Large heterometallic coordination cages with gyrobifastigium-like geometry

Abstract

Large (M_w > 10 kDa) heterometallic coordination cages with gyrobifastigium-like geometry are obtained by using metalloligands with sterically demanding Fe^II clathrochelate cores and four divergent pyridyl groups. Upon reaction with cis-blocked Pt^II and Pd^II complexes, M^II₈L₄ cages are formed. The gyrobifastigium geometry of these cages is in contrast to the barrel-like structures which are typically observed for metallasupramolecular assemblies with M₈L₄ stoichiometry.