Multi component self-assembly: supramolecular organic frameworks containing metal-rotaxane subunits (RSOFs)

Dalton Trans. 2012 Jan 28;41(4):1134-7. doi: 10.1039/c1dt11495f. Epub 2011 Dec 9.

Abstract

A facile, one-pot synthesis of rotaxanated supramolecular organic frameworks (RSOFs) is reported. These systems consist of bis-carboxylate anions threaded through the core of tetraimidazolium macrocycles. Trivalent metal cations, yttrium(III) and smaller lanthanides, are used to "lock" the threaded strut in place. This results in the formation of three-dimensional RSOFs.