Solution and solid state studies of a triangle-square equilibrium: Anion-induced selective crystallization in supramolecular self-assembly

We report that an equilibrium mixture of triangular and square supramolecular species results when the flexible, ditopic donor unit, trans-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene, is reacted with the ditopic acceptor unit, cis-(Me3P)(2)Pt(OTf)(2), in a one-to-one ratio. Both products are characterized in solution, by way of multinuclear NMR, and in the solid state, via X-ray crystallography. The effects of water and anions, cobalticarborane versus triflate, on the equilibrium are probed. The selective crystallization of either of the two species can be accomplished via the appropriate choice of solvents and ratio of anions present in the system. The dominant species in solution is not always consistent with the most prevalent species in the solid state.