Metallo-supramolecular self-assembly: the case of triangle-square equilibria

Heterometallic-Organic Cages with Customized Cavities: Constructed by Bottom-Up Step-Wise Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly

Accurately synthesizing coordination-driven metal-organic cages with customized shape and cavity remains a great challenge for chemists. In this work, a bottom-up step-wise coordination-driven self-assembly approach was put forward. Employing this strategy, three terpyridyl heterometallic-organic truncated tetrahedral cages with different sizes and cavity were precisely synthesized. Firstly, the coordination of tripodal organic ligands with Ru2+ afforded dendritic metal-organic ligands L1-L3. Then the Ru building blocks complexed with Fe2+ and shrunk to form the desired heterometallic-organic cages (C1-C3). These discrete heterometallic-organic supramolecular cages were fully characterized and displayed the large and open cavities varied from 7205 Å3 to 9384 Å3. Notably, these cages could not be directly constructed by single-step assembly process using initial organic ligands or dimeric metal-organic ligands, indicative of the irreplaceability of a bottom-up step-wise assembly strategy for size-customized architectures. This work paves a new way for precisely constructing metal-organic cages with well-defined cavities.

Pyrene-Functionalized Ru-Catenated Metallacycles: Conversion of Catenated System to Monorectangle through Aging

Molecular transformation behavior within a mechanically interlocked system is often assisted by chemical manipulation, such as the inclusion of guest molecules, variation in the solution concentration, or swapping of solvents. We present in this report the synthesis of ruthenium metal and π-conjugated pyrene-based (2 + 2)2 catenated rectangles. Additionally, we discuss the structural conversion of these catenated rectangles into monorectangles through adjustments in concentration and solvent composition. In the presence of a methanol solution, a transformation into monorectangles was observed as the concentration declined. However, interestingly, in the presence of a nitromethane solution, an alteration in conformation to monorectangles was noted by just standing at room temperature for a few hours without any chemical manipulation. Furthermore, theoretical calculations were studied to provide insights into the formation of catenated structures over other potential ring-in-ring or Borromean-ring-type structures. The computational study with the GFN2-xTB method combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations showed that the lower binding energy within the rectangles favors a catenated structure over other potential ring-in-ring or Borromean-ring-type structures. This work represents a new example of an intertwined structure that self-assembles into a catenated ring rather than a ring-in-ring or Borromean ring and transforms into a monorectangle in nitromethane without the use of any template, alteration in solution concentration, or exchange of solvents, but simply by standing at room temperature.

Ligand-Directed Synthesis of a Self-Organized Chloro-Bridged Cubic Pd(II) Cage Showing Selective Encapsulation of Phenols

The synthesis and guest recognition properties of a neutral Pd24-cubic cage, [{Pd3(NiPr)3PO}8(μ2-Cl)24] 1 are reported. The formation of the cubical assembly takes place by an exclusive one-pot ligand-assisted pathway directed by an oximido linker. The initial coordination of the oximido ligand pre-organizes the [Pd3(NiPr)3PO]3+ polyhedral building units into a tetrameric intermediate, which then transforms into an oximido-tethered tetrahedral assembly and to the cubical cage 1 in the presence of chloride ions. In the absence of the directing oximido linker, no cage formation was observed, and the Pd6-precursor was found to undergo self-condensation, giving rise to a new pentameric polyhedral cluster, [Pd5{(NiPr)3PO}2(OAc)2(OH)2] 2. The central cavity of the cube has been probed for guest encapsulation studies, which shows a high binding with phenolic guest molecules with association constants of the order of 104-105 M-1. The favorable formation of host-guest complexes was attributed to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the host and guest functional groups.

