Controlling the Complexity and Interconversion Mechanisms in Self‐Assembled [Fe₂L₃]⁴⁺ Helicates and [Fe₄L₆]⁸⁺ Cages

Abstract

Abstract Self‐assembled coordination cages and metal–organic frameworks have relied extensively on symmetric ligands in their formation. Here we have prepared a relatively simple system employing an unsymmetric ligand that results in two distinct self‐assembled structures, a [Fe 2 L 3 ] 4+ helicate and a [Fe 4 L 6 ] 8+ cage composed of 10 interconverting diastereomers and their enantiomers. We show that the steric profile of the ligand controls the complexity, thermodynamics and kinetics of interconversion of the system.

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