Search

Anionic hydrogen bonded frameworks were synthesised from di or tetra-amidinium hydrogen bond donor components and a charge “mis-matched” tecton possessing a 5− charge but only four hydrogen bond accepting groups.

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are a promising class of porous crystalline materials for gas sorption and gas separation technologies that can be constructed under mild synthetic conditions. In forming three-dimensional networks of flexible hydrogen bonds between donor/acceptor subunits, these materials have displayed high stability at elevated temperature and under vacuum. Although the structural properties of HOFs are commonly characterized by diffraction techniques, new complimentary methods to elucidate phase behaviour and host-guest interactions at the molecular level are sought, particularly those that can be applied under changing physical conditions or solvent environment. To this end, this study has applied synchrotron far-IR and mid-IR spectroscopy to probe the properties of two known and one new HOF system assembled from tetrahedral amidinium and carboxylate building blocks. All three frameworks produce feature-rich and resolved infrared profiles from 30 to 4000 cm

The effect of concentration, organic co-solvent, and salt modulators on the crystallisation of a hydrogen bonded framework was studied. The framework contains ∼1.4 nm wide channels and contains a diazobenzene based dicarboxylate anion. Light-induced

Construction of supramolecular assemblies using hydrogen and halogen bonding between anions and the 3,5-bis(triazolyl)pyridinium motif was investigated.

International audience; Two new macrocycles containing the bis(1,2,3-triazolyl)pyridine (btp) motif were prepared in high yields from a btp diazide precursor (1). Solution (1)H NMR studies show that this diazide undergoes self-assembly with divalent transition metal ions to form ML(2) complexes with pendant azide groups, apparently suitable for conversion into metal-templated catenanes; however attempts to form these catenanes were unsuccessful. Instead a new macrocycle containing two btp motifs was prepared, which forms a nanotube structure in the solid state. Reduction of the azide groups to amines followed by amide bond formation was used to convert 1 into macrocycle 8 containing btp and isophthalamide functionalities. This macrocycle binds halide and oxalate anions in acetonitrile solely through the isophthalamide motif, and binds aromatic dicarboxylates very strongly through both the isophthalamide amide donors and the btp triazole donors. The macrocycle was complexed with Pd(II) and the resulting complexes were shown to bind strongly to halide anions. The solid state structures of [Pd·8·X]BF(4) (X = Cl(-), Br(-), I(-)) were investigated by X-ray crystallography, which showed that [Pd·8·Br] forms an unusual "chain of dimers" structure assembled by metal complexation, N-H⋯Br(-) hydrogen bonding and short Pd⋯Pd contacts.

Benzamidinium compounds have found widespread use in both medicinal and supramolecular chemistry. In this work, we show that benzamidiniums hydrolyse at room temperature in aqueous base to give the corresponding primary amide. This reaction has a half-life of 300 days for unsubstituted benzamidinium at pH 9, but is relatively rapid at higher pHs (e.g. t1/2 = 6 days at pH 11 and 15 hours at pH 13). Quantum chemistry combined with first principles kinetic modelling can reproduce these trends and explain them in terms of the dominant pathway being initiated by attack of HO– on benzamidine. Incorporation of the amidinium motif into a hydrogen bonded framework offers a substantial protective effect against hydrolysis.

The assembly of hydrogen bonded cages using amidinium···carboxylate hydrogen bonding interactions was investigated. A new tris-amidinium hydrogen bond donor tecton based on a tetraphenylmethane scaffold was prepared and its self-assembly with the terephthalate anion studied, and a new tricarboxylate hydrogen bond acceptor tecton was synthesised and its assembly with the 1,3-benzenebis(amidinium) hydrogen bond donor explored. In both cases, molecular modelling indicated that the formation of the cages was geometrically feasible and 1H NMR spectroscopic evidence was consistent with interactions between the components in competitive d6-DMSO solvent mixtures. DOSY NMR spectroscopy of both systems indicated that both components diffuse at the same rate as each other, and diffusion coefficients were consistent with cage formation, and with the formation of assemblies significantly larger than the individual components. An X-ray crystal structure showed that one of the assemblies did not have the desired cage structure in the solid state.

As hydrogen bonded frameworks are held together by relatively weak interactions, they often form several different frameworks under slightly different synthesis conditions and respond dynamically to stimuli such as heat and vacuum. However, these dynamic restructuring processes are often poorly understood. In this work, three isoreticular hydrogen bonded organic frameworks assembled through charge-assisted amidinium⋅⋅⋅carboxylate hydrogen bonds (1

The use of 1,2,3-triazole and triazolium motifs to construct anion templated supramolecular structures has grown rapidly over the past decade and has enabled a range of complex structures to be synthesised. In this Minireview we highlight the significant advances that have been made in areas such as foldamers, polymers and interlocked systems.

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are a diverse and tunable class of materials, but their potential as free-standing two-dimensional nanomaterials has yet to be explored. Here we report the self-assembly of two layered hydrogen-bonded frameworks based on strong, charge-assisted hydrogen-bonding between carboxylate and amidinium groups. Ultrasound-assisted liquid exfoliation of both materials readily produces monolayer hydrogen-bonded organic nanosheets (HONs) with micron-sized lateral dimensions. The HONs show remarkable stability and maintain their extended crystallinity and monolayer structures even after being suspended in water at 80 °C for three days. These systems also exhibit efficient fluorescence quenching of an organic dye in organic solvents, superior to the quenching ability of the bulk frameworks. We anticipate that this approach will provide a route towards a diverse new family of molecular two-dimensional materials., We report the liquid-phase ultrasonic exfoliation of two layered hydrogen-bonded frameworks into monolayer, micron-sized, and water-stable nanosheets (HONs) connected purely by hydrogen-bonding interactions.

We report the synthesis of two [2]rotaxanes containing an interlocked three dimensional binding cavity formed from a pyridinium bis(amide) axle component containing two phenol donors, and an isophthalamide based macrocycle. In the competitive solvent mixture 1 : 1 CDCl

Based on Coulomb's Law alone, electrostatic repulsion between two anions is expected to prevent their dimerization. Contrary to that idea, this Tutorial Review will present evidence showing that anion-anion dimers of protic hydroxyanions can form readily, and describe conditions that facilitate their formation. From X-ray crystal structures, we learn that hydroxyanions dimerize and oligomerize by overcoming long-range electrostatic opposition. Common examples are hydroxyanions of phosphate, sulfate, and carbonate, often in partnership with charged and neutral receptors. Short-range hydrogen bonds between anionic donors and acceptors are defined as anti-electrostatic hydrogen bonds (AEHBs) with insight from theoretical studies. While anion dimers are difficult to identify unequivocally in solution, these solution dimers have recently been definitively identified. The development of the supramolecular chemistry of anion-anion dimers has led to applications in hierarchical assemblies, such as supramolecular polymers and hydrogen bonded organic frameworks.

In the last few years, the amidinium⋯carboxylate interaction has emerged as a powerful tool for the relatively predictable construction of families of three dimensional hydrogen bonded organic frameworks. These frameworks can be prepared in water and are surprisingly stable, including to heating in polar organic solvents and water. This feature article describes the design and synthesis of these materials, discusses their structures and stability, and highlights their recent applications for enzyme encapsulation and as precursors for the synthesis of molecularly thin hydrogen bonded 2D nanosheets.

Protection of biological assemblies is critical to applications in biotechnology, increasing the durability of enzymes in biocatalysis or potentially stabilizing biotherapeutics during transport and use. Here we show that a porous hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF) constructed from water-soluble tetra-amidinium (1·Cl4) and tetracarboxylate (2) building blocks can encapsulate and stabilize biomolecules to elevated temperature, proteolytic and denaturing agents, and extend the operable pH range for catalase activity. The HOF, which readily retains water within its framework structure, can also protect and retain the activity of enzymes such as alcohol oxidase, that are inactive when encapsulated within zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) materials. Such HOF coatings could provide valid alternative materials to ZIFs: they are metal free, possess larger pore apertures, and are stable over a wider, more biologically relevant pH range.

