Synthesis and Characterization of Ferrocene Based Hemicages

We present a series of tripodal ligands L1–3, which fold into hemicages C1–3 by using coordination-driven dynamic combinational chemistry. The identities of these hemicages were characterized using 1H NMR, 1H–1H COSY, DOSY, and ESI-TWIM-MS. Free rotation of the ferrocene structural units in the ligands affords an adaptable directionality, which is essential for the construction of these hemicages. Encapsulation of adamantane by C2 indicates the presence of a well-defined inner cavity as the binding pocket.