Tuning the Size and Geometry of Heteroleptic Coordination Cages by Varying the Ligand Bent Angle

Spherical assemblies of the type [Pd_nL_2n]²ⁿ⁺ can be obtained from Pd^II salts and curved N-donor ligands, L. It is well established that the bent angle, α, of the ligand is a decisive factor in the self-assembly process, with larger angles leading to complexes with a higher nuclearity, n. Herein, we report heteroleptic coordination cages of the type [Pd_nL_nL′_n]²ⁿ⁺, for which a similar correlation between the ligand bent angle and the nuclearity is observed. Tetranuclear cages were obtained by combining [Pd(CH₃CN)₄](BF₄)₂ with 1,3-di(pyridin-3-yl)benzene and ligands featuring a bent angle of α=120°. The use of a dipyridyl ligand with α=149° led to the formation of a hexanuclear complex with a trigonal prismatic geometry; for linear ligands, octanuclear assemblies of the type [Pd₈L₈L′₈]¹⁶⁺ were obtained. The predictable formation of heteroleptic Pd^II cages from 1,3-di(pyridin-3-yl)benzene and different dipyridyl ligands is evidence that there are entire classes of heteroleptic cage structures that are privileged from a thermodynamic point of view.     

Morphological Control of Heteroleptic cis- and trans-Pd2L2L′2 Cages

Control over the integrative self-sorting of metallo-supramolecular assemblies opens up possibilities for introducing increased complexity and function into a single self-assembled architecture. Herein, the relationship between the geometry of three ligand components and morphology of three self-sorted heteroleptic [Pd₂ L ₂ L ′₂]⁴⁺ cages is examined. Pd-mediated assembly of two bis-monodentate pyridyl ligands with native bite angles of 75° and 120° affords a cis-[Pd₂ L ₂ L ′₂]⁴⁺ cage while the same reaction with two ligands with bite angles of 75° and 60° gives an unprecedented, self-penetrating structural motif; a trans-[Pd₂(anti- L )₂ L ′₂]⁴⁺ heteroleptic cage with a “doubly bridged figure eight” topology. Each heteroleptic assembly can be formed by cage-to-cage conversion of the homoleptic precursors and morphological control of [Pd₂ L ₂ L ′₂] cages is achieved by selective ligand displacement transformations in a system of three ligands and at least six possible cage products.     

Superchiral Pd3L6 Coordination Complex and Its Reversible Structural Conversion into Pd3L3Cl6 Metallocycles

Large, non‐symmetrical, inherently chiral bispyridyl ligand L derived from natural ursodeoxycholic bile acid was used for square–planar coordination of tetravalent Pd^II, yielding the cationic single enantiomer of superchiral coordination complex 1 Pd₃ L ₆ containing 60 well‐defined chiral centers in its flower‐like structure. Complex 1 can readily be transformed by addition of chloride into a smaller enantiomerically pure cyclic trimer 2 Pd₃ L ₃Cl₆ containing 30 chiral centers. This transformation is reversible and can be restored by the addition of silver cations. Furthermore, a mixture of two constitutional isomers of trimer, 2 and 2′ , and dimer, 3 and 3′ , can be obtained directly from L by its coordination to trans‐ or cis‐N‐pyridyl‐coordinating Pd^II. These intriguing, water‐resistant, stable supramolecular assemblies have been thoroughly described by ¹H DOSY NMR, mass spectrometry, circular dichroism, molecular modelling, and drift tube ion‐mobility mass spectrometry.     

