Rapid formation of metal-organic nano-capsules gives new insight into the self-assembly process

Metal-organic pyrogallol[4]arene nano-capsules, mixed pyrogallol[4]arene nano-capsules, and mixed metal analogues have been rapidly synthesised by addition of excess copper nitrate to a methanol solution of the corresponding macrocycle(s) (or gallium nano-capsules for the mixed metal system); improved solubility allows for thorough study and elucidation of the assembly process for these discrete metal-organic assemblies. © The Royal Society of Chemistry.