M(12)L(24) spheres with endo and exo coordination sites: scaffolds for non-covalent functionalization.

M12L24 spherical complexes incorporating 24 free pyridine rings on their interior or exterior surfaces were synthesized via the self-assembly of tridentate tris(pyridine) ligands with Pd(2+) ions. Coordination of secondary metal ions in the interior of the spherical framework was achieved through interactions of 24 Ag(+) ions with the free endo pyridine rings.