Reversible Mechanical Interlocking of D‐Shaped Molecular Karabiners bearing Coordination‐Bond Loaded Gates: Route to Self‐Assembled [2]Catenanes

Complexation of 1,4‐phenylenebis(methylene) diisonicotinate, L1 , with cis‐protected Pd^II components, [Pd( L′ )(NO₃)₂], in an equimolar ratio yielded binuclear complexes, 1 a – d of [Pd₂( L′ )₂( L1 )₂](NO₃)₄ formulation where L′ stands for ethylenediamine (en), tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda), 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), and phenanthroline (phen). The combination of 4,4′‐bipyridine, L2 , with the cis‐protected Pd^II units is known to yield molecular squares, 2 a – d . However, 2 b – d coexist with the corresponding molecular triangles, 3 b – d . Combination of an equivalent each of the ligands L1 and L2 with two equivalents of cis‐protected Pd^II components in DMSO resulted in the D ‐shaped heteroligated complexes [Pd₂( L′ )₂( L1 )( L2 )](NO₃)₄, 4 a – d . Two units of the D ‐shaped complexes interlock, in a concentration dependent fashion, to form the corresponding [2]catenanes [Pd₂( L′ )₂( L1 )( L2 )]₂(NO₃)₈, 5 a – d under aqueous conditions. Crystal structures of the macrocycle [Pd₂(tmeda)₂( L1 )( L2 )](PF₆)₄, 4 b′′ , and the catenane [Pd₂(bpy)₂( L1 )( L2 )]₂(NO₃)₈, 5 c , provide unequivocal support for the proposed molecular architectures.     

Tuning the Intercage Distance in Charge-Regulated Blackberry-Type Assemblies through Host–Guest Chemistry

Charged or neutral adamantane guests can be encapsulated into the cavity of cationic metal–organic M₆L₄ (bpy-cage, M=Pd^II(2,2′-bipyridine), L=2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine) cages through hydrophobic interaction. These encapsulations can provide an approach to control the net charge on the resulting cage–guest complexes and regulate their charge-dominated assembly into hollow spherical blackberry-type assemblies in dilute solutions: encapsulation of neutral guests will hardly influence their self-assembly process, including the blackberry structure size, which is directly related to the intercage distance in the assembly; whereas encapsulating negatively (positively) charged guests resulted in a shorter (longer) intercage distance with larger (smaller) assemblies formed. Therefore, the host–guest chemistry approach can be used to tune the intercage distance accurately.     

Programmable Self‐Assembly of Heterometallic Palladium(II)–Copper(II) 1D Grid‐Chain using Dinuclear Palladium(II) Corners with Pyrazole–Carboxylic Acid Ligands

A novel heterometallic diPd^II–diCu^II grid‐chain, {[(bpy)₄Pd₄Cu₂L₄](NO₃)₄}_n ( 2 ; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine), was synthesized through a programmable self‐assembly approach from the molecular corners [(bpy)₂Pd₂(HL)(L)](NO₃) ( 1 ) as linkers with Cu^II nitrate by using the bifunctional H₂L ligand featuring primary (pyrazole) and secondary (benzoic acid) groups. Structural analysis revealed that 1D structure 2 consists of one [Cu₂(O₂CPh)₄]_n unit as a bridge and two [(bpy)₂Pd₂L₂]_n corners. Additionally, the catalytic effect of the heterometallic synergy on the Suzuki coupling reaction by using 2 was further explored.     

A Rotaxane‐like Cage‐in‐Ring Structural Motif for a Metallosupramolecular Pd6L12 Aggregate

A BODIPY‐based bis(3‐pyridyl) ligand undergoes self‐assembly upon coordination to tetravalent palladium(II) cations to form a Pd₆L₁₂ metallosupramolecular assembly with an unprecedented structural motif that resembles a rotaxane‐like cage‐in‐ring arrangement. In this assembly the ligand adopts two different conformations—a C‐shaped one to form a Pd₂L₄ cage which is located in the center of a Pd₄L₈ ring consisting of ligands in a W‐shaped conformation. This assembly is not mechanically interlocked in the sense of catenation but it is stabilized only by attractive π‐stacking between the peripheral BODIPY chromophores and the ligands’ skeleton as well as attractive van der Waals interactions between the long alkoxy chains. As a result, the co‐arrangement of the two components leads to a very efficient space filling. The overall structure can be described as a rotaxane‐like assembly with a metallosupramolecular cage forming the axle in a metallosupramolecular ring. This unique structural motif could be characterized via ESI mass spectrometry, NMR spectroscopy, and X‐ray crystallography.     

