Structure-switching M3L2 Ir(iii) coordination cages with photo-isomerising azo-aromatic linkers

Self-assembled tetrazine cryptophane for ion pair recognition and guest release by cage disassembly

Hereby, we describe the synthesis of a self-assembled syn-cryptophane using dynamic nucleophilic aromatic substitution of tetrazines. 1H NMR cage titrations reveal that the tetramethylammonium cation binds under slow exchange conditions while counter-anions show a fast exchange regime. Finally, the cryptophane can be disassembled by the addition of thiols allowing guest release.

Cyclotribenzylene alkynylgold(I) phosphine complexes: synthesis, chirality, and exchange of phosphine

Two different alkynyl-substituted C3-symmetric cyclotribenzylenes (CTB) were synthesized in racemic and enantiomerically pure forms, and six gold(I) phosphine complexes differing by the nature of the CTB and the phosphine were prepared and characterized, in particular by NMR spectroscopy, DOSY, electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Their ECD patterns depended on the substitution of the starting CTBs and were shifted bathochromically by comparison with the latter. ESI-MS in the presence of HCO2H allowed us to detect the complexes as proton adducts. The intensities of the signals were stronger when the phosphine was more electron-rich. This technique was also used to investigate the exchange of phosphine betweeen pairs of CTB complexes. The scrambling reaction was demonstrated by the higher intensity of the signals of the complexes subjected to the exchange of a single phosphine ligand by comparison with the intensity of the signals of the starting complexes.

Light-Driven Purification of Progesterone from Steroid Mixtures Using a Photoresponsive Metal-Organic Capsule

Chemical separations are expensive, consuming 10-15% of humanity's global energy budget. Many current separation methods employ thermal energy for distillation, often through the combustion of carbon-containing fuels, or extractions and crystallizations from organic solvents, which must then be discarded or redistilled, with a substantial energetic cost. The direct use of renewable energy sources, such as light, could enable the development of novel separations processes, as is required for the transition away from fossil fuel use. Metal-organic capsules, which can selectively bind molecules from mixtures, can provide the foundation for these novel separations processes. Here we report a tetrahedral metal-organic capsule bearing light-responsive diazo moieties around its metal-ion vertices. This capsule can be used to selectively separate progesterone from a mixture of steroids in a process driven by visible light energy. Our process combines biphasic extraction and selective binding of progesterone with the light-driven release of this molecule in purified form. Ultimately, our process might be adapted to the purifications of the many other fine chemical products that are bound selectively by capsules.

Photoswitchable coordination cages

Stimuli-responsive behaviour is key to the design of smart materials, surfaces, nano-systems and effector molecules, allowing their application as switchable catalysts, molecular transporters, bioimaging probes or caged drugs. Supramolecular chemistry has embraced the widespread integration of photoswitches because of their precise spatiotemporal addressability and waste-free nature. In the vibrant area of discrete metal-mediated self-assembly, however, photoswitches are still rarely employed. Only recently has it been shown that embedding photoswitches into the organic backbones of coordination cages enables control of their host and material properties and thus unlocks the hitherto unexploited dynamic adaptivity of such systems. Here we discuss four cases where triggering ligand-integrated photoswitches leads to (1) control over disassembly/reassembly, (2) bi-stable switching between defined states, (3) interplay with thermal processes in metastable systems and (4) light-fuelled dissipative self-assembly. We highlight first clues concerning the relationship between fundamental photophysics and dynamic assembly equilibria and propose directions for future development.

Tailored Water-Soluble Covalent Organic Cages for Encapsulation of Pyrene and Information Encryption

Forming pyridine salts to construct covalent organic cages is an effective strategy for constructing covalent cage compounds. Covalent organic cages based on pyridine salt structures are prone to form water-soluble supramolecular compounds. Herein, we designed and synthesized a triangular prism-shaped hexagonal cage with a larger cavity and relatively flexible conformation. The supramolecular cage structure was also applied to the encapsulation of pyrene and information encryption.

