Kinetics of Zn2+ complexation by a ditopic phenanthroline-azamacrocyclic scorpiand-like receptorElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: 10.1039/c2cc16831f

Coordination of Zn 2+ to a ditopic phenanthroline-macrocycle receptor takes place in three steps, the first one being the coordination to the phenanthroline, followed by the slow movement of the metal to the polyamine macrocycle and a final re-arrangement to coordinate the pendent arm. Coordination of Zn 2+ to a ditopic aza-scorpiand macrocycle with a pendent phenanthroline unit occurs in the first place at the phenanthroline site, followed by the slow movement of the metal to the polyamine macrocycle and a final re-arrangement to coordinate the pendent arm.