Asymmetric self-assembly with atmospheric CO2 fixation of a pentanuclear carbonate NiI) complex based on dissimilar building blocks.

Formation in basic solution of an asymmetric pentanuclear carbonate Ni(II) complex with a compartmental ligand involves atmospheric CO(2) uptake, either by reaction of two slightly different dinuclear precursors that yield its di- and trinuclear "building blocks", or directly, by spontaneous self-organization of metal and ligand starting reactants.