The dithiocarbamate (dtc) ligand has proved to be an extremely versatile and robust motif for metal-directed self-assembly. Its ease of formation and wide ranging coordination chemistry has led to the formation of an array of novel and complex supramolecular architectures. Well-defined structures such as macrocycles, cages, catenanes and nanodimensional assemblies can be generated using a variety of oligomeric dithiocarbamate constructs in combination with transition metals. Polymetallic assemblies containing appropriately designed host cavities have allowed the binding of cationic, anionic and neutral guest species to be investigated. The use of the dithiocarbamate ligand has recently expanded to stabilising gold nanoparticles and preparing multimetallic wires and arrays. This perspective highlights the considerable potential that this simple and versatile ligand has to offer. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2007.
