Synthesis and self-assembly processes of monofunctionalized cucurbit[7]uril

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Aug 8;134(31):13133-40. doi: 10.1021/ja3058502. Epub 2012 Jul 30.

Abstract

We present a building-block approach toward functionalized CB[7] derivatives by the condensation of methylene-bridged glycoluril hexamer 1 and glycoluril bis(cyclic ethers) 2 and 12. The CB[7] derivatives Me2CB[7] and CyCB[7] are highly soluble in water (264 mM and 181 mM, respectively). As a result of the high intrinsic solubility of Me2CB[7], it is able to solubilize the insoluble benzimidazole drug albendazole. The reaction of hexamer 1 with glycoluril derivative 12, which bears a primary alkyl chloride group, gives CB[7] derivative 18 in 16% isolated yield. Compound 18 reacts with NaN3 to yield azide-substituted CB[7] 19 in 81% yield, which subsequently undergoes click reaction with propargylammonium chloride (21) to yield CB[7] derivative 20 in 95% yield, which bears a covalently attached triazolyl ammonium group along its equator. The results of NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, variable-temperature, and DOSY) and electrospray mass spectrometry establish that 20 undergoes self-assembly to form a cyclic tetrameric assembly (204) in aqueous solution. CB[7] derivatives bearing reactive functional groups (e.g., N3, Cl) are now available for incorporation into more complex functional systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Alkynes / chemistry*
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Bridged-Ring Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Bridged-Ring Compounds / chemistry
  • Click Chemistry
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Cyclization
  • Imidazoles / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Polymerization
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Alkynes
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Bridged-Ring Compounds
  • Imidazoles
  • benzimidazole
  • glycoluril