Molecular tectonics: hierarchical organization of heterobimetallic coordination networks into heterotrimetallic core-shell crystals.

Combinations of a neutral Pt(ii) organometallic tecton bearing two triphenylphosphine and two 3-ethynylpyridyl coordinating moieties in trans positions with MX2 complexes (M = Co(ii) and X = Cl- or Br- and M = Zn(ii) and X = Cl-) lead to the formation of isostructural 1D heterobimetallic coordination compounds. By 3D epitaxial growth processes, using coordination bonding, heterotrimetallic core-shell crystals are generated by the growth of crystalline layers on seed crystals.