The homochiral metallosupramolecular column structure of rhenium (I) complex

The chiral construction of complex supramolecular systems is receiving much interest, especially with achiral building units. In this paper, we reported the helix supramolecular structure of an achiral rhenium complex crystal, [Re(CO)3(C16H12N2)(MeCN)] · ClO4, which was formed by coordination of Re(CO)5Cl with 2-methenepyridyl-1-aminonaphthalene and acetonitrile. X-ray diffraction analysis suggests that homohelical column metallosupramolecular architecture results from the array of the six-coordinated Re around and along a line: the helical axis in chiral P1211 (No. 4) space group. There is rare example of constructing helical architectures with both coordinated and hydrogen bonds from achiral units. The helical self-assembly process is induced by the intrastrand interaction and crystal growth. Here, the perchlorate acts as both the counter ion and the bridge linking the neighboring coordinated parts together by weak non-covalent interaction. Furthermore, the two-dimensional arrangement adopts double-edged axe-shaped motif, which is different from the common herringbone or brick-wall pattern in coordination polymers. Our investigation introduced the special arrangement model into complicated helical architecture, especially homochiral single-colony.