@phdthesis{WagenhaeusergebVonhausen2024,
  author    = {Wagenh{\"a}user [geb. Vonhausen], Yvonne},
  title     = {Thermodynamic Investigations on the Dimerization and Anti-Cooperative Self-Assembly of Dipolar Merocyanines},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-35211},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-352111},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2024},
  abstract  = {Dipolar merocyanines are very attractive supramolecular building blocks, as they combine interesting functional properties with strong, directional intermolecular interactions. The pyridine dioxocyano-pyridine (PYOP) chromophore (Chapter 2.2), used in this thesis, stands out because of its exceptionally high ground state dipole moment (g ~ 17 D), in combination with the option to retain good solubility also in unpolar solvents, by decoration with solubilizing groups. The reliable binding motif of anti-parallel -stacking due to dipole-dipole interactions has allowed the design of molecular building blocks that form assemblies of predictable geometry. The intense unstructured charge transfer UV/Vis absorption band (eg ~ 10.7 D) is a result of the dominant contribution of the zwitterionic resonance structure which brings the PYOP chromophore just beyond the cyanine limit in solvents of low polarity (c2 = 0.60, 1,4 dioxane). The high sensitivity of the S0 - S1 UV/Vis absorption band to the environment manifests itself in a pronounced negative solvatochromism and strong H-type exciton coupling within -stacked PYOP assemblies. In accordance with the classical molecular exciton theory, an increasing hypsochromic shift of the dominant absorption band of these H aggregates can be observed as the stack size increases up to about six chromophores, where it levels out at about max ~ 440 nm (CHCl3). This allows a uniquely simple estimation of the number of interacting chromophores within the self-assembled structure from a single UV/Vis absorption spectrum of an aggregate. The defined and well investigated PYOP dimer formation was employed in this thesis to probe the applicability and limitations of concentration-, temperature-, and solvent-dependent self-assembly studies (Chapter 3). Straightforward theoretical models to evaluate datasets of concentration-, temperature-, and solvent-dependent UV/Vis absorption by nonlinear regression analysis were derived for the case of dimer formation (Chapter 2.1). Although the dimer model is well known and widely applied in literature, this detailed derivation is helpful to understand assumptions and potential problems of the different approaches for the determination of thermodynamic parameters. This helps to decide on the most appropriate method to analyse a system of interest. In this regard it should be noted that covering a large portion of the self-assembly process with the experimental data is a prerequisite for the accuracy of the analysis. Additionally, many of the insights can also be transferred to other self-assembly systems like supramolecular polymerization or host-guest interactions. The concentration-dependent analysis is the most straightforward method to investigate self-assembly equilibria. No additional assumptions, besides mass balance and mass action law, are required. Since it includes the least number of parameters (only K, if M/D are known), it is the most, or even only, reliable method, to elucidate the self-assembly mechanism of an unknown system by model comparison. To cover a large concentration range, however, the compound must be soluble enough and generally sample amounts at least in the low mg scale must be available. The temperature-dependent analysis has the advantage that all thermodynamic parameters G0, H0 and S0 can be obtained from a single sample in one automated measurement. However, the accessible temperature-range is experimentally often quite limited and dependent on the solvent. For systems which do not show the transition from monomer to aggregate in a narrow temperature range, as given for, e.g., cooperative aggregation or processes with a high entropy contribution, often not the entire self-assembly process can be monitored. Furthermore, the assumptions of temperature-independent extinction coefficients of the individual species as well as temperature-independent H0 and S0 must be met. Monte Carlo simulations of data sets demonstrated that even minor changes in experimental data can significantly impact the optimized values for H0 and S0. This is due to the redundancy of these two parameters within the model framework and even small thermochromic effects can significantly influence the results. The G0 