Solid state and solution study on the formation of inorganic anion complexes with a series of tetrazine-based ligands

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/molecules24122247

Four molecules (L1–L4) constituted by an s-tetrazine ring appended with two identical aliphatic chains of increasing length bearing terminal morpholine groups were studied as anion receptors in water. The basicity properties of these molecules were also investigated. Speciation of the anion complexes formed in solution and determination of their stability constants were performed by means of potentiometric (pH-metric) titrations, while further information was obtained by NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements. The crystal structures of two neutral ligands (L3, L4) and of their H₂L3(ClO₄)₂·2H₂O, H₂L4(ClO₄)₂·2H₂O, H₂L3(PF₆)₂, and H₂L3(PF₆)₂·2H₂O anion complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The formation of anion–π interactions is the leitmotiv of these complexes, both in solution and in the solid state, although hydrogen bonding and/or formation of salt-bridges can contribute to their stability. Evidence of the ability of these ligands to form anion–π interactions is given by the observation that even the neutral (not-protonated) molecules bind anions in water to form complexes of significant stability, including elusive OH^? anions.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/molecules24122247

molecules
Article
Solid State and Solution Study on the Formation of
Inorganic Anion Complexes with a Series of
Tetrazine-Based Ligands
Matteo Savastano 1 , Celeste García-Gallarín , Claudia Giorgi
2
1
, Paola Gratteri 3
,
2
1,
1,
Maria Dolores López de la Torre , Carla Bazzicalupi * , Antonio Bianchi * and
2
,
Manuel Melguizo *
1
Department of Chemistry “Ugo Schiff”, University of Florence, Via della Lastruccia, 3-13,
5
0019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy; matteo.savastano@unifi.it (M.S.); claudia.giorgi@unifi.it (C.G.)
2
3
Department of Inorganic and Organic Chemistry, University of Jaén, 23071 Jaén, Spain;
cgarcia@ujaen.es (C.G.-G.); mdlopez@ujaen.es (M.D.L.d.l.T.)
Department of NEUROFARBA-Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, and Laboratory of Molecular
Modeling Cheminformatics & QSAR, University of Florence, Via Ugo Schiff 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
paola.gratteri@unifi.it
*
Correspondence: carla.bazzicalupi@unifi.it (C.B.); antonio.bianchi@unifi.it (A.B.); mmelgui@ujaen.es (M.M.);
Tel.: +39-(0)5-5457-3286 (C.B.); +39-(0)5-5457-3254 (A.B.); +34-(0)9-5921-2742 (M.M.)
ꢀ
ꢁꢂꢀꢃꢄꢅꢆꢇ
ꢀ
ꢁꢂꢃꢄꢅꢆ
Received: 22 May 2019; Accepted: 14 June 2019; Published: 16 June 2019
Abstract: Four molecules (L1–L4) constituted by an s-tetrazine ring appended with two identical
aliphatic chains of increasing length bearing terminal morpholine groups were studied as anion
receptors in water. The basicity properties of these molecules were also investigated. Speciation of the
anion complexes formed in solution and determination of their stability constants were performed by
means of potentiometric (pH-metric) titrations, while further information was obtained by NMR and
isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) measurements. The crystal structures of two neutral ligands
(
L3, L4) and of their H L3(ClO )
·
2H O, H L4(ClO )
·
2H O, H L3(PF ) , and H L3(PF ) 2H O
·
2
4 2
2
2
4 2
2
2
6 2
2
6 2 2
anion complexes were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The formation of anion–
π
interactions is the leitmotiv of these complexes, both in solution and in the solid state, although
hydrogen bonding and/or formation of salt-bridges can contribute to their stability. Evidence of the
ability of these ligands to form anion–π interactions is given by the observation that even the neutral
(
not-protonated) molecules bind anions in water to form complexes of significant stability, including
−
elusive OH anions.
Keywords: s-tetrazines; anion complexes; anion–π interactions; lone pair–π interactions; H bonding;
supramolecular forces; crystal structures; stability constants; complexation enthalpy
1
. Introduction
s-Tetrazine (Figure 1a) and its derivatives (s-tetrazines) have aroused significant interest over
the years because of their chemical and physico-chemical properties that make them appealing
for various applications, from their early, but still continuing, use for the preparation of energetic
materials (explosives, propellants, pyrotechnic compounds, etc.) to the preparation of active molecules
for nonlinear optics, fluorescent devices, and electrochemical systems (organic batteries), to their
involvement as structural elements and ancillary ligands in coordination compounds, or as functional
groups for the assembling of supramolecular systems [1].
As for supramolecular chemistry, electronic features of s-tetrazine, such as a positive quadrupole
moment, a high molecular polarizability, dispersion forces, or even electron sharing, have recently
Molecules 2019, 24, 2247; doi:10.3390/molecules24122247
www.mdpi.com/journal/molecules

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
2 of 17
inspired the possible use of this heteroaromatic ring as a functional group to bind anions, an assumption
that found solid foundations on ab initio calculations [ ] and on the experimental evidence
that anion–s-tetrazine ring interactions play an active role in determining the architecture of some
metalla-macrocycles [ ]. More recently, it was shown that s-tetrazine rings do behave as a binding site
for anions even in solution [ 12], the anion–s-tetrazine interaction emerging as a promising tool for
the construction of anion receptors as well as for the self-assembling of anion coordination frameworks
ACF) and polymers (ACP) [13,14].
2–5
6,7
8–
(
Figure 1. s-Tetrazine (a) and ligands L1–L4 (b).
In particular, we recently found that ligands L1 and L2 (Figure 1b) form complexes with inorganic
anions even in water, a solvent that opposes the formation of anion complexes by virtue of its high
dielectric constant and high ability to solvate anions and form competitive hydrogen bonds. In the
2
+
2+
crystal structures of the diprotonated forms of L1 and L2 (H L1 , H L2 ), the inorganic anions
2
2
are invariably located over the positive electrostatic potential of the ligands’ tetrazine ring. Despite
the different sizes and shapes, the anions are always at short interaction distances, and, notably, the
two ammonium groups in the ligands are involved in only some cases in salt-bridge interactions.
In solution, both charged and uncharged ligand forms bind anions with moderate, but significant,
stability. Trends of thermodynamic data were consistent with a prominent contribution of such anion–
π
interactions even in solution [8–11].
In previous studies dealing with the formation of anion complexes with a polyamine ligand
containing an electron-deficient nitroso-amino-pyrimidine group, we showed that linear correlations
between the binding free energies and the receptor charge for systems combining salt-bridge and
anion–
π interactions may offer the opportunity to determine the individual contribution of each
type of interaction. In the specific case, the free energy change derived for the formation of anion–
π
interactions with such anions as SO42 , SeO4 , S O , and Co(CN)6 in water was in the range
−
2−
2−
3
3−
2
−
8.6 to −12.0 kJ/mol [15–17]. The free energy changes for the interaction of L1 and L2 free ligands
−
−
2−
(
not protonated) with inorganic anions (ClO , PF6 , SO4 ) fall within this range, in agreement with a
4
principal contribution to complex stability deriving from anion–π interactions.
In the case of organic anions, the stabilization of complexes with L1 and L2 appears to be regulated
by a more subtle interplay of different contributions, including additional supramolecular forces, such
as π–π stacking interactions, host–guest size matching, stereochemistry of the interacting groups, and
the hydrophobic effect, that offers the possibility to finely tune the anion–ligand interaction [18].
In the present paper, we present the binding ability toward inorganic anions of the two new
ligands L3 and L4 (Figure 1), which are larger homologues of L1 and L2, with the aim of obtaining a
better understanding of the roles played by anion–
π contributions in the formation of complexes with
s-tetrazines. In L3 and L4, there is a larger distance (with respect to L1 and L2) between the tetrazine

