Non-statistical assembly of multicomponent [Pd₂ABCD] cages

Self-assembled hosts, inspired by biological receptors and catalysts, show application potential in sustainable synthesis, energy conversion and medicine. Implementing multiple functionalities in the form of distinguishable building blocks, however, is difficult without risking narcissistic self-sorting or a statistical mess. Here we report a systematic series of integratively self-assembled heteroleptic cages in which two square-planar Pd^II cations are bridged by four different bis-pyridyl ligands, A, B, C and D, via synergistic effects to exclusively form a single isomer-the lantern-shaped cage [Pd₂ABCD]. This self-sorting goal-forming just one out of 55 possible structures-is reached under full thermodynamic control and can be realized progressively (by combining progenitors, such as [Pd₂A₂C₂] with [Pd₂B₂D₂]), directly from ligands and Pd^II cations or by mixing all four corresponding homoleptic cages. The rational design of complex multicomponent assemblies that enables the modular incorporation of diverse chemical moieties will advance their applicability in functional nanosystems.