Synthesis, structure and fluorescence of two novel manganese(II) and zinc(II)-1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylate coordination polymers: Extended 3D supramolecular architectures stabilised by hydrogen bonding

Two new coordination polymers {[Mn(H₂btc)(phen)(H₂O)₂]H₂btc · H₂O}_n (1) [H₃btc = 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid, phen = phenanthroline] and {[Zn₃(btc)₂(H₂O)₈](H₂O)₄}_n (2) have been synthesised and structurally characterised. Both the complexes crystallise as 1D chain, which further propagates through ligand-based hydrogen bonding interactions into a 3D supramolecular architecture. Supramolecular framework of 1 is constructed by [Mn(H₂btc)(phen)(H₂O)₂]⁺ as well as the constituent materials-uncoordinated H₂btc⁻ and water molecules. Complex 2 exists as a corrugated chain with both the bridging and terminal Zn²⁺ ions and each zinc centre is coordinated to four water molecules. Both 1 and 2 are stacked by mutual π-stacking of the ligands and exhibit strong fluorescence emission band at 414 and 400 nm, respectively.     

Platinum(II) and palladium(II) saccharinato complexes with 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine: Synthesis, characterization, crystal structures, photoluminescence and thermal studies

[Pd(sac)(terpy)](sac)·4H₂O (1), [Pt(sac)(terpy)](sac)·5H₂O (2), [PdCl(terpy)](sac)·2H₂O (3) and [PtCl(terpy)](sac)·2H₂O (4) (sac = saccharinate, and terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR. In 1 and 2, a tridentate terpy ligand together with an N-coordinated sac ligand form the square-planar geometry around the palladium(II) or platinum(II) ions, while one sac anion remains outside the coordination sphere as a counter-ion. X-ray single crystal studies show that the [M(sac)(terpy)]⁺ ions in 1 and 2 reside in the centers of a hydrogen bonded honeycomb network formed by the uncoordinated sac ions and the lattice water molecules. Complexes 3 and 4 are isostructural and consist of a [M(Cl)(terpy)]⁺ cation, a sac anion and two lattice water molecules. The [M(Cl)(terpy)]⁺ ions interact with each other via M-M and π-π stacking interactions and these π interacted units are assembled to a 2D network by water bridges involving the sac ions and lattice water molecules. Convenient synthetic paths for 1-4 are also presented, and spectral, luminescence and thermal properties were discussed.     

A series of metal-organic frameworks constructed with 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylate: Syntheses, structures, and physical properties

To determine the influence of metal ion and the auxiliary ligand on the formation of metal-organic frameworks, six new coordination polymers, {[Mn₂(bpdc)(bpy)₃(H₂O)₂] · 2ClO₄ · H₂O}_n (1), {[Mn(bpdc)(dpe)] · CH₃OH · 2H₂O}_n (2), {[Cu(bpdc)(H₂O)₂]}_n (3), {[Zn(bpdc)(H₂O)₂]}_n (4), {[Cd(bpdc)(H₂O)₃] · 2H₂O}_n (5), and {[Co(bpdc)(H₂O)₃] · 0.5dpe · H₂O}_n (6) (H₂bpdc = 2,2′-bipyridine-3,3′-dicarboxylic acid, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl) ethylene), have been synthesized and characterized. Compound 1 forms 1D helical chain structure containing two unique Mn^II ions. In 2, the bridging ligand dpe links Mn-bpdc double zigzag chains to generate a layer possesses rectangular cavities. In 3, bpdc²⁻ ligand connects to three metal centers forming a 2D network. Different from the above compounds, 4 displays a 1D double-wavelike chain. Compound 5 features a helical chain. Compound 6 also displays a helical chain with guest molecule dpe existing in the structure. These diverse structures illustrate rational adjustment of metal ions and the second ligand is a good method for the further design of helical compounds with novel structures and properties. In addition, the magnetic properties of 2, 3 and 6, the thermal stabilities and photoluminescence properties of 4 and 5 were also studied.     

