives of information storage and quantum computing at the molecular level. This review is focused on magnetic switches based on a mechanical motion, which is an innovative approach. Three main strategies to control magnetic properties by a mechanical motion have been developed in the literature and will be described. The first one (ligand-induced spin change) consists in modulating the ligand field strength by a configuration change of the ligand in spin-crossover complexes. The second one (coordination-induced spin-state switching) is based on a change in the coordination number of a metallic center that is triggered by the motion of one ligand. The third one uses the modulation of the exchange interaction between two spin-centers by a mechanical motion.

Redox labeled DNAs are of increasing interest for the fabrication of next generation molecular tools. In the present work we are investigating the use of various redox labeled dNTPs, ddNTPs and DNA primers for use in detection of diseases. We have reported the use of Polyoxometalate (POM) labeled DNA primers and dNTPs for use in PCR and subsequently used for direct electrochemical detection of PCR products. The use of POM labeled DNAs in PCR enabled us to check the compatibility with polymerases and PCR incorporability of the modified DNAs. Furthermore we have investigated the solid-phase array based primer extension (é-PEX) with redox labelled ddNTPs (ferrocene (Fc), anthraquinone (AQ) phenothiazine (PTZ) and methylene blue (MB)) to prove the strategy of detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms using the labeled ddNTPs. This strategy will allow the development of cost-effective, rapid and user-friendly platform for the screening of known and unknown genetic mutations.

A series of [Re(CO)₃Br(N^N)] (N^N = substituted 2,2′-bipyridine ligand) complexes based on polypyridine-functionalized Dawson polyoxometalate (1–3) has been synthesized.