Cation-translocation based isomerism offers a tool for the expansion of compressed helicates

A series of compressed M[Li(3)1(3)Ti(2)] (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) and expanded helicates M-4[1(3)Ti(2)] has been obtained. The helicates Li-3[M1(3)Ti(2)] or M-4[1(3)Ti(2)] with M = Na+, K+, Rb+, or Cs+ adopt the expanded structure in solution. By crystallization the compressed structures M[Li(3)1(3)Ti(2)] (M = Na, Rb) are obtained. This represents an example of cation-translocation based isomerism.

Automated summary

A series of compressed and expanded helicates have been obtained in this study, with cesium cations adopting the expanded structure while sodium and rubidium cations adopting the compressed structure. This represents an example of cation-translocation based isomerism.