Hierarchical assembly of two-dimensional homochiral nanocavity arrays.

We demonstrate the rational design of nanoporous two-dimensional supramolecular structures by the hierarchical assembly of organic molecules and transition metal atoms at surfaces. Single-molecule level observations with scanning tunneling microscopy monitor the successive aufbau of structures with increasing complexity. From the primary components secondary mononuclear chiral complexes are formed, which represent antecedents for tertiary polynuclear metal-organic nanogrids. These nanogrids represent the constituents of the eventually evolving two-dimensional networks comprising homochiral nanocavity arrays. Our findings visualize the evolution of complex matter in an exemplary way: from per se achiral species via chiral intermediates to mesoscale dissymmetric structures.