A series of hydrogen-bonded networks was prepared incorporating ditopic, tritopic, or tetratopic polyamidinium tectons and linear pentiptycene dicarboxylates. The ditopic amidinium forms a 1D hydro...

A small organic cage molecule (1) containing six nitrile groups was crystallized in the presence of a number of guests with hydrogen bond donor groups, and from different solvents. In total, eight crystal structures of 1 were obtained, six of which are guest-free and two of which are co-crystals. When the guest was resorcinol or pyrogallol co-crystals did not form, but the presence of the guests directed formation of new crystalline phases that were not observed when the cage was crystallized alone. When the guest was hydroquinone or diaminobenzene, it was possible to isolate co-crystals where the guest hydrogen bonds to some of the nitrile groups of the cage.

Despite their ready availability, O-H groups have received relatively little attention as anion recognition motifs. Here, we report two simple hydroxy-containing anion receptors that are prepared in two facile steps followed by anion exchange, without the need for chromatographic purification at any stage. These receptors contain a pyridinium bis(amide) motif as well as hydroxyphenyl groups, and bind mono- and divalent anions in 9:1 CD3 CN:D2 O, showing a selectivity preference for sulfate. Notably, a "model" receptor that does not contain hydroxy groups shows only very weak sulfate binding in this competitive solvent mixture. In the solid state, X-ray crystallographic studies show that the receptors tend to form extended assemblies with anions; however, 1 H and DOSY NMR studies as well as molecular dynamics simulations show that only 1:1 complexes are present in solution. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest that one of the receptors suffers from competing intramolecular hydrogen bonding, while another binds partially-hydrated anions, with the receptor's O-H groups forming hydrogen bonds to water molecules within the anion's coordination sphere.

The amidinium and guanidinium groups are strong and potentially directional hydrogen bond donors that have proven useful in anion recognition and solution phase self-assembly, and more recently in the synthesis of supramolecular frameworks. This Frontier article gives a background to the use of these groups in framework synthesis, describes recent advances in the field, and looks to future directions in this area.

Catechol and 4-ethylcatechol are highly toxic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic molecules, often produced in water in small quantities as a result of hydrothermal upgrading processes. In this work, we demonstrate the facile immobilization of cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) macrocycles (known as blue box (BB)) on silica surfaces, and show that BB-coated silica surfaces adsorb large amounts of catechol and 4-ethylcatechol, with a molar ratio of 214 : 1 and 432 : 1, respectively, instead of the expected 1 : 1 ratio. The adsorbates formed large aggregates on the silica surface, with a height range of 2–55 nm dependent on the catechol concentration and reaction time, while uncoated silica powder did not adsorb any catechol from water. The aggregates are shown to be poly(catechol)s, as a result of a BB-induced polymerization process in water under non-alkaline conditions. The process is initiated by the formation of radical cations of the adsorbed catechol and 4-ethylcatechol upon the complexation with assembled BB molecules through charge-transfer interactions. This is the first report of the polymerization of guest molecules catalyzed by surface-immobilized BB macrocycles. A BB-coated silica powder was used to extract up to 95% of 4-ethylcatechol in 3 hours and 60% of catechol in 2 hours from dilute aqueous solutions and did not leave particulates behind. More than 90% of the BB4+ macrocycles could be recovered from the silica surfaces after the water treatment processes.

This review covers significant advances in the use of O-H groups in anion coordination chemistry. The review focuses on the use of these groups in synthetic anion receptors, as well as more recent developments in transport, self-assembly and catalysis.

