Bolaamphiphiles Bearing Bipyridine as Mesogenic Core - American

Mar 9, 2012 - 1951, 73, 269. (16) Menger, F. M.; Wrenn, S. Interfacial and Micellar Properties of ... (33) Englert, J. M.; Röhrl, J.; Schmidt, C. D.;...
0 downloads 0 Views 5MB Size
Download PDF
Article pubs.acs.org/Langmuir

Bolaamphiphiles Bearing Bipyridine as Mesogenic Core: Rational Exploitation of Molecular Architectures for Controlled Self-Assembly Guanglu Wu,† Peter Verwilst,‡ Jun Xu,† Huaping Xu,† Ruji Wang,† Mario Smet,‡ Wim Dehaen,‡ Charl F. J. Faul,§ Zhiqiang Wang,† and Xi Zhang*,† †

Downloaded via MIDWESTERN UNIV on January 24, 2019 at 01:38:20 (UTC). See https://pubs.acs.org/sharingguidelines for options on how to legitimately share published articles.

Key Lab of Organic Optoelectronics & Molecular Engineering, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China ‡ Department of Chemistry, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Celestijnenlaan 200F, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium § School of Chemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TS, U.K. S Supporting Information *

ABSTRACT: A bolaamphiphile (5,5-B2NBr8) bearing a functional bipyridine moiety as the mesogenic core is reported for the first time. 5,5-B2NBr8 was found to self-assemble into uniform fibrous structure in aqueous solution, when the concentration was higher than cmc. Analogues of 5,5-B2NBr8 with structural differences in chain length, headgroup, mesogenic core, and substituted position were synthesized, elucidating that small variances of the molecular structure could lead to dramatic changes of the resulting assemblies. For example, compound 4,4-B2NBr8 showed only spherical colloidal aggregates rather than fibers as 5,5-B2NBr8 did, while the only difference between them was the position at which the alkyl chains were attached onto bipyridine. A probable model for the fibrous structure of 5,5-B2NBr8 was proposed. Moreover, exploiting the coordination capacity of bipyridine, assembly and disassembly of 5,5-B2NBr8 could be reversibly controlled through the addition of EDTA and Cu(II), respectively.

■

INTRODUCTION Self-assembly of amphiphiles is a facile strategy to approach the construction of hierarchical functional nanostructures.1−8 Research into the relationship between the structures of synthetic amphiphiles and resulting self-assembled morphologies has continuously aimed at the ultimate goal of precise regulation and full control of the assembling process.9−13 Mimicking the robust lipid membrane of archaebacteria,14 bolaamphiphiles, as one branch of amphiphiles with two hydrophilic heads connected by hydrophobic spacers,15−23 have been demonstrated to form diverse assemblies24−30 with distinct features.31−36 Moreover, controlled self-assembly of bolaamphiphiles has been realized based on the concepts of supraamphiphiles.37−40 However, more insight into the structure−property relationships of bolaamphiphiles is still required, so that tectons with defined size and shape can be rationally designed and regulated for the goal of fabricating highly ordered assemblies through the bottom-up strategy.41−44 Previously, we have demonstrated that the self-assembled structures of bolaamphiphiles could remain at the solid−air interface through the introduction of a mesogenic core into the hydrophobic skeleton, regardless of the evaporation of solvent. These results implied that the mesogenic core enhanced the interaction among amphiphiles, leading to more stable selfassembled structures.45−48 Herein, we designed and synthesized a new series of bolaamphiphiles using, for the first time, bipyridine as the mesogenic core. It was found that rational © 2012 American Chemical Society

structural changes of bolaamphiphile 5,5-B2NBr8 (Scheme 1a, n = 8) lead to totally different assemblies as fibers or colloidal aggregates. These results suggest that besides enhanced stability, careful choice of the mesogenic core can direct the self-assembly of bolaamphiphiles. Furthermore, exploiting the coordination capacity of bipyridine moiety can reversibly control the assembly properties of 5,5-B2NBr8.

■

EXPERIMENTAL SECTION

General Methods. 1H NMR spectra were recorded on JEOL JNM-ECA300 (300 MHz), JNM-ECA400 (400 MHz), and JNMECA600 (600 MHz) apparatuses at 25 °C. ESI−mass spectroscopy measurement was carried out on a PE Sciex API 3000 spectrometer. The room temperature (294 ± 1 K) single-crystal X-ray experiments were performed on a Bruker P4 diffractometer equipped with graphite monochromatized Mo Kα radiation. UV−vis spectra were obtained using a Hitachi U-3010 spectrophotometer at 25 °C using a cuvette with 1 cm path length. Fluorescence spectra were performed on a Hitachi F-7000 spectrofluorometer at 25 °C using a cuvette with 1 cm path length. The conductivities were measured by DDS-307 conductivity meter produced by Shanghai Precision & Scientific Instrument Co. Ltd. A cell containing 2500 μL of concentrated sample solution was titrated by small aliquots (typically 50−200 μL) of pure water. Concentrations were corrected for volume changes. Received: January 25, 2012 Revised: February 27, 2012 Published: March 9, 2012 5023

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030

Langmuir

Article

Scheme 1. Molecular Structures of Bolaamphiphiles with Structural Differences in Chain Length (a), Head Group (b), Mesogenic Core (c), and Substituted Position (d) Compared to 5,5-B2NBr8

