title: Selective Synthesis of Molecular Borromean Rings: Engineering of Supramolecular Topology via Coordination-Driven Self-Assembly.
abstract: Molecular Borromean rings (BRs) is one of the rare topology among interlocked molecules. Template-free synthesis of BRs via coordination-driven self-assembly of tetracene-based Ru(II) acceptor and ditopic pyridyl donors is reported. NMR and single-crystal XRD analysis observed sequential transformation of a fully characterized monomeric rectangle to molecular BRs and vice versa. Crystal structure of BRs revealed that the particular topology was enforced by the appropriate geometry of the metallacycle and multiple parallel-displaced π-π interactions between the donor and tetracene moiety of the acceptor. Computational studies based on density functional theory also supported the formation of BRs through dispersive intermolecular interactions in solution.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan , Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Taegeun
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan , Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Nem
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan , Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jihun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.affiliation: Protein Structure Group, Korea Basic Science Institute , Ochang, Chungbuk 28119, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Eun-Hee
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan , Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jaehoon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Energy Materials and Convergence Research Department, Korea Institute of Energy Research , Daejeon 34129, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hyunuk
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Ulsan , Ulsan 44610, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ki-Whan
authors.initials: KW
authors.lastname: Chi