Helicity adaptation within a quadruply stranded helicate by encapsulation

The helicity of a quadruply stranded M2L4 helicate consisting of an aromatic amide bidendate ligand is flexible due to the twisting of the amide moieties and can be tuned by the encapsulated anions. This study reveals the multiple interplays and complementarities between the anions as well as between the anions and the helicate, which are synthetically responsive to the ultimate conformation of the helicate.