Self-assembly of interlocked structures and open framework materials usingcoordination bonds

Syntheses of molecular necklaces and open framework materials using coordia ntion bonds are described. In the synthesis of molecular necklaces, the bar rel-shape molecule cucurbituril is used as a molecular "bead" and metal ion s or metal complexes are used as "glue" or "angle connectors". Two differen t approaches were taken. In one approach, linear pseudorotaxanes react with Pt(en)(NO3)(2) (en = ethylenediamine) to produce [4]MNs and [5]MNs. In the other approach, a '2 + 2' approach, preorganized, L-shaped pseudorotaxanes containing two molecular "beads" react with a metal ion (or a metal comple x with cis vacant coordination sites) to form [5]MNs. Rubidium and cucurbit uril form a one-dimensional coordination polymer in the solid state, in whi ch cucurbituril molecules stack atop one another through coordination of th eir carbonyl groups to the rubidium ions in between. The coordination polym er chains are arranged in such a way as to produce a honeycomb structure wi th large linear hexagonal channels parallel to the polymer chains.