The cyclic silver-diphos motif has been investigated as a synthon for building up complex structures. Reactions between silver ions and di-, tetra-, hexa-, hepta-, or octaphosphines gives a series of dimers and cages as well as an unusual tetra-chelate complex. If the diphosphine groups are sufficiently well-separated, the “silver-diphos” motif is found to be a promising synthon for rational self-assembly.
