Metallo-Supramolecular Helicates as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrates with High Tailorability

The exploration of novel functionalized supramolecular coordination complexes (SCCs) can enable new applications in domains that include purification and sensing. In this study, employing a coordination-driven self-assembly strategy, we designed and prepared a series of benzochalcogenodiazole-based metallohelicates as high-efficiency charge-transfer surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, expanding the range of applications for these metallohelicates. Through structural modifications, including the substitution of single heteroatoms on ligands, replacement of coordinating metals, and alteration of ligand framework linkages, the Raman performance of these metallohelicates as substrates were systematically optimized. Notably, the SERS enhancement factors (EFs) of the metallohelicate-based SERS substrates were significantly enhanced to levels as high as 1.03×107, which rivals the EFs of noble metals devoid of "hot spots". Additionally, the underlying Raman enhancement mechanisms of these metallohelicates have been investigated through a combination of control experiments and theoretical calculations. This study not only demonstrates the utility of metallohelicates as SERS substrates but also offers insights and materials for the development of high-efficiency new charge-transfer SERS substrates.

A triangular palladium(II) supramolecular coordination complex based on 1,4-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene and (2,2'-bipyridyl)palladium(II) nitrate: synthesis and crystal structure

The self-assembly of ditopic bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene ligands (L^H) and the complex (2,2'-bipyridyl-κ²N,N')bis(nitrato-κO)palladium(II) affords the supramolecular coordination complex tris[μ-bis(1H-imidazol-1-yl)benzene-κ²N³:N^3']-triangulo-tris[(2,2'-bipyridyl-κ²N,N')palladium(II)] hexakis(hexafluoridophosphate) acetonitrile heptasolvate, [Pd₃(C₁₀H₈N₂)₃(C₁₂H₁₀N₄)₃](PF₆)₆·7CH₃CN, 2. The structure of 2 was characterized in acetonitrile-d₃ by ¹H/¹³C NMR spectroscopy and a DOSY experiment. The trimeric nature of supramolecular coordination complex 2 in solution was ascertained by cold spray ionization mass spectrometry (CSI-MS) and confirmed in the solid state by X-ray structure analysis. The asymmetric unit of 2 comprises the trimetallic Pd complex, six PF₆^- counter-ions and seven acetonitrile solvent molecules. Moreover, there is one cavity within the unit cell which could contain diethyl ether solvent molecules, as suggested by the crystallization process. The packing is stabilized by weak inter- and intramolecular C-H...N and C-H...F interactions. Interestingly, the crystal structure displays two distinct conformations for the L^H ligand (i.e. syn and anti), with an all-syn-[Pd] coordination mode. This result is in contrast to the solution behaviour, where multiple structures with syn/anti-L^H and syn/anti-[Pd] are a priori possible and expected to be in rapid equilibrium.