Predominantly ligand guided non-covalently linked assemblies of inorganic complexes and guest inclusions

Various non-covalently linked inorganic self-assemblies formed by the supramolecular interacting sites located at the ligands are discussed. The impetus for this rapidly growing topic on the construction of robust assemblies is elucidated by select examples that are associated with interesting structures and properties. The review includes discussion on the stabilization of different assemblies of nucleobases in the non-covalent assemblies of inorganic complexes. The participation of the guest molecules in the formation of self-assemblies with hosts to make extra space or voids for intake of the guest, water-assisted assemblies, changes in the structures guided by cations, and aggregation-induced photoluminescence in the self-assemblies of metal complexes are presented. Fine-tuning of non-covalent self-assemblies of metal complexes by changing ligands or by other components, which modify the guest recognition abilities is elucidated. The discussions are based on selected examples of self-assemblies that use supramolecular features of peripheral part of ligands or ligand of a complex that helps one to identify templates for weak interactions and for molecular recognition.

Graphical Abstract:

Synopsis. In this review, different types of supramolecular assemblies, inorganic building blocks and host–guest complexes of inorganic complexes are discussed. Different examples are selected from non-covalently linked assemblies, and propensities of directional hydrogen bonds and other weak interactions contributing to material properties and molecular recognitions are detailed. .