The impact of two constitutional isomers, 2-(4-BMes2-Ph)-pyridine (p-B-ppy) and 5-BMes2-2-ph-pyridine (p-ppy-B), as N,C-chelate ligands on the structures, stabilities, electronic and photophysical properties, and Lewis acidities of Pt(II) complexes has been investigated. Six Pt(II) complexes, Pt(p-B-ppy)Ph(DMSO), Pt(p-B-ppy)Ph(Py), [Pt(p-B-ppy)Ph]2(4,4’-bipy), Pt(p-ppy-B)Ph(DMSO), Pt(p-ppy-B)Ph(Py), and [Pt(p-ppy-B)Ph]2(4,4’-bipy), have been synthesized and fully characterized. The Lewis acidity of the complexes was examined by fluoride titration experiments using UV-Vis, phosphorescence, and NMR spectroscopic methods, establishing that the p-ppy-B complexes have stronger binding constants while the p-B-ppy complexes have a much lower affinity toward F-. A diboron compound with both 3-coordinate boron and 4-coordinate boron centers, (5-BMes2-2-ph-py)BMes2 (B2ppy) has been synthesized, which is luminescent but have a high sensitivity toward light. UV and ambient light cause this compound to isomerize via the formation of a C−C bond between a mesityl and the phenyl group, accompanied by a drastic color change from yellow to dark olive green. The structure of the dark color species was established by 2D NMR experiments and geometry optimization by DFT calculations. The dark color species can thermally reverse back to (5-BMes2-2-ph-py)BMes2 via the breaking of a C−C bond. The N, C-chelate ligand was found to play a key role in promoting this unusual and reversible photo–thermal isomerization process on a tetrahedral boron center. The impact of Pt(II) on the photoisomeration of four-coordinate boron center was also studied. The free ligand four-coordinate organoboron derivative B-ppy-ppy behaved in the same way as B2ppy. The photoisomeration process in the corresponding Pt(II) coupled complex (B-ppy-ppy)PtPh(t-Bu-py) is nearly completely deactivated, which may be attributed to either the low-lying 3MLCT excited state through which the excess energy in excited state was dissipated as phosphorescence or the greater π conjugation which can stabilize the excited state. / Thesis (Master, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2009-09-24 14:56:32.845

En esta tesis se han sintetizado pirazoles 1,3,5-sustituidos con grupos fenilo, piridilo y metilo en las posiciones 3,5 y grupos alquilalcohol y alquilpoliéter en la posición N1 (CH2CH2OH, (CH2CH2O)nCH3; n=3,4).Se ha estudiado la complejación de algunos de los ligandos 1,3,5-sustituidos, previamente sintetizados, con MCl2(CH3CN)2, (M= Pd(II), Pt(II)) y Pd(CH3COO)23. Se ha estudiado la reactividad de algunos de los complejos de Pd(II) y Pt(II) sintetizados, con distintas sales de Ag(I), a fin de obtener diferentes entornos para estos metales. El conjunto de ligandos y complejos sintetizados se han caracterizado por análisis elemental, conductividad, espectroscopia de IR y RMN de 1H, 13C1H, MC, COSY, NOESY, espectrometría de masas, espectroscopia UV-Vis y difracción de Rayos X en monocristal siempre que sea posible.Aplicaciones:Se han realizado estudios con algunos de los ligandos pirazólicos 1,3,5-sustituidos con el fin de evaluarlos como ionóforos, formando parte de Electrodos Selectivos a Iones (Pb2+, Cd2+, Cu2+).Además, se han estudiado algunos complejos de Pd(II) y Pt(II) como nuevos anticancerígenos, a fin de evaluar la influencia del metal así como de los diferentes entornos del metal. / In this thesis, several ligands have been synthesized, including pyrazole derived ligands with phenyl, pyridyl, and methyl moieties in 3 and 5 positions of the pyrazole ring and alkyl-alcohol and alkyl-polyether moieties in position N1 (CH2CH2OH, (CH2CH2O)nCH3; n = 3, 4).Complexation of some of these ligands has been studied towards Pd(II) and Pt(II). Initial complexes used were MCl2(CH3CN)2, (M = Pd(II), Pt(II)) and Pd(CH3COO)23.Reactivity on some of these Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes has been performed, forcing the precipitation of the chloride ligands with several Ag(I) complexes.All the ligands and complexes obtained in this thesis were characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, spectroscopy of UV-vis, IR and NMR (1H, 13C, HMQC, COSY, NOESY...), mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystal diffraction (when possible).Some of the ligands have been used as ionopheres in Ion Selective Electrodes (Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cu2+).Furthermore, some of the Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes were studied as potential anti-carcinogenic, with special attention to the influence of the metal complex.

