Anion control of the formation of geometric isomers in a triple helical array

The amide-substituted unsymmetrical ligand L(1) upon coordination to Co(2+) forms the dinuclear triple helicate [Co(2)(L(1))(3)](4+) which exists as both possible C(1) and C(3) symmetric geometric isomers in solution, however, upon addition of nitrate ions, the formation of an anion binding cavity is favoured and hence the sole product is the C(3) symmetric isomer in which all three amide substituents are hydrogen bonded to the nitrate anion.