Development of Supramolecular Complexes Based on Coordination Complexes and Organic Hosts

Abstract

Molecular self-assembly has recently developed to create a variety of three-dimensional giant architectures, being reminiscent of large biomolecules. Coordination-driven self-assembly, particularly, is one of the sophisticated approaches to build up brilliant structures with remarkable chemical and physical properties, owing to the moderate reversibility and high directionality of the coordination bonds toward a formation of a defined structure. In contrast to the rich examples of the metal-ligand assemblies, supramolecular complexes based on noncovalent interactions have been less explored. In this paper, our recent results on molecular assemblies using a hydrogen-bonding organic host and coordination complexes are summarized. The components were strongly bound each other by concerted effects of noncovalent interactions, forming unique host-guest complexes. Thanks to the high flexibility and adaptivity of the driving forces, the self-assembled product gained remarkable complexity and functionality. The molecular assembly of the organic hosts and coordination complexes via heterogeneous conditions also afforded supramolecular structures in "out-of-equilibrium" state. These findings based on this molecular system will endow us with a chance to encounter many serendipities and provide useful materials originating from the unique structures.