Double-layered honeycomb architectures constructed via hierarchical self-assembly of hexagonal spin crossover cobalt(ii) metallacycles

Abstract

A hexagonal cobalt(II) metallacycle and its “lipid packaged” derivatives, [Co₆(R-bisterpy)₆]X₁₂ (R = H, OC₁₆H₃₃, OC₂₇H₅₅; X = BF₄, C₁₂-Glu), have been synthesized and characterized. The compounds incorporating BF₄⁻ anions formed sphere-like aggregates while the compounds with C₁₂-Glu lipid anions gave double-layered honeycomb architectures composed of hexagonal stacked tubular structures, which exhibit spin crossover behaviour.