value, calculated from H0 and S0, is, however, still rather reliable. Solvent-dependent studies can often cover the entire self-assembly process from monomeric (agg = 0) to the fully aggregated state (agg = 1). However, for dyes with strong solvatochromic effects, such as the dipolar merocyanines investigated in this thesis, the results are affected. Also, the assumption of a linear relation of the binding energy G0 and the fraction of denaturating solvent f, which is based on linear free energy relationships between G0 and the solvent polarity, can lead to errors. Especially when specific solvent effects are involved. For the evaluation of experimental data by nonlinear regression, general data analysis software can be used, where user-defined fit models and known parameters can be implemented as desired. Alternatively, multiple specialized programs for analysing self-assembly data are available online. While the latter programs are usually more user-friendly, they have the disadvantage of being a "black box" where only pre-implemented models can be used without the option for the user to adapt models or parameters for a specific system. In Chapter 3 comprehensive UV/Vis absorption datasets are presented for the dimerization of merocyanine derivative 1 in 1,4-dioxane, which allowed for the first time a direct comparison of the results derived from concentration-, temperature-, and solvent-dependent self-assembly studies. The results for the binding constant K and corresponding G0 from the concentration- and temperature-dependent analysis were in very good agreement, also in comparison to the results from ITC. For the temperature-dependent analysis, though, multiple datasets of samples with different concentration had to be evaluated simultaneously to cover a meaningful part of the self-assembly process. Furthermore, a significant dependence of the optimized parameters H0 and S0 on the wavelength chosen for the analysis was observed. This can be rationalized by the small thermochromic shifts of both the monomer and the dimer UV/Vis absorption band. The results from the solvent-dependent evaluation showed the largest deviation, as expected for the highly solvatochromic merocyanine dye. However, even here by evaluation at 491 and 549 nm the deviation for G0 was only 2.5 kJ mol1 (9\%) with respect to the results from the concentration-dependent analysis (G0 = 29.1 kJ mol1). Thus, despite the strong solvatochromism of the dipolar chromophore, it can still be considered a reliable method for estimating the binding strength. Furthermore, multiple repetitions of the concentration-, temperature-, and solvent-dependent studies provided insight into the reproducibility of the results and possible sources of experimental errors. In all cases, the deviations of the results were small (G0 < 0.4 kJ mol1) and within the same range as the fit error from the nonlinear regression analysis. The insights from these studies were an important basis for the in-depth investigation of a more complex supramolecular system in Chapter 4, as a single method is often not enough to capture the full picture of a more complicated self-assembly process. To elucidate the anti-cooperative self-assembly of the chiral merocyanine 2, a combination of multiple techniques had to be applied. Solvent-dependent UV/Vis absorption studies in CH2Cl2/MCH mixtures showed the step-wise assembly of the merocyanine monomer (max(M) = 549 nm, CH2Cl2) to first a dimer (max(D) = 498 nm, CH2Cl2/MCH 15:85) by dipole-dipole interactions, and then a -stacked higher aggregate (max(H) = 477 nm, MCH), with pronounced H-type coupling. The thermodynamic evaluation of this data, however, suffered from the severe solvatochromism, especially of the monomeric species (max(M, CH2Cl2) = 549 nm, max(M, MCH) = 596 nm). Therefore, concentration-dependent studies were performed at three different temperatures (298, 323, 353 K) to elucidate the self-assembly mechanism and determine reliable thermodynamic parameters. The studies at elevated temperatures were hereby necessary, to obtain experimental data over a larger agg--range. Due to the pronounced difference in the thermodynamic driving force for dimerization and higher aggregate formation (KD/K5 = 6500) a concentration range exists in MCH where almost exclusively the dimer species of 2 is present, before further self-assembly by dispersion interactions occurs. Therefore, the data could be evaluated independently for the two self-assembly steps. The self-assembly of dimers into the higher aggregate could not be described by the isodesmic model but was fitted satisfactorily to a pentamer model. This rather