Polyoxometalate-Dicarboxylate Hybrid Dimers with {SiW10Cr2} Nodes: Syntheses, Structures, and Mass Spectrometric Characterization

The current study describes a new family of hybrid dimers constructed from secondary building blocks based on a dichromium-substituted silicodecatungstate, {SiW10Cr2}, and flexible dicarboxylate ligands of varied lengths. All five polyoxometalate-organic hybrid compounds exhibit an entropically favored, cyclic dimer motif that contains just two {SiW10Cr2} clusters─the minimum to form a closed loop, linked by two aliphatic dicarboxylates, as revealed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Due to the kinetic inertness of such Cr3+-based hybrid dimers, ESI-MS has become a particularly useful technique for the characterization of these paramagnetic, NMR-unfriendly systems.

Pathway selection in the self-assembly of Rh4L4 coordination squares under kinetic control

Pathway selection principles in reversible reaction networks such as molecular self-assembly have not been established yet, because achieving kinetic control in reversible reaction networks is more complicated than in irreversible ones. In this study, we discovered that coordination squares consisting of cis-protected dinuclear rhodium(II) corner complexes and linear ditopic ligands are assembled under kinetic control, perfectly preventing the corresponding triangles, by modulating their energy landscapes with a weak monotopic carboxylate ligand (2,6-dichlorobenzoate: dcb-) as the leaving ligand. Experimental and numerical approaches revealed the self-assembly pathway where the cyclization step to form the triangular complex is blocked by dcb-. It was also found that one of the molecular squares assembled into a dimeric structure owing to the solvophobic effect, which was characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray analysis.

Polymer Networks with Cubic, Mixed Pd(II) and Pt(II) M6L12 Metal-Organic Cage Junctions: Synthesis and Stress Relaxation Behavior

Metal-organic cages/polyhedra (MOCs) are versatile building blocks for advanced polymer networks with properties that synergistically blend those of traditional polymers and crystalline frameworks. Nevertheless, constructing polyMOCs from very stable Pt(II)-based MOCs or mixtures of metal ions such as Pd(II) and Pt(II) has not, to our knowledge, been demonstrated, nor has exploration of how the dynamics of metal-ligand exchange at the MOC level may impact bulk polyMOC energy dissipation. Here, we introduce a new class of polymer metal-organic cage (polyMOC) gels featuring polyethylene glycol (PEG) strands of varied length cross-linked through bis-pyridyl-carbazole-based M6L12 cubes, where M is Pd(II), Pt(II), or mixtures thereof. We show that, while polyMOCs with varied Pd(II) content have similar network structures, their average stress-relaxation rates are tunable over 3 orders of magnitude due to differences in Pd(II)- and Pt(II)-ligand exchange rates at the M6L12 junction level. Moreover, mixed-metal polyMOCs display relaxation times indicative of intrajunction cooperative interactions, which stands in contrast to previous materials based on point metal junctions. Altogether, this work (1) introduces a novel MOC architecture for polyMOC design, (2) shows that polyMOCs can be prepared from mixtures of Pd(II)/Pt(II), and (3) demonstrates that polyMOCs display unique relaxation behavior due to their multivalent junctions, offering a strategy for controlling polyMOC properties independently of their polymer components.

Shifting the Triangle-Square Equilibrium of Self-Assembled Metallocycles by Guest Binding with Enhanced Photosensitization

Shifting a triangle-square equilibrium in one direction is an important problem in supramolecular self-assembly. Reaction of a benzothiadiazole-based diimidazole donor with a cis-Pt(II) acceptor yielded an equilibrium mixture of a triangle ([C₁₈H₂₄N₁₀O₆S₁Pt₁]₃≡ PtMC^T) and a square ([C₁₈H₂₄N₁₀O₆S₁Pt₁]₄≡ PtMC^S). We report here the shifting of such equilibrium toward a triangle using a guest (pyrene aldehyde, G1). While both benzothiadiazole and pyrene aldehyde can form reactive oxygen species (ROS) in organic solvents, their therapeutic use in water is restricted due to aqueous insolubility. The enhanced water solubility of the benzothiadiazole unit and G1 by macrocycle formation and host-guest complexation, respectively, enabled enhanced ROS generation by the host-guest complex (G1' ⊂ PtMC^T) in water (G1' = hydrated form of G1). The guest-encapsulated metallacycle (G1' ⊂ PtMC^T) has shown synergistic antibacterial activity compared to the mixture of macrocycles upon white-light irradiation due to enhanced ROS generation. The mechanism for such enhanced activity was established by measuring the oxidative stress and relative internalization of PtMCs and G1' ⊂ PtMC^T.

