Single-step synthesis of a heterometallic [Cu2PdL4]2+ lantern-type coordination cage

Abstract

A heterotrimetallic [Cu2PdL4]2+ lantern-type coordination cage has been assembled in a single self-assembly step. Heterotopic ligands, comprised of both carboxylate and pyridyl binding groups, facilitate the simultaneous coordination of Cu(II) and Pd(II) ions, respectively. The resultant cage is a fusion of the two common lantern-type cage motifs, Cu4L4 and Pd2L4. It is envisioned that this simple design strategy will ease the assembly of structurally complex, low-symmetry cages in general.