Multicomponent Self-Assembly: Generation of Rigid-Rack Multimetallic Pseudorotaxanes

The rigid linear ligands 1a-g and the macrocycle 2 undergo self-assembly via coordination with copper(I) ions to generate the series of rigid-rack inorganic pseudorotaxanes 3a-g. These complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. Their architecture has been confirmed by determination of the crystal structures of 3e,f. The complex [Cu(2)(1e)(2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3e) crystallizes in the space group C2/c, whereas complex [Cu(2)(1f)(2)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3f) gives crystals containing a single enantiomer in the chiral space group P2(1)2(1)2(1). The synthesis and solution structures of 3a-g and the solid-state structures of 3e,f are discussed in relation to the viability of multicomponent self-assembly as an approach to linear metal-ion arrays.