L'objectif de cette thèse est la synthèse, la caractérisation et l'étude de complexes métalliquesluminescents, en particulier de Pt (II), leurs propriétés d'agrégation en solution, mais également dansun espace confiné ainsi qu’en surface. L'incorporation de complexes de métaux de transition dans lastructure poreuse, et ainsi que leur dépôt à la surface de nanoparticules et dans un cadre métalloorganique(MOF), par greffage post-synthétique, ont été étudiés. Sont également étudiés lacorrélation entre les propriétés de films d’une série de complexes de Pt(II) avec leur morphologie,leur mobilité électronique et la simulation de leur structure auto-assemblée par diffraction auxrayons-X. Les propriétés de luminescence de complexes amphiphiles de Pt(II) sont améliorées àl’intérieur de nanoparticules de silice mesoporeuse par la création d’un d’espace confiné. Un effetsimilaire est observé par le dépôt de complexes de Pt(II) fonctionnalisés sur une surface denanoparticules d’or. La luminescence d’un cadre organométallique a été modifiée par greffage postsynthétiquede complexes d’Ir(III) et de Pt(II). / The aim of this thesis is the synthesis, characterization and investigation of luminescent metalcomplexes, and in particular of Pt(II) compounds, their aggregation properties in solution but inconfined space as well. The incorporation of transition metal complexes in porous structure, and inparticular in a metal-organic framework (MOF), by post-synthesis grafting, have been investigated.Luminescence properties of amphiphilic Pt(II) complexes were enhanced inside mesoporous silicananoparticles by the creation of a confined space. Similar effect is observed by deposition offunctionalized Pt(II) complexes on gold nanoparticles surface. Luminescence of metal organicframework was tuned by post-synthetic grafting of Ir(III) and Pt(II) complexes.

Cette thèse se concentre sur la synthèse et l’analyse photophysique de complexes de Pt(II) luminescents and leur assemblage après agrégation. Multiples motifs supramoléculaires ont été utilisé pour acquérir un contrôle sur l’assemblage de ces complexes plan-carrés.Des ossatures de type couronne-éther furent attachés à des complexes métalliques phosphorescents pour donner un bouton supramoléculaire qui peut être actionné par des cations potassium. De plus, l’altération de l’arrangement de l’empilage des Pt(II) après coordination d’un ligand fut exploité pour la réalisation d’un senseur chimique qui peut être utilisé pour la détection différentielle d’aza-hétérocylces. Par ailleurs, l’installation d’un motif pont hydrogène à un complexe de Pt(II) luminescent fut établie, donnant un composé ayant un organisation 2D sur graphène. Finalement, des complexes de Pt(II) amphiphiles qui s’auto-assemblent en solution aqueuse dans des agrégats hautement luminescents furent synthétisés. La série de complexes soluble dans l’eau, chargés négativement ou neutres furent caractérisés par rapport à leurs paramètres photophysiques et leurs interactions avec des protéines capsides virales. / The presented thesis focused on the synthesis and photophysical investigation of luminescent Pt(II) complexes and their resulting assemblies that form upon aggregation. Multiple supramolecular motifs were utilized in order to gain control over the assembling behavior of the square-planar complexes. Crown-ether scaffolds were tethered with the phosphorescent metal complexes rendering a supramolecular switch that can be triggered by potassium cations. Moreover, alteration of the Pt(II)-stacking arrangement upon ligand coordination was exploited to realize a chemosensor that can be employed for of differential detection of aza-heterocycles. Furthermore, the installation of a H-bond motif to a luminescent Pt(II) complex was established, which resulted in a compound forming a two-dimensional organization on graphene. Finally, amphiphilic Pt(II) complexes were synthesized that self-assemble into highly luminescent aggregates in aqueous solutions. The series of water soluble neutral and negatively charged metal complexes were characterized with respect to their photophysical parameters and their interactions with virus coat proteins.

