A series of tetracationic M(2)L(4) palladium-pyridyl complexes with endohedral amine functionality have been synthesized. The complexes were analyzed by NMR techniques (including Diffusion NMR and 2D NOESY), electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. The solid state analysis shows a large change in crystal morphology upon introduction of the endohedral amine groups, caused by deleterious interactions between the amines and the triflate counterions from the coordination process. Combination of different ligands allows analysis of ligand exchange rates via NMR analysis, with half-lives on the order of 3 h, independent of the donor properties of the ligand. Self-sorting behavior is observed, with more electron-rich ligands being favored. The amine-containing and extended complexes are strongly fluorescent, giving quantum yields of up to 83%.

Primed for action: Atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) can be promoted at a bilayer-water interface by anchoring initiator molecules (see scheme; red) in a membrane-bound synthetic receptor (yellow). The bilayer is formed on a calcinated nanofilm (gray) on a gold surface.

Cavitands can be smoothly derivatized by CuAAC chemistry to incorporate ligand species at the upper rim. These species can coordinate metal species in a number of different conformations, leading to self-assembly. The metal-coordination confers water solubility on the cavitands, and the iron-bound species are capable of catalytic C – H oxidations of fluorene under mild conditions.

Startklar: Atomtransferradikalpolymerisation (ATRP) lässt sich an einer Doppelschicht‐Wasser‐Grenzfläche beschleunigen, indem Startermoleküle (rot im Schema) in einem membrangebundenen synthetischen Rezeptor (gelb) verankert werden. Die Doppelschicht wird auf einem kalzinierten Nanofilm (grau) auf einer Goldoberfläche gebildet.