Rational design of multi-component functionalized supramolecular assemblies

Abstract

In the past few decades, a plethora of metalla-supramolecular architectures, obtained by rational design approaches, were successfully explored. In recent years, the focus of the field has progressively expanded from the purely structural studies, towards the implementation of functions such as catalysis and sensing. In this work, a series of salen- (or salphen-) based macrocyclic architectures is obtained through the condensation of functionalized bis-salicylaldehyde derivative ligands, with diamine derivatives, followed by metal complexation with transition metal ions. The self-assembled metallacycles’ properties have been tuned by modification of the building blocks, to explore: i) chiroptical properties and assembly into nanomaterials, ii) photoredox catalysis, and iii) formation of mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs).