# Supramolecular assemblies derived from methyl-substituted cucurbit[5]uril and lanthanide nitrates

## TL;DR

This paper reports the synthesis of supramolecular assemblies using methylcucurbit[5]uril and lanthanide nitrates, revealing unique structures formed through hydrogen bonding and metal anions.

## Contribution

The study introduces a novel method for forming supramolecular complexes using lanthanide nitrates and methylcucurbit[5]uril with transition metal chlorides.

## Key findings

- Two new complexes were synthesized and characterized using X-ray crystallography.
- Supramolecular assemblies were formed via hydrogen bonding and metal anion interactions.
- Metal chlorides acted as structure inducers and crystallization agents.

## Abstract

Interaction of the lanthanide nitrates M(NO3)3 (M = Gd, Eu) with methylcucurbit[5]uril (Me10Q[5]) in the presence of transition metal chlorides (ZnCl2 and FeCl3) in acidic media resulted in the isolation of the complexes [Me10Q[5]Gd(H2O)2Cl Gd(H2O)6](ZnCl4)2∙Cl∙8.9H2O (1) and [Me10Q[5]Eu(H2O)3Cl(H3O)](FeCl4)3 (2). The molecular structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography, and reveal discrete complexes which are involved in dense stacking with adjacent Me10Q[5]s linked via H-bonding and/or metal anions resulting in a supramolecular assembly.

Image 1

•Molecular structures of lanthanide methylcucurcubit [5]uril (Me10Q [5]) complexes.•Supramolecular assemblies formed via linking Me10Q [5] with H-bonds and/or metal anions.•Use of metal chlorides as structure inducers/crystallisation agents.

Molecular structures of lanthanide methylcucurcubit [5]uril (Me10Q [5]) complexes.

Supramolecular assemblies formed via linking Me10Q [5] with H-bonds and/or metal anions.

Use of metal chlorides as structure inducers/crystallisation agents.