Self-assembly and characterization of multimetallic grid-type lead(II) complexes

The self-assembly of the ligands 1a-d, containing tridentate binding subuni ts, with lead(II) ions lead to the formation of the supramolecular inorgani c architectures 2-4 of [2 x 2], [3 x 3], and [4 x 4] grid-type containing f our, nine, and sixteen lead(II) ions, respectively, in octahedral coordinat ion sites. The structures have been assigned on the basis of the spectrosco pic data in solution, and confirmed in the case of 2a in the solid state by X-ray radiocrystallography. The entities 2-4 display specific arrays of me tal ions and are of potential interest for the development of devices for m olecular electronics. Their formation, in particular that of 4, stresses th e power of correctly designed self-assembly processes to generate highly co mplex architectures of well-defined geometry and nanometric size in a spont aneous but controlled fashion, without having to resort to nanofabrication procedures.