Solid-state self-assembly of triazolylpyridine-based helicates and mesocate: Control of the metal-metal distances

Many materials properties are conditioned by the relative arrangement of metal ions in the solid state. Supramolecular architectures such as helicates may be designed with controlled metal to metal spacing in their midst. However, shorter distances and more extensive electronic communication may be achieved between individual architectures through their self-assembly in the solid state. In this manuscript, we report a rational analysis of the solid-state self-organization of dinuclear metallocylinders constructed by octahedral ion coordination with the 1,2,3-triazol-4-ylpyridyl chelate (Fe ^II, Ni ^II). Overall, aromatic and aliphatic spacers control the range and ranking of metal to metal distances in a predictive manner.