Playing with the cavity size of exTTF-based self-assembled cages†

Abstract

M₄L₂ metalla-cages bearing large electron-rich ovoid cavities constructed through coordination-driven self-assembly from square planar palladium complexes and extended tetrathiafulvalene (exTTF)-based ligands are depicted. Their binding properties for polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or zinc tetraphenylporphyrin have been evaluated and compared with previously described smaller cage analogues, showing a high size selectivity.