AFM Measurements and Sample Preparation. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) images were collected on a commercial MultiMode Nanoscope IV AFM with tapping-mode and MultiMode 8 with ScanAsyst mode, using silicon cantilevers (RTESP, TESP, TESPA, ScanAsyst-Air, and ScanAsyst-Fluid from Bruker). All the original images, sampled at a resolution of 512 × 512 pixels, were edited and analyzed by free software “Gwyddion”. For ex-situ AFM, 20 μL of the sample solution was placed on freshly cleaved mica (smaller than 1 cm × 1 cm). After adsorption for 15 min, excess solution was removed by absorption onto filter paper. The resultant substrates were air-dried. Sometimes, the substrates were rinsed with small amount of solvent to remove the loosely bound monomers. For very dilute solution, the adsorbed solution was left in the air until dry. For in-situ AFM, 50 μL of the sample solution was placed on the center of freshly cleaved mica. Then the cantilever wetting with a drop of water was set up for the scanning in liquid mode. TEM, Cryo-TEM Measurements, and Sample Preparation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was performed on a Hitashi H-7650B operating at an accelerating voltage of 80 kV. 10 μL of the sample solution (normally 2 mM) was applied to a carbon-coated copper grid for 5 min. After removal of excess solution with filter paper, the grid was negatively stained with 10 μL of 1.5% (w/w) uranyl acetate aqueous solution for 1 min. The excess solution was removed by filter paper. The resultant grid was dried in the air for at least 1 h. Cryo-TEM samples were prepared in a controlled environment vitrification system (CEVS) at 28 °C. The vitrified samples were then stored in liquid nitrogen until they were transferred to a cryogenic sample holder (Gatan 626) and examined with a JEM 2200FS TEM (200 keV) at about −174 °C. The phase contrast was enhanced by underfocus. The images were recorded on a Gatan multiscan CCD and processed with DigitalMicrograph. Synthesis of 5,5-B2NBr8 and Its Analogues. The synthesis routes of 5,5-B2NBr8 and model molecule, dimethyl 2,2′-bipyridine5,5′-dicarboxylate, are shown in Scheme 2. Other analogues of 5,5B2NBr8 were synthesized following similar procedures. More details of the synthetic procedures are included in the Supporting Information. 2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylic Acid. White powder; yield: 82%. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CF3COOD, ppm): δ 8.78 (d, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 8.11 (dd, 8.3 Hz, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 7.67 (d, 8.3 Hz, 2H).

Scheme 2. Synthesis Route of 5,5-B2NBr8 and Dimethyl 2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylatea

a

Reagents and conditions: (1) KMnO4, reflux, overnight; (2) I SOCl2, II - 8-bromooctan-1-ol, NEt3, DCM, reflux, overnight; (3) pyridine, CH3CN, 50 °C, 2 days; (4) MeOH, H2SO4, reflux, 3 days. 2,2′-Bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylic Acid. White powder; yield: 31%. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CF3COOD, ppm): δ 9.19 (d, 6.1 Hz, 2H), 9.10 (d, 2.1 Hz, 2H), 8.52 (dd, 6.3 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 2H). Bis(8-bromooctyl) 2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate. White solid; yield: 42%. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): δ 9.29 (d, 1.8 Hz, 2H), 8.56 (d, 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.43 (dd, 8.3 Hz, 1.8 Hz, 2H), 4.38 (t, 6.9 Hz, 4H), 3.41 (t, 6.9 Hz, 4H), 1.93−1.70 (m, 8H), 1.61−1.27 (m, 16H). 1,1′-[2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-diylbis(carbonyloxyoctane-8,1diyl)]dipyridinium Dibromide (5,5-B2NBr8). Off-white solid; yield: 99%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 9.20 (dd, 2.1, 0.8 Hz, 2H), 9.15 (dd, 6.8, 1.4 Hz, 4H), 8.62 (ddd, 7.8, 4.6, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 8.58 (dd, 8.3, 0.7 Hz, 2H), 8.47 (dd, 8.3, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 8.17 (dd, 7.6, 6.7 Hz, 4H), 4.63 (t, 7.4 Hz, 4H), 4.33 (t, 6.6 Hz, 4H), 1.98−1.86 (m, 4H), 1.78−1.67 (m, 4H), 1.47−1.21 (m, 16H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 164.45, 157.43, 150.06, 145.49, 144.78, 138.39, 128.09, 126.34, 121.30, 65.23, 60.66, 30.71, 28.42, 28.27, 28.04, 25.33, 25.29. ESI-mass: 312.59 ([M − 2Br]2+, calcd: 312.19); 5024

