Customized self-assembled molecules: rim adjustable coronal polygons with multiple-folds symmetry

Abstract

The manufacturing of special architectures with a predefined and predictable shape has received much attention on account of their potential applications. Understanding the mechanistic principles of the designed ligand is crucial for further improvements in supramolecular and organic synthetic systems. We report here that the subtle variation of a metallo-organic ligand could result in desired different coronal architectures. The four-fold symmetric Fe₈LA₄ and six-fold symmetric Fe₁₂LC₆ were initially obtained from dual rim metallo-organic ligands LA and LC. Subsequently, the hypothetical five-fold symmetric pentagon wreath Fe₁₀LB₅ was successfully achieved by employing the naphthalene-based bis-terpyridine to serve as the external connectors. The successful construction of designable supramolecules highlights the possibility of synthesizing various structures based on requirements. Moreover, the unique wreath structures may exhibit potential applications in magnetic, ferroelectric and composite materials.