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
3 of 17
ring, which is the location of anion–
π
interactions, and the morpholine groups that, upon protonation,
become available for the formation of salt-bridges, which furnishes a structural element for a better
separation of the two contributions or for the exclusion of one of them. In the work described hereafter,
we analyze the anion binding properties of L3 and L4 according to X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies
in the solid state and thermodynamic (potentiometric, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)) and
1
H-NMR analysis of the complex systems in aqueous solution.
2
. Results and Discussion
2
.1. Crystal Structure of L3 and L4 Free Ligands
In the crystal structures of the free ligands, L3 and L4 molecules assume centrosymmetric
chair-type conformations with all trans torsion angles in their propylenic (L3) and butylenic (L4) chains
Figure 2a,c).
The crystal packing of free L3 can be properly described considering the (0 -1 2) family of planes.
(
Each of these planes (Figure 2a) contains parallel L3 molecules interacting via C-H···N hydrogen
bonds, which are the shortest intermolecular contacts in the crystal and involve tetrazine nitrogen and
propylenic carbon atoms (C4···N1 3.508(3) Å, C2···N1 3.566(4) Å). Pairs of ligands belonging to adjacent
(0 -1 2) planes are strongly connected by two symmetric contacts between the morpholine oxygen
and the C1 tetrazine carbon atoms (O1···C1 3.508(3) Å, Figure 2b), giving rise to infinite net ribbons
growing parallel to the (1 1 -1) crystallographic plane.
In contrast to the behaviour just described for L3, and previously reported for L1 and L2 [6],
the tetrazine ring of L4 does not show any tendency to interact with lone pairs of neutral donor atoms
in its crystal structure as free ligand. The principal interactions stabilizing the crystal packing of L4 are
couples of symmetric O1···H-C7 hydrogen bonds (C···O 3.471(2) Å) linking L4 molecules through their
morpholine units, in a head-to-tail fashion, to form infinite chains (Figure 2c). These chains are then
connected by C-H···N interactions, similar to those found in the L3 structure, involving tetrazine ring
and morpholine units from different chains (C9···N2 3.443(2) Å).
Figure 2.
the CH···N contacts between parallel molecules; (
adjacent planes in the (0 -1 2) family; ( ) chair-type conformation of L4 in the crystal structure of the
(
a) (0 -1 2) Plane in the crystal packing of L3 showing the chair-type conformation of L3 and
b
) infinite net ribbons formed by ligand molecules of
c
free ligand and infinite chains formed by head-to-tail connected molecules. Selected hydrogen bond
contacts are shown.

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
4 of 17
2
.2. Crystal Structure of H L3(ClO ) ·2H O
2
4 2
2
−
The most important feature of this ClO4 complex is the presence of two symmetry-related anions
forming anion– interactions with the tetrazine ring of L3 (Figure 3a). Each perchlorate anion places
one of its oxygen atom at 3.12 Å from the ring centroid, shifted toward the N2 nitrogen (O5···N2
.049(8) Å, offset from the ring centroid 0.84 Å). L3 assumes a symmetric chair-type conformation
π
3
similar to that shown in the free ligand structure, but with C–C propylenic bonds adopting a cis-trans
sequence. This conformation allows for the carbon atom bearing the morpholine group to get in contact
with the anion via a CH···O interaction (C4···O5 3.425(9) Å). Overall, each anion is placed in a pocket
formed by the morpholine groups of symmetry-related L3 molecules, cocrystallized water molecules,
and the tetrazine ring involved in the anion–π interaction. Figure 3b shows the molecules defining
this pocket along with the shortest ligand–anion and ligand–ligand contacts (contact distances are in
Table S1). Interestingly, as already found for several crystal structures of the anion complexes of this
series of ligands, the protonated morpholine nitrogen prefers to interact with the cocrystallized water
−
(
N3-H1···O2 1.98(7) Å) rather than to form hydrogen bonds with the coordinated ClO4 anions.
Figure 3.
−
anion– interactions with the symmetry-related ClO4 anions. (b) Interactions established by ClO in
4
(
a
) Chair-type conformation of the ligand in the crystal structure of H L3(ClO ) 2H O;
·
2
4 2 2
−
π
the pocket formed by the symmetry-related ligands and the cocrystallized water molecules.
2
.3. Crystal Structure of H L4(ClO ) ·2H O
2
4 2
2
−
In the crystal structure of the ClO4 complex of L4, the ligand adopts an open conformation
with one butylenic arm forming all trans C–C torsion angles and one giving rise to trans-cis-trans
sequences (Figure 4a). Anion– interactions involve the tetrazine above and below the ring in a manner
similar to that seen in the crystal structure of H L3(ClO ) 2H O. Each perchlorate anion places one
π
·
2
4 2
2
oxygen atom at close range of the heteroaromatic ring, 2.85 Å (O11) and 3.12 Å (O24) from the ring
centroid with offset values of 0.34 Å (O11) and 0.86 Å (O24). The only additional relevant contact is
established between the O13 oxygen atom and one of the carbon atoms of the butylenic chain with all
trans C–C bonds (O13···C2 3.387(5) Å). Despite the different ligand conformation, the crystal packing
of H L4(ClO ) 2H O shows interesting similarity to the perchlorate complex of L3, as the anions are
·
2
4 2 2
again lodged in pockets defined by the tetrazine ring, the aliphatic pendant arms, and the cocrystallized
water molecules, which bridge the protonated morpholine nitrogen atoms and the perchlorate anion
inside the pocket (Figure 4b,c and Table S2).

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
5 of 17
Figure 4.
(
a
) Anion–
π
interactions in the crystal structure of H L4(ClO ) 2H O. (b,c) Interactions
·
2
4 2 2
−
established by ClO4 ions in the pockets formed by the symmetry-related ligands and the cocrystallized
water molecules.
2
.4. Crystal Structure of H L3(PF )
2
6 2
In this crystal structure, L3 assumes a centrosymmetric open conformation with its propylenic
−
chains characterized by all trans torsion angles (Figure 5a). Two symmetry-related PF6 anions form
−
anion–
π
interactions with the tetrazine ring, as already found for ClO4 in H L3(ClO )
·
2H O. Each
2
4 2
2
−
PF6 anion is affected by a slight rotational disorder: two anions were found to share almost the same
position with very similar occupancy factors (0.46/0.54 for anion A and B, respectively). For the sake of
−
simplicity, we discuss here only the intermolecular contacts given by the most representative PF
6
−
anion B, while a list of contacts referring to both PF6 anions has been included in the ESI (Table S3).
The fluorine atom closest to the tetrazine ring lies 2.89 Å from the ring centroid, slightly moved toward
the C1 carbon atom (Figure 5a, F1···C1 3.049(8) Å, offset from the ring centroid 0.59 Å). Each anion is
positioned inside a pocket similar to those found in the previous structures, where it forms several
CH···F contacts with the pendant arms from symmetry-related molecules (Figure 5b, Table S3). Once
again, the protonated morpholine nitrogen atoms prefer to form hydrogen bonds with morpholine
−
oxygen atoms of adjacent ligand molecules rather than with the coordinated PF6 ions.

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
6 of 17
Figure 5. (a) Anion–π interactions in the crystal structure of H L3(PF ) . (b) Interactions established
2 6 2
−
by the PF6 ions in the pocket formed by the symmetry-related ligands.
2
.5. Crystal Structure of H L3(PF ) ·2H O
2
6 2
2
The ligand assumes a centrosymmetric chair-type conformation and involves its tetrazine ring in
−
two anion–
been found for H L3(ClO )
π
interactions with two symmetry-related PF6 anions, analogously to what has already
−
·
2H O. The closest contact between PF6 and the tetrazine ring is formed
2
4 2
2
by F5, lying 3.03 Å from the ring centroid, slightly displaced toward the C1 carbon atom (Figure 6a,
F5···C1 3.135(5) Å, offset from the ring centroid 0.43 Å), but additional interesting contacts are given
by F6 with C1 and C2 carbon atoms (2.988(5) Å and 3.125(6) Å, respectively). As for the previous
structures, several CH···F contacts stabilize the anion inside a pocket formed by the pendant arms
of symmetry-related molecules, cocrystallized water molecules, and the tetrazine ring involved in
the anion–π interaction (Figure 6b). Also, in this case, the protonated morpholine nitrogen atoms
prefer to form hydrogen bonds with morpholine oxygen atoms of contiguous ligand molecules rather
−
than with the PF6 ions (Table S4). Further contacts are formed by the water molecules that bridge
symmetry-related morpholine groups (N-H···O-H···O donor-acceptor distances 2.798(4)–2.794(5) Å)
−
and interact with the coordinated PF6 anions (O2···F1 2.948(4) Å).
Figure 6.
(
a
) Anion–
π
−
interactions in the crystal structure of H L3(PF ) 2H O. (b) Interactions
·
2
6 2 2
established by the PF6 ions in the pocket formed by the symmetry-related ligands.

