Translational isomerism and dynamics in multi-hydroquinone derived porphyrin [2]- and [3]-catenanes

A series of porphyrins strapped with polyether chains containing two or three 1,4-dioxybenzene units has been synthesised with a view to the production of porphyrin-containing [2] and [3]catenanes, where the porphyrin is strapped between ortho-positions of 5,15-(meso)-diaryl groups, and is interlinked with the bipyridinium macrocycle cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene). The porphyrins were isolated as mixtures of atropisomers, where the linking strap spans across the face of the porphyrin (alpha,alpha-isomer), or 'twisted' around its side (alpha,beta-isomer). Their structures were determined by detailed 1H NMR spectroscopy. The bis-1,4-dioxybenzene-strapped derivatives were shown to undergo atropisomerisation on heating, to produce an equilibrium mixture. Catenation under high pressure conditions of the mixture, or of the individual isomers, produced only a single catenane, that of the alpha,alpha-isomer. Its structure was determined by mass spectral and dynamic NMR measurements. Rates were determined for: (i) translational motion or 'shuttling' between 1,4-dioxybenzenes; (ii) 'rotation' of the macrocycle around the 1,4-dioxybenzene axis; and (iii) 'rocking' of the 1,4-dioxybenzene within the macrocycle. The atropisomers of the strapped derivatives containing three 1,4-dioxybenzene units were also separated, and subjected to catenation. Both [2]- and [3]catenanes were isolated, and were shown to be stable to further atropisomerisation. Their solution structures were probed in detail by dynamic 1H NMR measurements. The rates for shuttling and rotation were obtained in certain cases, although the complexity of the spectra of the [3]catenanes prevented a more detailed investigation.