Design, synthesis and characterization of self-assembled As2L3 and Sb2L3 cryptands

The syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of six new self-assembled supramolecular As and Sb-containing cryptands are described. Analysis in the context of previously reported As2L3 and Sb2L3 cryptands reveals that small differences in ligand geometries result in significant differences in the helicity of the complexes and the stereochemistry of the metal coordination within the assembled complexes. Additionally, a new synthetic route is described which involves exposure of reactants to vacuum to help facilitate self-assembly.