Platinum(II)-Based Convex Trigonal-Prismatic Cages via Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly and C₆₀ Encapsulation

Area of Science:

• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Coordination Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular coordination complexes are crucial for applications like molecular catalysis and separation.
• Developing new complex structures with tailored properties remains a key challenge in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize novel Klärner's molecular-clip-based tetrapyridyl donors.
• To construct 3D convex trigonal-prismatic cages using these donors and platinum(II) acceptors.
• To investigate the host-guest chemistry of these cages, particularly fullerene encapsulation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of C-shaped tetrapyridyl donors.
• Coordination-driven self-assembly with diplatinum(II) acceptors.
• Characterization using NMR (31P, 1H), DOSY, ESI-TOF MS, and UV/vis spectroscopy.
• Fullerene C60 encapsulation studies.

Main Results:

• Two Klärner's molecular-clip-based tetrapyridyl donors with C-shaped structures were synthesized.
• Four convex trigonal-prismatic cages were successfully assembled using these donors and Pt(II) acceptors.
• The resulting cages exhibited cavities capable of encapsulating fullerene C60 through aromatic interactions.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates the utility of molecular-clip ligands in constructing 3D metallacages.
• The developed cages show promise for fullerene separation and purification.
• This work expands the application of platinum(II)-based directional bonding for creating curved 3D metallacages and exploring their host-guest chemistry.