ChemistryNature Communications

Self-assembly of the smallest and tightest molecular trefoil knot

Z. Li, J. Zhang, et al.

Discover the groundbreaking synthesis of the smallest and tightest molecular trefoil metallaknot, Au₁, achieved through innovative self-assembly by Zhiwen Li, Jingjing Zhang, Gao Li, and Richard J. Puddephatt. This remarkable structure, comprising only 54 atoms, marks a significant advancement in molecular knot technology.... show more

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Abstract

Molecular knots, whose synthesis presents many challenges, can play important roles in protein structure and function as well as in useful molecular materials, whose properties depend on the size of the knotted structure. Here we report the synthesis by self-assembly of molecular trefoil metallaknot with formula [Au{1,2-C6H4(OCH2CC)2}3{Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2}3], Au1, from three units of each of the components 1,2-C6H4(OCH2CCAu)2 and Ph2P(CH2)4PPh2. Structure determination by X-ray diffraction revealed that the chiral trefoil knot contains only 54 atoms in the backbone, so that Au1 is the smallest and tightest molecular trefoil knot known to date.

Publisher

Nature Communications

Published On

Jan 02, 2024

Authors

Zhiwen Li, Jingjing Zhang, Gao Li, Richard J. Puddephatt

DOI

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44302-y

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