Unexpected Ni(ii) and Cu(ii) polynuclear assemblies—a balance between ligand and metal ion coordination preferences

Abstract

Polytopic ligand design involves matching the coordination pocket composition with the metal ion coordination 'algorithm', but despite targeting [4 x 4] grids as the final outcome, metal ion preferences and ligand control can lead to widely varying complexes in the self-assembly process with Ni(II) and Cu(II).