Visible-Light Switching of Metallosupramolecular Assemblies

A photoswitchable ligand and palladium(II) ions form a dynamic mixture of self-assembled metallosupramolecular structures. The photoswitching ligand is an ortho-fluoroazobenzene with appended pyridyl groups. Combining the E-isomer with palladium(II) salts affords a double-walled triangle with composition [Pd3 L6 ]6+ and a distorted tetrahedron [Pd4 L8 ]8+ (1 : 2 ratio at 298 K). Irradiation with 410 nm light generates a photostationary state with approximately 80 % of the E-isomer of the ligand and results in the selective disassembly of the tetrahedron, the more thermodynamically stable structure, and the formation of the triangle, the more kinetically inert product. The triangle is then slowly transformed back into the tetrahedron over 2 days at 333 K. The Z-isomer of the ligand does not form any well-defined structures and has a thermal half-life of 25 days at 298 K. This approach shows how a thermodynamically preferred self-assembled structure can be reversibly pumped to a kinetic trap by small perturbations of the isomer distribution using non-destructive visible light.

Templation and Concentration Drive Conversion Between a FeII12L12 Pseudoicosahedron, a FeII4L4 Tetrahedron, and a FeII2L3 Helicate

We report the construction of three structurally distinct self-assembled architectures: FeII12L12 pseudoicosahedron 1, FeII2L3 helicate 2, and FeII4L4 tetrahedron 3, formed from a single triazatriangulenium subcomponent A under different reaction conditions. Pseudoicosahedral capsule 1 is the largest formed through subcomponent self-assembly to date, with an outer-sphere diameter of 5.4 nm and a cavity volume of 15 nm3. The outcome of self-assembly depended upon concentration, where the formation of pseudoicosahedron 1 was favored at higher concentrations, while helicate 2 exclusively formed at lower concentrations. The conversion of pseudoicosahedron 1 or helicate 2 into tetrahedron 3 occurred following the addition of a CB11H12- or B12F122- template.

Solvent and Counteranion Assisted Dynamic Self-Assembly of Molecular Triangles and Tetrahedral Cages

Self-assembly of naked Pd^II ions separately with newly designed bis(3-pyridyl)benzothiadiazole (L1) and bis(3-pyridyl)thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole (L2) donors separately, under varying experimental conditions, yielded Pd₄L₈ (L= L1 or L2) tetrahedral cages and their homologous Pd₃L₆ (L= L1 or L2) double-walled triangular macrocycles. The resulting assemblies exhibited solvent, temperature, and counteranion induced dynamic equilibrium. Treatment of L1 with Pd(BF₄)₂ in acetonitrile (ACN) resulted in selective formation of a tetrahedral cage [Pd₄(L1)₈](BF₄)₈ (1a), which is in dynamic equilibrium with its homologue triangle [Pd₃(L1)₆](BF₄)₆ (2a) in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). On the other hand, similar self-assembly using L2 instead of L1 yielded an equilibrium mixture of tetrahedral cage [Pd₄(L2)₈](BF₄)₈ (3a) and triangle [Pd₃(L2)₆](BF₄)₆ (4a) forms in both ACN and DMSO. The assembles were characterized by multinuclear NMR and ESI-MS while the structure of the tetrahedral cage (1a) was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Existence of a dynamic equilibrium between the assemblies in solution has been investigated via variable temperature ¹H NMR. The equilibrium constant K = ([Pd₄L₈]³/[Pd₃L₆]⁴) was calculated at each experimental temperature and fitted with the Van't Hoff equation to determine the standard enthalpy (ΔH°) and entropy (ΔS°) associated with the interconversion of the double-walled triangle to tetrahedral cage. The thermodynamic feasibility of structural interconversion was analyzed from the change in ΔG°, which suggests favorable conversion of Pd₃L₆ triangle to Pd₄L₈ cage at elevated temperature for L1 in DMSO and L2 in ACN. Interestingly, similar self-assembly reactions of L1 and L2 with Pd(NO₃)₂ instead of Pd(BF₄)₂ resulted in selective formation of a tetrahedral cage [Pd₄(L1)₈](NO₃)₈ (1b) and double-walled triangle [Pd₃(L2)₆](NO₃)₆ (4b), respectively.