Photoresponsive Supramolecular Cages and Macrocycles

The utilisation of light to achieve precise manipulation and control over the structure and function of supramolecular assemblies has emerged as a highly promising approach in the development of complex, configurable, or multifunctional systems and nanoscopic machine-like entities. In this minireview, we highlight recent examples of self-assembled and covalently bound cages and macrocycles with a focus on the external and internal functionalisation of a structure with a photoswitchable unit or the embedment of a photoswitch into the framework of a structure. Functionalising the interior or exterior of a supramolecular cage or macrocycle with a photoresponsive group enables control over different properties, such as guest binding or assembly in the solid-state, while the overall shape of the assembly often undergoes no significant change. By directly integrating a photoswitchable unit into the framework of a supramolecular structure, the isomerisation can either induce a geometry change, the disassembly, or the disassembly and reassembly of the structure. Historical and recent examples covered in this review are based on azobenzene, diarylethene, stilbene photoswitches, or alkene motors that were incorporated into macrocycles and cages constructed by metal-organic, dynamic covalent, or covalent bonds.

In Situ Photoisomerization of an Azobenzene-Based Triple Helicate with a Prolonged Thermal Relaxation Time

The phosphate-coordination triple helicates A2 L3 (A=anion) with azobenzene-spaced bis-bis(urea) ligands (L) have proven to undergo a rare in situ photoisomerization (without disassembly of the structure) rather than the typically known, stepwise "disassembly-isomerization-reassembly" process. This is enabled by the structural self-adaptability of the "aniono" assembly arising from multiple relatively weak and flexible hydrogen bonds between the phosphate anion and bis(urea) units. Notably, the Z→E thermal relaxation rate of the isomerized azobenzene unit is significantly decreased (up to 20-fold) for the triple helicates compared to the free ligands. Moreover, the binding of chiral guest cations inside the cavity of the Z-isomerized triple helicate can induce optically pure diastereomers, thus demonstrating a new strategy for making light-activated chiroptical materials.

Metallo-Supramolecular Hexagonal Wreath with Four Switchable States Based on a pH-Responsive Tridentate Ligand

In biological systems, many biomacromolecules (e.g., heme proteins) are capable of switching their states reversibly in response to external stimuli, endowing these natural architectures with a high level of diversity and functionality. Although tremendous efforts have been made to advance the complexity of artificial supramolecules, it remains a challenge to construct metallo-supramolecular systems that can carry out reversible interconversion among multiple states. Here, a pH-responsive tridentate ligand, 2,6-di(1H-imidazole-2-yl)pyridine (H₂DAP), is incorporated into the multitopic building block for precise construction of giant metallo-supramolecular hexagonal wreaths with three metal ions, i.e., Fe(II), Co(II), and Ni(II), through coordination-driven self-assembly. In particular, a Co-linked wreath enables in situ reversible interconversion among four states in response to pH and oxidant/reductant with highly efficient conversion without losing structural integrity. During the state interconversion cycles, the physical properties of the assembled constructs are finely tuned, including the charge states of the backbone, valency of metal ions, and paramagnetic/diamagnetic features of complexes. Such discrete wreath structures with a charge-switchable backbone further facilitate layer-by-layer assembly of metallo-supramolecules on the substrate.

Light-Powered Reversible Guest Release and Uptake from Zn4L4 Capsules

A strategy for light-powered guest release from a tetrahedral capsule has been developed by incorporating azobenzene units at its vertices. A new Zn4L4 tetrahedral capsule bearing 12 diazo moieties at its metal-ion vertices was prepared from a phenyldiazenyl-functionalized subcomponent and a central trialdehyde panel. Ultraviolet irradiation caused isomerization of the peripheral diazo groups from the thermodynamically preferred trans configuration to the cis form, thereby generating steric clash and resulting in cage disassembly and concomitant guest release. Visible-light irradiation drove cage re-assembly following re-isomerization of the diazo groups to the trans form, resulting in guest re-uptake. A detailed 19F NMR study elucidated how switching led to guest release: each metal vertex tolerated only one cis-azobenzene moiety, with further isomerization leading to cage disassembly.

Switchable metallacycles and metallacages

Two-dimensional metallacycles and three-dimensional metallacages constructed by coordination-driven self-assembly have attracted much attention because they exhibit unique structures and properties and are highly efficient to synthesize. Introduction of switching into supramolecular chemistry systems is a popular strategy, as switching can endow systems with reversible features that are triggered by different stimuli. Through this strategy, novel switchable metallacycles and metallacages were generated, which can be reversibly switched into different stable states with distinct characteristics by external stimuli. Switchable metallacycles and metallacages exhibit versatile structures and reversible properties and are inherently dynamic and respond to artificial signals; thus, these structures have many promising applications in a wide range of fields, such as drug delivery, data processing, pollutant removal, switchable catalysis, smart functional materials, etc. This review focuses on the design of switchable metallacycles and metallacages, their switching behaviours and mechanisms triggered by external stimuli, and the corresponding structural changes and resultant properties and functions.

