The template synthesis of dimetallic complexes

The FeII ion acts as a template to generate a dinuclear triple-stranded complex, in which two tris-diimine compartments are separated by rigid diphenylurea spacers. The template reaction involves the combination of 11 particles and leads to the formation of a single highly symmetrical product, as shown by X-ray diffraction studies. The diiron(II) complex undergoes reversible oxidation to the FeIII derivative. On the other hand, the CuI centre promotes the template formation of a double stranded dinuclear complex, which shows a total and unique resistance to the oxidation to CuII. Such an intriguing feature results (i) from the bulkiness of the substituents, which hinders the planarization of the donor set, and (ii) from the rigidity of the diphenylurea spacers, which prevent disassembling of the double stranded complex and formation of two mononuclear chelated CuI species.