Metal ion-modulated self-assembly of pseudo-suit[3]anes using crown ether-based terpyridine metalloprisms

Abstract

Two hexanuclear metalloprisms possessing three dibenzo[24]crown-8 units were generated in quantitative yields by complexation of the predesigned tetratopic 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine ligand (T) with Cd and Zn ions, respectively. The prismatic hosts were subsequently self-assembled with the trifunctional guest molecule (TriG) containing dibenzylammonium ions to afford the corresponding metallo-supramolecular pseudo-suit[3]anes. It was serendipitously found that the host-guest inclusion rates could be modulated by the subtle dynamic difference in metal-ligand frameworks, finally leading to a selective encapsulation event in the presence of both metallo-suits.

Divergent Terpyridine‐Based Coordination for the Construction of Photoactive Supramolecular Structures

“…As a consequence of the high binding affinity, custom‐made terpyridine monomers combined with suitable metals give rise to programmable and highly ordered 2D and 3D structures . These supramolecular materials based on terpyridine‐containing p‐conjugated polymers found application in optoelectronic devices like organic light‐emitting diode, photovoltaic cells, organic field‐effect transistors and ion sensors , .…”

Stimuli‐Responsive Supramolecular Gels Constructed by Hierarchical Self‐Assembly Based on Metal‐Ligand Coordination and Host–Guest Recognition

“…In the past decades, metal coordination‐driven self‐assembly has been proven to be a highly efficient strategy for producing predesigned 2D and 3D architectures . The ingenious ligand design and the meticulous choice of metal ions make the assemblies feature well‐defined geometry and cavity, which have potential applications in the fields such as guest binding, catalysis, and molecular machines . However, these rigid metallosupramolecules have relatively poor solubility, which therefore limits their utilization.…”

Mechanically interlocked molecular handcuffs

“…Chan and coworkers also created a suit [3]ane by linking together the three macrocyclic monomers with coordination bonds. 75 dibenzo [24]crown-8 macrocycle was functionalised with four terpyridine groups, two for each of the macrocycle's benzene rings. Coordination of these ligands with cadmium(II) ions generated a metalloprism 'suit' that could encapsulate a tris(ammonium) guest molecule, connected to a central 1,3,5-substituted benzene core by exible aliphatic chains (Fig.…”