Entropy directs the self-assembly of supramolecular palladium coordination macrocycles and cages

The self-assembly of palladium-based cages is frequently rationalized via the cumulative enthalpy (ΔH) of bonds between coordination nodes (M, i.e., Pd) and ligand (L) components. This focus on enthalpic rationale limits the complete understanding of the Gibbs free energy (ΔG) for self-assembly, as entropic (ΔS) contributions are overlooked. Here, we present a study of the M₂^linL₃ intermediate species (M = dinitrato(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine)palladium(ii), ^linL = 4,4′-bipyridine), formed during the synthesis of triangle-shaped (M₃^linL₃) and square-shaped (M₄^linL₄) coordination macrocycles. Thermochemical analyses by variable temperature (VT) ¹H-NMR revealed that the M₂^linL₃ intermediate exhibited an unfavorable (relative) ΔS compared to M₃^linL₃ (triangle, ΔTΔS = +5.22 kcal mol⁻¹) or M₄^linL₄ (square, ΔTΔS = +2.37 kcal mol⁻¹) macrocycles. Further analysis of these constructs with molecular dynamics (MD) identified that the self-assembly process is driven by ΔG losses facilitated by increases in solvation entropy (ΔS_solv, i.e., depletion of solvent accessible surface area) that drives the self-assembly from “open” intermediates toward “closed” macrocyclic products. Expansion of our computational approach to the analysis of self-assembly in Pd_n^benL_2n cages (^benL = 4,4'-(5-ethoxy-1,3-phenylene)dipyridine), demonstrated that ΔS_solv contributions drive the self-assembly of both thermodynamic cage products (i.e., Pd₁₂^benL₂₄) and kinetically-trapped intermediates (i.e., Pd₈^cL₁₆).

These studies demonstrate that ΔS drives the self-assembly of supramolecular palladium-based coordination macrocycles and cages. As this ΔS contribution arises from solvation, these findings broadly reflect the thermodynamic drive of self-assembly to form compact structures.

Construction of Entropically Favored Supramolecular Metal-Ligand Trimeric Assemblies Supported by Flexible Pyridylaminophosphorus(V) Scaffolds

The self-assembly reactions of tetratopic metal acceptors with the flexible bidentate ligands are known to yield self-assembled molecular squares of the type [M₄L₈], triangles of composition [M₃L₆], or a mixture of these two. In this work, we demonstrate the preferential formation of a trimeric cage assembly of the formula [Pd₃(L¹)₆·(BF₄)₆] (1a) over the tetrameric cage [Pd₄(L¹)₈·(BF₄)₈] (1b) by employing a flexible dipodal phosphoramide ligand, [PhPO(NH(3-Py))₂] (L¹; 3-Py = 3-aminopyridine), in a reaction with [Pd(CH₃CN)₄·(BF₄)₂]. The entropically favored trimeric self-assembly of 1a is the predominant species in the solution [dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)-d₆] at room temperature. In fact, at higher temperatures, 1a was found to be the only product, as observed from the disappearance of the peak due to 1b in the ³¹P NMR spectrum. However, in a 1:1 mixture of acetonitrile (MeCN)-d₃ and DMSO-d₆, the tetrameric species 1b is the preferred species, as revealed by the ³¹P NMR and electrospray ionization mass spectral analyses. The structure of the molecular trimer 1a has been established in the solid state by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Interestingly, treatment of an another flexible ligand, [MePO(NH(3-Py))₂] (L²), with the same Pd(II) acceptor resulted in exclusive formation of the trimeric cage [Pd₃(L²)₆·(BF₄)₆] (2).

