Metal-directed self-assembly of two- and three-dimensional synthetic receptors

This article reviews recent progress in the study of the transition-metal mediated self-assembly of two- and three-dimensional synthetic receptors. Whereas macrocyclization under kinetic control is undoubtedly an unfavorable process, the self-assembly strategy offers quite efficient methods for constructing macrocycles under thermodynamic control. In particular, cis-protected Pd(II) and Pt(II) blocks are quite effective in obtaining the cyclic framework from simple molecules. Examples disclosed in this article are spontaneously assembled in quantitative yields by just mixing component molecules. This approach is successfully applied to the construction of cage compounds. The self-assembly of nanosized macrocycles and cages is also discussed.