The Cambridge Structural Database was surveyed for antielectrostatically hydrogen bonded anion complexes. The survey revealed that these complexes are relatively common, e.g. half of all structurally characterised bicarbonate anions are present as dimers. Generally, the bonding is surprisingly homogenous with O⋯O contacts close to 2.6 A for all anions. Distances are similar in length to, or slightly shorter than, those in carboxylic acid dimers, which do not have to contend with Coulombic repulsion. A heteroanion complex was identified as well as a small number of “highly antielectrostatic” dimers formed between two 2− anions.

Hydroxypyridinium and hydroxyquinolinium compounds containing acidic O–H groups attached to a cationic aromatic scaffold were synthesized, i.e. N-methyl-3-hydroxypyridinium (1+) and N-methyl-8-hydroxyquinolinium (2+). These very simple compounds are capable of binding to chloride very strongly in CD3CN and with moderate strength in 9:1 CD3CN:D2O. Comparison with known association constants reveal that 1+ and 2+ bind chloride in CD3CN or CD3CN:D2O with comparable affinities to receptors containing significantly more hydrogen bond donors and/or higher positive charges. Crystal structures of both compounds with coordinating anions were obtained, and feature short O–H∙∙∙anion hydrogen bonds. A receptor containing two hydroxyquinolinium groups was also prepared. While the low solubility of this compound caused difficulties, we were able demonstrate chloride binding in a competitive 1:1 CD3CN:CD3OD solvent mixture. Addition of sulfate to this compound results in the formation of a crystallographically-characterised solid state anion coordination polymer.

Despite their apparent similarity, framework materials based on tetraphenylmethane and tetraphenylsilane building blocks often have quite different structures and topologies. Herein, we describe a new silicon tetraamidinium compound and use it to prepare crystalline hydrogen bonded frameworks with carboxylate anions in water. The silicon-containing frameworks are compared with those prepared from the analogous carbon tetraamidinium: when biphenyldicarboxylate or tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)methane anions were used similar channel-containing networks are observed for both the silicon and carbon tetraamidinium. When terephthalate or bicarbonate anions were used, different products form. Insights into possible reasons for the different products are provided by a survey of the Cambridge Structural Database and quantum chemical calculations, both of which indicate that, contrary to expectations, tetraphenylsilane derivatives have less geometrical flexibility than tetraphenylmethane derivatives, i.e. they are less able to distort away from ideal tetrahedral bond angles.

Despite their apparent similarity, framework materials based on tetraphenylmethane and tetraphenylsilane building blocks often have quite different structures and topologies. Herein, we describe a new silicon tetraamidinium compound and use it to prepare crystalline hydrogen bonded frameworks with carboxylate anions in water. The silicon-containing frameworks are compared with those prepared from the analogous carbon tetraamidinium: when biphenyldicarboxylate or tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)methane anions were used similar channel-containing networks are observed for both the silicon and carbon tetraamidinium. When terephthalate or bicarbonate anions were used, different products form. Insights into possible reasons for the different products are provided by a survey of the Cambridge Structural Database and quantum chemical calculations, both of which indicate that, contrary to expectations, tetraphenylsilane derivatives have less geometrical flexibility than tetraphenylmethane derivatives, that is, they are less able to distort away from ideal tetrahedral bond angles.

A new bis‐triazacyclononane tris‐pyridyl N9‐azacryptand ligand is prepared via a convenient one‐pot [2+3] condensation reaction between triazacyclononane and 2,6‐bis(bromomethyl) pyridine in the presence of M2CO3 (M=Li, Na, K). The proton, lithium, sodium, potassium and lead(II) complexes of the ligand are characterised in the solid state. Preliminary solution‐phase competition experiments indicate that the cryptand ligand preferentially binds lead(II) in the presence of sodium, calcium, potassium and zinc cations in methanol solution.

