Multilevel coordination-driven assembly for metallosupramolecules with hierarchical structures

• Published in: Coordination chemistry reviews 2019-05, Vol.387, p.180-198
• Main Authors: Mai, Hien Duy, Tran, Ngoc Minh, Yoo, Hyojong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Higher-order assembly; Metallosupramolecular platforms; Multilevel coordination-driven assembly; Primary assembly; Secondary assembly; Tertiary assembly
• ISSN: 0010-8545; 1873-3840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2019.02.010

[Display omitted] •Systematic classification of metallosupramolecules based on their hierarchical level is demonstrated.•Multilevel coordination-driven assembly as an effective analysis for metallosupramolecules.•Multilevel assembly is composed of primary, secondary, tertiary, or higher-order assembly.•The simple analysis could be helpful for the design of new complexes for specific applications. Despite recent advances toward understanding metallosupramolecular platforms, structural classification remains a challenge because of the high multiplicity and diversity originating from the variety of three-dimensional binding modes of metal ions and multifunctional ligands. In this review, multilevel coordination-driven assembly and its potential implementation in the analysis of a variety of structurally complicated metallosupramolecules are demonstrated. The classification of coordination-driven structures with their respective hierarchy levels is summarized based on the ability of each structural unit to construct ordered molecular platforms. Multilevel assembly is composed of (i) primary, (ii) secondary, (iii) tertiary, or higher-order assembly. The coordination-driven binding modes should differ by levels in a complex. In particular, tertiary assembly involves the use of predefined, well-organized secondary supramolecules as basic modules to build discrete or polymeric structures. Using the suggested concept, coordination-driven metallosupramolecular platforms can be readily classified depending on their respective hierarchical structures. We expect that this simple analytical approach will provide researchers with a more effective understanding of coordination-driven assembly and facilitate the design of new complexes for specialized applications.