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
7 of 17
2
.6. Analysis of the Crystal Structures of Anion Complexes
The interaction of anions with electron-deficient arenes can take place above the plane of the
π
system according to both centered and off-center interaction geometries. In the latter case, the anion is
placed over the periphery of the ring and charge transfer (CT) complexes can be formed as a result of
some covalent character of the interaction with ring atoms [19].
Conversely, in the former case, the anion lies above the centroid of the ring, where the CT
contribution to the anion–π interaction is expected to be negligible. DFT calculations performed for
the diprotonated L1 and L2 ligands showed that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of
these molecules is localized on the tetrazine ring, which might accept an electronic charge from the
coordinated anions. Nevertheless, a natural population analysis indicated that the CT contribution is
modest in the L1 and L2 anion complexes [8,9].
Indeed, an analysis of all crystal structures of L1–L4 complexes with inorganic anions
(those reported in this paper and those previously published [8–11]) clearly evidences the preference
of these ligands for the centered interaction mode. The location of the anions above the tetrazine ring
can be described by the doffset, dcentroid, and dplane parameters defined in Figure 7a. The doffset has a
value of 0 Å for a perfectly centered anion and a value of 1.4 Å when the anion is exactly located above
a ring atom, assuming a benzene model for the s-tetrazine ring. When the shortest anion-centroid
distances (dcentroid) in each crystal structure are taken into account, the corresponding doffset values
gather in proximity of the centroid (Figure 7b), accounting for the anticipated preference of L1–L4 for
the centred interaction. Nevertheless, due to the polyatomic nature of several anions, further longer
dcentroid values can be found between the same anion and the same tetrazine ring. Figure 7c shows the
frequencies of anion–ring contacts when a doffset threshold of 4 Å is adopted. The consideration of
the longer doffset values, although possibly leading to biased information on the preferred interaction
mode, provides a more complete picture of the anion–ring interaction. Thus, using longer offset values
may bring out the existence of weaker, yet favorable, binding contributions. Analogous information is
obtained when the structural analysis is conducted by considering the anion distance from the tetrazine
plane (Figures S9 and S10). In particular, Figure S10 shows that, for anions (or atoms of polyatomic
anions) closer to the ring plane, the dcentroid and dplane parameters tend to be very similar, that is, for
the shortest contacts the interacting atoms tend to be positioned exactly above the centroid.
2
.7. Ligand Protonation in Solution
The determination of ligand protonation constants is preliminary to the determination of the
stability constants of an anion complex and performed by means of potentiometric (pH-metric)
titrations, since ligand basicity is enhanced by interaction with the anions, a basilar property for
the application of this method. Protonation constants of L3 and L4, determined in 0.10 M Me NCl
4
◦
aqueous solution at 298.1
±
0.1 K, are listed in Table 1, along with the relevant enthalpy changes (
∆
H ),
◦
determined by ITC, and the derived entropic contributions (T
determined [
∆
S ). The analogous data previously
5] for L1 and L2 have been included in the same table. An inspection of protonation
constants (first and second protonation steps) evidences that the morpholine groups undergo a
progressive basicity enhancement from L1 to L4, with a very large increase from L1 to L2 followed
by an attenuated growth (L1 <<< L2 << L3 <L4) featuring an asymptotic approach to a limit value
(
Figure S11). Interestingly, the basicity of L1, at both the first and second protonation stages, relies on
a largely favorable entropic contribution. The entropic contribution decreases markedly for longer
L2–L4 ligands, becoming unfavorable in the second protonation stages of L3 and L4. Conversely,
the enthalpic contribution, which is small for L1, becomes pretty favorable for L2 and definitely
favorable for L3 and L4.

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
8 of 17
A
dcentroid
dplane
doffset
a
b
c
Figure 7.
of shorter anion–ring contacts, for each anion, in the dcentroid versus doffset plane. (
anion–ring contacts in the d versus d plane. Data from crystal structures of H L1 with
(a
) Displacement of an atom A from the center (centroid) of the tetrazine ring. (
b) Frequency
c
) Frequency of all
2
+
centroid
offset
−
2
−
−
2+
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
−
2+
−
PF6 , ClO ; H L2 with HF2 , Cl , Br , I , I , SCN , NO , PF6 , ClO4 ; H L3 with PF6 ,
4
2
3
3
2
−
2+
−
−
ClO4 ; H L4 with PF6 , ClO4 [8–11].
2
This peculiar behaviour of thermodynamic parameters for protonation of L1–L4 is not what is
expected from a series of terminal diamines of increasing length, which should display a smooth
increase in basicity, with increasing separation of the amine groups accompanied by largely favorable
and dominant enthalpy changes, smoothly increasing with chain length, and by minor entropy
contributions [20]. Although inductive effects due to the electron deficiency of the tetrazine ring
works in the correct direction (the electron density, hence the basicity, of the morpholine nitrogen
is decreasingly detracted as the aliphatic connection with the tetrazine ring becomes longer), we
cannot expect that they are completely responsible for the large increase in basicity of the morpholine
groups observed along the L1–L4 series [20]. Peculiar solvation properties of these molecules are
seemingly making a significant contribution to their basicity behaviour. They are a consequence of
the dissimilar chemical features of the two main components that participate in the ligand structure
(namely, the aromatic s-tetrazine nucleus and the pendant morpholine rings) and of how their
cooperative interaction to bind to water molecules can modify their solvation behaviour in aqueous
media. Regarding the tetrazine ring, a molecular dynamics simulation of the hydration of s-tetrazine,
performed with explicit treatment of solvent molecules, showed that s-tetrazine is poorly solvated in
a water cave with weak bonding to its hydrogen atoms and occasional short-lived hydrogen bonds
to the nitrogen atoms. Structures with the water molecule directly interacting with the π-system of
s-tetrazine were found to be significantly weaker [21].

