Selective Anion Recognition by a Dynamic Quadruple Helicate

An M₂L₄ quadruple helicate, formed by wrapping four molecules of 1,4‐bis(3‐pyridyloxy)benzene ( L₁ ) about two palladium(II) centers, is shown to bind anions within its internal cavity. ¹H NMR exchange experiments provide a quantitative measure of anion selectivity and reveal a preference for ClO₄^? over the other tetrahedral anions BF₄^? and ReO₄^? and the octahedral anion PF₆^?. X‐ray crystal structures of Pd₂( L₁ )₄]⁴⁺ helicates containing ClO₄, BF₄^? and I^? reveal that the cavity size can dynamically change in response to the size of the guest.