Tailored Supramolecular Cage for Efficient Bio-Labeling

Fluorescent chemosensors are powerful imaging tools used in a broad range of biomedical fields. However, the application of fluorescent dyes in bioimaging still remains challenging, with small Stokes shifts, interfering signals, background noise, and self-quenching on current microscope configurations. In this work, we reported a supramolecular cage (C_A) by coordination-driven self-assembly of benzothiadiazole derivatives and Eu(OTf)₃. The C_A exhibited high fluorescence with a quantum yield (QY) of 38.57%, good photoluminescence (PL) stability, and a large Stokes shift (153 nm). Furthermore, the CCK-8 assay against U87 glioblastoma cells verified the low cytotoxicity of C_A. We revealed that the designed probes could be used as U87 cells targeting bioimaging.

Synthesis of a Tetrahedral Metal-Organic Supramolecular Cage with Dendritic Carbazole Arms

In recent years, incredible endeavors have been devoted to the design and self-assembly of discrete metal-organic cages (MOCs) with expanding intricacy and functionality. The controlled synthesis of metal-organic supramolecular cages with large branched chains remains an interesting and challenging work in supramolecular chemistry. Herein, a tetrahedral metal-organic supramolecular cage (ZnII4L4) containing 12 dendritic carbazole arms is unprecedentedly constructed through coordination-driven subcomponent self-assembly and characterized in different ways. Interestingly, tetrahedral supramolecular Cage-1 exhibited the potential for aggregation-induced emission (AIE) performance and stimulus-responsive luminescence features, and it achieved color-tunable photoluminescence due to the introduction of dendritic carbazole arms. Crucially, owing to the great photophysical properties of Cage-1 in solution, Cage-1 was enabled to act as a fluorescent ink for the vapor-responsive recording and wiping of information.

Visible-Light-Responsive Self-Assembled Complexes: Improved Photoswitching Properties by Metal Ion Coordination

A photoswitchable ligand based on azobenzene is self-assembled with palladium(II) ions to form a [Pd2 (E-L)4 ]4+ cage. Irradiation with 470 nm light results in the near-quantitative switching to a monomeric species [Pd(Z-L)2 ]2+ , which can be reversed by irradiation with 405 nm light, or heat. The photoswitching selectivity towards the metastable isomer is significantly improved upon self-assembly, and the thermal half-life is extended from 40 days to 850 days, a promising approach for tuning photoswitching properties.

Lanthanide-organic pincer hosts with allosteric-controlled metal ion binding specificity

A series of lanthanide-organic pincer hosts were synthesized, which showed allosteric-controlled metal ion binding selectivities due to the lanthanide-induced subtle changes of the central vacant binding site.

Metal-organic cages against toxic chemicals and pollutants

The continuous release of toxic chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere and natural waters threatens, directly and indirectly, human health, the sustainability of the planet, and the future of society. Materials capable of capturing or chemically inactivating hazardous substances, which are harmful to humans and the environment, are critical in the modern age. Metal-organic cages (MOCs) show great promise as materials against harmful agents both in solution and in solid state. This Highlight features examples of MOCs that selectively encapsulate, adsorb, or remove from a medium noxious gases, toxic organophosphorus compounds, water pollutant oxoanions, and some emerging organic contaminants. Remarkably, the toxicity of interacting contaminants may be lowered by MOCs as well. Specific cases pertaining to the use of these cages for the chemical degradation of some harmful substances are presented. This Highlight thus aims to provide an overview of the possibilities of MOCs in this area and new methodological insights into their operation for enhancing their activity and the engineering of further remediation applications.

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.

Light-Powered Dissipative Assembly of Diazocine Coordination Cages

Stimuli-responsive coordination cages allow reversible control over guest binding and release, relevant for adaptive receptors, carriers, catalysts, and complex systems. Light serves as an advantageous stimulus, as it can be applied with precise spatial and temporal resolution without producing chemical waste products. We report the first Pd-mediated coordination cage based on ligands embedding a diazocine photoswitch. While the thermodynamically more stable cis-photoisomer sloppily assembles to a mixture of species with general formula [Pd_ncis-L_2n], the less stable trans-isomer yields a defined [Pd₂trans-L₄] cage that reversibly converts back to the cis-system by irradiation at 530 nm or thermal relaxation. The [Pd_ncis-L_2n] species do not bind a given guest; however, [Pd₂trans-L₄] is able to encapsulate a bis-sulfonate as long as it is kept assembled, requiring continuous irradiation at 385 nm. In the absence of UV light, thermal relaxation results in back-switching and guest release. Assembly and properties of the system were characterized by a combination of NMR, ion mobility ESI-MS, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and UV–vis absorption studies.