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
9 of 17
Table 1. Thermodynamic parameters for ligand protonation and anion complex formation determined
at 298.1 0.1 K in 0.10 M Me NCl aqueous solution. Values in parentheses are the standard deviation
±
4
◦
◦
◦
on the last significant figure. ∆G , ∆H and T∆S values in kJ/mol.
L1
L2
L3
L4
L + H = HL+
+
−logK
4.45 (3) a
6.19 (1) a
7.18 (3) c
−41.0 (2)
−41.6 (2)
−0.6 (4)
7.59 (6) c
−43.3 (4)
−39.6 (1)
3.7 (5)
◦
a
a
∆
G
H
−
25.4 (2)
−4.6 (4)
−35.32 (6)
◦
a
a
a
∆
−26.8 (4)
◦
a
T∆S
20.8 (4)
8.5 (4)
+
+
2+
3.45 (3) a
5.37 (1) a
c
6.84 (6) c
HL + H = H L
logK
6.54 (3)
2
◦
a
a
c
c
∆
∆
G
H
−
19.7 (2)
4.6 (4)
−30.64 (6)
−
−
−
37.3 (2)
47.9 (2)
10.6 (4)
−
39.0 (4)
39.7 (1)
◦
a
a
c
c
c
−18.4 (4)
a
−
◦
a
c
T∆S
24.3 (4)
12.2 (4)
−0.7 (5)
2.40 (6)
−
−
2.60 (7) b
1.76 (7) b
2.69 (3) c
c
L + OH = [(L)OH]
logK
◦
14.8 (4) b
25.1 (4) b
10.3 (8) b
b
c
c
∆
∆
G
H
−
−10.0 (4)
−18.8 (4)
−8.8 (8)
1.98 (5)
2.26 (5)
2.51 (4)
−
15.3 (2)
−9.6 (2)
−
13.7 (3)
◦
b
c
c
−
−
−9.5 (1)
◦
b
c
c
T∆S
5.7 (4)
4.2 (4)
−
−
a
a
a
c
c
c
c
L + ClO4 = [(L)ClO4]
logK
logK
logK
2.26 (9)
2.2 (1)
2.1 (1)
1.1 (1)
1.1 (2)
1.6 (1)
+
−
a
a
c
HL + ClO = [(HL)ClO4]
2.07 (9)
2.31 (8)
4
2
+
−
+
c
H2L + ClO4 = [(H L)ClO ]
2
4
−
−
a
a
a
a
a
a
c
L + PF6 = [(L)PF6]
logK
logK
logK
1.96 (8)
2.67 (7)
2.98 (7)
3.07 (8)
3.17 (7)
3.39 (8)
2.30 (9)
2.2 (1)
2.4 (1)
+
−
c
c
HL + PF = [(HL)PF6]
6
2
+
−
+
H2L + PF6 = [(H L)PF ]
2
6
a
Taken from [5]. b Taken from [6]. c This work.
On the other hand, the solvation of the morpholine moieties is expected to obey to a completely
different model characterized by the formation of H-bonds between water molecules (as H-donors)
and the heteroatom basic centers of the morpholine ring [22], especially its nitrogen atom (Nmorph),
which is anticipated to be the most basic center in the ligands.
In the case of L1 and L2, our molecular modeling calculations show (Figures S12–S19) that direct
interaction of a water molecule with the π-system of s-tetrazine becomes favorable even thanks to the
participation of hydrogen bonding with the nitrogen atom of morpholine groups in the ligand arms.
It must be taken into account that such H-bonding not only results in a favorable spatial arrangement
for the water molecule to interact with both the Nmorph and the s-tetrazine ring, but also produces a
strong polarization of the H-Ow bond in the water molecule involved, so that the electron density on
w
the oxygen atom (O ) will experience an appreciable increase that benefits its interaction with the
π-acidic center of the s-tetrazine aromatic ring (Figure 8).
Figure 8.
(a) Ligand–water adduct sustained by a cooperative hydrogen bond and lone pair–π
interactions. (b) Disassembling of the ligand–water adduct after protonation.

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
10 of 17
A similar binding mode was also found for the interaction of alcoholic oxygen with perfluorinated
aromatic groups in organic solvents [23]. As for L3 and L4, the arms are exceedingly long to accomplish
the same function, the morpholine groups move further and further away from the tetrazine rings, and
the preferred interaction mode of the water molecule returns to be parallel to this ring, in the case of L3
(
Figure S14), while it involves hydrogen bonding to the morpholine nitrogen, which is located far from
the tetrazine, in the case of L4 (Figure S15).
Then, for L3 and L4, a simple model based on solvation of rather independent moieties (tetrazine
and morpholines) subjected to weak mutual interaction could be acceptable, whereas for L1 and L2
the adduct generated by binding of a ligand molecule with a water molecule through a lone pair–
π
interaction between the O ···Nmorph, should
w
and the tetrazine ring, assisted by an H-bonding HOw···
H
be considered to be the core around which to build up the solvation shell. Also, in such water–ligand
adducts, the strong polarization of the water molecule taking part in the adduct will determine a
stricter orientation and tighter binding of solvent (water) molecules around the s-tetrazine nucleus
compared with the looser solvation expected for the tetrazine residue in L3 and L4 (see above).
These two different solvation arrangements in aqueous media help to explain the diverse
thermodynamic behaviour observed in the protonation processes of the ligand molecules L1–L4.
The thermodynamic data of ligands’ protonation (Table 1) show that for L1, and at lower extent
for L2, a rearrangement of the water cage around the tetrazine ring, involving disruption of the
special cohesion of water molecules around the cavity, takes place according to a process that is
expected to be endothermic and exoentropic. This process is triggered by protonation of the Nmorph
that transforms this originally basic center into an acidic one that is unable to participate as an
H-acceptor in the cooperative H-bond that sustains the structure of the water–ligand adduct (Figure 8).
Consequently, the adduct will disassemble after protonation, breaking the previous orientation of the
◦
solvent molecules around the tetrazine nucleus. Then, the low
∆
G (low basicity), the poorly favorable
◦
◦
(or unfavorable)
∆
H , and the largely favorable T
∆
S terms for the protonation of L1 would be a
consequence of this phenomenon. Consistently, as the morpholine nitrogen atoms are located further
and further away from the tetrazine ring, this phenomenon has a lower effect: L2 is still somewhat
affected, while L3 and L4 display a normal protonation behaviour.
2
.8. Anion Binding in Solution
The stability constants of the anion complexes formed by L1–L4 are listed in Table 1. Since
these measurements were performed in the presence of 0.10 M Me NCl, we must assume that all the
4
equilibrium constants in this table are potentially affected by the competitive ligand interaction with
−
Cl . Analysis, by means of the computer program HYPERQUAD [24], of potentiometric (pH-metric)
titrations performed with various ligand to anion molar ratios invariably showed the formation of 1:1
complexes, in contrast to the observed solid state (crystal structures) formation of 1:2 ligand to anion
complexes, which, however, are favored by the requirement of charge neutrality in the presence of
diprotonated ligand molecules. Unfortunately, we were not able to determine the stability constants of
−
PF6 complexes with L4 due to solubility problems (see the experiment section).
It was previously observed for L1 and L2 that the stability of the anion complexes increases
slightly with ligand charge, a behaviour that was explained by assuming that electrostatic interactions
are not the principal forces at stake [8–11]. In the case of L3 and L4, this behaviour becomes extreme,
−
−
to the point that the stability constants of their complexes with ClO4 and PF6 are equal, within
experimental errors, regardless of the ligand charge. That is, as the protonated morpholine groups
are moved further and further away from the tetrazine ring, the effect of charge-charge attraction
becomes ineffective. This observation reinforces the belief that anion–π interactions are of importance
in stabilizing anion complexes with L1–L4 ligands. Nevertheless, some contribution from hydrogen
1
bonding of the anions with protons of the ligand chains can be expected. Indeed, H-NMR spectra
recorded at increasing ligand/anion ratios, in pure water, show that signals of chain protons sense
anion complexation (Figures S20–S23), L3 appearing to be more involved than L4 in the interaction

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
11 of 17
−
with the anions. However, in a medium of high Cl concentration (0.10 M), such as the one we
−
adopted for our measurements, the ability of the ligand chains to form hydrogen bonds with ClO
and PF6 is lower than in pure water due to saturation with Cl . As a matter of fact, the free energy
4
−
−
−
−
changes (−12.0 to −13.7 kJ/mol) for ClO4 and PF6 binding by L3 (protonated and not-protonated)
fall near, or slightly above, the upper limit ( 12.0 kJ/mol) previously found for anion– interactions
−
π
in water [12
active, while the free energy changes (
not-protonated) are close to the lower limit (
bonding contribution.
–
14], suggesting that some hydrogen bonding of the anion with chain protons is still
−
−
6.3 to
−
9.1 kJ/mol) for ClO4 binding by L4 (protonated and
8.6 kJ/mol) in agreement with the loss of such a hydrogen
−
The most salient property of these L1–L4 ligands is probably the ability of their neutral
−
(
not-protonated) forms to form stable complexes with hydroxide (OH ) anions in water. Actually, as far
as we know, these are the first reported cases of non-covalent binding of hydroxide anions in water
−
with metal-free synthetic receptors, even if examples of OH anions interacting with electron-poor
aromatic groups in the solid state can be found in published crystal structures [25
–
39]. In only a few
−
of them, the existence of anion–
π
interactions was noted [31]. As can be seen from Table 1, OH
complexes with L3 and L4 are the most stable anion complexes formed by these ligands, independently
of their protonation state. While the free energy changes of complexation do not show a particular
−
◦
trend for hydroxo-complexes [(L)OH] (L = L1–L4), the enthalpy changes (∆H ) are considerably less
exothermic (less favorable) for L3 and L4 than for L1 and L2, whereas the associated entropy changes
◦
(
(
T
∆
S ), that are unfavorable (negative) for L1 and L2, become favorable (positive) for L3 and L4
Table 1). Such behaviour might be indicative of a lower (or absent) participation of the ligand chains
−
in stabilizing the OH complexes via hydrogen bonding, that is, the associated favorable enthalpic
contribution for hydrogen bonding would be lost, while a favorable entropic contribution would be
gained for the increased freedom of the not-coordinated ligand chains.
3
. Materials and Methods
3
.1. Materials
All reagents and solvents were of reagent-grade purity or higher. They were purchased from
commercial sources and used without further purification unless otherwise stated. The anions used
for potentiometric measurements were obtained as high-purity sodium salts from commercial sources
and were used without further purification. Crystals of L3 and L4 suitable for X-ray analysis were
prepared by slow evaporation at room temperature of chloroform solutions. Crystals suitable for
X-ray analysis of H L3(ClO )
room temperature of aqueous solutions of the ligands containing 3 equivalents of HClO . Crystals
·
2H O and H L4(ClO ) 2H O were obtained upon slow evaporation at
·
2
4 2
2
2
4 2 2
4
of H L3(PF ) and H L3(PF )
at room temperature of ligand solutions containing a fivefold excess of PF , added as KPF , after
acidification (pH 4) with HCl. H, C-NMR, FTIR (ATR), and HRMS (Q-TOF/ESI) spectra of L1 and
L4 are reported in the Electronic Supporting Information (ESI, Figures S1–S8).
·
2H O suitable for X-ray analysis were prepared by slow evaporation
2
6 2
2
6 2
2
−
6
6
1
13
Synthesis of L3 and L4. The synthesis of ligands L3 and L4 was accomplished following a Pinner
synthetic scheme, as in the case of previous 3,6-di(morpholin-4-y)alkyl-s-tetrazines [
8], but in the
absence of solvent (Scheme 1). Thus, the -(morpholin-4-yl)nitrile precursors were reacted with
ω
excess hydrazine hydrate in the presence of N-acetylcysteine as a catalyst at room temperature for
three days to give the corresponding di(morpholin-4-y)alkyl-dihydro-s-tetrazine intermediates, which,
after oxidation with atmospheric oxygen at room temperature, afforded the fully aromatic tetrazine
derivatives L3 and L4 in excellent yields.

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
12 of 17
Scheme 1. Synthesis of L3 and L4 ligands.
3
.2. Preparation of ω-(morpholin-4-yl)nitrile Precursors
To a mixture of morpholine, , (6.90 mL, 80 mmol) and anhydrous potassium carbonate (5.58 g,
0 mmol) in acetonitrile (50 mL), 4-chlorobutanenitrile, , (1.94 mL, 20 mmol) or 5-chloropentanenitrile,
, (2.20 mL, 20 mmol) was added. The mixture was stirred for 72 h at room temperature. After
1
4
3
2
that time, the crude was evaporated to dryness. Then, water (50 mL) was added and the mixture
extracted with dichloromethane (3 30 mL). The organic extract was subsequently washed with water,
dried over anhydrous Na SO , evaporated to dryness in a rotary evaporator, and, finally, purified by
×
2
4
vacuum distillation to yield a yellowish oil that was identified as 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-butanenitrile
(
4) or 3-(morpholin-4-yl)-pentanenitrile (5), respectively [40
,
41]. Compound
4
was obtained in a 99%
1
yield. H-NMR (CDCl , 400 MHz):
δ 3.67–3.65 (m, 4 H), 2.40–2.32 (m, 8H), 1.79 (quin, J = 6.7 Hz, 2H).
119.8, 67.0, 56.8, 53.6, 22.5, 14.9. Compound
3
1
3
C-NMR (CDCl , 100 MHz):
δ
5
was obtained in a 95%
3
1
13
yield. H-NMR (CDCl , 400 MHz):
δ
3.67–3.65 (m, 4H), 2.40–2.32 (m, 8H), 1.71–1.58 (m, 4H). C-NMR
3
(
CDCl , 100 MHz): δ 119.5, 66.7, 57.5, 53.5, 25.1, 23.2, 16.9.
3
3
.3. Preparation of 3,6-di(morpholin-4-y)alkyl-s-tetrazines, L3 and L4
Hydrazine (50% aqueous solution, 5.0 mL, 101 mmol) was added dropwise to a mixture of
-(morpholin-4-yl)butanenenitrile, (1.052 g, 6.8 mmol) or 3-(morpholin-4-yl)pentanenenitrile, (1.148
3
4
5
g, 6.8 mmol), and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (1.124 g, 6.9 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at
room temperature for 72 h under an argon atmosphere and then extracted with dichloromethane
(
2 × 15 mL). The organic layer was dried with MgSO and evaporated to dryness to afford a solid
4
that was re-dissolved in dichloromethane and stirred for 96 h under an air atmosphere. During this
period, the reaction crude turns progressively pink-red as the oxidation of the dihydro-s-tetrazine
intermediate into the fully aromatic s-tetrazine product proceeds. After solvent evaporation,
the resulting pink-red solid was suspended in hexane and filtered to remove insoluble impurities.
The filtrate was evaporated to dryness to yield 3, 6-bis(morpholin-4-ylpropyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (L3) or
3
6
,6-bis(morpholin-4-ylbutyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine (L4). L3 was obtained in a 40% yield, as a red solid. Mp:
◦
−1
5 C. IR (neat, ATR, Figure S1):
ν
/cm 2959, 2928, 2854, 2755, 1460, 1363, 1111, 915. UV-vis [H O,
2
−
1
−1
1
pH = 7
;
λ
max, nm (
ε
, M cm )]: 519 (522), 275 (3798). H-NMR (CDCl , 400 MHz, Figure S2):
δ
3

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
13 of 17
3
.58 (t, J = 4.3 Hz, 8H), 3.40 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 4H), 2.52 (t, J = 7.0 Hz, 4H), 2.52–2.40 (m, 8H), 2.16 (quin,
J = 7.0 Hz, 4 H). 13C-NMR (CDCl , 100 MHz, Figure S3):
δ
169.9, 66.7, 58.8, 53.2, 33.1, 24.7. HRMS
3
+
2+
(
ESI/Q-TOF, Figure S4) m/z: [M + H] Calcd. for C H N O 337.2347; Found 337.2346; [M + 2H]
16
29
6
2
Calcd. for C H N O 169.1210; Found 169.1210. L4 was obtained in a 42% yield, as a red solid foam.
1
6
30
6
2
−1
IR (neat, ATR, Figure S5):
ν
/cm 2958, 2866, 2814, 2767, 1463, 1312, 914. UV
−
vis [H O, pH = 7;
λ
max,
2
−1
−1
1
nm (
ε
, M cm )]: 519 (524), 279 (3758). H-NMR (CDCl , 400 MHz, Figure S6):
δ
3.69 (t, J = 4.6 Hz,
3
8
H), 3.50 (t, J = 7.6 Hz, 4H), 2.52–2.45 (m, 12H), 2.00 (quin, J = 7.6 Hz, 4H), 1.68 (q, J = 7.6 Hz, 4H).
13
C-NMR (CDCl , 100 MHz, Figure S7):
δ 169.9, 66.5, 58.3, 53.5, 34.5, 25.9, 25.6. HRMS (EI). HRMS
3
+
+
(ESI/Q-TOF, Figure S8) m/z: [M + H] Calcd. for C H N O 365.2660; Found 365.2659; [M + Na]
18
33
6
2
Calcd. for C H N O Na 387.2479; Found 387.2466.
18
32
6
2
3
.4. Potentiometric Measurements
Potentiometric (pH-metric) titrations employed for the determination of equilibrium constants
were carried out in degassed aqueous solutions at 298.1 0.1 K, with a 0.1 M ionic strength, by using
previously described equipment and procedures [42]. The determined ionic product of water was
±
−
4
pKw = 13.83 (1) (298.1
anion concentration was about 2.5
concentration was increased to 1
±
0.1 K, 0.10 M Me NCl). Ligand concentration was about 5
×
10 M, while
4
−
3
−
×
10 M; only in the case of the L4/ClO4 system, the anion
10 . The ionic strength was adjusted to 0.10 M by the addition of
Me NCl. The studied pH range was 2.5–11. The computer program HYPERQUAD [24] was used to
−
2
×
4
calculate equilibrium constants from potentiometric data deriving from three independent titration
−
experiments for each system. It was not possible to determine equilibrium constants in the L4/PF
system because of precipitation occurring at a high PF6 concentration.
6
−
3
.5. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry
Ligand (L3, L4) protonation and OH complexation enthalpies were determined in 0.10 M Me NCl
−
4
aqueous solutions at 298.1 K by using previously described equipment and procedures [
experiment, a NMe OH solution (0.10 M, addition volumes 15 L) was added to acidic solutions of the
10 M, 1.5 cm ). Three titrations were performed for each ligand. The computer program
H [43] was used to calculate reaction enthalpies from calorimetric data. Corrections for the heats
of dilution were applied.
5]. In a typical
µ
4
−
3
3
ligands (5
Hyp
×
∆
3
.6. X-ray Structure Analyses
Pink crystals of L3 (a), L4 (b), H L3(ClO )
·
2H O (c), H L4(ClO ) 2H O (d), H L3(PF ) (e), and
·
2
4 2
2
2
4 2 2 2 6 2
H L3(PF ) 2H O (f) were used for X-ray diffraction analysis. A summary of the crystallographic data
·
2
6 2 2
is reported in Table 2. The integrated intensities were corrected for Lorentz and polarization effects
and an empirical absorption correction was applied [44]. The structures were solved by direct methods
(SIR-92) [45]. Refinements were performed by means of full-matrix least-squares using SHELXL
Version 2014/7 [46]. All the non-hydrogen atoms were anisotropically refined.
Hydrogen atoms were usually introduced in a calculated position and their coordinates were
refined according to the linked atoms, with the exception of the acidic protons of H L3(ClO ) 2H O
·
2
4 2 2
(
c), H L3(PF ) (e), and H L3(PF ) 2H O (f). Hydrogen atoms belonging to the cocrystallized
·
2
6 2
2
6 2 2
water molecules were localized in the Fourier density maps, and freely refined. The isotropic
displacement parameters for the two water hydrogens were set to be equal by using EADP instruction.
He hexafuorophosphate ion in the asymmetric unit of H L3(PF ) (e) was found to be spread over two
2
6 2
different positions and the fluorine atoms were freely anisotropically refined with an o.f.s equal to 0.46
and 0.54. CCDC 1853188–1853193 contain the crystallographic data for these structures.

