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Updated: Dec 12, 2025

Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
[Si(O2 C6 F4 )2 ]14 : Self-Assembly of a Giant Perfluorinated Macrocyclic Host by Low-Barrier Si-O Bond Metathesis
1Anorganisch-Chemisches Institut, Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 270, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
Abstract:
The dynamic covalent self-assembly of 14 units of bis(perfluorocatecholato)silane leads to [Si(O2 C6 F4 )2 ]14 -the first giant perfluorinated macrocycle. The oligomerization process is monitored spectroscopically, and the macrocycle analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The molecule forms a rigid cavity that can host two o-closo-dodecacarboranes. Computations rationalize the consistent and reproducible formation of the 14mer and disclose a non-catalyzed Si-O/ Si-O σ-bond metathesis with an exceptionally low energetic barrier. For the first time, the most prevalent linker in our geosphere-SiO4 -is disposed to construct a shape-defined crystalline macromolecule.
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