title: Shape-persistent octanuclear zinc salen clusters: synthesis, characterization, and catalysis.
abstract: We describe a selective and template-controlled synthesis of a series of Zn(8) metal complexes based on a bis-nucleating salen ligand scaffold. Our results, a combination of X-ray analysis and solution studies, show that discrete, shape-persistent metal clusters can be prepared in high yield. Their activity in organic carbonate catalysis is a function of the metal-connecting fragment present in the exterior of the cluster complex. The high stability of the clusters has been confirmed by (1)H, (13)C (DEPTQ) and DOSY NMR, gel permeation chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ), Avenida Països Catalans 16, 43007 Tarragona, Spain.
authors.forename: Robert M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Haak
authors.forename: Antonello
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Decortes
authors.forename: Eduardo C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Escudero-Adán
authors.forename: Marta
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Martínez Belmonte
authors.forename: Eddy
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Martin
authors.forename: Jordi
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Benet-Buchholz
authors.forename: Arjan W
authors.initials: AW
authors.lastname: Kleij