Orthogonal, modular anion–cation and cation–anion self-assembly using pre-programmed anion binding sites

Subcomponent self-assembly relies on cation coordination whereas the roles of anions often only emerge during the assembly process. When sites for anions are instead pre-programmed, they have the potential to be used as orthogonal elements to build up structure in a predictable and modular way. We explore this idea by combining cation (M(+)) and anion (X(−)) binding sites together and show the orthogonal and modular build up of structure in a multi-ion assembly. Cation binding is based on a ligand (L) made by subcomponent metal-imine chemistry (M(+) = Cu(+), Au(+)) while the site for anion binding (X(−) = BF(4)(−), ClO(4)(−)) derives from the inner cavity of cyanostar (CS) macrocycles. The two sites are connected by imine condensation between a pyridyl-aldehyde and an aniline-modified cyanostar. The target assembly [LM-CS-X-CS-ML],(+) generates two terminal metal complexation sites (LM and ML) with one central anion-bridging site (X) defined by cyanostar dimerization. We showcase modular assembly by isolating intermediates when the primary structure-directing ions are paired with weakly coordinating counter ions. Cation-directed (Cu(+)) or anion-bridged (BF(4)(−)) intermediates can be isolated along either cation–anion or anion–cation pathways. Different products can also be prepared in a modular way using Au(+) and ClO(4)(−). This is also the first use of gold(i) in subcomponent self-assembly. Pre-programmed cation and anion binding sites combine with judicious selection of spectator ions to provide modular noncovalent syntheses of multi-component architectures.