Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.140, No.40, 13022-13027, 2018
Oxidation State Distributions Provide Insight into Parameters Directing the Assembly of Metal-Organic Nanocapsules
Two structurally analogous Mn-seamed C-alkylpyrogallol[4]arene (PgC(n))-based metal-organic nanocapsules (MONCs) have been synthesized under similar reaction conditions and characterized by crystallographic, electrochemical, and magnetic susceptibility techniques. Both MONCs contain 24 Mn centers, but, somewhat surprisingly, marked differences in oxidation state distribution are observed upon analysis. One MONC contains exclusively Mn-II ions, while the other is a mixed-valence Mn-II/Mn-III assembly. We propose that these disparate oxidation state distributions arise from slight differences in pH achieved during synthesis, a factor that may lead to many spectacular new MONCs (and associated host-guest chemistries).