Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Self-assembly of Complex Two-dimensional Shapes from Single-stranded DNA Tiles
Published on: May 8, 2015
One ligand in dual roles: self-assembly of a bis-rhomboidal-shaped, three-dimensional molecular wheel
Xiaocun Lu1, Xiaopeng Li, Kai Guo
1Department of Polymer Science, Department of Chemistry, The University of Akron, 302 Buchtel Common, Akron, OH 44325 (USA) http://www.dendrimers.com.
Abstract:
A facile high yield, self-assembly process that leads to a terpyridine-based, three-dimensional, bis-rhomboidal-shaped, molecular wheel is reported. The desired coordination-driven supramolecular wheel involves eight structurally distorted tristerpyridine (tpy) ligands possessing a 60° angle between the adjacent tpy units and twelve Zn(2+) ions. The tpy ligand plays dual roles in the self-assembly process: two are staggered at 180° to create the internal hub, while six produce the external rim. The wheel can be readily generated by mixing the tpy ligand and Zn(2+) in a stoichiometric ratio of 2:3; full characterization is provided by ESI-MS, NMR spectroscopy, and TEM imaging.
Related Concept Videos
Newman Projections
The organic molecules rotate across the single bonds leading to numerous temporary three-dimensional structures of varying energy known as...
Assembly of Cytoskeletal Filaments
Protein Complex Assembly
Many viruses self-assemble into a fully functional unit using the infected host cell to...
Formation of Intermediate Filaments
Mechanism of Lamellipodia Formation
Molecular Models

