Fusing Pyrene And Ferrocene Into A Chiral, Redox-Active Triangle

A macrocycle that integrates three ferrocene-pyrene dyads in a triangular C-2-symmetric arrangement is synthesised as a racemate in a simple one-pot approach. Crystal structural analysis reveals two enantiomeric conformers that pack alternatingly via pi-pi stacking and interconvert dynamically in solution. Electrochemical investigations indicate weak electrostatic interactions between Fc groups upon oxidation to a mixed valence triangle.