The objective of this thesis is to explore new reactivities and to improve luminescent properties of 7-azaindole-containing metal complexes. Selectivity for the activation of toluene and ethyl benzene has been investigated with two cationic Pt(II)(N,N-L) complexes, where N,N-L = 1,2-bis(1-N-7-azaindolyl)benzene (BAB) or bis(1-N-7-azaindolyl)methane (BAM). A high regioselectivity toward toluene and ethyl benzene benzylic C-H activation and a distinct diastereoselectivity for ethyl benzene benzylic C-H activation are demonstrated. Detailed mechanistic studies have been performed, leading to the establishment of both the intermediacy of the η3-benzylic Pt(II) complexes in the reactions and the ligand steric impacts as origins for the distinct diastereoselectivity. A PtMe2 complex of 1-N-(pyridin-2-yl)-7-azaindole (NPA) has been synthesized and found to undergo facile transformation at ambient temperature, resulting in the quantitive formation of a neutral Pt4 molecular square. The mechanism of the transformation process has been examined, establishing a distinct intramolecular C-H driven self-assembly process. The geometrical impacts of the BAB and BAM ligands on the structure and stability of their fac-Pt(IV)Me3 complexes has been investigated. The BAB ligand is more effective than the BAM ligand in stabilizing the five-coordinate Pt(IV)Me3 complexes. With the BAB ligand, a five-coordinate fac-Pt(IV)Me3 complex is obtained; with the BAM ligand, two six-coordinate fac-Pt(IV)Me3 complexes are obtained. In solution, the methyl groups in the BAB complex exchange slowly, but those in the BAM complexes exchange rapidly. Several new 7-azaindolyl derivative ligands via either modifying or altering the BAM and BAB bridging groups have been developed. The syntheses, structures and reactivities of their Pt(II) complexes have been examined, leading to the finding of an unconventional C-Sn oxidative addition reaction. The modification of the NPA ligand via the incorporation of a triarylboron group has been carried out. Several novel Pt(II) and Cu(I) complexes have been synthesized and studied. A Cu(I) complex is found to display exceptionally bright ambient temperature phosphorescence. A series of dinuclear Cu(I) compounds of the 1,2,3,4-tetra(1-N-7-azaindolyl)benzene (TTAB) ligand have been synthesized and examined. The close contacts between the TTAB bridging phenyl ring and the Cu(I) centers are present in the complexes. / Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2008-05-21 18:10:58.628

The objective of this thesis is to examine the photophysical and structural properties of Cu(I) complexes of 2-(2’-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl based ligands and Cu(I), Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes of 2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl based ligands, for possible use as phosphorescent emitters in OLEDs. The discovery of the atropisomeric 3,3’-bis(2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl based ligands led to the examination of C-C coupling reactions and the investigation of the new chiral ligands with transition metal ions. Cu(I) complexes of 2-(2’pyridyl)benzimidazolyl-benzene with varying phosphine ligands were prepared. The structures were studied with X-ray crystallography and NMR. Experimental and computational results established that steric and electronic properties of the phosphine ligands influence the photophysical properties of the Cu(I) complexes. Polynuclear Cu(I) complexes with 2-(2’-pyridyl)benzimidazolyl based ligands and two PPh3 ancillary ligands were synthesized, the photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties were examined. A series of 2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl based ligands; 2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl-benzene (pib), 1,4-bis[2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl]benzene (bib) and 