Molecular imine cages with π-basic Au3(pyrazolate) faces

Chem Sci. 2024 Feb 1;15(10):3539-3544. doi: 10.1039/d3sc06280e. eCollection 2024 Mar 6.

Abstract

One tetrahedral and two trigonal prismatic cages with π-basic Au3(pyrazolate)3 faces were obtained by connection of pre-formed gold complexes via dynamic covalent imine chemistry. The parallel arrangement of the Au3(pyrazolate)3 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 C60 and C70, could be established by X-ray crystallography.