Site-Specific Metal Chelation Facilitates the Unveiling of Hidden Coordination Sites in an FeII/FeIII-Seamed Pyrogallol[4]arene Nanocapsule

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Nov 21;140(46):15611-15615. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b10186. Epub 2018 Nov 12.

Abstract

Under suitable conditions, C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arenes (PgCs) arrange into spherical metal-organic nanocapsules (MONCs) upon coordination to appropriate metal ions. Herein we present the synthesis and structural characterization of a novel FeII/FeIII-seamed MONC, as well as studies related to its electrochemical and magnetic behaviors. Unlike other MONCs that are assembled through 24 metal ions, this nanocapsule comprises 32 Fe ions, uncovering 8 additional coordination sites situated between the constituent PgC subunits. The FeII ions are likely formed by the reducing ability of DMF used in the synthesis, representing a novel synthetic route toward polynuclear mixed-valence MONCs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.