Vernier templating of nanoscopic porphyrin rings

A versatile approach toward the construction of nanosize π-conjugated macrocycles by Vernier templation has been demonstrated. The use of linear tetranuclear ZnII porprhyrin complexes and a suitable and readily available six-site template leads to formation and isolation of a giant, monodisperse macrocycle in a limited amount of synthetic steps, marking Vernier complex formation a powerful and new tool for the creation of superstructures (see picture).