Functional supramolecular devices: [M4IIL4]8+ [2 x 2]-grid-type complexes as multilevel molecular electronic species.

The [M(4)(II)L(4)](8+) [2 x 2]-grid-type complexes 1-8 present a set of features of particular interest for potential applications. All complexes exhibit multiple reduction levels at low reduction potentials paired with rather high stability. The modulation of the reduction potentials is possible by introduction of appropriate substituents on the ligands. The Co(II)(4) complexes 1-5 present a remarkable regularity in the disposition of the reduction levels, indicating the ability of the Co(II) sites to transmit electronic interactions between reduced ligands. In general, all investigated molecular systems 1-8 show characteristics typical for multilevel supramolecular electronic devices.