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
14 of 17
Table 2. Crystal data and structure refinement for L3 (a), L4 (b), H L3(ClO )
·
2H O (c),
2
4 2
2
H L4(ClO ) ·2H O (d), H L3(PF ) (e), and H L3(PF ) ·2H O (f).
2
4 2
2
2
6 2
2
6 2
2
(
a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
Empirical formula
Formula weight
Temperature (K)
space group
a (Å)
C16H28N6O2
336.44
C18H32N6O2
364.50
C16H34Cl2N6O12
573.39
C18H38Cl2N6O12
601.44
C
16
H
30
F
12
N
6
O
2
P
2
C
16
H
34 12 6 4 2
F N O P
664.43
150
628.40
150
P 21/n
150
P -1
298
P 21/c
150
P 21/c
150
P 21/c
P 21/c
6.6983 (6)
8.6859 (8)
8.7604 (9)
109.119 (9)
95.224 (8)
109.872 (8)
440.99 (8)
1
13.5805 (3)
5.1482 (1)
14.2994 (3)
90
104.627 (2)
90
13.7608 (5)
7.3316 (3)
13.3194 (7)
90
111.655 (5)
90
14.4546 (3)
17.0531 (4)
11.0345 (2)
90
97.932 (2)
90
7.7907 (3)
8.8430 (3)
18.2505 (8)
90
96.454 (4)
90
13.4690 (4)
7.8954 (2)
13.6108 (4)
90
112.191 (4)
90
b (Å)
c (Å)
◦
α ( )
◦
β ( )
◦
γ ( )
3
Volume (Å )
Z
967.34 (4)
2
1248.94 (10)
2
2693.93 (10)
4
1249.37 (8)
2
1340.20 (7)
2
Independent
reflections/R(int)
1
619/0.0454
1849/0.0271
2125/0.0837
4991/0.0693
6350/0.0333
2458/0.0895
−1
µ (mm
)
0.704 (Cu-Kα)
R1 = 0.0698
0.679 (Cu-Kα)
R1 = 0.0416
2.983 (Cu-Kα)
R1 = 0.0801
2.793 (Cu-Kα)
R1 = 0.0599
0.292 (Mo-Kα)
R1 = 0.0410
2.604 (Cu-Kα)
R1 = 0.0548
a
R indices [I>2σ(I)]
wR2 = 0.1995
R1 = 0.1012
wR2 = 0.1077
R1 = 0.0504
wR2 = 0.2447
R1 = 0.1409
wR2 = 0.1513
R1 = 0.1006
wR2 = 0.1017
R1 = 0.0634
wR2 = 0.0964
R1 = 0.1162
R indices (all data) a
wR2 = 0.2168
wR2 = 0.1152
wR2 = 0.3190
wR2 = 0.1917
wR2 = 0.1161
wR2 = 0.1217
a
2
2 2
R1 = Σ || Fo| − |Fc||/Σ |Fo|; wR2 = [ Σ w (Fo − Fc ) /Σ wF.
3
.7. Computational Studies
The conformation of the adducts formed by L1–L4 and their diprotonated species (H L )
2
+
2
with a water molecule were obtained in the gas phase by means of density functional theory (DFT)
calculations. The starting coordinates for each input structure were built by using the crystallographic
coordinates of the proper diprotonated complex (L1: boat conformation in H L1(ClO ) 2H O, planar
·
2
4 2 2
conformation in H L1(PF )
·
2H O [
8
]; L2: chair conformation in H L2Cl [
9
], planar conformation
2
6 2
2
2
2
in H L2(PF )
·
H O [
8
]; L3: chair conformation in H L1(ClO )
·
2H O [
8
], planar conformation in
H L3(PF ) ; L4: H L4(ClO ) 2H O). After removing all atoms not pertaining to the diprotonated
ligands, the water molecule was manually placed over the tetrazine ring for each adduct, except for
L4(H O)] in planar conformation where the H-bonded water molecule is in the original crystallographic
2
6 2
2
2
4 2
2
·
2
6 2
2
4 2 2
[
2
position. In the case of the neutral adducts (unprotonated ligands), the acidic protons on the
morpholine nitrogen atoms were also removed. Each adduct was fully minimized with Jaguar [47] at
the DFT/M06-2X level of theory, 6-311G**+ basis set. The nature of stationary points as true minima
was checked by frequency calculations.
4
. Conclusions
The anion binding ability of the s-tetrazine-based L1–L4 ligands is preserved even when the ligand
side chains become longer and the contribution to complex stability due to hydrogen bonding with
−
side chain functionalities extinguishes. Indeed, thermodynamic data for the formation of ClO4 and
−
PF6 complexes are consistent with a major contribution from anion–
π
interactions to complex stability
and with a participation of hydrogen bonds with side chains (protonated or not) that decreases with
chain length. In the solid state, the prominence of anion– interactions is clearly observed. Indeed,
the crystal structures of H L3(ClO ) 2H O, H L3(PF ) , H L3(PF )
π
·
·
2H O, and H L4(ClO )
·
2H O
2
4 2
2
2
6 2
2
6 2
2
2
4 2
2
complexes invariably show the anions located above the tetrazine ring at close anion–
π
contact distance,
while the positively charged (protonated) morpholine nitrogen atoms of the side chains are not in
contact with the anions and only weak hydrogen bonds with hydrogen atoms of the aliphatic chains
are intermittently found. Accordingly, the tetrazine ring appears to be a valuable element for the
construction of anion receptors and, beyond them, for the construction of receptors for all kind of
substrates carrying lone pairs of electrons.
A notable characteristic of these ligands is the aptitude of the neutral (not-protonated) molecules
−
to bind OH in water to form complexes of high stability, relative to complexes with other anions.
As far as we know, L1–L4 are the first organic receptors that have so far been reported as capable of

