title: Cavitand-based nanoscale coordination cages.
abstract: This communication reports design, self-assembly, solution, and solid-state characterization of nanoscale coordination cages formed by tetradentate cavitand ligands and appropriate metal precursors. The preorganization of the cavitand ligand in terms of structural rigidity and relative orientation of the pyridyl units leads to the exclusive formation of coordination cages in a wide temperature and concentration range. Desired features of the cage self-assembly process, such as reversibility in the presence of a competitive ligand and self-recognition of the cavitand components, have been assessed.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Chimica Organica e Industriale e UdR INSTM di Parma, Università di Parma, Parco Area delle Scienze 17/A, 43100 Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pinalli
authors.forename: Veronica
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cristini
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sottili
authors.forename: Silvano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Geremia
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Campagnolo
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Caneschi
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Dalcanale