The effect of organic acid on self-assembly process: Syntheses and characterizations of six novel cadmium(II)/zinc(II) complexes derived from mixed ligands

Using the principle of crystal engineering, six metal-organic coordination polymers, [Cd(bdc)(3-pytpy)]_n · 2nH₂O (1), [Cd(bdc)_0.5(3-pytpy)]_n · n(ClO₄) (2), Cd(ndc)_0.5(3-pytpy)]_n · n(ClO₄) (3), [Zn(ndc)(3-pytpy)]_n (4), [Cd(bqdc)(3-pytpy)]_n (5), and [Zn(pam)(3-pytpy)]_n · 2nH₂O (6) (H₂bdc = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, H₂ndc = naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid, H₂bqdc = 2,2′-biquinoline-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, H₂pam = pamoic acid), were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Compounds 1-6 crystallize in the presence of organic-acid linkers as well as multi-functional N-donor ligand 4′-(3-pyridyl)-2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (3-pytpy). In complexes 1, 4, 5, and 6, the dicarboxylate as bridging ligand connects metal atoms to form the main body of 1D zigzag chains for 1 and 4, nearly linear chain for 5 and helical chain for 6, while 3-pytpy as tridentate chelating ligand is just like lateral arm grafting on both sides of these chains. In complexes 2 and 3, both the dicarboxylate and 3-pytpy as bridging ligands connect metal atoms into 2D polymeric structure for 2 and 1D chain of alternating loops and rods for 3. The weak interactions such as hydrogen bonding and π···π stacking were investigated on the formation of superamolecular structures and the influence of organic acid on the formation of the final structures was discussed. In addition, the photoluminescent properties of 1-6 were also determined.     

Hydrogen-bonded copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes and coordination polymeric structures containing reduced Schiff base ligands

Complexes [Cu(HSas)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (H₃Sas = N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-aspartic acid) (1), [Cu(HMeSglu)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (H₃MeSglu = (N-(2-hydroxy-5-methylbenzyl)-l-glutamic acid) (2), [Cu₂(Smet)₂] (H₂Smet = (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-methionine) (3), [Ni(HSas)(H₂O)] (4), [Ni₂(Smet)₂(H₂O)₂] (5), and [Ni(HSapg)₂] (H₂Sapg = (N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-aspargine) (6) have been synthesized and characterized by chemical and spectroscopic methods. Structural determination by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed 1D coordination polymeric structures in 2 and 4, and hydrogen-bonded network structure in 5 and 6. In contrast to previously reported coordination compounds with similar ligands, the phenol remains protonated and bonded to the metal ions in 2 and 4, and also probably in 1. However, the phenolic group is non-bonded in 6.     

Luminescent cadmium and zinc diphenate coordination polymers containing pyridyl-piperazine type ligands: Grids, diamondoid lattices, and a rare 4-connected net

Hydrothermal synthesis has afforded five d¹⁰ configuration divalent metal diphenate coordination polymers containing pyridyl-piperazine type ligands, which were structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. {[Cd(diphenate)(3-bpmp)(H₂O)]·0.5H₂O}_n (1, 3-bpmp = bis(3-pyridylmethyl)piperazine) has a double layer topology. Its perchlorate-containing analog {[Cd₃(diphenate)₄(H₂3-bpmp)(H3-bpmp)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)·7H₂O}_n (2) possesses a very rare 4-connected 6⁵8 dmp topology based on anionic trinuclear nodes. {[Cd(diphenate)(4-bpfp)]·H₂O}_n (3, 4-bpfp = bis(4-pyridylformyl)piperazine) manifests a non-interpenetrated diamondoid lattice, while the related compound [Cd(diphenate)(4-bpmp)(H₂O)]_n (4, 4-bpmp = bis(4-pyridylmethyl)piperazine) has a simple (4,4) grid topology. {[Zn(diphenate)(4-bpmp)]·0.5H₂O}_n (5) displays a 2-fold interpenetrated diamondoid lattice. Luminescent properties of these materials are also reported.     

