Stepwise self-assembly of a discrete molecular honeycomb using a multitopic metallo-organic ligand

Self-assembly of a metallo-organic ligand, composed of an inner uncomplexed 120°-bis(terpyridine) and an outer extended free 120°-bis(terpyridine) linked by a triple 〈-tpy-Ru²⁺-tpy-〉 connector, and complexed with Zn²⁺, gave rise to a discrete planar supramolecular honeycomb patterned fractal. The central metallo-hexagon was surrounded by six identical metallo-hexagons which perfectly mimicked the natural simple honeycomb structure.