Self-promoted post-synthetic modification of metal–ligand M2L3 mesocates

Abstract

Reactive alcohol functionality has been incorporated into a self-assembled M₂L₃ mesocate. Post-synthetic modification of this complex with suitable isocyanates is not only possible, but is self-catalyzed by multiple internal hydrogen bonds from the self-assembly. As the metal–ligand coordination is reversible at elevated temperature, the isomeric distribution of product changes upon reaction, due to the different steric bulk conferred on the assembly after the modification.