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.

Adaptive coordination assemblies based on a flexible tetraazacyclododecane ligand for promoting carbon dioxide fixation

Coordination hosts based on flexible ligands have received increasing attention due to their inherent adaptive cavities that often show induced-fit guest binding and catalysis like enzymes. Herein, we report the controlled self-assembly of a series of homo/heterometallic coordination hosts (Me₄enPd)_2n(ML)_n [n = 2/3; M = Zn(ii)/Co(ii)/Ni(ii)/Cu(ii)/Pd(ii)/Ag(i); Me₄en: N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine] with different shapes (tube/cage) from a flexible tetraazacyclododecane-based pyridinyl ligand (L) and cis-blocking Me₄enPd(ii) units. While the Ag(i)-metalated ligand (AgL) gave rise to the formation of a (Me₄enPd)₄(ML)₂-type cage, all other M(ii) ions led to isostructural (Me₄enPd)₆(ML)₃-type tubular complexes. Structural transformations between cages and tubes could be realized through transmetalation of the ligand. The buffering effect on the ML panels endows the coordination tubes with remarkable acid–base resistance, which makes the (Me₄enPd)₆(ZnL)₃ host an effective catalyst for the CO₂ to CO₃²⁻ conversion. Control experiments suggested that the integration of multiple active Zn(ii) sites on the tubular host and the perfect geometry match between CO₃²⁻ and the cavity synergistically promoted such a conversion. Our results provide an important strategy for the design of adaptive coordination hosts to achieve efficient carbon fixation.

A series of coordination hosts were prepared and their applications in CO₂ fixation were studied.

Anticancer half-sandwich Ir(iii) complex and its interaction with various biomolecules and their mixtures – a case study with ascorbic acid

An anticancer azo bond-containing half-sandwich Ir(iii) complex oxidizes ascorbate to dehydroascorbate, and ascorbate recovers in the presence of reduced glutathione.

Alkynylgold(I) C3 -Chiral Concave Complexes: Aggregation and Luminescence

Chiral gold(I) acetylide trinuclear complexes 1-3 based on the cyclotribenzylene platform and terminal PR₃ ligands (R=Ph, Et, and Cy, respectively), were characterized and their light emission studied. They exhibited long-lived blue phosphorescence in CHCl₃ and a weak fluorescence in the UV. In MeOH/CHCl₃ mixtures of >1:1 volume ratio, 1 and 2 exhibited a new emission band at ca. 540 nm that developed at the expense of the UV emission. DLS studies demonstrated the presence of molecular aggregates of Ø 30-80 nm. The green emission observed in MeOH-rich solvent mixtures was therefore induced by aggregation, and could originate from Au⋅⋅⋅Au interactions. The AIE spectrum of 3 was observed only in solutions containing 99 % of MeOH, and correlated with its solid state emission. The AIE profiles of the enantiomers of 1 differed from that of rac-1, suggesting that the latter is a true racemate.

The diverse functions of isocyanides in phosphorescent metal complexes

In this Perspective, we highlight many examples of photoluminescent metal complexes supported by isocyanides, with an emphasis on recent developments including several from our own group. Work in this field has shown that the isocyanide can play important structural roles, both as a terminal ligand and as a bridging ligand for polynuclear structures, and can influence the excited-state character and excited-state dynamics. In addition, there are many examples of isocyanide-supported complexes where the isocyanide serves as a chromophoric ligand, meaning the low-energy excited states that are important in the photochemistry are partially or completely localized on the isocyanide. Finally, an emerging trend in the design of luminescent compounds is to use the isocyanide as an electrophilic precursor, converted to an acyclic carbene by nucleophilic addition which imparts certain photophysical advantages. This Perspective aims to show the diverse roles played by isocyanides in the design of luminescent compounds, showcasing the recent developments that have led to a substantial growth in fundamental knowledge, function, and applications related to photoluminescence.

Metal-Organic Cubane Cage with Trimethylplatinum(IV) Vertices

Herein we describe the synthesis and characterization of the first platinum(IV) metal-organic cage [(Me₃Pt^IV)₈(byp)₁₂](OTf)₈ (2), in which the organometallic moieties trimethylplatinum(IV) (PtMe₃) occupied the corners of a cubane structure and 4,4'-bipyridine ligands used as linkers. The first-principles density functional theory calculations showed that the highest occupied molecular orbitals were localized on the PtMe₃ moieties, while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals were distributed on the organic linkers.

