Abstract:
Understanding how molecular structure dictates function is a central goal in coordination and supramolecular chemistry. Metal–organic architectures, in particular, provide a powerful platform for achieving tunable optical, electronic, and host–guest properties through precise structural control. My doctoral research has focused on the design and functionalization of such systems, spanning platinum, boron, and iron complexes. I first developed a series of π-extended platinum(II/IV) complexes exhibiting tunable photophysical behaviour through metallacycle formation. Mechanistic studies then elucidated the dynamic formation processes of five- and six-membered metallacycles, revealing the structural factors governing the competition between these two pathways. In a separate line of investigation, I synthesized boron-based head-to-tail macrocycles capable of selective lithium capture, and further extended their π-conjugation to demonstrate the potential for optical property modulation. Most recently, I have expanded this coordination-driven design concept to the construction of terpyridine–iron cages showing electrochromic behaviour. Collectively, these studies establish molecular design principles that bridge synthesis, spectroscopy, and supramolecular chemistry toward next-generation functional metal–organic materials.