1,3,5-tris[2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl]benzene) (tib) and the corresponding C-C coupled dimers bis[3,3’(2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl-benzene)] (bpib), bis[3,3’(1,4-bis[2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl]benzene (bbib) and bis[3,3’(1,3,5-tris[2-(2’-pyridyl)indolyl]benzene)] (btib) were synthesized in a one-pot reaction with the formation of both C-N and C-C bonds. The photophysical properties of these new molecules were investigated. The dimers display intramolecular exciplex formation. The rotation barrier around the C-C bond in the 3 position of the bis-indole was calculated using DFT which support that bpib is an atropisomeric ligand. Cu(I), Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes were synthesized with pib and bpib. [Cu(pib)(PPh3)2]+ contains a three-coordinate Cu(I) ion and doesn’t display MLCT but rather 3π-1π phosphorescence. In Pd(pib)(acac) and Pt(pib)(DMSO)Cl the pib ligand forms C,N chelated neutral complexes that display red emission in frozen solution and in solid state. The X-ray crystal structure for [Cu(bpib)2]+ revealed a homo-chiral crystal and for Pd(bpib)Cl2 and Pt(bpib)Cl¬2 show a trans-chelating geometry around the metal centre. Frozen solutions of [Cu(bpib)2]+ and Pd(bpib)Cl2 display MCLT phosphorescence. Finally the atropisomeric ligands bpib and bbib were examined as sensors to determine the enantiomeric excess of Zn(2-bromo-3-methylbutyrate)2 by CD spectroscopy. CD and fluorescent titration experiments verified that these ligands have selective interactions with different Zn(II) carboxylates. DFT computations showed that diastereomeric excess caused by chiral discrimination leads to the CD spectral-response of the atropisomeric ligands toward chiral Zn(II) carboxylates. / Thesis (Ph.D, Chemistry) -- Queen's University, 2008-09-25 09:54:21.464

The anti-tumor activity of platinum based drugs is mediated by their ability to attack DNA. Platinum complexes can alter the structure of DNA by modifying the bases, mainly guanines. The biological consequnces of such interactions are compromising replication and transcription. RNA polymerase complex can stall at a damaged site in DNA and mark the lesion for repair by proteins that are utilized to execute nucleotide excision repair, a pathway commonly associated with the removal of bulky DNA damage from the genome. This RNA polymerase-induced repair pathway is called transcription-coupled nucleotide excision repair. Main goal of this thesis was to study RNA polymerases tolerance of DNA damage by novel, biologically active platinum (II) complexes involving derivatives of aromatic cytokinines as the ligands; cis-[Pt(2-chloro-6-(4-methoxybenzylamino)-9-isopropylpurin)2Cl2](PR-001), cis-[Pt(2-chloro-6-(benzylamino)-9-isopropylpurin)2Cl2](PR-002 )and cis-[Pt(2-(3-hydroxypropylamino)-6-(benzylamino)-9-isopropylpurin)2Cl2](PR-005). DNA templates (constructs) that contain a single, site-specific DNA lesion and support transcription by human RNA polymerase II and bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase were prepared. The method is making use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and biotin-streptavidin interactions and paramagnetic particles to purify the final product. Synthetic oligomers duplexes (75-mer, 56-mer and 15-mer) are ligated to 5´-biotin pCI-neo-G-lessT7 PCR fragment, the 15-mer is either unmodified or modified with a site-specific lesion of PR-005 and cisplatin. We also studied the inhibition of RNA polymerases activity on globally modified plasmid pCI-neo and pUC 19 by novel platinum complexes and cisplatin. We found that bifunctional adducts of complex PR-005 contrary to adducts of PR-001 and PR-002 effectively decrease amount of full lenght transcripts produced by both, human and bacterial RNA polymerases. This result can be explained by a sterical block, induced to DNA by intrastrand cross-link of PR-005 with bulky aromatic ligands.

