Molecular enantiopure homometallic Zn14L24 cubic cages with luminescence properties

Chiral homometallic high-nuclearity cages are rare and of synthetic challenge. Herein, we report the syntheses and structures of a pair of enantiopure homometallic high-nuclearity [Zn14L24](28+) cages. The molecular cage has a cubic framework with pseudo-O symmetry and encloses a large void inside. The chirality of the framework is directed by the point chirality of the chiral amine applied, which is verified by the crystal structure and circular dichroism (CD) studies. The formation processes are probed by NMR and CD studies. The cage complexes also possess blue luminescence properties. They represent the first enantiopure homometallic cubic cages and rare examples of high-nuclearity enantiopure cages.

Automated summary

These enantiopure homometallic high-nuclearity cages feature a cubic framework with a large void, with chirality derived from the chiral amine applied. They are the first enantiopure homometallic cubic cages and rare examples of high-nuclearity enantiopure cages.