Conformational control of Pd2L4 assemblies with unsymmetrical ligands

With increasing interest in the potential utility of metallo-supramolecular architectures for applications as diverse as catalysis and drug delivery, the ability to develop more complex assemblies is keenly sought after. Despite this, symmetrical ligands have been utilised almost exclusively to simplify the self-assembly process as without a significant driving foa mixture of isomeric products will be obtained. Although a small number of unsymmetrical ligands have been shown to serendipitously form well-defined metallo-supramolecular assemblies, a more systematic study could provide generally applicable information to assist in the design of lower symmetry architectures. Pd₂L₄ cages are a popular class of metallo-supramolecular assembly; research seeking to introduce added complexity into their structure to further their functionality has resulted in a handful of examples of heteroleptic structures, whilst the use of unsymmetrical ligands remains underexplored. Herein we show that it is possible to design unsymmetrical ligands in which either steric or geometric constraints, or both, can be incorporated into ligand frameworks to ensure exclusive formation of single isomers of three-dimensional Pd₂L₄ metallo-supramolecular assemblies with high fidelity. In this manner it is possible to access Pd₂L₄ cage architectures of reduced symmetry, a concept that could allow for the controlled spatial segregation of different functionalities within these systems. The introduction of steric directing groups was also seen to have a profound effect on the cage structures, suggesting that simple ligand modifications could be used to engineer structural properties.

Steric and geometric constraints were used to design unsymmetrical ditopic ligands that form single Pd₂L₄ cage isomers with high fidelity.     

Octadecanuclear Gear Wheels by Self‐Assembly of Self‐Assembled “Double Saddle”‐Type Coordination Entities: Molecular “Rangoli”

A series of self‐assembled “double saddle”‐type trinuclear complexes of [Pd₃L′₃ L ₂] formulation have been synthesized by complexation of a series of cis‐protected palladium(II) components with a slightly divergent “E‐shaped” non‐chelating tridentate ligand, 1,1′‐(pyridine‐3,5‐diyl)bis(3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)urea ( L ). The cis‐protecting agents L′ employed in the study are ethylenediamine (en), tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda), 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy), and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), for 1 , 2 , 3 , and 4 , respectively. The crystal structures of [Pd₃(tmeda)₃( L )₂](NO₃)₆ ( 2 ), [Pd₃(bpy)₃( L )₂](NO₃)₆ ( 3 ), and [Pd₃(phen)₃( L )₂](NO₃)₆ ( 4 ) unequivocally support the new architecture. Two of the “double saddle”‐type complexes ( 3 and 4 ) are suitably crafted with π surfaces at the strategically located cis‐protecting sites to facilitate intermolecular π–π interactions in the solid state. As a consequence, six units of the 3 (or 4 ) are assembled, by means of six‐pairs of π–π stacking interactions, in a circular geometry to form an octadecanuclear molecular ring of [(Pd₃L′₃ L ₂)₆] composition. The overall arrangement of the rings in the crystal packing is equated with the traditional Indian art form rangoli.     

Guest-Reaction Driven Cage to Conjoined Twin-Cage Mitosis-Like Host Transformation

We report here a guest-reaction-induced mitosis-like host transformation from a known Pd₄L₂ cage 1 to a conjoined Pd₆L₃ twin-cage 2 featuring two separate cavities. The encapsulation of 1-hydroxymethyl-2-naphthol ( G1 ), a known ortho-quinone methide (o-QMs) precursor, within the hydrophobic cavity of cage 1 is found crucial to realize the cage to twin-cage conversion. Confined G1 molecules within the nanocavity undergo self-coupling dimerization reaction to form 2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-dinaphthylmethane ( G2 ) which then triggers the cage to twin-cage mitosis. The same conversion also proceeds, in a much faster rate, via the direct templation of G2 , confirming the induced-fit transformation mechanism. The structure of the ( G2 )₂⊂ 2 host–guest complex has been established by X-ray crystallographic study, where cis- to trans- conformational switch on one bridging ligand is revealed.     