Submitted by isabela.moljf@hotmail.com (isabela.moljf@hotmail.com) on 2017-05-08T11:42:32Z No. of bitstreams: 1 diegofernandodasilvapaschoal.pdf: 9955630 bytes, checksum: a25cace9c9785b91c273376bf940d222 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Adriana Oliveira (adriana.oliveira@ufjf.edu.br) on 2017-05-17T13:42:19Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 diegofernandodasilvapaschoal.pdf: 9955630 bytes, checksum: a25cace9c9785b91c273376bf940d222 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-05-17T13:42:19Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 diegofernandodasilvapaschoal.pdf: 9955630 bytes, checksum: a25cace9c9785b91c273376bf940d222 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-08-26 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Um estudo sistemático a respeito da importância do nível de teoria e do conjunto de funções de base no cálculo de propriedades moleculares foi conduzido. Foram realizados estudos a respeito das propriedades ópticas lineares (OL) e não-lineares (ONL) de moléculas diatômicas, pequenas moléculas poliatômicas e moléculas orgânicas conjugadas com grupos doadores e retiradores de elétrons. Além disso, foi avaliada a estrutura e reatividade de complexos de Pt(II) e Pd(II). Por fim, um estudo a respeito do deslocamento químico de 195Pt foi conduzido, onde diversos parâmetros que influenciam em tal propriedade foram extensivamente analisados. Para cada trabalho proposto um novo conjunto de funções de base foi desenvolvido. Foram propostas as bases D10 (BH), P3 (CO), F3 (CS), J5 (N2), NLO (H,C,N,O,F,S), NLO-X (X=I,II,III,V,aV) (H,B-F,Si-Cl), mDZP (Pd,Pt), kPd-ADZP(Pd) e NMR-TZPP-DKH (H-He, Li-Ne, Na-Ar, K-Ca, Ga-Kr, Rb-Sr, In-Xe e Pt). Previsões das propriedades OL e ONL de diversas moléculas foram realizadas. Para um conjunto de moléculas com valores de primeira hiperpolarizabilidade (β) variando de 0 a 190 esu um desvio médio absoluto de 13,2 esu foi encontrado no nível cam-B3LYP/NLO-V em comparação com um desvio de 27,2 esu com a base da literatura 6-31G(2d). Além disso, foram realizados estudos de estrutura e reatividade da cisplatina e do cispaládio. Para a reação de hidrólise da cDDPt foi prevista uma barreira de energia no nível B3LYP/mDZP/6-31+G(d) de 22,8 kcal.mol-1 que está em excelente acordo com o valor experimental de 22,±0,4 kcal.mol-1. Considerando a mesma reação, porém para o análogo de Pd, um valor de 17,11 kcal.mol-1 no nível B3LYP/mDZP/6-31+G(d) e de 16,94 kcal.mol-1 no nível B3LYP/kPd-ADZP/6-31+G(d) foram previstos e estão em bom acordo com o valor esperado de 16,34 kcal.mol-1. Somado a isso, uma análise a respeito do deslocamento químico de 195Pt foi abordada, onde para uma ampla faixa de 73 complexos de Pt(II) um desvio absoluto médio de apenas 156 ppm foi encontrado no nível GIAO-B3LYP(DKHSO)/NMR-TZPP-DKH/IEFPCM-UFF. Todas as bases aqui propostas foram testadas de forma sistemática e, no geral, bons resultados foram encontrados para as propriedades analisadas e com custos computacionais altamente acessíveis. / A systematic study about the importance of the level of theory and the basis sets in the calculation of molecular properties was conducted. It performed studies on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of diatomic molecules, small polyatomic molecules and conjugated donor/acceptor organic molecules. In addition, the structure and reactivity of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes were evaluated. Finally, a study about the 195Pt chemical shift was conducted, where various parameters that influence such property have been extensively analyzed. For each work proposed a new basis set was developed. The following basis sets were proposed: D10 (BH), P3 (CO), F3 (CS), J5 (N2), NLO (H,C,N,O,F,S), NLO-X (X=I,II,III,V,aV) (H,B-F,Si-Cl), mDZP (Pd,Pt), kPd-ADZP(Pd) and NMR-TZPP-DKH (H-He, Li-Ne, Na-Ar, K-Ca, Ga-Kr, Rb-Sr, In-Xe e Pt). Estimates of L-NLO properties of several molecules were performed. For a set of molecules with values of first hyperpolarizability (β) ranging from 0 to 190 esu, an average absolute deviation of 13,2 esu was found at cam-B3LYP/NLO-V level compared with 27,2 esu with the standard basis set 6-31G(2d). Furthermore, studies of structure and reactivity of cisplatin and cispalladium were performed. For the aquation reaction of cisplatin an energy barrier of 22.8 kcal.mol-1 was predicted at B3LYP/mDZP/6-31+G(d) level, which it is in excellent agreement with the experimental value of 22.9±0.4 kcal.mol-1. Considering the same reaction, but for Pd analogous, a value of 17.11 kcal.mol-1 at B3LYP/mDZP/6-31+G(d) level and 16.94 kcal.mol-1 at B3LYP/kPd-ADZP/6-31+G(d) level were predicted and these values are in good agreement with the expected value of 16.34 kcal.mol-1. Added to this, an analysis about the 195Pt chemical shift was addressed, where for a wide range of 73 Pt(II) complexes and average absolute deviation of only 156 ppm was found at GIAO-B3LYP(DKHSO)/NMR-TZPP-DKH/IEFPCM-UFF level. All basis sets proposed here were systematically tested and, in general, good results were found for the properties of interest and highly affordable computational costs.

Since C^C* cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been identified as potential emitter materials in organic light-emitting devices (OLEDs), very promising results regarding quantum yields, colour and stability have been presented. Herein, we report on four nitrile substituted complexes with a chelating NHC ligand (1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-isopropyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazole or 4-(tert-butyl)-1-(4-cyanophenyl)-3-methyl-1H-imidazole) and a bidentate monoanionic auxiliary ligand (acetylacetone or dimesitoylmethane). The complexes have been fully characterized including extensive 2D NMR studies (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, 195Pt NMR), three of them also by solid-state structures. Photophysical measurements in amorphous PMMA films and pure emitter films at room temperature reveal the impact of the mesityl groups in the auxiliary ligand, which led to a significant increase of the quantum yield, while the decay lifetimes decreased. The electron withdrawing nitrile groups shift the emission towards blue colour coordinates.

Stepwise covalent synthesis of large molecules is often time consuming and laborious and thus generally ends in a low yield of the target product. It is also difficult to achieve a large desired product where the controlling force is a non-directional weak interaction. Instead, by utilizing stronger metal-ligand directional coordination bonding approach, one can easily prepare the desired large molecules using appropriate molecular units. Further attractive feature of this approach is the incorporation of functional groups into final structures to make the assemblies functional. It is found that symmetrical polypyridyl and rigid linkers have been used widely in the construction of finite supramolecules of Pd (II) and Pt(II). Flexible linkers are rarely used since they are less predictable in self-assembly and have a tendency to form undesired polymer. However, flexible linkers may generate pseudo rigid assemblies that can distort their shapes to obtain a more thermodynamically stable conformation for host-guest interactions. Similarly, use of non-symmetric or ambidentate linkers is not explored much. These linkers may generate a mixture of several linkage isomeric products and thus difficult to monitor the reaction. Moreover, isolation of these products in pure form is also a challenging task. On the other hand, recent research revealed that porous polyacetylene organic compounds are suitable sensors for the detection of electron deficient nitroaromatics, which are the chemical signatures of many commercial explosives. Possibility of discrete supramolecules as sensors for these explosives is very less studied. The main thrusts of the present investigation are to incorporate flexible and nonsymmetrical linkers in the construction of finite discrete assemblies of Pd/Pt; and to design appropriate π-electron rich supramolecules as sensors for the detection of electron deficient nitroaromatics. Chapter 1 of this thesis gives a brief introduction to the supramolecular chemistry. It also gives a brief introduction to the design principle of metal-ligand coordination driven selfassembly approach towards the generation of large architectures. Chapter 2 reports the synthesis of a series of two-dimensional supramolecular architectures via coordination driven self-assembly of Pt/Pd containing ditopic acceptors and non-symmetrical donor ligands. The use of non-symmetrical donor ligands in coordination driven self-assembly is a challenging task because they may generate a mixture of isomers due to different connectivity of the non-symmetric (ambidentate) linkers. But in all the cases exclusive formation of a single linkage isomer was established. Na-nicotinate was treated with [cis-(dppf)Pd(OTf)2] to yield [(dppf)3Pd3(L3)](CF3SO3)3(H2O)2(MeOH)7(Et2O) as the single linkage isomeric triangle. An analogous treatment using Na-isonicotinate instead of Na-nicotinate yielded a mixture of single isomeric square and