High-symmetry coordination cages via self-assembly

Abstract

We provide a summary of our results in three-dimensional, coordination-driven self-assembly based on the directional-bonding methodology, in which the stoichiometric mixing of complementary building blocks, with appropriate, predefined geometries, leads to targeted, nanoscopic cages. Using this motif, we have synthesized high-symmetry ensembles resembling the Platonic solids, such as dodecahedra, and the Archimedean solids, such as truncated tetrahedra and cuboctahedra, as well as other cages, like trigonal bipyramids, adamantanoids, and trigonal prisms. The synthesis and characterization of these compounds is discussed, as is some host-guest chemistry.