A 3D supramolecular network of cobalt(II)(bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene) with terephthalate dianions

A three dimensional supramolecular network, {[Co(bpee)(H₂O)₄] · (tp) · 2(H₂O)}_n (1) [bpee = trans-1,2 bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene; tp = terephthalate dianion] has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single crystal structure, magnetic measurement and thermal analysis. The structure determination reveals that the cobalt(II) ions, bridged by bpee and coordinated by four water molecules, give rise to covalently linked 1D polymeric chain. The parallel chains get involved in H-bonding with tp resulting in a 3D architecture. Upon heating 1, which is pink in color, transforms to [Co(bpee)(tp)] (1a, blue). The deaquated species (1a) reverts on keeping in humid atmosphere. Low temperature magnetic data indicate weak antiferromagnetic coupling.     

Synthesis, structures, and luminescence properties of mixed ligand Cd(II) and Zn(II) coordination compounds mediated by 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane

Interaction of cadmium(II) or zinc(II) acetate with 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpe) in the presence of dioxime(1,2-cyclohexanedionedioxime = NioxH₂ or diphenylglyoxime = dpgH₂) resulted in three complexes with the compositions [Cd₂(CH₃COO)₄(NioxH₂)₂(bpe)(H₂O)₂] (1), [Cd(CH₃COO)₂(bpe)(H₂O)]_n (2) and [Zn(CH₃COO)₂(NioxH₂)(bpe)(H₂O)]_n (3), which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR, and luminescence spectroscopy. Dioxime-containing binuclear molecule 1 and 1D linear polymer 3 possess moderate luminescence properties, while the dioxime-free 1D polymer 2 demonstrates strong blue luminescence.     

pH-value-controlled assembly of photoluminescent zinc coordination polymers

By pH-value adjustment, the reactions of zinc salt, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (H₃btc) and 4,4′-bipyridine (bpy) yield three coordination polymers, formulated as [Zn₃(btc)₂(bpy)(H₂O)₂]_n (1), [Zn(Hbtc)(bpy)(H₂O)]_n · 3nH₂O (2) and [Zn(Hbtc)(bpy)(H₂O)]_n · 4nH₂O (3), respectively. The structure of 1 is a 3D network containing channels filled with bpy ligands. Compound 2 consists of twofold interpenetrating (10,3)-b networks, while compound 3 is a 2D layer structure. The fluorescent studies reveal that they exhibit intense violet luminescence in solid state.     

Cd(II) coordination polymers constructed from flexible disulfide ligand: Solvothermal syntheses, structures and luminescent properties

Four novel coordination polymers, [Cd(Hdtbb)(dtbb)_0.5(DMF)]_n (1), {[Cd(dtbb)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]·2DMA}_n (2), {[Cd₂(dtbb)₂(1,4-bix)₂]·3DMF}_n (3) and [Cd(dtbb)(1,4-btx)]_n (4) [H₂dtbb = 2,2-dithiobisbenzoic acid, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 1,4-bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, 1,4-btx = 1,4-bis(triazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene] have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complexes 1 and 2 possess one-dimensional (1D) infinite structures. The structures of complexes 3 and 4 exhibit two dimensional (2D) frameworks, which mainly due to the differences in the bridging modes of dtbb²⁻ ligand and the effect of the N-donor auxiliary ligands. The infrared spectra, thermogravimetric and luminescent properties were also investigated for these compounds.     

Synthesis, characterisation and crystal structures of a few coordination complexes of nickel(II), cobalt(III) and zinc(II) with N′-[(2-pyridyl)methylene]salicyloylhydrazone Schiff base

