A self-assembled macrocycle with a non-closed structure for hierarchically upgraded self-assembly.

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Organic Synthesis

Background:

• Macrocycles are large ring structures with diverse applications.
• Hierarchical self-assembly is a key strategy for constructing complex molecular architectures.
• Controlling the assembly of molecules with multiple functional groups remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report the serendipitous self-assembly of a novel [3 + 10] non-closed macrocycle.
• To demonstrate a method for generating a dialdehyde intermediate from the macrocycle.
• To showcase the utility of this intermediate in hierarchical self-assembly for creating complex structures.

Main Methods:

• Self-assembly of a [3 + 10] non-closed macrocycle.
• Selective removal of unreacted amino groups via imine exchange.
• Utilizing the resulting dialdehyde intermediate for further self-assembly.

Main Results:

• Successful serendipitous formation of a [3 + 10] non-closed macrocycle.
• Selective deprotection yielding a reactive dialdehyde intermediate.
• Hierarchical self-assembly into structures with two distinct amine building blocks.

Conclusions:

• The developed macrocycle and subsequent deprotection strategy provide a novel route to complex molecular architectures.
• This method allows for the construction of structures with specific amine building blocks, not achievable through one-pot synthesis.
• Opens new avenues for designing and synthesizing advanced supramolecular materials.