A Family of Externally-Functionalised Coordination Cages

New synthetic routes are presented to derivatives of a (known) M8L12 cubic coordination cage in which range different substituents attached at the C4 position pyridyl rings either end bis(pyrazolyl-pyridine) bridging ligands. The (i) –CN groups (new ligand LCN), (ii) –CH2OCH2–CCH (containing terminal alkyne) LCC); and (iii) –(CH2OCH2)3CH2OMe (tri-ethyleneglycol monomethyl ether) LPEG). resulting functionalised ligands combine with M2+ ions (particularly Co2+, Ni2+, Cd2+) give isostructural [M8L12]16+ cores bearing 24 external functional groups; cages based on LCN (with = LCC Ni2+) have been crystallographically characterised. value these is twofold: exterior nitrile or alkene can provide basis for further opportunities via ‘Click’ reactions allowing principle diverse functionalisation surface; substantially increase solubility both water organic solvents, binding constants cavity-binding guests be measured under an increased conditions.