Despite recent advances in the synthesis of increasingly complex topologies at the molecular level, nano- and microscopic weaves have remained difficult to achieve. Only a few diaxial molecular weaves exist-these were achieved by templation with metals. Here, we present an extended triaxial supramolecular weave that consists of self-assembled organic threads. Each thread is formed by the self-assembly of a building block comprising a rigid oligoproline segment with two perylene-monoimide chromophores spaced at 18 Å. Upon π stacking of the chromophores, threads form that feature alternating up- and down-facing voids at regular distances. These voids accommodate incoming building blocks and establish crossing points through CH-π interactions on further assembly of the threads into a triaxial woven superstructure. The resulting micrometre-scale supramolecular weave proved to be more robust than non-woven self-assemblies of the same building block. The uniform hexagonal pores of the interwoven network were able to host iridium nanoparticles, which may be of interest for practical applications.

Adaptable enzyme-mimetic catalysts based on temperature-responsive polymer microgels (microgelzymes) have been developed. By a simple change in the temperature, a microgel catalyst can be reversibly switched into its soluble or precipitated form, thus combining the advantages of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The responsive microgel reactors show high reactivity and selectivity, as well as good recycling properties in the alcoholysis of cis-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride.

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An enantioselective synthesis of spirocyclic indoline scaffolds was achieved by applying an asymmetric iridium-catalyzed hydrogenation of 3H-indoles. Low catalyst loadings and mild reaction conditions provide a broad range of differently substituted products with excellent yields and enantioselectivities. The developed methodology allows an efficient synthesis of this important spirocyclic structural motif, which is present in numerous biologically active molecules and privileged structures in medicinal chemistry.

A new strategy towards the pharmacologically relevant class of dihydro-1,5-benzodiazepines was developed by applying a rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. The approach represents an efficient protocol providing access to the optically active products in excellent yields (up to 99%) and with high enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee). The versatility of the methodology was demonstrated by a broad substrate scope including alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl substituents as well as halides. Furthermore, investigations regarding the reaction mechanism were performed and unraveled a preferred reaction of the tautomeric enamine in the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation.