Site-Specific Metal Chelation Facilitates the Unveiling of Hidden Coordination Sites in an Fe^II/Fe^III-Seamed Pyrogallol[4]arene Nanocapsule

Abstract

Under suitable conditions, C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arenes (PgCs) arrange into spherical metal–organic nanocapsules (MONCs) upon coordination to appropriate metal ions. Herein we present the synthesis and structural characterization of a novel FeII/FeIII-seamed MONC, as well as studies related to its electrochemical and magnetic behaviors. Unlike other MONCs that are assembled through 24 metal ions, this nanocapsule comprises 32 Fe ions, uncovering 8 additional coordination sites situated between the constituent PgC subunits. The FeII ions are likely formed by the reducing ability of DMF used in the synthesis, representing a novel synthetic route toward polynuclear mixed-valence MONCs.