A ferromagnetically coupled pseudo-calixarene [Co] wheel that self-assembles as a tubular network of capsules.

Reaction of Co(OAc)·4HO and Hsal in a basic MeCN solution affords the hexadecanuclear wheel [Co(sal)(OAc)]·16MeCN (1·16MeCN) that displays ferromagnetic nearest neighbour exchange and has pseudo-calixarene character. Symmetry equivalent wheels self-assemble to form remarkable tubular networks of capsules in the extended structure.