CHAPTER 2: Design Principles of Self-assembled Metallomacrocycles

In this chapter, we introduce the strategy of the construction of self-assembled metallomacrocycles. Three strategies that have been extensively used for constructing these metallomacrocycles are discussed in detail. The first one is the directional-bonding approach, which was introduced by Stang and co-workers. Using this strategy, a series of molecular rhomboids, molecular triangles, molecular squares, and molecular hexagons have been successfully constructed. The second strategy is the symmetry-interaction approach. Unlike the directional-bonding approach, this strategy usually employs multibranched chelating ligands with rigid backbone and uncapped metal centres. The third strategy is the weak-link approach, which was pioneered by Mirkin and co-workers. A series of flexible metallomacrocycles constructed using the weak-link approach are presented. Notably, these flexible metallomacrocycles could change their structures when triggered by an extra stimulus.