Selective formation of Bi-component arrays through H-bonding of multivalent molecular modules

Here, the formation of discrete supramolecular mono- and bi-component architectures from novel and multivalent molecular modules bearing complementary recognition moieties that are prone to undergo multiple H-bonds, such as 2,6-di(acetylamino)pyridine and uracil residues, is described. These nanostructured H-bonded arrays, including dimeric and pentameric species, are thoroughly characterized in solution by NMR, in the solid state by FT-IR, and at the solid–liquid interface by means of scanning tunneling microscopy. The employed strategy is extremely versatile as it relies on the tuning of the valency, size, and geometry of the molecular modules; thus, it may be of interest for the bottom-up fabrication of nanostructured functional materials with sub-nanometer precision.