Controlling the Complexity and Interconversion Mechanisms in Self-Assembled [Fe2L3](4+) Helicates and [Fe4L6](8+) Cages

Self-assembled coordination cages and metal-organic frameworks have relied extensively on symmetric ligands in their formation. Here we have prepared a relatively simple system employing an unsymmetric ligand that results in two distinct self-assembled structures, a [Fe2L3](4+) helicate and a [Fe4L6](8+) cage composed of 10 interconverting diastereomers and their enantiomers. We show that the steric profile of the ligand controls the complexity, thermodynamics and kinetics of interconversion of the system.