Two isomeric pyrimidine-based Rdpt-type triazole ligands were made: 4-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(2-pyrimidyl)-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (L2pyrimidine) and 4-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(4-pyrimidyl)-5-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole (L4pyrimidine). When reacted with [FeII(pyridine)4(NCE)2], where E = S, Se, or BH3, two families of mononuclear iron(II) complexes are obtained, including six solvatomorphs, giving a total of 12 compounds: [FeII(L2pyrimidine)2(NCS)2] (1), [FeII(L2pyrimidine)2(NCSe)2] (2), 2·1.5H2O, [FeII(L2pyrimidine)2(NCBH3)2]·2CHCl3 (3·2CHCl3), 3 and 3·2H2O, [FeII(L4pyrimidine)2(NCS)2] (4), 4·H2O, [FeII(L4pyrimidine)2(NCSe)2] (5), 5·2CH3OH, 5·1.5H2O, and [FeII(L4pyrimidine)2(NCBH3)2]·2.5H2O (6·2.5H2O). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the N6-coordinated iron(II) centers in 1, 2, 3·2CHCl3, 4, 5, and 5·2CH3OH have two bidentate triazole ligands equatorially bound and two axial NCE co-ligands trans-coordinated. All structures are high spin (HS) at 100 K, except 3·2CHCl3, which is low spin (LS). Solid-st...

Readily functionalizable bipyrimidine compounds were prepared for the first time, and their coordination chemistry with silver salts was explored. Solution 1H NMR spectroscopy experiments indicated that the ligands rapidly form complexes with silver(I) salts, and coordination at a first site inhibits coordination of a second cation to the ligand, thus favoring 1:1 complexes in solution. These 1:1 units self-assemble into one-dimensional chains in the solid state, even in the presence of excess Ag(I). Structurally diverse coordination polymers exhibiting different coordination numbers and geometry were characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Our results demonstrate that a modification to the ligand, distal from the binding site, affects the coordination chemistry and supramolecular structure of these complexes.

This experiment prepares a large (Mr: 1821 g mol–1) triple helicate complex quickly in one pot from inexpensive starting materials. The protocol illustrates the power of self-assembly in a simple manner that is suitable for second-year general chemistry students using reversible imine bond and metal–ligand bond formation. Plastic molecular models and 1H NMR spectroscopy are used to elucidate the structure of the self-assembled product.

We have investigated the hydrogen bond-driven assembly of nickel and freebase tetra(carboxyphenyl) and tetra(carboxylatophenyl) porphyrins. When the tetracarboxylates were crystallized with bis(amidinium) species, their crystal structures contained a range of hydrogen bond geometries, and we did not obtain well-ordered networks. Use of a tetrahedral tetra(amidinium) building block yielded a 3D framework material with a PtS topology, which contains only a "paired" hydrogen bonding arrangement. This framework is highly porous, with ∼3/4 of the unit cell volume occupied by disordered solvent molecules, although it loses crystallinity upon removal from solvent. Favourable interactions between porphyrin carboxylic acid hydrogen bond donors and bipyridine nitrogen atoms were then used to prepare a stable 2D porphyrin grid-like network.

The synthesis of a series of halogen bonding (XB) acyclic anion receptors based on a novel 1,2-iodo-triazolium-triazole benzene motif is reported. A combination of one- and two-dimensional 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopic techniques elucidate key conformational effects associated with the incorporation of ortho-substituted iodo-triazole based XB donors. 1H NMR anion titration experiments highlight the anion recognition potency of a mono-cationic XB iodo-triazolium-triazole benzene receptor, remarkably forming stronger halide complexes in comparison to a dicationic hydrogen bonding (HB) bis-proto-triazolium receptor analogue. X-ray crystal structure analysis provide insights into halide binding induced conformational changes and coordination modes, revealing the unique electronic and steric consequences associated with multidentate XB donor arrays.