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030

Langmuir

Article

Figure 1. Self-assembly of bolaamphiphile, 5,5-B2NBr8, into fibers in water (2 mM). (a) TEM image (negatively stained by 1.5% uranyl acetate aqueous solution) of micrometer-long nanofibers with (b) uniform width of 9 nm. (c) Tapping-mode AFM image (phase) of condensed stacked fibers on freshly cleaved mica with a thickness of 3.3 nm from the section analysis of AFM image (height) (d). 703.31, 705.31 ([M − Br]+, calcd: 703.29, 705.28); 865.34 ([M + Br]−, calcd: 865.12). 1,1′-[2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-diylbis(carbonyloxyoctane-8,1diyl)]ditriethylammonium Bromide Dibromide (5,5-B2NBr8TEA). Light brown solid; yield: 74%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 9.22 (d, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 8.60 (d, 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.49 (dd, 8.3, 2.2 Hz, 2H), 4.35 (t, 6.6 Hz, 4H), 3.22 (q, 7.2 Hz, 12H), 3.15−3.05 (m, 4H), 1.83−1.68 (m, 4H), 1.57 (s, 4H), 1.48−1.24 (m, 16H), 1.15 (t, 7.0 Hz, 18H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 164.49, 157.47, 150.10, 138.42, 126.39, 121.32, 65.27, 51.92, 51.89, 28.47, 28.42, 28.06, 25.76, 25.31, 20.91, 7.17. ESI-mass: 334.56 ([M − 2Br]2+, calcd: 334.26); 747.42, 749.42 ([M − Br]+, calcd: 747.44, 749.44); 909.48 ([M + Br]−, calcd: 909.27). Bis(4-bromobutyl) 2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate. White solid; yield: 87%. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): δ 9.30 (d, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 8.60 (d, 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.44 (dd, 8.3 Hz, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 4.44 (t, 6.7 Hz, 4H), 3.50 (t, 6.8 Hz, 4H), 1.93−1.78 (m, 8H). 1,1′-[2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-diylbis(carbonyloxybutane-4,1diyl)]dipyridinium Dibromide (5,5-B2NBr4). Pale brown solid; yield: Quantitative. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 9.25 (s, 2H), 9.18 (d, 5.7 Hz, 4H), 8.71−8.56 (m, 4H), 8.51 (d, 8.2 Hz, 2H), 8.19 (t, 6.8 Hz, 4H), 4.73 (t, 7.3 Hz, 4H), 4.39 (t, 6.0 Hz, 4H), 2.22− 2.05 (m, 4H), 1.86−1.72 (m, 4H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 164.46, 157.46, 150.22, 145.57, 144.87, 138.54, 128.14, 126.30, 121.25, 64.53, 60.30, 27.57, 24.82. ESI-mass: 256.32 ([M − 2Br]2+, calcd: 256.12); 591.19, 593.19 ([M − Br]+, calcd: 591.16, 593.16); 751.17, 753.16 ([M + Br]−, calcd: 751.00, 752.99). Bis(12-bromododecyl) 2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate. White solid; yield: 43%. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): δ 9.30 (d, 2.0 Hz, 2H), 8.58 (d, 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.44 (dd, 8.3 Hz, 1.9 Hz, 2H), 4.38 (t, 6.6 Hz, 4H), 3.40 (t, 6.9 Hz, 4H), 1.93−1.67 (m, 8H), 1.57− 1.01 (m, 32H). 1,1′-[2,2′-Bipyridine-5,5′-diylbis(carbonyloxydodecane12,1-diyl)]dipyridinium Dibromide (5,5-B2NBr12). Pale brown solid; yield: 77%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 9.33−9.08 (m, 6H), 8.62 (t, 7.7 Hz, 2H), 8.55 (d, 8.3 Hz, 2H), 8.45 (d, 8.2 Hz, 2H), 8.17 (t, 6.9 Hz, 4H), 4.62 (t, 7.3 Hz, 4H), 4.31 (t, 6.3 Hz, 4H), 1.89 (s, 4H), 1.81−1.62 (m, 4H), 1.50−1.01 (m, 32H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 164.42, 157.39, 150.03, 145.49, 144.77,

138.33, 128.09, 126.31, 121.25, 65.26, 60.67, 30.75, 28.93, 28.91, 28.80, 28.68, 28.40, 28.07, 25.40. ESI-mass: 368.56 ([M − 2Br]2+, calcd: 368.25); 815.44, 817.44 ([M − Br]+, calcd: 815.41, 817.41). Bis(8-bromooctyl) 2,2′-Bipyridine-4,4′-dicarboxylate. Offwhite solid; yield: 52%. 1H NMR (600 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): δ 8.95 (d, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 8.87 (d, 8.9 Hz, 2H), 7.91 (dd, 8.6 Hz, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 4.40 (t, 6.7 Hz, 4H), 3.41 (t, 6.8 Hz, 4H), 1.93−1.76 (m, 8H), 1.52− 1.30 (m, 16H). 1,1′-[2,2′-Bipyridine-4,4′-diylbis(carbonyloxyoctane-8,1diyl)]dipyridinium Dibromide (4,4-B2NBr8). Pale brown solid; yield: 97%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 9.12 (d, 5.7 Hz, 4H), 8.96 (d, 5.0 Hz, 2H), 8.83 (s, 2H), 8.61 (t, 7.8 Hz, 2H), 8.21− 8.12 (m, 4H), 7.94 (dd, 4.9, 1.5 Hz, 2H), 4.61 (t, 7.4 Hz, 4H), 4.36 (t, 6.7 Hz, 4H), 1.99−1.85 (m, 4H), 1.80−1.68 (m, 4H), 1.48−1.18 (m, 16H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 164.52, 155.43, 150.92, 145.49, 144.76, 138.52, 128.09, 123.40, 119.22, 65.69, 60.70, 30.70, 28.40, 28.27, 27.99, 25.34, 25.26. ESI-mass: 312.42 ([M − 2Br]2+, calcd: 312.19); 703.29, 705.29 ([M − Br]+, calcd: 703.29, 705.28); 865.34 ([M + Br]−, calcd: 865.12). Bis(8-bromooctyl) Biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate. White solid; yield: 49%. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3, ppm): δ 8.13 (d, 8.3 Hz, 4H), 7.69 (d, 8.3 Hz, 4H), 4.35 (t, 6.6 Hz, 4H), 3.41 (t, 6.8 Hz, 4H), 1.94−1.72 (m, 8H), 1.52−1.20 (m, 16H). 1,1′-[Biphenyl-4,4′-diylbis(carbonyloxyoctane-8,1-diyl)]dipyridinium Dibromide (5,5-B0NBr8). Pale brown solid; yield: 80%. 1H NMR (400 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 9.13 (d, 5.6 Hz, 4H), 8.61 (tt, 7.9, 1.2 Hz, 2H), 8.17 (dd, 7.6, 6.7 Hz, 4H), 8.06 (d, 8.4 Hz, 4H), 7.91 (d, 8.5 Hz, 4H), 4.62 (t, 7.4 Hz, 4H), 4.29 (t, 6.5 Hz, 4H), 1.99−1.85 (m, 4H), 1.77−1.66 (m, 4H), 1.48−1.20 (m, 16H). 13C NMR (101 MHz, DMSO-d6, ppm): δ 165.46, 145.49, 144.76, 143.29, 129.85, 129.50, 128.09, 127.40, 64.78, 60.69, 30.70, 28.42, 28.28, 28.13, 25.34. ESI-mass: 311.47 ([M − 2Br]2+, calcd: 311.19); 701.35, 703.35 ([M − Br]+, calcd: 701.30, 703.29); 861.43, 863.41 ([M + Br]−, calcd: 861.13, 863.13).

