Nitrogen‐Oxidized Tröger's Base Macrocyclic Arenes: Unprecedented Enantioselective Recognition in Water
Abstract Achieving high enantioselectivity with synthetic receptors, particularly in water, remains a significant challenge despite the success seen in natural biological systems. In this study, we introduce a facile synthesis of Tröger's base (TB)‐containing macrocyclic arenes ( TBn ), where TB units are linked via methylene bridges, providing the macrocycles with a rigid framework. Oxidation of enantiopure TBn yields corresponding chiral nitrogen oxides ( TBnNO ) with excellent water solubility, attributed to the high polarity of the N−O bond, surpassing the pH limitations of traditional ion‐functionalized approaches. Remarkably, TBnNO exhibits exceptional enantioselective recognition toward a wide range of chiral guests in aqueous solution, achieving enantioselectivities as high as 41.0. The underlying mechanism involves a combination of hydrophobic interactions and steric effects caused by rigid chiral cavities. These findings highlight the potential of nitrogen‐oxidized macrocycles as a transformative tool for supramolecular application in water.
Authors
- Xiaotong Liang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7145-4910)
- Yanling Shen
- Ting Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4195-1884)
- Wanhua Wu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8969-1148)
- Cheng Yang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2049-1324)
- Da‐Yang Zhou (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5666-6686)
- Long Chen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2287-5417)
- Li‐Zhi Fang
Institutions
- Sichuan University (CN)
- Changjiang Water Resources Commission (CN)
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy
- The University of Osaka (JP)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Angewandte Chemie
- Published
- 2024-10-11
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/ange.202416975
- Citations
- 5
- Primary Topic
- Molecular spectroscopy and chirality
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.20
Funders
- National Natural Science Foundation of China
- Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities