Reversible Structural Transformation between a Molecular Solomon Link and an Unusual Unsymmetrical Trefoil Knot

A template-free Cp*Ir-based molecular Solomon link and an unusual trefoil knot induced by stacking interactions were realized via selection of the nonrigid dipyridyl ligand 4,4′-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)-1,1′-biphenyl (BpmBp). In addition, a novel heterobimetallic tetranuclear (IrIII2 + AgI2) complex featuring argentophilic interaction was synthesized in high yield. Remarkably, the reversible topological transformation between the Solomon link and an unusual trefoil knot can be achieved by utilizing the chemical reactivity of silver(I) ions under mild conditions, as demonstrated by a detailed X-ray crystallographic study.