Kinetically controlled narcissistic self-sorting of Pd(ii)-linked self-assemblies from structurally similar tritopic ligands

Herein, we present the narcissistic self-sorted state from two kinds of structurally similar tritopic ligands with a cis-protected Pd(ii) complex, which was generated by both the pathway-dependent process and the proper choice of the leaving ligand. This metastable state could not be attained by simple mixing of all components by heating under thermodynamic control.

Automated summary

In this study, we report the narcissistic self-sorted state achieved from two structurally similar tritopic ligands and a cis-protected Pd(ii) complex. The formation of this metastable state is influenced by the pathway-dependent process and the appropriate choice of the leaving ligand. Simple mixing and heating under thermodynamic control cannot produce this state.