Hemicryptophane Cages with a C1-Symmetric Cyclotriveratrylene Unit

Two new hemicryptophanes combining a cyclotriveratrylene unit with either an aminotrisamide or a tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) moiety have been synthesized. Although a conventional synthesis approach was used, the molecular cages obtained are devoid of the expected C₃ symmetry. NMR analyses and X-ray crystal structure determination showed that these hemicryptophanes exhibited C₁ symmetry due to the unusual arrangement of the substituents of the cyclotriveratrylene unit. This unprecedented arrangement is related to a change in the regioselectivity of the Friedel-Crafts reactions that led to the CTV cap. This constitutes an original approach to access enantiopure chiral molecular cages with low symmetry.

Self-Assembly and Host-Guest Interactions of Pd3L2 Metallo-cryptophanes with Photoisomerizable Ligands

New photoswitchable pyridyl-azo-phenyl-decorated tripodal host ligands (L_az) that belong to the cyclotriveratrylene family have been synthesized, and their photoswitching behavior and crystal structures determined. The latter includes a remarkable 7-fold Borromean-weave entanglement of π-π stacked layers. Trigonal bipyramidal {[Pd(en)]₃(L_az)₂}⁶⁺ metallo-cryptophanes (en = ethylenediamine) were formed from these and a previously known pyridyl-azo-phenyl-decorated tripodal host ligand. These coordination cages dissociate at low concentrations and are less robust to photoswitching of the L_az ligands than were previously reported Ir(III)-linked metallo-cryptophanes with similar ligands, reflecting the greater lability of the Pd-N bonds. The {[Pd(en)]₃(L_az)₂}⁶⁺ cages all act as hosts, binding octyl sulfate anions, or N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]-1,8-naphthalimide in a dimethyl sulfoxide solution.

Structural Flexibility in Metal-Organic Cages

Metal-organic cages (MOCs) have emerged as a diverse class of molecular hosts with potential utility across a vast spectrum of applications. With advances in single-crystal X-ray diffraction and economic methods of computational structure optimisation, cavity sizes can be readily determined. In combination with a chemist's intuition, educated guesses about the likelihood of particular guests being bound within these porous structures can be made. Whilst practically very useful, simple rules-of-thumb, such as Rebek's 55% rule, fail to take into account structural flexibility inherent to MOCs that can allow hosts to significantly adapt their internal cavity. An often unappreciated facet of MOC structures is that, even though relatively rigid building blocks may be employed, conformational freedom can enable large structural changes. If it could be exploited, this flexibility might lead to behavior analogous to the induced-fit of substrates within the active sites of enzymes. To this end, in-roads have already been made to prepare MOCs incorporating ligands with large degrees of conformational freedom. Whilst this may make the constitution of MOCs harder to predict, it has the potential to lead to highly sophisticated and functional synthetic hosts.

Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly of Cyclometalated Iridium Squares Using Linear Aromatic Diisocyanides

Here, we demonstrate facile [4 + 4] coordination-driven self-assembly of cyclometalated iridium(III) using linear aryldiisocyanide bridging ligands (BLs). A family of nine new [Ir(C^N)₂(μ-BL)]₄⁴⁺ coordination cages is described, where C^N is the cyclometalating ligand-2-phenylpyridine (ppy), 2-phenylbenzothiazole (bt), or 1-phenylisoquinoline (piq)-and BL is the diisocyanide BL, with varying spacer lengths between the isocyanide binding sites. These supramolecular coordination compounds are prepared via a one-pot synthesis, with isolated yields of 40-83%. ¹H NMR spectroscopy confirms the selective isolation of a single product, which is affirmed to be the M₄L₄ square by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Detailed photophysical studies were carried out to reveal the nature of the luminescent triplet states in these complexes. In most cases, phosphorescence arises from the [Ir(C^N)₂]⁺ nodes, with the emission color determined by the cyclometalating ligand. However, in two cases, the lowest-energy triplet state resides on the aromatic core of the BL, and weak phosphorescence from that state is observed. This work shows that aromatic diisocyanide ligands enable coordination-driven assembly of inert iridium(III) nodes under mild conditions, producing supramolecular coordination complexes with desirable photophysical properties.

A cyclic manipulation of cage isomers via anion exchange and thermal isomerism

A cyclic manipulation of peanut cage isomers has been achieved via anion exchange and unusual cage isomerism.

