Rhenium-based bicyclic supramolecule with calixarene-shaped bowls

The reaction of Re2(CO)10 with chloranilic acid (H2-CA) and 1,3,5-tris(2-methylmercaptobenzimidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (L) gives a heteroleptic cycle [(fac-Re(CO)3)6(CA)3(L)2] (1). The hexanuclear metallacycle 1 possesses calixarene-shaped bowls.