A combination of molecular dynamics (MD), NMR spectroscopy, and single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) techniques was used to probe the self-assembly of para- and meta-bis(amidinium) compounds with para-, meta-, and ortho-dicarboxylates. Good concordance was observed between the MD and experimental results. In DMSO solution, the systems form several rapidly exchanging assemblies, in part because a range of hydrogen bonding interactions is possible between the amidinium and carboxylate moieties. Upon crystallization, the majority of the systems form 1D supramolecular polymers, which are held together by short N-H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds.

The interaction of tetratopic amidinium-containing receptors with terephthalate anions leads to porous framework materials assembled through charge-assisted hydrogen bonds. The frameworks form in good yield within minutes in water at room temperature, but no framework material is obtained if other anions (Cl−, Br−, NO3−, SO42− or isophthalate2−) are used in place of terephthalate. Two forms of the framework can be prepared: one with a connected pore network, and a more dense phase with discrete voids. We demonstrate that these are the kinetic and thermodynamic products, respectively. Either framework can be prepared independently and can be converted to the other form in response to stimuli. Furthermore, the frameworks can be controllably disassembled and reassembled in response to acid/base triggers suggesting that this new class of materials may have applications in the selective encapsulation and release of guests.

Four tridentate carbazole-based ligands, HLtBu/H {3,6-di(tert-butyl)-1,8-bis[5-(3-benzyl-1,2,3-triazole)]-9H-carbazole}, HLtBu/tBu {3,6-di(tert-butyl)-1,8-bis[5-(3-(4-tert-butyl)benzyl-1,2,3-triazole)]-9H-carbazole}, HLH/H {1,8-bis[5-(3-benzyl-1,2,3-triazole)]-9H-carbazole} and HLH/tBu {1,8-bis[5-(3-(4-tert-butyl)benzyl-1,2,3-triazole)]-9H-carbazole}, were prepared and complexed with cobalt(II) tetrafluoroborate. In situ air oxidation resulted in cobalt(III) complexes 1–4 with the general formula [CoIII(L)2]BF4·xH2O (1: L = LtBu/H, x = 2; 2: L = LtBu/tBu, x = 1; 3: L = LH/H, x = 0.5; 4: L = LH/tBu, x = 2). X-ray structural characterisation confirmed that the four complexes are isostructural, with two orthogonally coordinated deprotonated tridentate ligands providing an octahedral N6-donor set to the cobalt(III) ion. 1H NMR studies show that this structure is maintained in CDCl3 and DMSO-d6 solution. Cyclic voltammetry on 1–4 in MeCN showed that all of the complexes exhibit two reversible, one-electron oxidation processes (probably due to ligand oxidations), and an irreversible or quasi-reversible reduction process (probably due to reduction of Co(III) to Co(II)). As expected, the oxidations move 120–140 mV to lower potentials on adding tert-butyl substituents to the 3 and 6 positions of the carbazole rings, and unsurprisingly the potentials are far less sensitive to the nature of the benzyl ring substituents.

A tetrahedral tetra-amidinium compound 14+ was crystallised in the presence of a range of anions (Cl−, Br−, NO3−, oxalate2−) giving a range of interesting solid state structures assembled through amidinium⋯anion hydrogen bonding interactions. Mixing the chloride or bromide salts of 14+, i.e.1·4Cl or 1·4Br, and inorganic oxalate salts in water gave crystals of ordered three-dimensional network structures containing both oxalate and halide anions. These interesting “mixed anion” frameworks exhibit high thermal stability to heat and hydrolysis but are not significantly porous. Importantly, these materials are significantly more robust than the analogous terephthalate-containing framework materials.

Five new tris(N-salicylaldimine) (TSAN) analogues were prepared and characterized. NMR and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies showed that they are found in different tautomeric forms, ranging from keto-enamine to enol-imine, with two showing intermediate behavior. We present a simple structural model governing the relative stability of the keto-enamine versus enol-imine tautomeric form of TSANs, based on experimental and theoretical findings on the new and existing TSAN analogues. Examination of electron delocalization throughout this range reveals a connection between tautomeric state and whether the substituent is σ or π electron withdrawing/donating. This can be used as a qualitative guide to design TSANs with controlled tautomeric behavior. These results will be helpful to the growing number of researchers in supramolecular chemistry who use TSANs to construct new materials and cages.

