Confinement of the ions [M⊂[2.2.2]cryptand]+ and [cobalt(iii)- bis(dicarbollide)]− in the divergent curved surfaces of a Ni(ii) macrocycle

Abstract

Treatment of M[Co(C₂B₉H₁₁)₂], M = Na or K, with [2.2.2]cryptand and 5,7,12,14-tetramethyldibenzo[b,i]-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradeci nenickel(II) results in a 1∶1∶1 complex, assembled with the cobalticarborane anion snugly residing in the phenyl lined face of the Ni(II) macrocycle through C–H^…N and C–H⋯π interactions, with the ensuing [M⊂[2.2.2]cryptand]⁺ supercation residing in the smaller methyl faced cavity of the macrocycle.