Molecular imine cages with π-basic Au(pyrazolate) faces.

One tetrahedral and two trigonal prismatic cages with π-basic Au(pyrazolate) faces were obtained by connection of pre-formed gold complexes dynamic covalent imine chemistry. The parallel arrangement of the Au(pyrazolate) complexes in the prismatic cages augments the interaction with π-acids, as demonstrated by the encapsulation of polyhalogenated aromatic compounds. The tetrahedral cage was found to act as a potent receptor for fullerenes. The structures of the three cages, as well as the structures of adducts with C and C, could be established by X-ray crystallography.