The rational design of high symmetry coordination clusters

There are numerous examples of supramolecular assemblies based on metal-ligand interactions, Many have been synthesized unintentionally, while others have been the result of systematic variation of metal and ligand components. Until recently, no one has provided a rational synthetic methodology for the synthesis of metal-ligand coordination clusters. We have provided a model for the assembly of naturally-occurring, high-symmetry protein assemblies such as ferritin (O symmetry) and viral protein coats (I symmetry) based on incommensurate symmetry interactions. This model has led us to develop a rational synthetic approach to the synthesis of high-symmetry clusters based on the metal-ligand coordinate bond, Herein we describe our design strategies, provide examples of triple helicates of stoichiometry M2L3 and tetrahedral clusters of stoichiometry M4L6 and M4L4, and discuss the solution dynamics of these clusters.