A rational molecular design of triazine-containing alkynylplatinum(ii) terpyridine complexes and the formation of helical ribbons via PtPt, π-π stacking and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions.

The self-assembly of triazine-containing alkynylplatinum(ii) terpyridine complexes has revealed the formation of sophisticated helical ribbons. Fine control of the morphological transition from plates to helical structures has been demonstrated through an interplay of the bent molecular structure and PtPt, π-π stacking and hydrophobic-hydrophobic interactions.