Synthesis and characterisation of an integratively self-sorted [FeL] tetrahedron.

Isolating metal-organic cage structures which incorporate more than one distinct ligand has been challenging due to competing pressures from narcissistic and social sorting phenomena. Here we report the first example of exclusive formation of a single tetrahedral product from a reaction mixture containing two different bidentate ligands. Exclusive formation of the tetrahedron, which incorporates one unique metal vertex, relies on a triamine to orientate the heteroditopic ligand.

Self-assembly of a trigonal bipyramidal architecture with stabilisation of iron in three spin states.

Self-assembly and characterisation of a supramolecular trigonal bipyramidal iron cage containing an [Fe(μ-F)(Fe)] star motif at its core is reported. The complex can be formed in a one step reaction using an heterotopic ligand that supports site-specific incorporation of iron in three distinct electronic configurations: low-spin Fe, high-spin Fe and high-spin Fe, with iron(II) tetrafluoroborate as the source of the bridging fluorides. Formation of a μ-F bridged mixed-valence Fe-Fe star is unprecedented.

Self-Assembly of Functional Discrete Three-Dimensional Architectures in Water.

Construction of discrete, self-assembled architectures in water has gained significant interest in recent years as a wide range of applications arises from their defined 3D structure. In this review we jointly discuss the efforts of supramolecular chemists and biotechnologists who previously worked independently, to tackle discipline-specific challenges associated with construction of assemblies from synthetic and bio-derived components, respectively. Going forward, a more interdisciplinary research approach will expedite development of complexes with real-world applications that exploit the benefits of compartmentalisation.