■

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION For bolaamphiphile 5,5-B2NBr8, 2,2′-bipyridine is employed as the central mesogenic core, connected to two hydrophobic 5025

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030

Langmuir

Article

Figure 2. TEM images showed fibrous structures for 5,5-B2NBr8-TEA and 5,5-B2NBr12. (a) Bundles of fibers of 5,5-B2NBr8-TEA with a width of ca. 7 nm (inset). (b) Helical fibers of 5,5-B2NBr12 with a width of ca. 12 nm (inset).

alkyl chains of eight carbons, ending with pyridinium bromide as the hydrophilic head groups. A transparent aqueous solution of 5,5-B2NBr8 was found to be stable at room temperature for at least 3 months, with a critical micelle concentration (cmc) of ca. 0.4 mM at 298 K confirmed by conductivity and pyrene fluorescence (Figure S1). Unless stated, otherwise, 2.0 mM aqueous solutions at room temperature were used for most of the measurements to ensure the formation of ordered assemblies. Self-Assembly of 5,5-B2NBr8 into Fibrous Structure. TEM of 5,5-B2NBr8 revealed the formation of micrometerlong nanofibers with a uniform width of 9 ± 1 nm in pure water (Figure 1a,b). The length of the fibers was dependent upon the concentration. At a concentration of 0.5 mM, which was just above the cmc, nanorods with ca. 150 nm length were observed (Figure S2). At a concentration of 1.0 mM, micrometer-long fibers were formed. And at a concentration of 2.0 mM, fibers longer than 20 μm, i.e., an aspect ratio of more than 2000, were distributed densely on the grid. When the 5,5-B2NBr8 concentration was increased to 4 mM or higher, most of the fibers assembled into bundles. Accordingly, concentrationdependent fluorescence of 5,5-B2NBr8 was also observed (Figure S3). In very dilute solutions, the emission of 5,5B2NBr8 at 405 nm increased linearly with concentration. At the onset of aggregation, the emission decreased quickly, with the fluorescence totally quenched when concentrations higher than the cmc were reached. AFM images of 5,5-B2NBr8 also revealed homogeneous one-dimensional (1D) assemblies (Figure 1c). Deposition on freshly cleaved mica revealed rows and layers of fibers stacked closely in a condensed and orderly fashion. Such stacking facilitated the statistical analysis of the dimensional data of the fibers and confirmed a width of 9.4 ± 0.3 nm (Figure S4), consistent with the width measured by TEM. The layer height was determined to be 3.3 ± 0.2 nm (Figure 1d). Compared to the extended length of 3.9 nm from the CPK model, it suggests that 5,5-B2NBr8 should align in a tilted fashion to form fibrous structures. To further understand how 5,5-B2NBr8 self-assembled into a fibrous structure and what factors determined the selfassembled morphology, five analogues of 5,5-B2NBr8 were synthesized. Compared to 5,5-B2NBr8, only one structural change was made in alkyl chain length, headgroup, mesogenic core, or substituted position, respectively (Scheme 1). To ensure a consistent and coherent comparison, bromide was

kept as the counterion for all the compounds included in this work. Influence of Head Group and Alkyl Chain Length on Self-Assembled Fibrous Structure. Using triethylammonium (TEA) instead of pyridinium as the cationic headgroup (Scheme 1b), 5,5-B2NBr8-TEA still showed a fibrous morphology (TEM, Figure 2a; AFM, Figure S5a). However, the average width of the fibers was 7 ± 1 nm, smaller than measured for 5,5-B2NBr8, which can be explained by the steric hindrance exerted by the triethylammonium groups limiting the condensed packing along the width. Changes in the alkyl chain length had the following effects on the morphology of the fibers: for 5,5-B2NBr4, with a shorter four carbon chain, no 1D assembly was observed either by TEM or AFM at any of the concentrations used in this study. 5,5-B2NBr12, with a longer 12-carbon chain, presented helical fibers with a width of 12 ± 2 nm as observed by TEM (Figure 2b) and AFM (Figure S5b). It is well-known that hydrophobic interactions are the essential driving force for the self-assembly of amphiphiles. The longer the alkyl chains are, the greater the hydrophobic interactions are: for 5,5-B2NBr4, the hydrophobic interactions are not sufficient to sustain a fibrous structure. However, with increased hydrophobic interactions from a longer alkyl chain, the fibers of 5,5-B2NBr12 assembled to form broader structures. Furthermore, longer alkyl chains and broader widths rendered ribbonlike fibers the flexibility to twist into helical shapes. No Fibrous Structure Was Formed When Using Biphenyl as Mesogenic Core Rather than Bipyridine. When the mesogenic core was changed from 2,2′-bipyridine to biphenyl (5,5-B0NBr8, Scheme 1c), no fibrous structures were found, even in sample solutions of very high concentrations (up to 20 mM). A careful comparison of these two mesogenic cores showed that while the two aromatic rings of biphenyl could rotate freely, the 2,2′-bipyridine has an energy barrier to prevent free rotation, even in solution. The optimized structures by DFT also showed that 2,2′-bipyridine has a flat π-conjugated plane, while biphenyl adopts a twisted conformation with a lower degree of π-conjugation (Figure S6) and thus weaker π−π interactions. This result indicates that the π−π stacking should be the main driving force to sustain the growth along the length of fibers. Further confirmation of the significance of π−π interactions was obtained from the single crystal structure49 of dimethyl 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate, a model for the mesogenic 5026