Neutral heteroditopic [2]rotaxane ion-pair host systems were synthesised via a Cu(II) directed passive metal template strategy. Each rotaxane contains discrete, axle-separated interlocked binding sites for a guest anion and a transition metal countercation. The anion binding sites are composed of convergent X–H (X = C, N) hydrogen bond donor groups, or mixed X–H and C–I hydrogen and halogen bond donor groups, whereas an equivalent three-dimensional array of amine, pyridine and carbonyl oxygen donor groups comprise the transition metal binding site. 1H NMR titrations experiments in CDCl3/CD3OD or CDCl3/CD3OD/D2O solvent mixtures reveal that the heteroditopic [2]rotaxane host systems are capable of cooperative anion recognition in the presence of a co-bound Zn(II) cation.

Malaria is no longer a common cause of febrile illness in many regions of the tropics. In part, this success is a result of improved access to accurate diagnosis and effective anti-malarial treatment, including in many hard-to-reach rural areas. However, in these settings, management of other causes of febrile illness remains challenging. Health systems are often weak and other than malaria rapid tests no other diagnostics are available. With millions of deaths occurring annually due to treatable bacterial infections and the ever increasing spread of antimicrobial resistance, improvement in the management of febrile illness is a global public health priority. Whilst numerous promising point-of-care diagnostics are in the pipeline, substantial progress can be made in the interim with existing tools: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a highly sensitive and moderately specific biomarker of bacterial infection and has been in clinical use for these purposes for decades, with dozens of low-cost devices commercially available. This paper takes a health-economics approach to consider the possible advantages of CRP point-of-care tests alongside rapid diagnostic tests for malaria, potentially in a single multiplex device, to guide antimicrobial therapy for patients with febrile illness. Three rudimentary assessments of the costs and benefits of this approach all indicate that this is likely to be cost-effective when considering the incremental costs of the CRP tests as compared with either (i) the improved health outcomes for patients with bacterial illnesses; (ii) the costs of antimicrobial resistance averted; or (iii) the economic benefits of better management of remaining malaria cases and shorter malaria elimination campaigns in areas of low transmission. While CRP-guided antibiotic therapy alone cannot resolve all challenges associated with management of febrile illness in remote tropical settings, in the short-term a multiplexed CRP and malaria RDT could be highly cost-effective and utilize the well-established funding and distribution systems already in place for malaria RDTs. These findings should spark further interest amongst industry, academics and policy-makers in the development and deployment of such diagnostics, and discussion on their geographically appropriate use.

A crystalline 3D hydrogen bonded framework is assembled in water from tetrahedral tetraamidinium cations and antielectrostatically hydrogen bonded bicarbonate dimers. The framework forms in water, and represents a clear demonstration of the potency of these anti-Coulombic hydrogen bonds. Gentle heating of the framework (50 °C) releases CO2 and water to give the neutral tetraamidine compound.

Current pediatric antibiotic therapies often use oral and parenteral routes of administration. Neither are suitable for treating very sick neonates who cannot take oral medication and may be several hours away from hospital in developing countries. Here, we report on the development of rectal forms of ceftriaxone, a third-generation cephalosporin. Rectodispersible tablets and capsules were developed and successfully passed 6-month accelerated stability tests. Rabbit bioavailability showed plasma concentrations above the minimal inhibitory concentrations for 3 formulations of rectodispersible tablets and 2 formulations of hard capsules. Clinical batches are currently being prepared for human evaluation with the prospect of offering therapeutic alternatives for treating critically ill neonates. This proof of concept for efficient rectal delivery of antibiotics could help the development of other rectal antibiotic treatments and increase options for noninvasive drug development for pediatric patients.

