Supramolecular recognition forces: An examination of weak metal-metal interactions in host-guest formation

Molecular receptors consisting of two parallel-disposed terpy-M-Cl units (M = Pd2+, Pt2+) are used to form host-guest adducts with aromatic molecules and with neutral square-planar Pt2+ complexes. Host-guest formation is controlled by several factors including pi-pi interactions and, in some cases, weak Pt-Pt interactions between the host and the guest. This latter interaction was examined by comparing the host-guest stability of adducts formed by isoelectronic Pt2- and Au3+ complexes with the Pt2+ receptor. Consistently, the former is more stable.