Coordination polymers with embedded recognition sites: lessons from cyclotriveratrylene-type ligands

Coordination polymers with molecular recognition sites are assembled using cyclotriveratrylene ligands. Many show differential guest-spaces with host and lattice sites available, however common host–guest and self-inclusion motifs can block sites.

Control and Transfer of Chirality Within Well-Defined Tripodal Supramolecular Cages

The development of new strategies to turn achiral artificial hosts into highly desirable chiral receptors is a crucial challenge in order to advance the fields of asymmetric transformations and enantioselective sensing. Over the past few years, C₃ symmetrical cages have emerged as interesting class of supramolecular hosts that have been reported as efficient scaffolds for chirality dynamics (such as generation, control, and transfer). On this basis, this mini review, which summarizes the existing examples of chirality control and propagation in tripodal supramolecular cages, aims at discussing the benefits and perspectives of this approach.

Metal-Organic Frameworks and Metal-Organic Cages - A Perspective

The fields of metal-organic cages (MOCs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are both highly topical and continue to develop at a rapid pace. Despite clear synergies between the two fields, overlap is rarely observed. This article discusses the peculiarities and similarities of MOCs and MOFs in terms of synthetic strategies and approaches to system characterisation. The stability of both classes of material is compared, particularly in relation to their applications in guest storage and catalysis. Lastly, suggestions are made for opportunities for each field to learn and develop in partnership with the other.

Guest Binding Drives Host Redistribution in Libraries of CoII 4 L4 Cages

Two CoII 4 L4 tetrahedral cages prepared from similar building blocks showed contrasting host-guest properties. One cage did not bind guests, whereas the second encapsulated a series of anions, due to electronic and geometric effects. When the building blocks of both cages were present during self-assembly, a library of five CoII LA x LB 4-x cages was formed in a statistical ratio in the absence of guests. Upon incorporation of anions able to interact preferentially with some library members, the products obtained were redistributed in favor of the best anion binders. To quantify the magnitudes of these templation effects, ESI-MS was used to gauge the effect of each template upon library redistribution.

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.

Improved Acid Resistance of a Metal-Organic Cage Enables Cargo Release and Exchange between Hosts

The use of di(2-pyridyl)ketone in subcomponent self-assembly is introduced. When combined with a flexible triamine and zinc bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, this ketone formed a new Zn4 L4 tetrahedron 1 bearing twelve uncoordinated pyridyl units around its metal-ion vertices. The acid stability of 1 was found to be greater than that of the analogous tetrahedron 2 built from 2-formylpyridine. Intriguingly, the peripheral presence of additional pyridine rings in 1 resulted in distinct guest binding behavior from that of 2, affecting guest scope as well as binding affinities. The different stabilities and guest affinities of capsules 1 and 2 enabled the design of systems whereby different cargoes could be moved between cages using acid and base as chemical stimuli.

Self-assembly of a porous metallo-[5]rotaxane

A dynamic rotaxane ligand self-assembles with palladium(ii) ions to form a metallo-[5]rotaxane with a porous cage at its core.

Cyclotriveratrylene-tethered trinuclear palladium(ii)-NHC complexes; reversal of site selectivity in Suzuki-Miyaura reactions

The trinuclear complexes [{PdI2(pyCl)}3(L1)] C1 and [{PdI2(pyCl)}3(L2)] C2, where pyCl = 3-chloropyridine, L1 = methyl(cyclotriguaiacylenyl)methylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene and L2 = benzyl(cyclotriguaiacylenyl)methylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene, each feature three palladium N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) centres tethered onto a host-type cyclotriguaiacylene scaffold. Crystal structures of different solvates of complex C1 reveal different host-guest motifs including intra-cavity binding of dioxane guests concomitant with intramolecular halogen bonding interactions of C1. Mononuclear NHC analogues of C1 and C2, namely [PdI2(pyCl)(L3)] C3 and [PdI2(pyCl)(L4)] C4, where L3 = (3-chloropyridyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyoxy)methyl-3-methylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene and L4 = (3-chloropyridyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyoxy)methyl-3-benzylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene, were also synthesised and their crystal structures determined. Complexes C1-C4 are competent catalysts for Suzuki Miyaura cross-coupling, and interestingly exhibit a switch in the normal regioselectivity observed for reactions of 2,4-dibromopyridine with aryl boronic acids, usually C2-selective, yielding C4-arylated product preferentially over C2-arylated product.