Untersuchungen zur reaktivität von metall-π-komplexen : XXIX. Synthesewege und reaktivität von (PdPd)- und (PtPt)-zweikernkomplexen des typs (μ-C5H5)(μ-allyl)M2L2

The binuclear complexes (Cp)(2-RC₃H₄)M₂L₂ are formed either on reaction of equimolar amounts of CpM(2-RC₃H₄) and L (where L is a tertiary phosphine, phosphite or arsine) or by a “1 + 1” addition of CpM(2-RC₃H₄) and ML₂. The NMR data suggest that in all complexes the cyclopentadienyl and allyl ligands are analogously coordinated to both metal atoms and thus sandwich the LMML unit. CpPd(2-ClC₃H₄) reacts with L to give CpPd(L)Cl and allene. The reaction of CpPd(2-ClC₃H₄) and PdL₂ (L = P(i-Pr)₃) leads, probably via the intermediate (Cp)(Cl)Pd₂L₂, to the unsymmetrical binuclear complex Cp(L)PdPd(L)(2-ClC₃H₄) which isomerizes on heating to give (2-CpC₃H₄)(Cl)Pd₂L₂. The reactions of the (PdPd)-complexes (Cp)(2-RC₃H₄)Pd₂L₂ with electrophilic and nucleophilic reagents proceed predominantly by cleavage of the metal-to-metal bond. With I₂, HCl and MeI a mixture of mononuclear cyclopentadienylpalladium and allylpalladium complexes is always formed. In the reaction of (Cp)(2-MeC₃H₄)Pd₂L₂ with HBr, however, the formation of binuclear complexes with bromide as bridging ligand occurs. An exchange of L is only observed in the reaction of (Cp)(2-MeC₃H₄)Pd₂L₂ with trimethylphosphine.     

Quantitative Analysis of the Self‐Assembly Process of a Pd12L24 Coordination Sphere

The self‐assembly process of a Pd₁₂L₂₄ sphere was revealed by a quantitative approach (quantitative analysis of self‐assembly process: QASAP) quantifying all the substrates, the products, and the observable intermediates, indicating that the Pd₁₂L₂₄ sphere is produced through several pathways. Firstly, Pd_n L_2n (n= 6, 8, and 9), which are perfectly closed structures smaller than the Pd₁₂L₂₄ sphere, and a mixture of intermediates not observed by NMR ( Int ) were produced. Next, the sphere was assembled from intra‐/intermolecular reaction of a certain class of Int (path A) and from the coordination of free pyridyl groups in Int to the Pd^II center of Pd_n L_2n (n= 6, 8, and 9) (path B). While capping the free pyridyl groups in Int with Pd^II ions perfectly inhibited the sphere formation, the addition of free L to Int accelerated the formation of the sphere.     

Light‐Controlled Interconversion between a Self‐Assembled Triangle and a Rhombicuboctahedral Sphere

Stimuli‐responsive structural reorganizations play an important role in biological processes, often in combination with kinetic control scenarios. In supramolecular mimics of such systems, light has been established as the perfect external trigger. Here, we report on the light‐driven structural rearrangement of a small, self‐assembled Pd₃L₆ ring based on photochromic dithienylethene (DTE) ligands into a rhombicuboctahedral Pd₂₄L₄₈ sphere measuring about 6.4 nm across. When the wavelength is changed, this interconversion can be fully reversed, as confirmed by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The sphere was visualized by AFM, TEM, and GISAXS measurements. Due to dissimilarities in the photoswitch conformations, the interconversion rates between the two assemblies are drastically different in the two directions.     

