Onion-Shell Metal−Organic Polyhedra (MOPs): A General Approach to Decorate the Exteriors of MOPs using Principles of Supramolecular Chemistry

Stereoselective Solid-State Synthesis of Biologically Active Cyclobutane and Dicyclobutane Isomers via Conformation Blocking and Transference

Conformations in the solid state are typically fixed during crystallization. Transference of "frozen" C=C conformations in 3,5-bis((E)-2-(pyridin-4-yl)vinyl)methylbenzene (CH3-3,5-bpeb) by photodimerization selectively yielded cyclobutane and dicyclobutane isomers, one of which (Isomer 2) exhibited excellent in vitro anti-cancer activity towards T-24, 7402, MGC803, HepG-2, and HeLa cells.

Redox-Controlled Self-Assembly of Vanadium-Seamed Hexameric Pyrogallol[4]Arene Nanocapsules

Here we report the controlled self-assembly of vanadium-seamed metal-organic nanocapsules with specific metal oxidation state distributions. Three supramolecular assemblies composed of the same numbers of components including 24 metal centers and six pyrogallol[4]arene ligands were constructed: a VIII24L6 capsule, a mixed-valence VIII18VIV6L6 capsule, and a VIV24L6 capsule. Crystallographic studies of the new capsules reveal their remarkable structural complexity and geometries, while marked differences in metal oxidation state distribution greatly affect the photoelectric conversion properties of these assemblies. This work therefore represents a significant step forward in the construction of intricate metal-organic architectures with tailored structure and functionality.

A copper-seamed coordination nanocapsule as a semiconductor photocatalyst for molecular oxygen activation

Here we report that a Cu²⁺-seamed coordination nanocapsule can serve as an efficient semiconductor photocatalyst for molecular oxygen activation. This capsule was constructed through a redox reaction facilitated self-assembly of cuprous bromide and C-pentyl-pyrogallol[4]arene. Photophysical and electrochemical studies revealed its strong visible-light absorption and photocurrent polarity switching effect. This novel molecular solid material is capable of activating molecular oxygen into reactive oxygen species under simulated sunlight irradiation. The oxygen activation process has been exploited for catalyzing aerobic oxidation reactions. The present work provides new insights into designing nonporous discrete metal-organic supramolecular assemblies for solar-driven molecular oxygen activation.

Structural Chemistry of Giant Metal Based Supramolecules

The review presents a bird-eye view on the state of research in the field of giant nonbiological discrete metal complexes and ions of nanometer size, which are structurally characterized by means of single-crystal X-ray diffraction, using the crystal structure as a common key feature. The discussion is focused on the main structural features of the metal clusters, the clusters containing compact metal oxide/hydroxide/chalcogenide core, ligand-based metal-organic cages, and supramolecules as well as on the aspects related to the packing of the molecules or ions in the crystal and the methodological aspects of the single-crystal neutron and X-ray diffraction of these compounds.

Encapsulation of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+ luminophore in a unique hydrogen-bonded host framework

One-dimensional networks of the well-known photosensitizer [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ are encapsulated in an unusual hydrogen-bonded crystalline host framework.

Solvent-assisted coordination driven assembly of a supramolecular architecture featuring two types of connectivity from discrete nanocages

A 3D nanocage architecture with two types of connectivity was successfully assembled from discrete supramolecular nanocages.

The rapid development of supramolecular chemistry provides a powerful bottom-up approach to construct various well-defined nano-architectures with increasing complexity and functionality. Compared to that of small and simple nanometric objects, the self-assembly of larger and more complex nanometric objects, such as nanocages, remains a significant challenge. Herein, we used a discrete nanocage as the monomer to successfully construct a novel three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture, which comprises two types of nanocage building units with different connectivity, using the solvent-assisted coordination-driven assembly approach. The mechanism of this supramolecular assembly process was investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) studies, which identified for the first time the formation of a nanocage dimer intermediate during the assembly process. The assembly of discrete nanocages into a 3D supramolecular architecture led to remarkable enhancement of stability and gas adsorption properties.