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030

Langmuir

Article

Figure 3. Crystal structure49 of dimethyl 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate as a model for 5,5-B2NBr8, suggesting self-assembly driven by π−π stacking and dipole−dipole interactions. (a) π−π stacking of the bipyridine moiety viewed from a-axis. (b) Lateral zigzag alignment viewed from caxis. L of 3.49 Å and α of ca. 65° are respectively the vertical interval and the slip angle between two adjacent bipyridine planes.

lateral direction, since each dipole of the pyridine rings in 5,5B2NBr8 adopts a head-to-tail arrangement. However, the headto-tail arrangement of dipoles cannot be achieved when two molecules of 4,4-B2NBr8 approach each other. A Model Proposed for the Fibrous Structure of 5,5B2NBr8. Now, with the acquired data presented above in hand, we are able to propose a probable model for the fibrous structure of 5,5-B2NBr8 as shown in Figure 5. The assembly of the ribbonlike fiber of 3.2 nm thickness indicates a single molecular layer, as indicated by the tilted monolayer of 5,5B2NBr8. Strong π−π interactions direct the alignment along the length. Along the width, similar to that in the crystal structure of dimethyl 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate, a zigzag alignment of the mesogenic planes is favored by dipole−dipole interactions. As expected, hydrophobic interactions also play a very important role in the assembly process: with longer alkyl chains, the ribbonlike fibers will be broad and flexible enough to twist into helical shapes. Reversibly Controlled Assembly through Coordination. As mesogenic cores such as bipyridine are also bidentate binding ligands, this provides the possibility to control the assembly by coordinating transition metals. As a first attempt, CuBr2 was employed to avoid introducing other counterions. Coordination of CuII with 5,5-B2NBr8 leads to a metal-toligand-charge-transfer (MLCT) band to appear at 324 nm in the UV/vis spectrum. A Job plot was then constructed by monitoring the absorbance at 324 nm for aqueous mixtures of 5,5-B2NBr8 and CuBr2 with different compositions.50 A maximum MLCT absorption at the molar ratio of 0.5 was obtained, indicating 1:1 binding (Figure 6a). From a titration of 5,5-B2NBr8 against CuBr2 (monitored at 324 nm), the binding constant was calculated to be 1.62 × 106 M−1 (Figure S9).51 Structural investigations by TEM of a 1:1 mixture of 5,5B2NBr8 and CuBr2 showed no formation of fibers at concentrations of 2 mM or higher (Figure 6c-II). The bipyridine moiety has to change its favorable planar conformation from trans to cis (inset of Figure 6a) to bind to CuII,52 which destroys the beneficial conformation for the formation of fibrous structures. In addition, binding to CuII may also reduce the electron density of the conjugated plane, thus causing weakening of the π−π stacking interactions. These effects, in combination with the high binding constant, lead to the complete destruction of the fibrous structure on addition of 1 equiv of CuBr2. More importantly, reversible control can be exerted over the self-assembly process of 5,5-B2NBr8 by simple competitive binding: upon adding 1 equiv of ethylenediamine tetraacetate (EDTA), which has a much higher binding constant with CuII

core of 5,5-B2NBr8. As shown in Figure 3, the conjugated bipyridine planes stacked orderly with a vertical interval of 3.49 Å, which is the typical force range for π−π stacking. The slip angle α of the stacked molecules is ca. 65°, suggesting a stacking fashion similar to fibrous H-aggregates. Moreover, as shown in Figure 3b, a lateral zigzag alignment was observed, which may result from the dipole−dipole interactions. Compared to biphenyl, bipyridine connected by two polar pyridine rings should have much stronger dipole−dipole interactions between adjacent molecules, thus providing another reason why 5,5-B0NBr8 cannot assemble as effectively as 5,5-B2NBr8 does. Besides π−π interactions, dipole−dipole interactions are therefore also responsible for the assembly process. Significant Changes on Self-Assembled Structure Because of Different Substituted Position. Changing the position at which the alkyl tails are attached onto bipyridine caused a surprising change in the assembly behavior. As shown in Figure 4, only spherical colloidal aggregates rather than 1D

Figure 4. Spherical colloidal aggregates formed by 4,4-B2NBr8 in solution observed through (a) cryo-TEM and (b) ex situ-AFM (peak force error) with consistent diameter of ca. 33 nm.

fibers were observed for compound 4,4-B2NBr8 (Scheme 1d). As shown in Figure 4a, spherical colloidal aggregates with an average diameter of 34 ± 4 nm were observed by cryo-TEM, which was consistent with the size cross-verified by ex-situ AFM (Figure 4b), in-situ AFM, and normal TEM (Figure S7). Figure S8 is drawn to explore why 4,4-B2NBr8, in contrast to 5,5-B2NBr8, cannot undergo an effective assembly into anisotropic structures. First, the 4,4′-substituted alkyl chain experiences more steric hindrance, which prevents molecules to pack closely. Second, as mentioned above, besides π−π stacking along the normal direction of the aromatic plane, dipole−dipole interactions facilitate the assembly of the mesogenic core in the 5027

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030

Langmuir

Article

Figure 5. The assembly of 5,5-B2NBr8 was a monolayer ribbonlike fiber. Along the length, molecules stacked closely through strong π−π interaction. Along the width, a lateral alignment was adopted, similar to that in the crystal of dimethyl 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate, to form a tilted monolayer with a thickness of 3.2 nm. With longer alkyl chains, the fibers could twist into helical shape. By changing the position at which the alkyl tails are attached, spherical colloidal aggregates were formed. The dipole moment is shown as a yellow arrow.

