Multicomponent Self-Assembly: Generation of Rigid-Rack Multimetallic Pseudorotaxanes

The rigid linear ligands 1a−g and the
macrocycle 2 undergo self-assembly via coordination with
copper(I) ions
to generate the series of rigid-rack inorganic pseudorotaxanes
3a−g. These complexes have been
characterized
by analytical and spectroscopic methods. Their architecture has
been confirmed by determination of the crystal
structures of 3e,f. The complex
[Cu2(1e)(2)2](PF6)2
(3e) crystallizes in the space group
C2/c, whereas complex
[Cu2(1f)(2)2](PF6)2
(3f) gives crystals containing a single enantiomer in the
chiral space group
P212121.
The
synthesis and solution structures of 3a−g and
the solid-state structures of 3e,f are discussed
in relation to the
viability of multicomponent self-assembly as an approach to linear
metal-ion arrays.