Cooperative Self-Assembly of Chiral l-Malate and Achiral Succinate in the Formation of a Three-Dimensional Homochiral Framework

Chiral l-malate and achiral succinate ligands have been integrated into a three-dimensional homochiral framework by reacting transition-metal cations (Mn2+), l-(−)-malic acid (l-H2ma), succinic acid (H2suc), and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy). Chiral l-malate bonds to Mn2+ without using the −OH group, which is very unusual for malate. Such unusual bonding of chiral malate results from the cooperative effect of chiral malate and achiral succinate ligands during the self-assembly process, further assisted by the third complementary bipyridine ligand.