While numerous hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) have been reported, typically these cannot be prepared predictably or in a modular fashion. In this work, we report a family of nine diamondoid crystalline porous frameworks assembled via hydrogen bonding between poly-amidinium and poly-carboxylate tectons. The frameworks are prepared at room temperature in either water or water/alcohol mixtures. Importantly, both the cationic and anionic components can be varied and additional functionality can be incorporated into the frameworks, which show good stability including to prolonged heating in DMSO or water.

While numerous hydrogen bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) have been reported, typically these cannot be prepared predictably or in a modular fashion. In this work, we report a family of nine diamondoid crystalline porous frameworks assembled via hydrogen bonding between poly-amidinium and poly-carboxylate tectons in aqueous media. Importantly, both the cationic and anionic components can be varied and additional functionality can be incorporated into the frameworks, which show good stability including to prolonged heating in DMSO or water.

The reaction of the potentially bis-terdentate ligand PMPT with [FeII(py)4(NCS)2] in methanol under an inert atmosphere gives [FeIIn(PMPT)n(NCS)2n] (1), where PMPT = 4-pyrrolyl-3,5-bis{[(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole. In contrast, conducting this reaction in dimethylformamide (DMF), or recrystallizing 1 from DMF, leads to the formation of the tetranuclear FeIII metallomacrocycle [FeIII4(PMPT)2(O)2(NCS)8(DMF)2] (2). This is the first structurally characterised complex of a ligand of this type that does not bind in a bis-terdentate manner with a 1:1 metal:ligand stoichiometry and N1N2 bridging of the bound metal ions. Instead, each ligand strand binds in an asymmetric fashion, providing two well separated (no triazole bridge) bidentate and terdentate binding pockets, with the additional binding sites on the iron(III) centres occupied by N-bound thiocyanate anions (NB. previous complexations have involved non-coordinating anions), oxide bridges, and/or DMF. Analogous reactions of [FeII(py)4(NCS)2] and the closely-related ligand PMAT appear to result in ligand decomposition, although a few crystals of the complex [FeIII4(PMAT)2(O)2(NCS)8(DMF)2]·solvents, (3·solvents) were obtained (PMAT = 4-amino-3,5-bis{[(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino]methyl}-4H-1,2,4-triazole).

Hexahydroxytriphenylene (HHTP) forms 2D frameworks through O–H⋯anion hydrogen bonds with a range of anions. In all cases, 1 : 1 co-crystals of HHTP and tetraalkylammonium·anion salts are obtained, which have a layered 2D structure. When HSO4− was used as anion, an unprecedented methylation reaction was observed giving crystals containing the methylsulfate anion (MeOSO3−).

Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of infant mortality in developing countries because of delayed injectable treatment, making it urgent to develop noninjectable formulations that can reduce treatment delays in resource-limited settings. Ceftriaxone, available only for injection, needs absorption enhancers to achieve adequate bioavailability via nonparenteral administration. This article presents all available data on the nonparenteral absorption of ceftriaxone in humans and animals, including unpublished work carried out by F. Hoffmann-La Roche (Roche) in the 1980s and new data from preclinical studies with rabbits, and discusses the importance of these data for the development of noninjectable formulations for noninvasive treatment. The combined results indicate that the rectal absorption of ceftriaxone is feasible and likely to lead to a bioavailable formulation that can reduce treatment delays in neonatal sepsis. A bile salt, chenodeoxycholate sodium salt (Na-CDC), used as an absorption enhancer at a 125-mg dose, together with a 500-mg dose of ceftriaxone provided 24% rectal absorption of ceftriaxone and a maximal plasma concentration of 21 µg/ml with good tolerance in human subjects. The rabbit model developed can also be used to screen for the bioavailability of other formulations before assessment in humans.

Two isomeric pyrimidine-based Rdpt-type triazole ligands were made: 4-(4-methylphenyl)-3-(2-pyrimidyl)-5-phenyl-4 H-1,2,4-triazole (L