Porphyrin-based supermolecules and supramolecular arrays

Abstract

This article reviews our recent work in constructing discrete multiporphyrin assemblies and supramolecular arrays through the application of two organising principles - crown ethers and tin(IV)porphyrin phenolates. The role of the crown ethers is illustrated by two examples: (a) the cation-induced control of the reduction potentials within a model 18 C 6 bearing naphthalene and naphthoquinone chromophores antipodally displaced on the crown ether in the presence of alkali metal cations and (b) in the complexation of dialkylammonium salt within the cavity of a 24 C 8 bischlorin system. Tin(IV)porphyrin phenolates provide a means of efficiently constructing multiporphyrin assemblies without the use of covalent bond formation. Their potential is illustrated through the formation of discrete trimers, using a “one pot” self-assembly strategy, as well as the generation of supramolecular arrays with sieve like networks.