title: A heterometallic macrocycle as a redox-controlled molecular hinge.
abstract: The ability to modify the structure of nanoscopic assemblies in a controlled fashion is an important prerequisite for the creation of functional supramolecular systems. Here, we describe a heterometallic Pt2Cu2-macrocycle which behaves as a molecular hinge. A square-planar Pt(ii) complex with pendent 2-formylpyridine groups was synthesized and structurally characterized. Condensation of the complex with benzylamine followed by reaction with Cu(MeCN)4BF4 resulted in the formation of a rectangular Pt2Cu2-macrocycle. Upon chemical oxidation of the Cu centers, the macrocycle folds up to adopt a butterfly-like geometry in which the Pt centers approach each other. This process can be reversed by chemical reduction.
authors.affiliation: Institut des Sciences et Ingénierie Chimiques, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland. kay.severin@epfl.ch.
authors.forename: Clément
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schouwey
authors.forename: Marcus
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Papmeyer
authors.forename: Rosario
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scopelliti
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Severin