Large heterometallic coordination cages with gyrobifastigium-like geometry

Large ( M w > 10 kDa) heterometallic coordination cages with gyrobifastigium-like geometry are obtained by using metalloligands with sterically demanding Fe II clathrochelate cores and four divergent pyridyl groups. Upon reaction with cis -blocked Pt II and Pd II complexes, M II 8 L 4 cages are formed. The gyrobifastigium geometry of these cages is in contrast to the barrel-like structures which are typically observed for metallasupramolecular assemblies with M 8 L 4 stoichiometry. Large coordination cages with unusual gyrobifastigium-like geometry were obtained by combining cis -blocked Pt II or Pd II complexes with clathrochelate-based metalloligands.