Copper(I) Ion Mediated Self-Assembly of Triple-Stranded Helicates from Oligo(2-ethynylpyridines): Synthesis, Structure, and Properties

The reaction of oligo(2-ethynylpyridines) (L1–L8) with copper(I) ions proceeded smoothly to afford tri-, tetra-, and pentanuclear triple-stranded helicates (CL1–CL8) in good yields. If a chiral ligand was used, the stereoselective self-assembly of chiral helicates with one particular chirality was achieved in the solid state. Racemization of copper(I) helicates was also observed in solution.