Metal ion-modulated self-assembly of pseudo-suit[3]anes using crown ether-based terpyridine metalloprisms

Two hexanuclear metalloprisms possessing three dibenzo[24]crown-8 units were generated in quantitative yields by complexation of the predesigned tetratopic 2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine ligand (T) with CdII and ZnII ions, respectively. The prismatic hosts were subsequently self-assembled with the trifunctional guest molecule (TriG) containing dibenzylammonium ions to afford the corresponding metallo-supramolecular pseudo-suit[3]anes. It was serendipitously found that the host–guest inclusion rates could be modulated by the subtle dynamic difference in metal–ligand frameworks, finally leading to a selective encapsulation event in the presence of both metallo-suits.