A Pd₆ Molecular Cage via Multicomponent Self-Assembly Incorporating Both Neutral and Anionic Linkers

A Pd6 molecular cage [{(tmen)Pd}6(bpy)3(tma)2](NO3)6 [1; where tmen = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylene diamine, bpy = 4,4′-bipyridyl, and H3tma = trimesic acid] was prepared via the template-free three-component self-assembly of a cis-blocked palladium(II) acceptor in combination with a tricarboxylate and a dipyridyl donor. Complex 1 represents the first example of a 3D palladium(II) cage of defined shape incorporating anionic and neutral linkers. Guest-induced exclusive formation of this cage was also monitored by an NMR study.