Controlling Chiral Self-Sorting in Truxene-Based Self-Assembled Cages

Abstract

Coordination driven self-assembly of achiral components, i.e., hexa-alkylated truxene ligands (L) with bis-metallic complexes (M2), afforded three chiral face-rotating stereoisomer polyhedra (M6L2). By tuning the length of the alkyl chains as well as the distance between both ligands facing each other in the self-assemblies (M6L2), one can control the diastereomeric distribution between the expected homo- and hetero-chiral structures.

Chiral Truxene‐Based Self‐Assembled Cages: Triple Interlocking and Supramolecular Chirogenesis

“…Since ligand A generates M 6 L 2 cages upon self-assembling with rigid bis metallic Ruthenium complexes, [19] we anticipated that the interaction of L with the complex Ru would produce a M 6 L 2 cage (Ru 6 L 2 ). In this case, it has to be noted that up to ten stereoisomers are expected, depending on the respective orientation of the butyl chains, which are either directed outward or inward relative to the cavity (Figure S1a).…”

“…We recently discussed how the achiral hexa-alkylated truxene ligand A can form polyhedra (M 6 L 2 stoichiometry). Upon self-assembling with bis(metallic) Ruthenium or Rhodium complexes, [19] this achiral ligand proved to form cages existing as chiral face-rotating stereoisomers. By adjusting the length of the six alkyl chains and the distance between the truxene cores in those self-assembled structures (i.e.…”