Stepwise, multicomponent assembly of a molecular trapezoid possessing three different metals

A novel terpyridine-based, trapezoidal architecture was synthesized by a coordination-driven multicomponent assembly and features three different tpy-M²⁺-tpy bonds (M²⁺ = Ru²⁺, Fe²⁺, and Zn²⁺) in the macrocyclic ring. This trimetallic macrocycle introduces the construction of polymetallosupramolecular assemblies possessing multiple, differing metal centers in an ordered, predetermined pattern. Characterization was accomplished by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and UV-Vis spectroscopy.