Fig. 6. Top – Generation of complexes [Ag(7,8)2]+ and [Fe(2,3)2]2+ through the self-sorting of their initial reactants. Reaction conditions: 2 : 3 : 7 : 8 : Ag(BF4) : Fe(BF4)2 (2 : 2 : 2 : 2 : 1 : 1), CD3CN, 60 °C, 18 h. Bottom – Partial 1H NMR spectrum (400 MHz, CD3CN, 297 K) of the crude reaction mixture after 18 h at 60 °C. The diagnostic signals of the complexes are colour coded, [Ag(7,8)2]+ in orange and [Fe(2,3)2]2+ in purple; one of the diagnostic signals of the free aldehyde 7 is designated by a grey circle.