Binder driven self-assembly of metal-organic cubes towards functional hydrogels

The process of assembling astutely designed, well-defined metal-organic cube (MOC) into hydrogel by using a suitable molecular binder is a promising method for preparing processable functional soft materials. Here, we demonstrate charge-assisted H-bonding driven hydrogel formation from Ga³⁺-based anionic MOC ((Ga₈(ImDC)₁₂)¹²⁻) and molecular binders, like, ammonium ion (NH₄⁺), N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine, guanidine hydrochloride and β-alanine. The morphology of the resulting hydrogel depends upon the size, shape and geometry of the molecular binder. Hydrogel with NH₄⁺ shows nanotubular morphology with negative surface charge and is used for gel-chromatographic separation of cationic species from anionic counterparts. Furthermore, a photo-responsive luminescent hydrogel is prepared using a cationic tetraphenylethene-based molecular binder (DATPE), which is employed as a light harvesting antenna for tuning emission colour including pure white light. This photo-responsive hydrogel is utilized for writing and preparing flexible light-emitting display.

A possible route to producing processable soft materials is by assembling metal organic cubes into hydrogels. Here the authors show charge-assisted H-bond driven self-assembly of Ga³⁺-based anionic metal organic cubes and suitable molecular binders towards multi-functional hydrogels.

Single-crystal-to-single-crystal conversions of two metal-mediated photoreactive coordination polymers based on stereoselective [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reactions

Two stereoselective [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reactions occur in two metal-mediated coordination polymers via single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations.

Reversible photoreduction of Cu(ii)–coumarin metal–organic polyhedra

Controlled reduction of Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺/Cu⁰ can be achieved by judicious ligand design in optically responsive metal–organic polyhedra systems.

[CrIII8MII6]n+ (MII = Cu, Co) face-centred, metallosupramolecular cubes

Heterometallic cubes, assembled in a modular fashion from a [CrL₃] metalloligand and simple M^II salts, display interesting encapsulation and magnetic behaviours.

Preparation of core-shell coordination molecular assemblies via the enrichment of structure-directing "codes" of bridging ligands and metathesis of metal units

A series of molybdenum- and copper-based MOPs were synthesized through coordination-driven process of a bridging ligand (3,3'-PDBAD, L(1)) and dimetal paddlewheel clusters. Three conformers of the ligand exist with an ideal bridging angle between the two carboxylate groups of 0° (H2α-L(1)), 120° (H2β-L(1)), and of 90° (H2γ-L(1)), respectively. At ambient or lower temperature, H2L(1) and Mo2(OAc)4 or Cu2(OAc)4 were crystallized into a molecular square with γ-L(1) and Mo2/Cu2 units. With proper temperature elevation, not only the molecular square with γ-L(1) but also a lantern-shaped cage with α-L(1) formed simultaneously. Similar to how Watson-Crick pairs stabilize the helical structure of duplex DNA, the core-shell molecular assembly possesses favorable H-bonding interaction sites. This is dictated by the ligand conformation in the shell, coding for the formation and providing stabilization of the central lantern shaped core, which was not observed without this complementary interaction. On the basis of the crystallographic implications, a heterobimetallic cage was obtained through a postsynthetic metal ion metathesis, showing different reactivity of coordination bonds in the core and shell. As an innovative synthetic strategy, the site-selective metathesis broadens the structural diversity and properties of coordination assemblies.

A dodecanuclear copper(ii) cage self-assembled from six dicopper building units

Sandwich capping of two {Cu₃(μ₃-NO₃)}⁵⁻ triangles over a hydroxido-bridged {Cu₆} hexagon, supported by six ligands resulted in a novel Cu₁₂ cage in a flattened cuboctahedral topology.

Role of anions in the synthesis of cyclobutane derivatives via [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction in the solid state and their isomerization in solution

trans-3-(4'-Pyridyl)acrylic acid (4-PA) is inert to photodimerization reaction both in solution and solid state. It is made photoreactive by forming salts with various acids. The anions of these salts play a key role in directing the packing of 4-PAH(+) in the solid state. The anions CF(3)CO(2)(-), Cl(-), ClO(4)(-), and BF(4)(-) direct the parallel alignments of 4-PAH(+) in head-to-tail (HT) fashion and lead to the formation of HT-photodimer. On the other hand, bivalent anion SO(4)(2-) directs parallel alignment of 4-PAH(+) in head-to-head (HH) fashion and lead to the formation of HH-photodimer. The details of the anion-controlled stereoselective syntheses of these two cyclobutane derivatives are presented. Interestingly, both cyclobutane compounds undergo isomerization from rctt-form to rctc-form in solution catalyzed by acid.

Magnetism in metal-organic capsules

Nickel and cobalt seamed metal-organic capsules have been isolated and studied using structural, magnetic and computational approaches. Antiferromagnetic exchange in the Ni capsule results from coordination environments enforced by the capsule framework.