small size of about ten -stacked PYOP chromophores was, furthermore, consistently indicated by AFM, VPO and DOSY NMR measurements. Based on 1D and 2D NMR data as well as the strong bisignate CD signal of the higher aggregate in combination with TD-DFT calculations, a P-helical stack is proposed as its structure. The small size can be rationalized by the anti-cooperative self-assembly mechanism and the sterical demand of the solubilizing trialkoxyphenyl and the chiral tetralin substituents. Additionally, the aliphatic shell formed by the solubilizing chains around the polar chromophore stack, can account for the exceptionally high solubility of 2 in MCH (> 15 mg mL1). These combined studies of the self-assembly process enabled the identification of suitable conditions for the investigation of fluorescence properties of the individual aggregate species. Aggregation-induced emission enhancement was observed for the almost non-emissive monomer (Fl(M) = 0.23\%), which can be rationalized by the increasing rigidification within the dimer (Fl(D) = 2.3\%) and the higher aggregate (Fl(H) = 4.5\%). The helical chirality of the PYOP decamer stack, furthermore, gave rise to a strong CPL signal with a large glum value of 0.011. The important conclusion of this thesis is that the temperature- and solvent-dependent analyses are valid alternatives to the classical concentration-dependent analysis to determine thermodynamic parameters of self-assembly equilibria. Although, for a specific supramolecular system, one approach might be favourable over the others for a variety of reasons. The experimental limitations often demand a combination of techniques to fully elucidate a self-assembly process and to gain insights in the aggregate structure. The anti-cooperative merocyanine self-assembly, which was described here for the first time for the PYOP merocyanine 2, is no exception. Besides the interest in the merocyanine assemblies from a structural and functional point of view, the insights gained from the presented studies can also be transferred to other self-assembly systems and be a guide to find the most appropriate analysis technique.},
  subject      = {Merocyanine},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Hecht2021,
  author    = {Hecht, Markus},
  title     = {Liquid-Crystalline Perylene Bisimide and Diketopyrrolopyrrole Assemblies},
  doi       = {10.25972/OPUS-21698},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-216987},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {The research presented in this thesis illustrates that self-assembly of organic molecules guided by intermolecular forces is a versatile bottom-up approach towards functional materials. Through the specific design of the monomers, supramolecular architectures with distinct spatial arrangement of the individual building blocks can be realized. Particularly intriguing materials can be achieved when applying the supramolecular approach to molecules forming liquid-crystalline phases as these arrange in ordered, yet mobile structures. Therefore, they exhibit anisotropic properties on a macroscopic level. It is pivotal to precisely control the interchromophoric arrangement as functions originate in the complex structures that are formed upon self-assembly. Consequently, the aim of this thesis was the synthesis and characterization of liquid-crystalline phases with defined supramolecular arrangements as well as the investigation of the structure-property relationship. For this purpose, perylene bisimide and diketopyrrolopyrrole chromophores were used as they constitute ideal building blocks towards functional supramolecular materials due to their thermal stability, lightfastness, as well as excellent optical and electronic features desirable for the application in, e.g., organic electronics.},
  subject      = {Selbstorganisation},
  language  = {en}
}
@phdthesis{Geiger2004,
  author    = {Geiger, Lars},
  title     = {The versatile use of Guanidiniocarbonylpyrroles : from self-assembly to peptide recognition},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:bvb:20-opus-9272},
  school      = {Universit{\"a}t W{\"u}rzburg},
  year      = {2004},