Four new coordination complexes, Ni^II(L)₂ (1), [Co^III(L)₂]ClO₄ (2), [Zn(HL)(L)]ClO₄ · H₂O (3) and [Zn(L)₂][Zn(L)(HL)]ClO₄ · 7H₂O (4) (where L is a monoanion of a Schiff base ligand, N′-[(2-pyridyl)methylene]salicyloylhydrazone (HL) with NNO tridentate donor set), have been synthesised and systematically characterised by elemental analysis, spectroscopic studies and room temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that 1 is a neutral complex, while 2-4 are cationic complexes. Among them, 4 is a rare type of cationic complex with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The ligand chelates the metal centre with two nitrogen atoms from the pyridine and imino moieties and one oxygen atom coming from its enolic counterpart. All the reported complexes show distorted octahedral geometry around the metal centres, with the two metal-N (imino) bonds being significantly shorter than the two metal-N (Py) bonds.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and photoelectric property of Mn(II/IV) coordination complexes

Three novel coordination complexes [Mn(tpha)(phen)]_n (1); [Mn(na)₂(H₂O)₂]_n (2); {[Mn(phen)₂(OH)Cl] · Cl · (OH) · (C₉H₁₁NO₂) · 2H₂O} (3) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (H₂tpha = terephthalic acid, Hna = nicotinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). The tpha groups in complex 1 bridge the Mn(II) ions to an infinite 3D framework. Complex 2 exhibits a 2D network structure in which the Mn(II) ions are linked by nicotinic groups. Complex 3 is connected to a 2D coordination supramolecule by hydrogen bonds. The results of surface photovoltage spectra (SPS) of complexes 1-3 indicate that they all exhibit positive surface photovoltage (SPV) responses in the range of 300-800 nm. However, the intensity, position and numbers of SPV responses are obviously different. The distinctions can be mainly attributed to their structures, valences and coordination environments of the manganese ions in the three complexes. Moreover the external field induced surface photovoltage spectra (FISPS) of the three complexes have been measured.     

Cadmium(II) and zinc(II) coordination polymers with mixed building blocks of benzenedicarboxyl and 2,5-bipyridyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole: Syntheses, crystal structures, and properties

Three Cd(II) and Zn(II) coordination polymers, including {[Cd(3-bpo)(mip)(H₂O)](H₂O)₂}_n (1), {[Cd(4-bpo)(hip)(H₂O)](H₂O)₄}_n (2), and {[Zn(4-bpo)(tp)](CH₃OH)}_n (3) were synthesized from the reactions of Cd^II or Zn^II nitrate with mixed organic ligands [3-bpo = 2,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, H₂mip = 5-methylisophthalic acid, 4-bpo = 2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole, H₂hip = 5-hydroxylisophthalic acid, H₂tp = terephthalic acid] under the similar layered diffusion condition. The resulting crystalline materials 1-3 were characterized by IR, microanalysis, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) techniques. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction indicates a 1-D tubular motif for 1, a 1-D dual-track array for 2, and a 2-D grid-like pattern for 3, constructed via different metal-ligand coordination contacts. Higher-dimensional supramolecular architectures are further assembled in 1-3 via H-bonding and aromatic stacking interactions. In addition, thermal stability and fluorescence of these polymeric complexes were also investigated and discussed.     

Conversion of 2-(aminomethyl) substituted pyridine and quinoline to their dicarbonyldiimides using copper(II) acetate

In air, hydrated ethanolic (95%) solution of 2-(aminomethyl) substituted pyridine and quinoline, on stirring with half equivalent of Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O, respectively afforded [Cu(bpca)(OAc)(H₂O)]·H₂O (1) and [Cu(bqca)(OAc)(H₂O)] (2) {bpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)diimide ion and bqca = bis(2-quinolylcarbonyl)diimide ion} in good yields. These reactions involve oxidation of the methylene group and formation of the bond between nitrogen and carbon in N-C(O) through coupling. The complex [Cu(pqca)(OAc)(H₂O)]₃[Cu₂(OAc)₄(EtOH)₂]_1.5 (3) {pqca = (2-pyridylcarbonyl)(2-quinolylcarbonyl)diimide ion} was synthesized by stirring an ethanolic solution of the Schiff base [(2-pyridyl)-N-((2-quinolyl)methylene)methanamine] (L1) and with one equivalent of Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O. A plausible mechanism for the conversion has been proposed. The free ligands were isolated as crystalline solids from compounds 1-3, by extrusion of Cu²⁺ ion using EDTA²⁻. The molecular structures of 1-3 and bqcaH were established by X-ray crystallography and compounds having quinolyl group have π-stacking interactions.     

