Stepwise synthesis of a Ru4Cd4 coordination cage using inert and labile subcomponents: introduction of redox activity at specific sites

摘要

The kinetically inert mononuclear complex [RuL3](PF6)2 (1 : 3 mixture of fac and mer isomers), with three pendant binding sites, reacts with labile Cd(ii) ions to complete the assembly of a Ru4Cd4 cubic coordination cage in which reversible redox behaviour has been introduced at the Ru(ii) sites.