LiBF -Induced Rearrangement and Desymmetrization of a Palladium-Ligand Assembly.

Thirteen palladium-ligand assemblies with different structures and topologies were investigated for the ability to bind lithium ions. In one case, the addition of LiBF resulted in a profound structural rearrangement, converting a dincluclear [Pd L ] complex into a low-symmetry [Pd L ] assembly with two binding pockets for solvated LiBF ion pairs. The rearrangement could only be induced by Li , indicating highly specific host-guest interactions. A structural analysis of the [Pd L ] receptor revealed a compact structure with multiple intramolecular interactions, reminiscent of what is seen for natural and synthetic foldamers.