The ‘Trinity’ helix: synthesis and structural characterisation of a C3-symmetric tris-bidentate ligand and its coordination to Ag(i)

Abstract

The synthesis and structural characterisation of a novel C₃-symmetric tris-bidentate ligand, L, featuring a triphenylamine core appended by pyridylimine coordination sites is reported: ¹H NMR compleximetric titration studies with Ag(I) and ESMS indicate the presence of [Ag₃L₂]³⁺ species in solution, consistent with the formation of a trinuclear double helicate complex: the Trinity helix.