Inclusion [2]complexes based on the cryptand/diquat recognition motif

Seven diquat-based inclusion [2]complexes were studied by proton NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray analysis. The hosts used in these inclusion [2]complexes are bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10, a bis(m-phenylene)-26-crown-8-based cryptand, and five bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands. Bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands have been proved to be able to complex diquat much more strongly than bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10 itself and one containing a pyridyl moiety has one of the highest Ka values reported to date. These hosts form 1:1 complexes with diquat in solution and in the solid state. It was found that the improved binding from bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10 to bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10 was due to a supramolecular cryptand structure formed by chelation of the two terminal OH moieties of bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10 with a water molecule as a hydrogen-bonding bridge.