From encapsulation to polypseudorotaxane: unusual anion networks driven by predesigned metal bis(terpyridine) complex cations.

Solvothermal reactions of CuSCN, metal (Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+) sulfate, and terpyridine (2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine or 4'-p-tolyl-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine) in the presence of triphenylphosphine yielded a series of hybrid coordination compounds, in which in situ formed metal bis(terpyridine) complex cations are encapsulated by a 3D anionic network or entangled by 2D heartlike networks, forming encapsulation or polypseudorotaxane supramolecules. The complex cations play a role as template to direct the fabrication of the structures.