One-step multicomponent self-assembly of a first-generation Sierpiński triangle: from fractal design to chemical reality.

A novel terpyridine-based architecture that mimics a first-generation Sierpiński triangle has been synthesized by multicomponent assembly and features tpy-Cd(II)-tpy connectivity (tpy=terpyridine). The key terpyridine ligands were synthesized by the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction. Mixing two different terpyridine-based ligands and Cd(II) in a precise stoichiometric ratio (1:1:3) produced the desired fractal architecture in near-quantitative yield. Characterization was accomplished by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and transmission electron microscopy.