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The design and self-assembly of six new supramolecular complexes (four triangles and two 2+2 assemblies) are described. These assemblies incorporate two new bispyridyl cavitand building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (85-95%). The assemblies and building blocks were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Isotopically resolved mass spectrometry along with NMR data confirms the existence of the six assemblies.

[reaction: see text] m- or p-Diiodobenzene undergoes selective double coupling reactions with arylboronic acids and esters. Selectivity for double coupling over single coupling is remarkably strong: even with a diiodobenzene:monoboronic acid ratio of 10:1, the products of double coupling are formed in good yields. Steric hindrance and electronic influences of the boronic acid or ester, and reaction conditions do not appear to impact significantly upon the outcome of the reaction. In contrast, m- and p-dibromobenzenes undergo single couplings with aryl boronic acids with high selectivity.