Reversible Transformation between a [PdL2]2+ “Figure-of-Eight” Complex and a [Pd2L2]4+ Dimer: Switching On and Off Self-Recognition

Structural changes to metallosupramolecular assemblies resulting in the release or uptake of guests are currently well established, whereas transformations turning on and off specific self-recognition are far less developed. We report a novel ligand (2,6-bis(1-(3-pyridin-4-yl)phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)pyridine) possessing a tridentate central metal-binding site flanked by two pendant pyridyl arms. In a 2:1 ratio with Pd^II metal ions, a spiro-type [PdL₂]²⁺ “Figure-of-eight” complex forms with the central tridentate binding pocket unoccupied. The introduction of an additional one equivalent of Pd^II metal ion results in the conversion to a dimeric [Pd₂L₂]⁴⁺ molecule with the tridentate pocket occupied. There is site-specific self-recognition between dimers in solution with strong NOE peaks between adjacent molecules. The self-recognition between dimers can be turned off in two ways: firstly, adding another equivalent of Pd^II metal ion brings about binding to the previously uncoordinated pyridyl arms that are key to the self-recognition event, and; secondly, addition of sufficient ligand to return the stoichiometry to 2:1 regenerates the [PdL₂]²⁺ complex. Hence, the self-recognition event can be turned on or off through simple variation of L:Pd^II stoichiometry.     

Control of Energy Transfer Between Pyrene- and Perylene-Nucleosides by the Sequence of DNA-Templated Supramolecular Assemblies

DNA was used as supramolecular scaffold to order chromophores and control their optical properties. Ethynylpyrene as energy donor was attached to 2′-desoxy-2-aminoadenosine that binds selectively to thymidines (T) in the template. Ethynylperylene as acceptor was attached to 2′-desoxyuridine that is complementary to 2′-desoxyadenosine (A). This donor-acceptor pair was assembled along single-stranded DNA templates of different A−T sequences to investigate the sequence control of the energy transfer between the chromophores. The fluorescence intensities increase in the mixed assemblies along the DNA templates from A₁₀T₁₀ over (AATT)₅ to (AT)₁₀, although these templates provide equal numbers of potential binding sites for the two different nucleoside chromophore conjugates and exhibit similar absorbances. This shows that the sequence selective assembly of the two building blocks along DNA templates is programmable and alters the fluorescence readout. Such sequence-controlled supramolecular chemistry represents the key element for future functional π-systems in materials for light harvesting of solar energy.     

Stoichiometrically Controlled Revocable Self‐Assembled “Spiro” versus Quadruple‐Stranded “Double‐Decker” Type Coordination Cages

The simple combination of Pd^II with the tris‐monodentate ligand bis(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl) pyridine‐3,5‐dicarboxylate, L , at ratios of 1:2 and 3:4 demonstrated the stoichiometrically controlled exclusive formation of the “spiro‐type” Pd₁L₂ macrocycle, 1 , and the quadruple‐stranded Pd₃L₄ cage, 2 , respectively. The architecture of 2 is elaborated with two compartments that can accommodate two units of fluoride, chloride, or bromide ions, one in each of the enclosures. However, the entry of iodide is altogether restricted. Complexes 1 and 2 are interconvertible under suitable conditions.     

Synthesis of large palladium clusters. The preparation of Pd38(CO)28(PR3)12 (R = Et,Bun) and Pd34(CO)24(PEt3)12

Several methods for the synthesis of the Pd₃₈(CO)₂₈L₁₂ cluster (L = PEt₃) by treatment of Pd₁₀(CO)₁₂L₆ with CF₃COOH-Me₃NO, CF₃COOH-H₂O₂, Pd(OAc)₂-Me₃NO, and Pd₂(dba)₃ mixtures (dba is dibenzylideneacetone) were proposed. The tri-n-butylphosphine analog, Pd₃₈(CO)₂₈(PBu₃)₁₂, was synthesized by the reaction of Pd₁₀(CO)₁₄(PBu₃)₄ with Me₃NO. The reaction of Pd₄(CO)₅L₄ with Pd₂(dba)₃ yields clusters with an icosahedral packing of the metal atoms, Pd₃₄(CO)₂₄L₁₂ and Pd₁₆(CO)₁₃L₉.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 1, pp. 167–170, January, 1995.     