Macrocyclic Complexes Derived from Four cis-L2 Pt Corners and Four Butadiynediyl Linkers; Syntheses, Electronic Structures, and Square versus Skew Rhombus Geometries

The dialkyl malonate derived 1,3-diphosphines R₂ C(CH₂ PPh₂ )₂ (R=a, Me; b, Et; c, n-Bu; d, n-Dec; e, Bn; f, p-tolCH₂ ) are combined with (p-tol₃ P)₂ PtCl₂ or trans-(p-tol₃ P)₂ Pt((C≡C)₂ H)₂ to give the chelates cis-(R₂ C(CH₂ PPh₂ )₂ )PtCl₂ (2 a-f, 94-69 %) or cis-(R₂ C(CH₂ PPh₂ )₂ )Pt((C≡C)₂ H)₂ (3 a-f, 97-54 %). Complexes 3 a-d are also available from 2 a-d and excess 1,3-butadiyne in the presence of CuI (cat.) and excess HNEt₂ (87-65 %). Under similar conditions, 2 and 3 react to give the title compounds [(R₂ C(CH₂ PPh₂ )₂ )[Pt(C≡C)₂ ]₄ (4 a-f; 89-14 % (64 % avg)), from which ammonium salts such as the co-product [H₂ NEt₂ ]⁺ Cl^- are challenging to remove. Crystal structures of 4 a,b show skew rhombus as opposed to square Pt₄ geometries. The NMR and IR properties of 4 a-f are similar to those of mono- or diplatinum model compounds. However, cyclic voltammetry gives only irreversible oxidations. As compared to mono-platinum or Pt(C≡C)₂ Pt species, the UV-visible spectra show much more intense and red-shifted bands. Time dependent DFT calculations define the transitions and principal orbitals involved. Electrostatic potential surface maps reveal strongly negative Pt₄ C₁₆ cores that likely facilitate ammonium cation binding. Analogous electronic properties of Pt₃ C₁₂ and Pt₅ C₂₀ homologs and selected equilibria are explored computationally.

A square-shaped complex with an electron-acceptor ligand: unique cubic crystal symmetry and similarity to the inorganic mineral katoite

We successfully obtained a Pt square complex having an electron-accepting ligand, which shows a strong similarity to the high-pressure phase of the natural mineral katoite in the solid state.

Application of 4-pyridylselenolate palladium macrocycles in Suzuki couplings

Pd macrocycles of diphosphine were constructed employing 4-pyridylselenolate. They act as excellent catalysts in the Suzuki coupling reaction.

A New Mechanically-Interlocked [Pd2 L4 ] Cage Motif by Dimerization of two Peptide-based Lemniscates

Most metallo-supramolecular assemblies of low nuclearity adopt simple topologies, with bridging ligands spanning neighboring metal centers in a direct fashion. Here we contribute a new structural motif to the family of host compounds with low metal count (two) that consists of a pair of doubly-interlocked, Figure-eight-shaped subunits, also termed "lemniscates". Each metal is chelated by two chiral bidentate ligands, composed of a peptidic macrocycle that resembles a natural product with two pyridyl-terminated arms. DFT calculation results suggest that dimerization of the mononuclear halves is driven by a combination of 1) Coulomb interaction with a central anion, 2) π-stacking between intertwined ligand arms and 3) dispersive interactions between the structure's compact inner core bedded into an outer shell composed of the cavitand-type macrocycles. The resulting cage-like architecture was characterized by NMR, MS and X-ray structure analyses. This new mechanically bonded system highlights the scope of structural variety accessible in metal-mediated self-assemblies composed of only a few constituents.

