Fine-Tuning of the Sequential Self-Assembly of Entangled Polyhedra by Exploiting the Side-Chain Effect

Chem Asian J. 2024 Dec 29:e202401378. doi: 10.1002/asia.202401378. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The control of the sequential self-assembly processes of highly entangled (Ag3L2)n (n=2,4,6,8) and Ag21L12 coordination polyhedra using side-chain effects was studied via the introduction of linear or branched side chains into the tripodal ligands. In addition to changes in the intermediate polyhedral species affording the multi- pathway process, disruption of the kinetic control of the sequential self-assembly was observed, thus demonstrating the utility of steric control for the construction of 3D-entangled molecular materials on the 5 nm scale with high molecular complexity.

Keywords: Acetylene; Coordination polyhedra; Entanglements; Interconversion; Self-assembly.