Finite, spherical coordination networks that self-organize from 36 small components

Simple banana-shaped organic molecules self-organize into finite, spherical coordination networks with a diameter of up to 7 nm (see structure; green Pd, red O, blue N, gray C). These molecular spheres consist of 12 equivalent metal centers and 24 equivalent ligands and have cuboctahedral symmetry. Functional groups (C60 or porphyrin) attached to each ligand are aligned equivalently at the periphery of the sphere.