Synthesis, Structure, and Reactivity of a Supramolecular Ytterbium(III)–Aqua Complex Featuring Infinite Stacks of CC Bonds for Photocycloaddition Reactions

The unprecedented infinite stacks of trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (4,4′-bpe) were prepared with a supramolecular YbIII–aqua complex that exhibited the stereospecific photocycloaddition of olefins within a single-crystal-to-single-crystal process and was confirmed by crystallographic methods (see figure). The supramolecular assistance of YbIII was observed in solution, in which the reaction proceeded catalytically.