Supramolecular multicomponent self-assembly of shape-adaptive nanoprisms: wrapping up C(60) with three porphyrin units.

Self-assembly of a C(3v) symmetric trisphenanthroline and linear bisterpyridines in the presence of Cu(+) did not furnish the expected supramolecular nanoprisms in quantitative yield. With an accurately sized tripyridine as a stabilizing template, the nanoprism formed exclusively. Furthermore, an adaptive constriction of the nanoprism was seen with C(60) as template: as a result of the smaller size of C(60) the nanoframework wrapped up around the guest like an accordion-type host system.