Self-assembled M2L4 nanocapsules: Synthesis, structure and host-guest recognition toward square planar metal complexes

Abstract

Metallosupramolecular cages of the general formulas [M2(L)4][X]4 can be self-assembled in good yields, where M = Pd, X = NO3, L = L1 (1a); M = Pd, X = OTf, L = L1 (1b); M = Pt, X = OTf, L = L1 (2); M = Pd, X = OTf, L = L2 (3); L1 = 1,3-bis(pyridin-3-ylethynyl)-5-methoxybenzene; and L2 = 2,6-(pyridin-3-ylethynyl)- 4-methoxyaniline, respectively. These cages have been fully characterized using 1H, 13C NMR, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and electrospray mass spectrometry. Additionally the molecular structure of [Pd2(L1)4][OTf]4 (1b) was confirmed using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The capacity of central cavities of M2L4 cages to accommodate square planar metal complexes was investigated. In particular, the tetracationic cage [Pd2(L2)4][OTf]4 (3) was found to encapsulate the anionic metal complex [PtCl4]-2- through electrostatic interactions and also via hydrogen bonding with the amino groups of the bridging ligand displayed by this nanocage. © 2014 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.