Figure 6. The assembly and disassembly of the fibrous structure can be controlled reversibly by adding and removing CuII, respectively. (a) Job plot showed a 1:1 binding profile for 5,5-B2NBr8 and CuII in pure water. (b) An MLCT band appeared at 324 nm, and all peaks were bathochromically shifted when 1 equiv of CuBr2 was added (II). The spectrum (III), on further addition of 1 equiv of EDTA, exhibited the same profile as the spectrum (I) of pure 5,5-B2NBr8. The concentration was 0.05 mM for all samples. (c) TEM images of [5,5-B2NBr8]:[CuBr2]:[EDTA] equaled 1:0:0 (I), 1:1:0 (II), and 1:1:1 (III).

5028

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030

Langmuir

Article

than bipyridine,53 fibers appeared again (Figure 6c-III). The reversibility was further demonstrated by UV/vis spectroscopy: after addition of CuBr2, to a 5,5-B2NBr8 solution, the MLCT band appeared at 324 nm (Figure 6b-II); upon EDTA addition to this mixture, the spectrum (Figure 6b-III) was virtually identical to the spectrum of the pure 5,5-B2NBr8 solution (Figure 6b-I). Thus, the assembly and disassembly of 5,5B2NBr8 can be controlled reversibly.

(4) Faul, C. F. J.; Antonietti, M. Ionic Self-Assembly: Facile Synthesis of Supramolecular Materials. Adv. Mater. 2003, 15, 673. (5) Hill, J. P.; Jin, W. S.; Kosaka, A.; Fukushima, T.; Ichihara, H.; Shimomura, T.; Ito, K.; Hashizume, T.; Ishii, N.; Aida, T. SelfAssembled Hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene Graphitic Nanotube. Science 2004, 304, 1481. (6) Shimizu, T.; Masuda, M.; Minamikawa, H. Supramolecular Nanotube Architectures Based on Amphiphilic Molecules. Chem. Rev. 2005, 105, 1401. (7) Lee, E.; Kim, J. K.; Lee, M. Reversible Scrolling of TwoDimensional Sheets from the Self-Assembly of Laterally Grafted Amphiphilic Rods. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2009, 48, 3657. (8) Yan, Y.; Lin, Y. Y.; Qiao, Y.; Huang, J. B. Construction and Application of Tunable One-dimensional Soft Supramolecular Assemblies. Soft Matter 2011, 7, 6385. (9) Kunitake, T.; Okahata, Y.; Shimomura, M.; Yasunami, S.; Takarabe, K. Formation of Stable Bilayer Assemblies in Water from Single-Chain Amphiphiles. Relationship Between the Amphiphile Structure and the Aggregate Morphology. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1981, 103, 5401. (10) Duivenvoorde, F. L.; Feiters, M. C.; van der Gaast, S. J.; Engberts, J. B. F. N. Synthesis and Properties of Di-n-dodecyl α,ωAlkyl Bisphosphate Surfactants. Langmuir 1997, 13, 3737. (11) Oda, R.; Huc, I.; Schmutz, M.; Candau, S. J.; MacKintosh, F. C. Tuning Bilayer Twist Using Chiral Counterions. Nature 1999, 399, 566. (12) Brizard, A.; Aimé, C.; Labrot, T.; Huc, I.; Berthier, D.; Artzner, F.; Desbat, B.; Oda, R. Counterion, Temperature, and Time Modulation of Nanometric Chiral Ribbons from Gemini-Tartrate Amphiphiles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 3754. (13) Israelachvili, J. N. Intermolecular and Surface Forces; Academic Press: Boston, 1992. (14) Gulik, A.; Luzzati, V.; De Rosa, M.; Gambacorta, A. Structure and Polymorphism of Bipolar Isopranyl Ether Lipids from Archaebacteria. J. Mol. Biol. 1985, 182, 131. (15) Fuoss, R. M.; Edelson, D. Bolaform Electrolytes. I. Di-(βtrimethylammonium Ethyl) Succinate Dibromide and Related Compounds. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1951, 73, 269. (16) Menger, F. M.; Wrenn, S. Interfacial and Micellar Properties of Bolaform Electrolytes. J. Phys. Chem. 1974, 78, 1387. (17) Yiv, S.; Kale, K. M.; Lang, J.; Zana, R. Chemical Relaxation and Equilibrium Studies of Association in Aqueous Solutions of Bolaform Detergents. 1. Dodecane-1,12-Bis(trimethylammonium Bromide). J. Phys. Chem. 1976, 80, 2651. (18) Fuhrhop, J. H.; David, H. H.; Mathieu, J.; Liman, U.; Winter, H. J.; Boekema, E. Bolaamphiphiles and Monolayer Lipid Membranes Made from 1,6,19,24-Tetraoxa-3,21-Cyclohexatriacontadiene2,5,20,23-Tetrone. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1986, 108, 1785. (19) Fuhrhop, J. H.; Fritsch, D. Bolaamphiphiles Form Ultrathin, Porous and Unsymmetric Monolayer Lipid Membranes. Acc. Chem. Res. 1986, 19, 130. (20) Nagarajan, R. Self-Assembly of Bola Amphiphiles. Chem. Eng. Commun. 1987, 55, 251. (21) Fuhrhop, J. H.; Wang, T. Y. Bolaamphiphiles. Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 2901. (22) Benvegnu, T.; Brard, M.; Plusquellec, D. Archaeabacteria Bipolar Lipid Analogues: Structure, Synthesis and Lyotropic Properties. Curr. Opin. Colloid Interface Sci. 2004, 8, 469. (23) Meister, A.; Blume, A. Self-Assembly of Bipolar Amphiphiles. Curr. Opin. Colloid Interface Sci. 2007, 12, 138. (24) Okahata, Y.; Kunitake, T. Formation of Stable Monolayer Membranes and Related Structures in Dilute Aqueous Solution from Two-Headed Ammonium Amphiphiles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1979, 101, 5231. (25) Wang, X. F.; Shen, Y. Z.; Pan, Y.; Liang, Y. Q. Bolaamphiphilic Single-Chain Bis-Schiff Base Derivatives: Aggregation and Thermal Behavior in Aqueous Solution. Langmuir 2001, 17, 3162. (26) Masuda, M.; Shimizu, T. Lipid Nanotubes and Microtubes: Experimental Evidence for Unsymmetrical Monolayer Membrane

