Chiral self-sorting behaviour of [2.2]paracyclophane-based bis(pyridine) ligands

Two constitutionally isomeric chiral bis(pyridine) ligands based on planar chiral 4,15-difunctionalized [2.2]paracyclophanes were synthesized, the respective enantiomers were separated via HPLC on a chiral stationary phase, and their self-assembly behaviour upon coordination to palladium(II) ions was studied with regard to chiral self-sorting effects. As proven by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, CD spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography both ligands form the expected dinuclear complexes upon coordination to cis-protected di- or tetravalent palladium(II) ions, respectively, however, with distinct differences concerning their chiral self-sorting ability.