Coordination-driven self-assembly of predesigned supramolecular triangles

The design and self-assembly of three supramolecular triangles is described. A novel 60 degrees corner unit directs the exclusive formation of triangular assemblies that are not in detectable equilibrium with other macrocycles. The resulting triangles have sides ranging from 2.7 to 3.5 nm in length and molecular masses as high as 5396 amu. The crystal structure of one of the assemblies shows an approximately 1.4 nm cavity; the crystal packing forms open, triangular channels. The characterization of the supramolecular triangles by multinuclear NMR, elemental analysis, and electrospray mass spectrometry is also reported.