Palladium(II)-Based Self-Assembled Heteroleptic Coordination Architectures: A Growing Family

Metal-driven self-assembly is one of the most effective approaches to lucidly design a large range of discrete 2D and 3D coordination architectures/complexes. Palladium(II)-based self-assembled coordination architectures are usually prepared by using suitable metal components, in either a partially protected form (PdL′) or typical form (Pd; charges are not shown), and designed ligand components. The self-assembled molecules prepared by using a metal component and only one type of bi- or polydentate ligand (L) can be classified in the homoleptic series of complexes. On the other hand, the less explored heteroleptic series of complexes are obtained by using a metal component and at least two different types of non-chelating bi- or polydentate ligands (such as L^a and L^b). Methods that allow the controlled generation of single, discrete heteroleptic complexes are less understood. A survey of palladium(II)-based self-assembled coordination cages that are heteroleptic has been made. This review article illustrates a systematic collection of such architectures and credible justification of their formation, along with reported functional aspects of the complexes. The collected heteroleptic assemblies are classified here into three sections: 1) [(PdL′)_m(L^a)_x(L^b)_y]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is equal; 2) [(PdL′)_m(L^a)_x(L^b)_y]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is different; and 3) [Pd_m(L^a)_x(L^b)_y]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is equal. Representative examples of some important homoleptic architectures are also provided, wherever possible, to set a background for a better understanding of the related heteroleptic versions. The purpose of this review is to pave the way for the construction of several unique heteroleptic coordination assemblies that might exhibit emergent supramolecular functions.     

Structural and Oxidation State Alternatives in Platinum and Palladium Complexes of a Redox-Active Amidinato Ligand

Reaction of [Pt(DMSO)₂Cl₂] or [Pd(MeCN)₂Cl₂] with the electron-rich LH=N,N’-bis(4-dimethylaminophenyl)ethanimidamide yielded mononuclear [PtL₂] ( 1 ) but dinuclear [Pd₂L₄] ( 2 ), a paddle-wheel complex. The neutral compounds were characterized through experiments (crystal structures, electrochemistry, UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy, magnetic resonance) and TD-DFT calculations as metal(II) species with noninnocent ligands L⁻. The reversibly accessible cations [PtL₂]⁺ and [Pd₂L₄]⁺ were also studied, the latter as [Pd₂L₄][B{3,5-(CF₃)₂C₆H₃}₄] single crystals. Experimental and computational investigations were directed at the elucidation of the electronic structures, establishing the correct oxidation states within the alternatives [Pt^II(L⁻)₂] or [Pt^.(L )₂], [Pt^II(L^0.5−)₂]⁺ or [Pt^III(L⁻)₂]⁺, [(Pd^II)₂(μ-L⁻)₄] or [(Pd^1.5)₂(μ-L^0.75−)₄], and [(Pd^2.5)₂(μ-L⁻)₄]⁺ or [(Pd^II)₂(μ-L^0.75−)₄]⁺. In each case, the first alternative was shown to be most appropriate. Remarkable results include the preference of platinum for mononuclear planar [PtL₂] with an N-Pt-N bite angle of 62.8(2)° in contrast to [Pd₂L₄], and the dimetal (Pd₂⁴⁺→Pd₂⁵⁺) instead of ligand (L⁻→L ) oxidation of the dinuclear palladium compound.     

Synthesis of big palladium clusters. Preparation of Pd23(CO)20(PEt3)8

Selective methods for the synthesis of the cluster Pd₂₃(CO)₂₀L₈, L=PEt₃, have been suggested. The compound has been prepared by two routes: by the reaction of Pd₁₀(CO)₁₂L₆ with Me₃NO in the presence of HOAc with removal of CO from the gas phase, and by the reaction of Pd₁₀(CO)₁₂L₆ with Pd(OAc)₂ and CO followed by oxidation by Me₃NO in an inert atmosphere.Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1299–1300, July, 1993.