Synthesis, structures and conductivity properties of silver 3-sulfobenzoate coordination polymers

Four coordination polymers based on Ag^I/3-sulfobenzoate/N-donor ligands, [Ag₂Na₂(3-sb)₂(H₂O)₇]_n (1), {[Ag₂(3-sb)(apy)]·(H₂O)}_n (2), {[Ag₂(4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₃]·[Ag₂(4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂]·2(3-sb)·4(H₂O)}_n (3) and {[Ag(3-sb)(bpe)(H₂O)][Ag(bpe)(H₂O)]·3(H₂O)}_n (4) where 3-sb is 3-sulfobenzoate, apy is 2-aminopyridine, bipy is 4,4′-bipyridine and bpe is 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, were prepared and characterized, and their fluorescence and electric conductivity properties were studied. Complex 1 is a 3D architecture in which 3-sb ligands exhibit μ₄-κ¹(O1,O2-Ag): κ¹(O3,O5-Na) trans-trans coordination mode. The molecular structure of 2 is a 2D layer. Complexes 3 and 4 are cation-anion species and 1D polymers. In these complexes hydrogen bonds provide additional assembly forces, giving 3D hydrogen bonding networks for 1 and 3, and 2D layers for 2 and 4. Abundant weak interactions, such as Ag-Ag interactions in 1-3, Ag-π interactions in 1-4, π-π interactions in 1, 3-4, and C-H···π interactions in 3-4, also can be found. The weak interactions are strongly related to the fluorescence and electric conductivity properties, providing the way for understanding the relationship between structures and properties.     

Tuning of electronic properties of one-dimensional cyano-bridged Cu-Ni, Cu-Pd, and Cu-Pt bimetallic assemblies by stereochemistry of ligands

Preparations, XPS and electronic spectroscopy, and magnetism of seven new one-dimensional cyano-bridged coordination polymers, chiral [Cu(RR-chxn)₂][Pd(CN)₄] · 2H₂O (1), [Cu(trans-chxn)₂][M(CN)₄] · 2H₂O (2, 4, and 6 for M = Pd, Ni, and Pt), and [Cu(cis-chxn)₂][M(CN)₄] · 2H₂O (3, 5, and 7 for M = Pd, Ni, and Pt) (RR-chxn = cyclohexane-(1R,2R)-diamine, trans-chxn = racemic trans-cyclohexane-(1,2)-diamine, and cis-chxn = racemic cis-cyclohexane-(1,2)-diamine) have been reported in view of tuning of their electronic properties by stereochemistry of chxn ligands and metal-substitution. Comparison of Cu 2p_1/2 and 2p_3/2 peaks of XPS and broad d-d bands around 18 000 cm⁻¹ of electronic spectra are described systematically for 1-7. Variable-temperature magnetic measurement shows that complexes 1-7 indicate weak antiferromagnetic interactions via cyano-bridges. Because of semi-coordination coupled with pseudo Jahn-Teller elongation and electrostatic interaction for 1, the axial Cu-N coordination bond distances of 2.330(7) and 3.092(8) Å are considerably longer than those of equatorial ones in the range from 2.016(6) to 2.030(6) Å. The former bond distances of 1 are intermediate values among the related Ni (2.324(6) and 3.120(8) Å) and Pt (2.34(1) and 3.09(1) Å) complexes.     