  abstract  = {Die vorliegende Arbeit gliedert sich in zwei Themenschwerpunkte. Ein supramolekulares Projekt beinhaltete die Entwicklung von neuen flexiblen, selbst-aggregierenden Zwitterionen als Bausteine f{\"u}r supramolekulare Polymere. In einem zweiten bioorganischem Teil bestand das Ziel darin, Rezeptoren f{\"u}r Aminos{\"a}uren und Dipeptide in Wasser zu entwickeln. Beide Projekte basieren auf dem Guanidiniocarbonylpyrrol als effizientes Bindungsmotiv f{\"u}r die Komplexierung von Carboxylaten in w{\"a}ssrigen L{\"o}sungen. Eine notwendige Voraussetzung f{\"u}r die Realisierung dieser Projekte war jedoch zun{\"a}chst die Entwicklung einer allgemeinen, effizienten und milden Synthese f{\"u}r Guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole. Die bei der zuvor verwendeten Methode aggressiven Reaktionsbedingungen und die problematische Aufreinigung verhinderten eine gr{\"o}ßere Anwendung dieses Bindungsmotivs in bioorganischen und supramolekularen Projekten. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit gelang es mir erfolgreich eine neue Syntheseroute zu entwickeln. Hierbei wurde mono-tBoc-Guanidine mit dem Benzylester mittels PyBOP gekuppelt und nach Entsch{\"u}tzung der Benzylschutzgruppe wurde die zentrale Zwischenstufe f{\"u}r die weiteren Synthesen, die tBoc-gesch{\"u}tzte Guanidinocarbonylpyrrol-S{\"a}ure erhalten. Durch diese neuartige Synthese war es m{\"o}glich, eine Reihe von flexiblen Zwitterionen 3-6 herzustellen und deren Selbst-Aggregation und den Einfluß der Kettenl{\"a}nge und somit Flexibilit{\"a}t der Alkylkette auf Struktur und Stabilit{\"a}t der gebildeten Aggregate in L{\"o}sung sowie auch in der Gasphase zu untersuchen. In DMSO deuten NMR-Verd{\"u}nnungsreihen darauf hin, dass die flexiblen Zwitterionen mit n = 1, 3 und 5 oligomere Strukturen ausbilden. Im Falle von n = 1 werden hoch stabile helicale und Nanometer große Aggregate in der gebildet. In den Gasphasen-Studien wurde die Stabilit{\"a}t und Zerfallskinetik einer Reihe von Natriumaddukten der Dimere von n = 2, 3 und 5 untersucht. Dieses gelang durch die Methode der „infrared multiphoton dissociation Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry" (IRMPD-FT-ICR MS). Solche Studien erm{\"o}glichen m{\"o}glicherweise in Zukunft das gezielte Design von supramolekularen Bausteinen. Der bioorganische Teil meiner Arbeit setzte sich aus drei Einzelprojekten zusammen. So synthetisierte ich durch eine f{\"u}nfstufige Synthesesequenz vier neue Arginin-Analoga, die in Zukunft als Ersatz f{\"u}r Arginin in Peptide eingebaut werden k{\"o}nnen. Als Testreaktion f{\"u}r die Eignung dieser Verbindungen in einer Festphasenpeptidsynthese, wurde ein Tripetid Ala-AA1-Val (AA: Arginin-Analogon) mit einem eingebauten Arginin-Analogon erfolgreich hergestellt. In einem zweiten Projekt habe ich den Einfluß einer zus{\"a}tzlichen ionischen Wechselwirkung in unserem Bindungsmotiv untersucht. Dazu wurde ein zweifach-kationischer Rezeptor und der dreifach-geladenen Rezeptor synthetisiert und physikalisch-organisch ihre Bindungseigenschaften mit Hilfe von NMR-Titrationsexperimenten gegen eine Reihe von Aminos{\"a}uren untersucht. Der dreifach-kationische Rezeptor 11 zeigte hierbei herausragende Bindungseigenschaften und war um ca. den Faktor 100 besser als f{\"u}r die bisher bekannten Guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole. Die Assoziationskonstanten waren auch fast reinem Wasser mit bis zu Kass = 2000 noch bemerkenswert hoch. Im dritten Projekt habe ich einen de-novo entwickelten Rezeptor f{\"u}r C-terminale Dipeptide in einer beta-Faltblatt Struktur entwickelt.Dieser Rezeptor wurde mittels NMR and UV-Titrationen untersucht. In 40 \% Wasser/ 60 \% DMSO waren die Bindungskonstanten zu hoch um {\"u}berhaupt quantifiziert zu werden. Deshalb wurden die Bindungseigenschaften des Rezeptors mittels UV Titrationen in einer Mischung aus 90 \% Wasser mit 10 \% DMSO gegen eine Reihe von Dipeptiden und Aminos{\"a}uren getestet. Die Bindungsdaten zeigen, dass Rezeptor Dipeptide mit ausgezeichneten Bindungskonstanten (Kass > 10000 M-1) komplexiert. Im Gegensatz dazu bindet der Rezeptor 12 Aminos{\"a}uren um den Faktor zehn schlechter (Kass > 1000 M-1). Die Komplexstabilit{\"a}t nimmt hierbei in Abh{\"a}ngigkeit von der Seitenkette des Dipeptids in der Reihe Gly < Ala < Val zu, was sich mit der abnehmenden Flexibilit{\"a}t und zunehmenden Hydrophobizit{\"a}t der Seitenkette erkl{\"a}ren l{\"a}sst. Diese Eigenschaften machen den Rezeptor 12 zu dem besten bisher bekannten Dipeptidrezeptor in w{\"a}ssrigen L{\"o}sungen. Innerhalb meiner Arbeit gelang es mir somit, nicht nur eine essentiell wichtige, milde und effiziente Synthese f{\"u}r Guanidinocarbonylpyrrole zu entwickeln, sondern es gelang mir ebenso ein neues Bindungsmotiv f{\"u}r die Komplexierung von Aminos{\"a}uren in Wasser zu entwickeln. Zus{\"a}tzlich konnte noch der Dipeptidrezeptor erfolgreich synthetisiert und untersucht werden. Mit Bindungskonstanten f{\"u}r von Kass > 10000 M-1 ist er der derzeit beste Dipeptidrezeptor in w{\"a}ssriger L{\"o}sung.},
  subject      = {Guanidinderivate},
  language  = {en}
}