triangle with the later one as the major product in solution. Further extension of this study using cis-(tmen)Pd(NO3)2 instead of [cis-(dppf)Pd(OTf)2] also showed the formation of a mixture of square and triangle [tmen = N,N,N’,N’- tetramethylethane-1,2-diamine]. Surprisingly, in both the cases square was the product which was crystallized exclusively in solid state though triangle was the major component in solution. The square-triangle equilibria in both the cases were studied by diffusion ordered NMR spectroscopy (DOSY) and variable temperature multinuclear NMR. Moreover, this chapter reports the incorporation of amide functionality into a Pt(II) nanoscopic molecular rectangle via self-assembly of an organometallic “clip” and a non-symmetric amide ligand. Chapter 3 presents synthesis of several metallamacrocycles via coordination driven selfassembly using Pd/Pt-P bonding interaction as driving force instead of much widely used Pd/Pt-N bonding interaction. It is also established that Pd/Pt-P bonding interaction is indeed better than the widely used Pd/Pt-N interaction. Several macrocycles were also synthesized by the combination of several Pd containing 90° angular subunits and a bisimidazole ditopic flexible donor. In this case also the bonding interaction between the imidazole and Pd(II) was found to be stronger than the interaction between pyridyl donor and Pd(II). Chapter 4 describes synthesis of several new Pt2 and Pt3 shape selective organometallic linkers incorporating ethynyl functionality. The Pt2 molecular clip was assembled with several linear dipyridyl linkers to prepare a series of molecular rectangles. In one case N, N’-bis(4-pyridylidene)ethylenediamine was used as donor to create a N4 pocket in the macrocycle. This rectangle was fluorescent in nature and showed efficient fluorescence quenching in solution upon binding of hard transition metal ions (Fe3+, Cu2+ and Ni2+) into the N4 pocket. The non-responsive nature of the fluorescence quenching upon addition of soft metal ions (Zn2+ and Cd2+) containing d10 configuration makes it an interesting example of sensor for transition metal ions. The Pt3 linkers were used in combination with organic clip-type linkers to prepare a series of molecular prisms by [2 + 3] self-assembly (Scheme 1). Incorporation of ethynyl functionality helped to make the resulting supramolecules π-electron rich and luminescent in nature. Possibility of these supramolecules as sensors for the detection of electron deficient nitroaromatics (TNT and picric acid), which are the chemical signatures of explosives has been explored. A complementary approach was also used to prepare trigonal prism using organic tritopic donor and the Pt2 molecular clip. Chapter 5 presents the design and self-assembly of two new flexible supramolecular nanoballs. These assemblies incorporate two flexible tritopic amide/ester based building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (96-97%) via coordination driven selfassembly. The first one was resulted from the reaction of four equivalents of a new tritopic ester ligand N, N', N''-tris(4-pyridylmethyl) trimesic ester with three equivalents of C4 symmetric Pd(NO3)2. The second analogous structure was obtained by the selfassembly of the flexible N, N', N''-tris(3-pyridylmethyl)trimesic amide and Pd(NO3)2. The assemblies were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis and TGA. The ester based ball showed the inclusion of NEt4 + in solution. This chapter also describes the exclusive formation of a Pt(II) trigonalbipyramidal (TBP) cage upon the treatment of a Pt(II) 90° acceptor with a new tripodal flexible ligand containing ester functionality. The formation of Pt(II) TBP cage in this case is due to the flexibility of the donor arms of the ligand due to the presence of flexible ester functional group. In continuation of this work, a rigid tripodal ligand 1,1,1-tris(4-pyridyl)COOR with an ester cap [where R = Ph-CH(C2H5)] was assembled with cis-(PEt3)2Pt(OTf)2 to yield a somewhat unusual double-square cage by [4 + 6] self-assembly.