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
15 of 17
−
binding OH anions in water. Dissection of the free energy changes of complexation into enthalpic and
entropic contributions shows different behaviours of L1 and L2 relative to L3 and L4. In the case of L1
◦
and L2, the largely favorable enthalpic terms (
∆
H < 0) are counterbalanced by unfavorable entropy
◦
−
changes (T
∆
S < 0), while in the case of L3 and L4, the OH binding reactions are less exothermic
less favorable) but the entropic contributions become favorable (T
ascribed to a different involvement of the ligand side chains in OH binding, which is stronger for the
◦
(
∆
S > 0), a behaviour that can be
−
shorter ligands (L1 and L2) and weaker (or absent) for the longer ones (L3 and L4).
1
Supplementary Materials: The following are available online. Selected contacts in crystal structures; H and
1
3
1
−
−
C-NMR, FTIR, and HRMS (Q-TOF/ESI) spectra of L3 and L4; H-NMR spectra of ClO and PF6 complexes
4
with L3 and L4; correlations of structural data; fittings for the first and the second series of protonation constants;
calculated complex conformations. Crystallographic information files are available from the CCDC, reference
numbers 1853188–1853193.
Author Contributions: All authors conceived and designed the experiments; synthesis, C.G.-G., M.D.L.d.l.T., and
M.M.; thermodynamic study, M.S. and C.G.; computational study, C.B. and P.G.; writing—review and editing,
C.B., A.B., and M.M.; funding acquisition, C.B., A.B., and M.M.
Funding: This work was supported by the Italian MIUR, project 2015MP34H3, and by the Spanish MINECO,
project RTI2018-101558-B-C21.
Acknowledgments: The center of instrumental facilities, STI, of the University of Jaén is acknowledged for
technical assistance.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
References
1
2
3
4
5
.
.
.
.
.
Clavier, G.; Audebert, P. s-Tetrazines as Building Blocks for New Functional Molecules and Molecular
Materials. Chem. Rev. 2010, 110, 3299–3314. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Garau, C.; Quiñonero, D.; Frontera, A.; Costa, A.; Ballester, P.; Deyà, P.M.; Costa, A.; Ballester, P. s-Tetrazine
as a new binding unit in molecular recognition of anions. Chem. Phys. Lett. 2003, 370, 7–13. [CrossRef]
Foroutan-Nejad, C.; Badria, Z.; Marek, R. Multi-center covalency: Revisiting the nature of anion–π interactions.
Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2015, 17, 30670–30679. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Badri, Z.; Foroutan-Nejad, C.; Kozelkabc, J.; Marek, R. On the non-classical contribution in lone-pair–
π
interaction: IQA perspective. Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2015, 17, 26183–26190. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
Marek, R.; Nov
and External Electric Field: A Route toward Bond Strengthening. J. Chem. Theory Comput. 2016, 12, 3788–3795.
CrossRef]
Campos-Fern
Metallacyclophanes: A Rational Approach to Molecular Pentagons. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 773–774.
CrossRef] [PubMed]
Campos-Fern ndez, C.S.; Schottel, B.L.; Chifotides, H.T.; Bera, J.K.; Bacsa, J.; Koomen, J.M.; Russell, D.H.;
ák, M.; Foroutan-Nejad, C. Modulating Electron Sharing in Ion-π-Receptors via Substitution
[
6.
7.
8.
.
ández, C.S.; Clerac, R.; Koomen, J.M.; Russell, D.H.; Dunbar, K.R. Fine-Tuning the Ring-Size of
[
á
Dunbar, K.R. Anion Template Effect on the Self-Assembly and Interconversion of Metallacyclophanes. J. Am.
Chem. Soc. 2005, 127, 12909–12923. [CrossRef]
Savastano, M.; Bazzicalupi, C.; García-Gallarín, C.; López de la Torre, M.D.; Pichierri, F.; Bianchi, A.;
Melguizo, M. Anion Complexes with Tetrazine-Based Ligands: Formation of Strong Anion−π Interactions in
Solution and in the Solid State. Inorg. Chem. 2016, 55, 8013–8024. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
9
1
Savastano, M.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Garc
Melguizo, M. Halide and hydroxide anion binding in water. Dalton Trans. 2018, 47, 3329–3338. [CrossRef]
0. Savastano, M.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Garc a-Gallar n, C.; L pez de la Torre, M.D.; Mariani, P.; Pichierri, F.;
ía-Gallarín, C.; Giorgi, C.; López de la Torre, M.D.; Pichierri, F.; Bianchi, A.;
í
í
ó
Bianchi, A.; Melguizo, M. Iodide and triiodide anion complexes involving anion–π interactions with a
tetrazine-based receptor. Dalton Trans. 2017, 46, 4518–4529. [CrossRef]
1
1. Savastano, M.; García-Gallarín, C.; López de la Torre, M.D.; Pichierri, F.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Bianchi, A.;
Melguizo, M. Interplay between salt bridge, hydrogen bond and anion-π interactions in thiocyanate binding.
Inorg. Chim. Acta 2018, 470, 133–138. [CrossRef]

