Facile synthesis of multicomponent heterobimetallic metallomacrocycles through selective metal-ligand coordination.

Three heterobimetallic metallomacrocycles were readily assembled through either a stepwise or a one-pot protocol by selective complexation of ZnII ions and PdII or PtII acceptors with the predesigned ligands possessing one 60°-bent bisterpyridine and two mono- or bis-pyridines. In the multicomponent self-assembly, the preorganized ZnII-terpyridine metallo-triangle led to the formation of the exterior macrocycles.