Schouwey, ClémentPapmeyer, MarcusScopelliti, RosarioSeverin, Kay2015-01-062015-01-06201510.1039/C4DT03331Khttps://infoscience.epfl.ch/handle/20.500.14299/109900WOS:000348204700028The ability to modify the structure of nanoscopic assemblies in a controlled fashion is an important prerequisite for the creation of functional supramolecular systems. Here, we describe a heterometallic Pt2Cu2-macrocycle which behaves as a molecular hinge. A square-planar Pt(II) complex with pendent 2-formylpyridine groups was synthesized and structurally characterized. Condensation of the complex with benzylamine followed by reaction with Cu(MeCN)4BF4 resulted in the formation of a rectangular Pt2Cu2-macrocycle. Upon chemical oxidation of the Cu centers, the macrocycle folds up to adopt a butterfly-like geometry in which the Pt centers approach each other. This process can be reversed by chemical reductiontext::journal::journal article::research article