■

CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we have designed and synthesized a new class of bolaamphiphiles containing bipyridine as mesogenic core. The rational exploitation of the new bola-form architectures leads to control over the self-assembly process and structure formation, which represents a successful example of supramolecular engineering. Further tuning of the self-assembly properties should also be possible by changing the counterion. In order to further exploit the coordination capacity of the bipyridine moiety, other metal ions may be introduced into these versatile bolaamphiphiles, leading to fabrication of advanced optoelectronic nanomaterials.

■

ASSOCIATED CONTENT

* Supporting Information S

Cmc measurement, concentration-dependent assembly of 5,5B2NBr8, section analysis of AFM images, AFM and TEM images of analogues, structure optimization through DFT:B3LYP/6-31g** basis set, elaboration on the assembly of 4,4-B2NBr8, binding constant measurement, details of single-crystal X-ray experiment, and details of synthesis including NMR spectra. This material is available free of charge via the Internet at http://pubs.acs.org.

■

AUTHOR INFORMATION

Corresponding Author

*Fax: (+86) 10-6277-1149; e-mail: [email protected]. Notes

The authors declare no competing financial interest.

■

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This work was financially supported by the Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21121004), Tsinghua University Initiative Scientific Research Program (2009THZ02230), the NSFC (50973051, 20974059), NSFC-DFG joint grant (TRR61), and Bilateral Scientific Cooperation between Tsinghua University and K. U. Leuven. We thank Eric Hill from the University of New Mexico for DFT optimization and thank Yu Liu and Prof. Zhibo Li from ICCAS for cryo-TEM measurements.

■

REFERENCES

(1) Ringsdorf, H.; Schlarb, B.; Venzmer., J. Molecular Architecture and Function of Polymeric Oriented Systems: Models for the Study of Organization, Surface Recognition, and Dynamics of Biomembranes. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 1988, 27, 113. (2) Whitesides, G. M.; Mathias, J. P.; Seto, C. T. Molecular SelfAssembly and Nanochemistry: A Chemical Strategy for the Synthesis of Nanostructures. Science 1991, 254, 1312. (3) Hartgerink, J. D.; Beniash, E.; Stupp, S. I. Self-Assembly and Mineralization of Peptide-Amphiphile Nanofibers. Science 2001, 294, 1684. 5029

