Directed self-assembly of a ring-in-ring complex

Abstract

A strategic modification to the corner ligands in Pd^II-containing, electron-poor cyclophanes has profound repercussions for their assemblies with electron-rich aromatic crown ethers in both the solid and solution states; the formation of ring-in-ring complexes can override competing [3]catenane production on masking the hydrogen bond donor capabilities of the corner ligands.