Polytopic ligand directed self-assembly—polymetallic [n×n] grids versus non-grid oligomers

This critical review surveys factors involved in the convergent self-assembly of square [n×n] (n = 2–5) polymetallic grids, using ligands with encoded coordination information appropriate to the metal ion’s coordination algorithm. While entropic factors drive these reactions, other effects, including metal ion CFSE, ligand conformational character, electrostatic factors etc., can lead preferentially to non-grid oligomers. It will be of interest to the general supramolecular community, particularly coordination chemists attempting to create predetermined architectures, with applications oriented molecular based properties (86 references).