Herein, we present a new synthetic approach to achieve selective supramolecular transformations and construct different interlocked metallacycles featuring a π-electron-deficient thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-derived ligand. We demonstrate that the formation of mono-rings, interlocked rings ([2]catenanes) and Borromean rings can be controlled by adjusting the length of the binuclear half-sandwich RhIII and IrIII building blocks. Furthermore, a concentration effect or D-A stacking interaction between the pyrene guest and the thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-based ligand promotes a unique and reversible conversion between catenane structures and metalla-rectangles. The synthetic results are supported by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis.
Keywords: Borromean rings; Half-sandwich rhodium/iridium; Metalla[2]catenanes; Metallacycles; Self-assembly; Supramolecular transformation.
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