The 'Trinity' helix:: synthesis and structural characterisation of a C3-symmetric tris-bidentate ligand and its coordination to Ag(I)

The synthesis and structural characterisation of a novel C-3-symmetric tris-bidentate ligand, L, featuring a triphenylamine core appended by pyridylimine coordination sites is reported: H-1 NMR compleximetric titration studies with Ag(I) and ESMS indicate the presence of [Ag3L2](3+) species in solution, consistent with the formation of a trinuclear double helicate complex: the Trinity helix.