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
16 of 17
1
2. Liu, H.-B.; Zhang, Q.; Wang, M.-X. Synthesis, Structure, and Anion Binding Properties of Electron-Deficient
Tetrahomocorona[4]arenes: Shape Selectivity in Anion- Interactions. Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2018, 57,
536–6540. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
π
6
1
1
1
3. Savastano, M.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Mariani, P.; Bianchi, A. Network Formation via Anion Coordination: Crystal
Structures Based on the Interplay of Non-Covalent Interactions. Molecules 2018, 23, 572. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
4. Zhao, M.-Y.; Wang, D.-X.; Wang, M.-X. Synthesis, Structure, and Properties of Corona[6]arenes and Their
Assembly with Anions in the Crystalline State. J. Org. Chem. 2018, 83, 1502–1509. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
5. Arranz-Mascar
Lopez-Garz
n, R.; Savastano, M. Thermodynamics of Anion−π Interactions in Aqueous Solution. J. Am.
Chem. Soc. 2012, 135, 102–105. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
6. Savastano, M.; Arranz-Mascar s, P.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Bianchi, A.; Giorgi, C.; Godino-Salido, M.L.;
Guti rrez-Valero, M.D.; L pez-Garz n, R. Binding and removal of octahedral, tetrahedral, square planar and
ós, P.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Bianchi, A.; Giorgi, C.; Godino-Salido, M.L.; Gutierrez-Valero, M.D.;
ó
1
1
ó
é
ó
ó
linear anions in water by means of activated carbon functionalized with a pyrimidine-based anion receptor.
RSC Adv. 2014, 4, 58505–58513. [CrossRef]
7. Arranz, P.; Bianchi, A.; Cuesta, R.; Giorgi, C.; Godino, M.L.; Gutierrez, M.D.; Lopez, R.; Santiago, A. Binding
and Removal of Sulfate, Phosphate, Arsenate, Tetrachloromercurate, and Chromate in Aqueous Solution
by Means of an Activated Carbon Functionalized with a Pyrimidine-Based Anion Receptor (HL). Crystal
Structures of [H L(HgCl )]
·
H O and [H L(HgBr )]
·
H O Showing Anion−π Interactions. Inorg. Chem. 2010
,
3
4
2
3
4
2
4
9, 9321–9332. [CrossRef]
1
1
8. Savastano, M.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Garc
í
a-Gallarín, C.; De La Torre, M.D.L.; Bianchi, A.; Melguizo, M.
Supramolecular forces and their interplay in stabilizing complexes of organic anions: Tuning binding
selectivity in water. Org. Chem. Front. 2019, 6, 75–86. [CrossRef]
9. Berryman, O.B.; Bryantsev, V.S.; Stay, D.P.; Johnson, D.W.; Hay, B.P. Structural Criteria for the Design of
Anion Receptors: The Interaction of Halides with Electron-Deficient Arenes. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129,
4
8–58. [CrossRef]
2
2
2
2
0. Bencini, A.; Bianchi, A.; Garcia-España, E.; Micheloni, M.; Ramirez, J.A. Proton coordination by polyamine
compounds in aqueous solution. Coord. Chem. Rev. 1999, 188, 97–156. [CrossRef]
1. Odelius, M.; Kirchner, B.; Hutter, J. s-Tetrazine in Aqueous Solution: A Density Functional Study of Hydrogen
Bonding and Electronic Excitations. J. Phys. Chem. A 2004, 108, 2044–2052. [CrossRef]
2. Zaitseva, K.V.; Varfolomeev, M.A.; Solomonov, B.N. Hydrogen bonding of aliphatic and aromatic amines in
aqueous solution: Thermochemistry of solvation. Russ. J. Gen. Chem. 2012, 82, 1669–1674. [CrossRef]
3. Korenaga, T.; Shoji, T.; Onoue, K.; Sakai, T. Demonstration of the existence of intermolecular lone pair· · · π
interaction between alcoholic oxygen and the C6F5 group in organic solvent. Chem. Commun. 2009, 31, 4678.
[CrossRef] [PubMed]
2
2
2
2
4. Gans, P.; Sabatini, A.; Vacca, A. Investigation of equilibria in solution. Determination of equilibrium constants
with the HYPERQUAD suite of programs. Talanta 1996, 43, 1739–1753. [CrossRef]
5. Im, S.Y.; Park, S.J.; Im, H.J.; Lee, S.W. Conversion of Ni Nd and Ni Tb compartment compounds into
one-dimensional coordination polymers or tetranuclear dimers. Polyhedron 2016, 117, 231–243. [CrossRef]
6. Mayans, J.; Escuer, A.; Font-Bardia, M. Linked Nickel Metallacrowns from a Phosphonate/2-Pyridyloximate
Blend of Ligands: Structure and Magnetic Properties. Inorg. Chem. 2016, 55, 3161–3168. [CrossRef]
7
8
7. Wei, S.Y.; Wang, J.L.; Zhang, C.S.; Xu, X.-T.; Zhang, X.X.; Wang, J.X.; Xing, Y.-H. d /d Metal Complexes
Constructed from 2,6-Bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridyl or 2,6-Di-(pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine Derivatives: Synthesis,
Structure, Characterization, and Photocatalytic Activity. ChemPlusChem 2015, 80, 549–558. [CrossRef]
8. Guan, Q.-L.; Liu, Z.; Wei, W.-J.; Xing, Y.-H.; Liu, J.; Zhang, R.; Hou, Y.-N.; Wang, X.; Bai, F.-Y. Synthesis,
structure, spectroscopy of four novel supramolecular complexes and cytotoxicity study by application of
multiple parallel perfused microbioreactors. New J. Chem. 2014, 38, 3258–3268. [CrossRef]
2
2
3
9. Yang, L.; Xin, L.; Gu, W.; Liao, S.; Du, P.; Tian, J.; Zhang, Y.; Lv, R.; Wei, X.; Liu, X.; et al. Synthesis,
Characterizations, Magnetism and Thermal Degradation of a 2-Fold Interpenetrated 3D Cobalt-Organic
Framework. Chin. J. Chem. 2014, 32, 227–232. [CrossRef]
0. Alexandropoulos, D.I.; Manos, M.J.; Papatriantafyllopoulou, C.; Mukherjee, S.; Tasiopoulos, A.J.; Perlepes, S.P.;
Christou, G.; Stamatatos, T.C. “Squaring the clusters”: A MnIII4NiII4 molecular square from nickel(ii)-induced
structural transformation of a MnII/III/IV12 cage. Dalton Trans. 2012, 41, 4744–4747. [CrossRef]

Molecules 2019, 24, 2247
17 of 17
3
3
1. Derikvand, Z.; Dorosti, N.; Hassanzadeh, F.; Shokrollahi, A.; Mohammadpour, Z.; Azadbakht, A. Three new
supramolecular compounds of copper (II), cobalt (II) and zirconium (IV) with pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate
and 3,4-diaminopyridine: Solid and solution states studies. Polyhedron 2012, 43, 140–152. [CrossRef]
2. Duong, A.; Maris, T.; Wuest, J.D. Using Pyridinyl-Substituted Diaminotriazines to Bind Pd(II) and Create
Metallotectons for Engineering Hydrogen-Bonded Crystals. Inorg. Chem. 2011, 50, 5605–5618. [CrossRef]
[PubMed]
3
3
3
3
3. Lei, W.; Xia, M.Z.; Wang, F.Y.; Heng, L.J.; Yang, T.H. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Nickel(II) Complex
Derived from Benzotriazole-4-Sulfonate. Asian J. Chem. 2011, 23, 3755–3756. [PubMed]
4. Jian, F.F.; Wang, J.; Huang, L.H.; Wang, X.; Xiao, H.L. Two supramolecular microporous frameworks stabilized
by hydroxyl anionic water cluster. J. Mol. Struct. 2010, 973, 136–143. [CrossRef]
5. Strotmeyer, K.P.; Fritsky, I.O.; Pritzkow, H.; Krämer, R. Self-assembly of a molecular figure-of-eight strip.
Chem. Commun. 2004, 28–29. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
6. Bergman, S.D.; Goldberg, I.; Barbieri, A.; Barigelletti, F.; Kol, M. Mononuclear and Dinuclear Complexes of
Dibenzoeilatin: Synthesis, Structure, and Electrochemical and Photophysical Properties. Inorg. Chem. 2004
3, 2355–2367. [CrossRef]
7. Zheng, Y.Q.; Lin, J.L.; Sun, J. Crystal structure of disodium di-mu-hydroxo-bis(chloro 1,10-phenanthroline-
,
4
3
0
N,N -copper (II)) dihydroxide, Na [Cu Cl (Phen) (OH) ](OH) . Z. Krist. New Cryst. St. 2001, 216, 330–338.
2
2
2
2
2
2
[
PubMed]
8. Boury, B.; Carre, F.; Corriu, R.J.P.; N
309–2310. [CrossRef]
9. Hu, N.H. A hydroxide inclusion complex of a methylene-bridged tetrapyrimidinium macrocycle.
Acta Crystallogr. Sect. C Cryst. Struct. Commun. 1994, 50, 2082–2085. [CrossRef]
0. Hatakeyama, J.; Kobayashi, T.; Watanabe, T. Amine Compounds, Resist Compositions and Patterning Process.
U.S. Patent 6,749,988, 15 June 2004.
1. Mengel, A.; Müller, T.; Bärfacker, L.; Hitchcock, M.; Cleve, A.; Briem, H.; Siemeister, G.; Fernandez-Montalvan, A.E.;
Schröder, J.; Mönning, U. Benzyl substituted indazoles as bub1 kinase inhibitors. U.S. Patent Application No.
3
3
4
4
úñez, R. New sodium organobis(silantriolates). Chem. Commun. 1998,
2
15/512,474, 28 September 2017.
4
2. Santarelli, S.; Bazzicalupi, C.; Bianchi, A.; Biver, T.; Giorgi, C.; Savastano, M. Formation of Double-Strand
Dimetallic Helicates with a Terpyridine-Based Macrocycle. Inorg. Chem. 2014, 53, 12215–12224. [CrossRef]
3. Gans, P.; Sabatini, A.; Vacca, A. Simultaneous Calculation of Equilibrium Constants and Standard Formation
Enthalpies from Calorimetric Data for Systems with Multiple Equilibria in Solution. J. Solut. Chem. 2008, 37,
4
4
67–476. [CrossRef]
4
4
4. CrysAlisPro, Version 1.171.35.11; Agilent Technologies: Yarnton, UK, 2011.
5. Altomare, A.; Cascarano, G.; Giacovazzo, C.; Guagliardi, A.; Burla, M.C.; Polidori, G.; Camalli, M. SIR 92—A
program for automatic solution of crystal structures by direct methods. J. Appl. Crystallogr. 1994, 27, 435.
[
PubMed]
6. Sheldrick, G.M. Crystal structure refinement with SHELXL. Acta Crystallogr. Sect. C Struct. Chem. 2015, 71,
–8. [CrossRef] [PubMed]
7. Jaguar, Version 9.1; Schrödinger Suite Release 2016-1; Schrödinger, LLC: New York, NY, USA, 2016.
4
4
3
Sample Availability: Samples of the compounds are not available from the authors.
©
2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access
article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
(CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).