Bottom-up synthesis strategy of a two-dimensional {Fe5} cluster-based coordination polymer: stepwise formation of a {Fe5} duster and its dimension augmentation

Sophisticated aggregation assembly is challenging in assembly chemistry. Monitoring the assembly process helps to understand the assembly mechanism and create new building blocks. A two-dimensional (2D) cluster-based coordination polymer (CP) of {Fe-5}-2D was developed by hierarchical dimension augmentation from its one-dimensional (1D) cluster-based CP of {Fe-5}-1D and discrete zero-dimensional (OD) cluster of {Fe-5}-0D. A stepwise formation of the {Fe-5}-0D cluster could be further monitored by time-dependent high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry and five reaction intermediate fragments were screened. A possible bottom-up synthesis mechanism for this cluster-based CP was proposed as (Fe-1] -> [Fe-2] -> (Fe-3] -> (Fe-4] -> {Fe-5}-0D {Fe-5}-1D {Fe-5}-2D.

Automated summary

Monitoring the assembly process can help understand the mechanism and create new building blocks. A two-dimensional coordination polymer was developed from hierarchical dimension augmentation of one-dimensional and zero-dimensional clusters.