Over one century after discovery: pyrylium salt chemistry emerging as a powerful approach for the construction of complex macrocycles and metallo-supramolecules

Over one century after its discovery, pyrylium salt chemistry has been extensively applied in preparing light emitters, photocatalysts, and sensitizers. In most of these studies, pyrylium salts acted as versatile precursors for the preparation of small molecules (such as furan, pyridines, phosphines, pyridinium salts, thiopyryliums and betaine dyes) and poly(pyridinium salt)s. In recent decades, pyrylium salt chemistry has emerged as a powerful approach for constructing complex macrocycles and metallo-supramolecules. In this perspective, we attempt to summarize the representative efforts of synthesizing and self-assembling large, complex architectures using pyrylium salt chemistry. We believe that this perspective not only highlights the recent achievements in pyrylium salt chemistry, but also inspires us to revisit this chemistry to design and construct macrocycles and metallo-supramolecules with increasing complexity and desired function.

Transformation Network Culminating in a Heteroleptic Cd6L6L'2 Twisted Trigonal Prism

Transformations between three-dimensional metallosupramolecular assemblies can enable switching between the different functions of these structures. Here we report a network of such transformations, based upon a subcomponent displacement strategy. The flow through this network is directed by the relative reactivities of different amines, aldehydes, and di(2-pyridyl)ketone. The network provides access to an unprecedented heteroleptic Cd6L6L'2 twisted trigonal prism. The principles underpinning this network thus allow for the design of diverse structural transformations, converting one helicate into another, a helicate into a tetrahedron, a tetrahedron into a different tetrahedron, and a tetrahedron into the new trigonal prismatic structure type. The selective conversion from one host to another also enabled the uptake of a desired guest from a mixture of guests.

Ring size matters: supramolecular isomerism in self-assembled redox-active tetra- and hexaruthenium macrocycles

Self-assembly of a divinylthiophene-bridged diruthenium complex with 2,5-furandicarboxylate leads to the formation of two macrocyclic structures that differ solely with regard to their respective nuclearities. Both supramolecular isomers were fully characterized and the conversion of the hexa- to the tetraruthenium macrocycle was followed by NMR monitoring.

Synthesis and anti-proliferative activities of amine capped Pd and Pt macrocycles of 4,4′-dipyridylselenides

Symmetric macrocyclic complexes characterized as dimeric and their oligomeric form in water and the solid state exhibit high in vitro anticancer activities.

Temperature Controls Guest Uptake and Release from Zn4L4 Tetrahedra

We report the preparation of triazatruxene-faced tetrahedral cage 1, which exhibits two diastereomeric configurations (T1 and T2) that differ in the handedness of the ligand faces relative to that of the octahedrally coordinated metal centers. At lower temperatures, T1 is favored, whereas T2 predominates at higher temperatures. Host–guest studies show that T1 binds small aliphatic guests, whereas T2 binds larger aromatic molecules, with these changes in binding preference resulting from differences in cavity size and degree of enclosure. Thus, by a change in temperature the cage system can be triggered to eject one bound guest and take up another.

Coordination-driven assembly of a supramolecular square and oxidation to a tetra-ligand radical species

The design and synthesis of a supramolecular square was achieved by coordination-driven assembly of redox-active nickel(ii) salen linkers and (ethylenediamine)palladium(ii) nodes. The tetrameric geometry of the supramolecular structure was confirmed via MS, NMR, and electrochemical experiments. While oxidation of the monomeric metalloligand Schiff-base affords a Ni(iii) species, oxidation of the coordination-driven assembly results in ligand radical formation.

