Molecular borromean rings.
The realization of the Borromean link in a wholly synthetic molecular form is reported. The self-assembly of this link, which is topologically achiral, from 18 components by the template-directed formation of 12 imine and 30 dative bonds, associated with the coordination of three interlocked macrocycles, each tetranucleating and decadentate overall, to a total of six zinc(II) ions, is near quantitative. Three macrocycles present diagonally in pairs, six exo-bidentate bipyridyl and six endo-diiminopyridyl ligands to the six zinc(II) ions. The use, in concert, of coordination, supramolecular, and dynamic covalent chemistry allowed the highly efficient construction, by multiple cooperative self-assembly processes, of a nanoscale dodecacation with an approximate diameter of 2.5 nanometers and an inner chamber of volume 250 A(3), lined with 12 oxygen atoms.
Chichak
Kelly S
KS
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the California NanoSystems Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Cantrill
Stuart J
SJ
Pease
Anthony R
AR
Chiu
Sheng-Hsien
SH
Cave
Gareth W V
GW
Atwood
Jerry L
JL
Stoddart
J Fraser
JF