Squarato-bridged polymeric networks of iron(II) with N-donor coligands: Syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties

Two new squarato-bridged Fe(II) polymeric networks of molecular formula [Fe(squarate)(bpp)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) and [Fe(squarate)(bpee)(H₂O)₂] (2) [bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane; bpee = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene; ] have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and low temperature (300-2 K) magnetic measurements. Complex 1 is a 1D coordination chain of Fe(H₂O)₂ units connected by μ-O,O″ squarate dianions with monocoordinated bpp ligands dangling from the polymer. These 1D chains ultimately transform to a thick 2D layer through π-π interaction of pyridyl rings as well as through hydrogen bonds. Whereas structural determination of complex 2 reveals an inclined interpenetrated 3D architecture. Magnetic data for both the complexes 1 and 2 have been fitted using the Fisher formula for S = 2 system and show antiferromagnetic coupling for both the complexes. The best fit parameters are J = −0.40 cm⁻¹, g = 2.30 and R = 0.01 for complex 1 and J = −0.49 cm⁻¹, g = 2.08 and R = 1.9 × 10⁻³ for complex 2.     

Crystal structures and luminescent properties of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) compounds constructed from 5-sulfoisophthalic acid and flexible bis-triazole ligands

Four new cadmium(II) and zinc(II) coordination polymers {[Zn(btrp)(SIP)][Zn_0.5(H₂O)₃]}_n (1), {[Cd_1.5(btrp)(SIP)(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n (2), {[Cd_1.5(btrb)(SIP)(H₂O)₃]·2H₂O}_n (3), {[Zn_1.5(btrb)_1.5(SIP)(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n (4) (btrp = 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane, btrb = 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)butane, NaH₂SIP = 5-sulfoisophthalic acid monosodium salt) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized. Compound 1 possesses an infinite 1D ladder-like chain structure with [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ trapped in the pores, which is further interconnected by π?π interactions to lead to a 2D supramolecular architecture. Compounds 2 and 3 features two similar 2D layer structures, and the resulting 2D structures are interconnected by hydrogen-bond interactions to lead to 3D supramolecular architectures. Compound 4 is a 2D parallel ladder structure, and through the interpenetrating btrb ligand, it constructs into 3D architectures. Luminescence analyses were performed on all the four compounds, which show strong fluorescent emissions in the solid state at room temperature.     

Crystal structure, thermal stability and theoretical investigation on four 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane-based copper(II) complexes

Self-assembly of flexible 1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane (btp), inorganic Cu(II) salt and rigid benzene-based carboxylate coligand generates four complexes, {[Cu(btp)₂(CH₃OH)(H₂O)]·H₂O·2ClO₄}_n (1), {[Cu(btp)(Hbtc)₂]·0.5H₂O}_n (2), [Cu(btp)₂(H₃btea)₂]_n (3), and [Cu(btp)(nb)₂] (4) (H₃btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, H₄btea = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid, Hnb = p-nitrobenzoic acid), which are fully structural characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography, elemental analysis, IR, and TG-DTA techniques. Structural determinations reveal that the polymeric two-dimensional (2D) Cu-btp grid-like layer for 1, 1D linear single- and double-stranded chains for 2 and 3, as well as the discrete binuclear structure for 4, are jointly directed by the coordination polyhedrons of the Cu(II) ion and the exo-bidentate bridging btp core ligand with various conformations. The theoretical calculations suggest that the trans-trans btp is the most stable conformation, and the metal binding site is collectively determined by the electron density of N donors and the spatial orientation of the btp ligand. Unexpectedly, the polycarboxylate anions in 1-4 can only act as terminal coligands not popular bridging connectors. The thermal stability of the resulting complexes is also compared.     

Solvothermal syntheses and structural characterization of a series of metal-hydroxycarboxylate coordination polymers

The combination of transition metal ions with mixed ligands resulted in the formation of three new coordination polymers, {[Co(C₄H₄O₅)(bpe)(H₂O)₂] · (0.5bpe)(H₂O)}_n (1), {[Cu(C₄H₄O₆)(bipy)] · 5H₂O}_n (2) and {[Cu(C₄H₄O₅)(bpa)] · 2.5H₂O}_n (3) (, , bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane), which were prepared under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 1 and 2 feature 1D chain structures. Interestingly, each pair of chains recognizes each other through aromatic π-π stacking interactions, generating a zipper-like double-stranded chain in 2. Compound 3 shows 2D 6³ topology framework with a rectangle-like grid.