Supramolecular chirality transformation driven by monodentate ligand binding to a coordinatively unsaturated self-assembly based on C 3-symmetric ligands

Monodentate ligand binding is facilitated by supramolecular chirality transformations from propeller-shaped chirality into single-twist chirality by altering the self-assembly of C 3-symmetric chiral ligands. The C 3-symmetric chiral ligands (Im R 3Bz and Im S 3Bz) contain three chiral imidazole side arms (Im R  and Im S ) at the 1,3,5-positions of a central benzene ring. Upon coordination to zinc ions (Zn2+), which have a tetrahedral coordination preference, the C 3-symmetric chiral ligands assemble, in a stepwise manner, into a propeller-shaped assembly with a general formula (Im( R or S ) 3Bz)4(Zn2+)3. In this structure each Zn2+ ion coordinates to the three individual imidazole side arms. The resulting assembly is formally coordinatively unsaturated (coordination number, n = 3) and capable of accepting monodentate co-ligands (imidazole: ImH2) to afford a coordinatively saturated assembly [(ImH2)3(Im R 3Bz)4(Zn2+)3]. The preformed propeller-shaped chirality is preserved during this transformation. However, an excess of the monodentate co-ligand (ImH2/Zn2+ molar ratio of ∼1.7) alters the propeller-shaped assembly into a stacked dimer assembly [(ImH2) m (Im R 3Bz)2(Zn2+)3] (m = 4-6) with single-twist chirality. This switch alters the degree of enhancement and the circular dichroism (CD) pattern, suggesting a structural transition into a chiral object with a different shape. This architectural chirality transformation presents a new approach to forming dynamic coordination-assemblies, which have transformable geometric chiral structures.

Terpyridine-metal complexes: Applications in catalysis and supramolecular chemistry

As an NNN-tridentate ligand, the 2,2':6',2"-terpyridine plays an important role in coordination chemistry. With three coordination sites and low LUMO, terpyridine and its derivatives are one of the typical Pincer ligand and/or non-innocent ligands in transition metal catalysis. Interesting catalytic reactivities have been obtained with these tpy-metal complexes targeting some challenging transformations, such as C-C bond formation and hydrofunctionalization. On the other hand, terpyridine ligands can form "closed-shell" octahedral complexes, which provide a linear and stable linkage in supramolecular chemistry. Numerous supramolecular architectures have been achieved using modified terpyridine ligands including Sierpiński triangles, hexagonal gasket and supramolecular rosettes. This review presents a summary of recent progress regarding transition metal-terpyridine complexes with the focus on their applications in catalysis and supramolecular structure construction. Facile synthesis of terpyridine derivatives is also described. We hope this article can serve to provide some general perspectives of the terpyridine ligand and their applications in coordination chemistry.

Diversity of metal-organic macrocycles assembled from carbazole based ligands with different lengths

A series of carbazole based ligands with different lengths were assembled with nickel ions to construct metal-organic macrocycles. High-resolution mass spectrometry and ion mobility-mass spectrometry have been used to analyse the resulting M_nL_n assembly coexisting in solution. Combining with the structural analysis of their solid confirmation, it was revealed that the diversity of the metal-organic macrocycles was increased with the flexibility of the ligands.

Coordination-driven self-assembly of chiral palladium(ii)-based supramolecular triangle structures

Chiral structures of palladium(ii)-based triangular supramolecular complexes, with achiral corners and edges, have been characterized in solution.

Concentration dependent supramolecular interconversions of triptycene-based cubic, prismatic, and tetrahedral structures

New insight into the molecular fission–fusion process is obtained with the characterization of a stable intermediate prismatic cage.

Progress in antischistosomal N,N'-diaryl urea SAR

N,N'-Diaryl ureas have recently emerged as a new antischistosomal chemotype. We now describe physicochemical profiling, in vitro ADME, plasma exposure, and ex vivo and in vivo activities against Schistosoma mansoni for twenty new N,N'-diaryl ureas designed primarily to increase aqueous solubility, but also to maximize structural diversity. Replacement of one of the 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl substructures of lead N,N'-diaryl urea 1 with azaheterocycles and benzoic acids, benzamides, or benzonitriles decreased lipophilicity, and in most cases, increased aqueous solubility. There was no clear relationship between lipophilicity and metabolic stability, although all compounds with 3-trifluoromethyl-4-pyridyl substructures were metabolically stable. N,N'-diaryl ureas containing 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl, 3-trifluoromethyl-4-pyridyl, 2,2-difluorobenzodioxole, or 4-benzonitrile substructures had high activity against ex vivo S. mansoni and relatively low cytotoxicity. N,N-diaryl ureas with 3-trifluoromethyl-4-pyridyl and 2,2-difluorobenzodioxole substructures had the highest exposures whereas those with 4-fluoro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl substructures had the best in vivo antischistosomal activities. There was no direct correlation between compound exposure and in vivo activity.

