Using Papercraft Models to Illustrate the Molecular Design of Metal–Organic Cycles/Cages

By adding paper parts representing two types of pyridine-based linkers—4,4′-bipyridyl (bpy) and 2,2′,6,6′-tetrametyl-4,4′-bipyridyl (tmbpy)—to the previously reported papercraft metal–organic cage models, it is possible to represent the structures of four additional metal–organic cycles/cages (MOCs): [(en)Pd]4(bpy)48+ (1), [(en)Pd]6(tmbpy)3(4TPT)212+ (2), [(en)Pd]4(bpy)2(tmbpy)28+ (3), and [(en)Pd]4(bpy)(3TPT)28+ (4), where en = ethylenediamine, 4TPT = 2,4,6-tri(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine, and 3TPT = 2,4,6-tri(3-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine). This study presents the construction of papercraft models 1–4 and outlines a brief lecture for nonchemistry majors using these models. The lecture aims to convey the joy of chemistry by illustrating the molecular design and structural diversity of MOCs. The impact of the lecture was assessed through participant questionnaires and written feedback collected afterward. Results from the questionnaire survey indicate that the lecture was well received by the participants.