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030

Langmuir

Article

Formation from Unsymmetrical Bolaamphiphiles. Langmuir 2004, 20, 5969. (27) Song, B.; Wang, Z. Q.; Chen, S. L.; Zhang, X.; Fu, Y.; Smet, M.; Dehaen, W. The Introduction of π−π Stacking Moieties for Fabricating Stable Micellar Structure: Formation and Dynamics of Disklike Micelles. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2005, 44, 4731. (28) Gao, P.; Liu, M. H. Compression Induced Helical Nanotubes in a Spreading Film of a Bolaamphiphile at the Air/Water Interface. Langmuir 2006, 22, 6727. (29) Prehm, M.; Liu, F.; Zeng, X. B.; Ungar, G.; Tschierske, C. 2D and 3D Ordered Columnar Liquid Crystal Phases by Bundles of Bolaamphiphiles with Swallow-Tail Side Chains. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2008, 130, 14922. (30) Xiao, F. P.; Misdrahi, M. F.; Zhang, J.; Yin, P. C.; Hao, J.; Lv, C. L.; Xiao, Z. C.; Liu, T. B.; Wei, Y. G. Buildup of Amphiphilic Molecular Bola from Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Polyoxometalates and Their Vesicle-Like Supramolecular Assembly. Chem.Eur. J. 2011, 17, 12006. (31) Köhler, K.; Förster, G.; Hauser, A.; Dobner, B.; Heiser, U. F.; Ziethe, F.; Richter, W.; Steiniger, F.; Drechsler, M. Stettin, H.; Blume, A. Self-Assembly in a Bipolar Phosphocholine-Water System: The Formation of Nanofibers and Hydrogels. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2004, 43, 245. (32) Ray, S.; Das, A. K.; Banerjee, A. pH-Responsive, Bolaamphiphile-Based Smart Metallo-Hydrogels as Potential Dye-Adsorbing Agents, Water Purifier, and Vitamin B12 Carrier. Chem. Mater. 2007, 19, 1633. (33) Englert, J. M.; Röhrl, J.; Schmidt, C. D.; Graupner, R.; Hundhausen, M.; Hauke, F.; Hirsch, A. Soluble Graphene: Generation of Aqueous Graphene Solutions Aided by a Perylenebisimide-Based Bolaamphiphile. Adv. Mater. 2009, 21, 4265. (34) Shao, H.; Seifert, J.; Romano, N. C.; Gao, M.; Helmus, J. J.; Jaroniec, C. P.; Modarelli, D. A.; Parquette, J. R. Amphiphilic SelfAssembly of an n-Type Nanotube. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2010, 49, 7688. (35) Wang, T. Y.; Jiang, J.; Liu, Y.; Li, Z. B.; Liu, M. H. Hierarchical Self-Assembly of Bolaamphiphiles with a Hybrid Spacer and lGlutamic Acid Headgroup: pH- and Surface-Triggered Hydrogels, Vesicles, Nanofibers, and Nanotubes. Langmuir 2010, 26, 18694. (36) Voronin, M. A.; Gabdrakhmanov, D. R.; Semenov, V. E.; Valeeva, F. G.; Mikhailov, A. S.; Nizameev, I. R.; Kadirov, M. K.; Zakharova, L. Y.; Reznik, V. S.; Konovalov, A. I. Novel Bolaamphiphilic Pyrimidinophane as Building Block for Design of Nanosized Supramolecular Systems with Concentration-Dependent Structural Behavior. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2011, 3, 402. (37) Wang, C.; Yin, S. C.; Chen, S. L.; Xu, H. P.; Wang, Z. Q.; Zhang, X. Controlled Self-Assembly Manipulated by Charge-Transfer Interactions: From Tubes to Vesicles. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2008, 47, 9049. (38) Liu, K.; Wang, C.; Li, Z. B.; Zhang, X. Superamphiphiles Based on Directional Charge-Transfer Interactions: From Supramolecular Engineering to Well-Defined Nanostructures. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2011, 50, 4952. (39) Zhang, X.; Wang, C. Supramolecular amphiphiles. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2011, 40, 94. (40) Wang, C.; Wang, Z. Q.; Zhang, X. Superamphiphiles as Building Blocks for Supramolecular Engineering: Towards Functional Materials and Surfaces. Small 2011, 7, 1379. (41) Shimizu, T.; Masuda, M. Stereochemical Effect of Even-Odd Connecting Links on Supramolecular Assemblies Made of 1Glucosamide Bolaamphiphiles. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 2812. (42) Meister, A.; Bastrop, M.; Koschoreck, S.; Garamus, V. M.; Sinemus, T.; Hempel, G.; Drescher, S.; Dobner, B.; Richtering, W.; Huber, K.; Blume, A. Structure-Property Relationship in StimulusResponsive Bolaamphiphile Hydrogels. Langmuir 2007, 23, 7715. (43) Yan, Y.; Xiong, W.; Li, X. S.; Lu, T.; Huang, J. B.; Li, Z. C.; Fu, H. L. Molecular Packing Parameter in Bolaamphiphile Solutions: Adjustment of Aggregate Morphology by Modifying the Solution Conditions. J. Phys. Chem. B 2007, 111, 2225.

(44) Song, B.; Liu, G. Q.; Xu, R.; Yin, S. C.; Wang, Z. Q.; Zhang, X. Interfacial Self-Organization of Bolaamphiphiles Bearing Mesogenic Groups: Relationships between the Molecular Structures and Their Self-Organized Morphologies. Langmuir 2008, 24, 3734. (45) Wang, M.; Qiu, D.; Zou, B.; Wu, T.; Zhang, X. Stabilizing Bolaform Amphiphile Interfacial Assemblies by Introducing Mesogenic Groups. Chem.Eur. J. 2003, 9, 1876. (46) Gao, S.; Zou, B.; Chi, L. F.; Fuchs, H.; Sun, J. Q.; Zhang, X.; Shen, J. C. Nano-Size Stripes of Self-Assembled Bolaform Amphiphiles. Chem. Commun. 2000, 1273. (47) Zou, B.; Wang, M. F.; Qiu, D. L.; Zhang, X.; Chi, L. F.; Fuchs, H. Confined Supramolecular Nanostructures of Mesogen-Bearing Amphiphiles. Chem. Commun. 2002, 1008. (48) Yin, S. C.; Song, B.; Liu, G. Q.; Wang, Z. Q.; Zhang, X. SelfOrganization of Polymerizable Bolaamphiphiles Bearing Diacetylene Mesogenic Group. Langmuir 2007, 23, 5936. (49) Crystal data for dimethyl 2,2′-bipyridine-5,5′-dicarboxylate: C14H12N2O4, Mr = 272.26, triclinic, Pi,̅ a = 3.8433(5) Å, b = 11.3832(17) Å, c = 14.8536(18) Å, α = 74.966(15)°, β = 85.577(15)°, γ = 84.556(17)°, V = 623.83(14) Å3, Z = 2, T = 295 K, ρcalcd = 1.449 g/cm3, R1 = 0.0421, wR2 = 0.0877, CCDC 85595 contains the supplementary crystallographic data for this paper. These data can be obtained free of charge from the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre via www.ccdc.cam.ac.uk/data_request/cif. (50) Job, P. Studies on the Formation of Complex Minerals in Solution and on Their Stability. Ann. Chim. Ser. 1928, 9, 113. (51) Conners, K. A. Binding Constants: The Measurement of Molecular Complex Stability; Wiley: New York, 1987. (52) Willett, R. D.; Pon, G.; Nagy, C. Crystal Chemistry of the 4,4′Dimethyl-2,2′bipyridine/Copper Bromide System. Inorg. Chem. 2001, 40, 4342. (53) Martell, A. E.; Smith, R. M. Critical Stability Constants; Plenum Press: New York, 1974; Vol. 1, pp 204−211.

5030

dx.doi.org/10.1021/la300369w | Langmuir 2012, 28, 5023−5030