Syntheses, Structures, and Solution Studies of Multicomponent Macrocycles and Cages Based on Versatile Ligands

Different types of multinuclear half-sandwich rhodium macrocycles and cages were designed and synthesized by using two similar multifunctional hydroxamate ligands (pyrazine-2-hydroxamic acid (NaHL¹ ) and 4,4'-bipyridine-2-hydroxamic acid (KHL² )) featuring one monodentate site and two pairs of chelating sites. The Rh^III -Pd^II heterometallic macrocycles were constructed by using the semi-open palladium(II) source [Pd(en)Cl₂ ] with two free acceptor sites. However, only one kind of macrocycle was found when the shorter ligand L¹ was used, while in for the larger ligand, various spectroscopic techniques demonstrated the coexistence of hexanuclear and octanuclear macrocycles in solution and the proportions of both components depended on concentration and temperature. The palladium salt Pd(NO₃ )₂ , as a source of "naked" Pd²⁺ , was introduced to assemble the cuboid-shaped cage composed of two types of metal ions and three types of organic ligands. In addition, two silver(I)-containing mixed-metal complexes bridged by pyrazine were obtained, in which two forms of decanuclear complex with C_2v and C_2h point symmetry cocrystallized-one is a polymeric structure and the other is a discrete cage. However, the third form, with D₂ point symmetry, was found in the larger cage.

Self-Assembled Novel BODIPY-Based Palladium Supramolecules and Their Cellular Localization

Four new palladium metal supramolecules with triangular/square architectures derived from boron dipyrromethane (BODIPY) ligands were synthesized by self-assembly and fully characterized by ¹H and ³¹P NMR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These supramolecules were more cytotoxic to brain cancer (glioblastoma) cells than to normal lung fibroblasts. Their cytotoxicity to the glioblastoma cells was higher than that of a benchmark metal-based chemotherapy drug, cisplatin. The characteristic green fluorescence of the BODIPY ligands in these supramolecules permitted their intracellular visualization using confocal microscopy, and the compounds were localized in the cytoplasm and on the plasma membrane.

Reactivity Study of Unsymmetrical β-Diketiminato Copper(I) Complexes: Effect of the Chelating Ring

β-Diketiminato copper(I) complexes play important roles in bioinspired catalytic chemistry and in applications to the materials industry. However, it has been observed that these complexes are very susceptible to disproportionation. Coordinating solvents or Lewis bases are typically used to prevent disproportionation and to block the coordination sites of the copper(I) center from further decomposition. Here, we incorporate this coordination protection directly into the molecule in order to increase the stability and reactivity of these complexes and to discover new copper(I) binding motifs. Here we describe the synthesis, structural characterization, and reactivity of a series of unsymmetrical N-aryl-N'-alkylpyridyl β-diketiminato copper(I) complexes and discuss the structures and reactivity of these complexes with respect to the length of the pyridyl arm. All of the aforementioned unsymmetrical ß-diketiminato copper(I) complexes bind CO reversibly and are stable to disproportionation. The binding ability of CO and the rate of pyridyl ligand decoordination of these copper(I) complexes are directly related to the competition between the degree of puckering of the chelate system and the steric demands of the N-aryl substituent.

Topological transformation of a trefoil knot into a [2]catenane

Kinetic and thermodynamic investigation of topological transformation of a trefoil knot into a [2]catenane in water.