The key role of hydrogen bonding in the nuclearity of three copper(II) complexes with hydrazone-derived ligands and nitrogen donor heterocycles

Three new Cu(II) complexes of formula [Cu(L¹)(pyz)(CH₃OH)]ClO₄ (1), [Cu(L¹)(4,4′-bpy)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (2) and [{Cu(L²)(ClO₄)}₂(μ-4,4′-bpy)] (3) have been synthesised by using pyrazine (pyz) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy) and tridentate O,N,O-donor hydrazone ligands, L¹H and L²H, obtained by the condensation of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione with salicyloylhydrazide and benzhydrazide, respectively. The ligands and their complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopies. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis evidences the metal ion in a slightly deformed square pyramidal geometry in all the complexes. However complexes 1 and 2 are mononuclear with pyz and 4,4′-bpy, respectively, showing an unusual monodentate behavior, while complex 3 is dinuclear with 4,4′-bpy adopting the typical bridging coordination mode. Self assembly of the complex units by hydrogen bonding interactions produces one-dimensional arrangement in each crystal packing. The magnetic characterization of complex 3 indicates a weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the Cu(II) ions (J = −0.96 cm⁻¹) mediated through the long 4,4′-bpy bridge. Electrochemical behavior of the complexes is also discussed.     

Structural and equilibrium studies on mixed ligand complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid and typical N, N donor ligands

Mixed ligand complexes: [Co(L)(bipy)] · 3H₂O (1), [Ni(L)(phen)] · H₂O (2), [Cu(L)(phen)] · 3H₂O (3) and [Zn(L)(bipy)] · 3H₂O (4), where L²⁻ = two -COOH deprotonated dianion of N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid (H₂bzimida, hereafter, H₂L), bipy = 2,2′ bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral and magnetic measurements and thermal studies. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies show octahedral geometry for 1, 2 and 4 and square pyramidal geometry for 3. Equilibrium studies in aqueous solution (ionic strength I = 10⁻¹ mol dm⁻³ (NaNO₃), at 25 ± 1 °C) using different molar proportions of M(II):H₂L:B, where M = Co, Ni, Cu and Zn and B = phen, bipy and en (ethylene diamine), however, provides evidence of formation of mononuclear and binuclear binary and mixed ligand complexes: M(L), M(H₋₁L)⁻, M(B)²⁺, M(L)(B), M(H₋₁L)(B)⁻, M₂(H₋₁L)(OH), (B)M(H₋₁L)M(B)⁺, where H₋₁L³⁻ represents two -COOH and the benzimidazole N₁-H deprotonated quadridentate (O⁻, N, O⁻, N), or, quinquedentate (O⁻, N, O⁻, N, N⁻) function of the coordinated ligand H₂L. Binuclear mixed ligand complex formation equilibria: M(L)(B) + M(B)²⁺ ? (B)M(H₋₁L)M(B)⁺ + H⁺ is favoured with higher π-acidity of the B ligands. For Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II), these equilibria are accompanied by blue shift of the electronic absorption maxima of M(II) ions, as a negatively charged bridging benzimidazolate moiety provides stronger ligand field than a neutral one. Solution stability of the mixed ligand complexes are in the expected order: Co(II) < Ni(II) < Cu(II) > Zn(II). The Δ log K_M values are less negetive than their statistical values, indicating favoured formation of the mixed ligand complexes over the binary ones.     

3D supramolecular network assembly and thermal decomposition of new copper(II) complexes with pyrazine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid

Four new Cu(II) complexes [Cu(pzda)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)] · 2.5H₂O (1), [Cu(pzda)(phen)(H₂O)] · H₂O (2), [Cu(pzda)(4,4′-bpy)] · H₂O (3) and [Cu(pzda)(bpe)_0.5(H₂O)] (4) were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions of copper salt (acetate or sulphate) with pyrazine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H₂pzda), and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy) or 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)-ethane (bpe), respectively. For 1 and 2, they are both monomeric entities which are further assembled into 3D supramolecular networks by hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. Complex 3 has a 2D metal-organic framework which is connected into 3D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. However, for 4, the bpe ligand bridges two Cu(II) ions into binuclear unit, and then the binuclear molecules are assembled into 3D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds between the coordination water molecule and the carboxylate oxygen atoms. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1 and 2 cooperated with powder XRD at different temperatures is discussed. The results reveal that once liberation of water molecules takes place the supramolecular network of 1 and 2 collapses.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, antibacterial assay and DNA binding activity of new binuclear Cu(II) complexes with bridging oxamidate

Two new binuclear copper complexes, [Cu₂(oxpn)(bpy)(pic)(H₂O)](pic) (1) and [Cu₂(oxpn)(Me₂bpy)(pic)](pic) (2) [H₂oxpn = N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)oxamide; Hpic = 2,4,6-trinitrophenol; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; Me₂bpy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, UV-visible spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray analyses. Both complexes have similar molecular structures. In complex 1, the central two Cu(II) atoms are bridged by cis-oxpn²⁻ with the Cu1-Cu2 separation of 5.221 Å and the polyhedron of each copper atom is a square-pyramid. Similarly, complex 2 is a cis-oxpn²⁻-bridged binuclear complex with the Cu1-Cu2 separation of 5.196 Å. Cu1(II) central atom situated in a tetrahedral geometry is four-coordinated and Cu(II) atom situated in a square-pyramidal geometry is five-coordinated. Hydrogen bonding interactions and π-π stacking interactions link the binuclear copper complex 1 or 2 into a 2D infinite network. The antibacterial assays indicate that the two complexes showed better activities than their ligands. The interactions of the two binuclear complexes with herring sperm DNA (HS-DNA) have been studied by UV absorption titration, fluorescence titration and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the two binuclear complexes bind to HS-DNA via an intercalative mode.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a copper(II) complex of deprotonated N,N′-bis(2-pyridinecarboxamide)-2,2′-biphenyl: Comparative redox study of CuN4 pyridine amide complexes

A new distorted square planar (two CuN₂ planes making an angle of ∼43°) copper(II) complex [Cu(L⁴)] · 0.5EtOH · 0.5MeOH (1) of a deprotonated tetradentate pyridine amide ligand [H₂L⁴ = N,N′-bis(2-pyridinecarboxamide)-2,2′-biphenyl] has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Absorption and EPR spectroscopic properties have also been studied. The E_1/2 values (Cu^II/Cu^I redox process) of the title complex along with a selected group of structurally characterized CuN₄ pyridine amide complexes with systematically varied structural, electronic/steric, and chelate-ring size effects, imposed by the coordinating ligands, have been determined and the observed trend has been rationalized.     

A Co-monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalate with an antenna ligand and three cobalt(II) chains as counterion

A Co-monosubstituted Keggin polyoxometalate with an antenna ligand linked to the Co(II) center with a Co(II)-containing cation has been prepared. The title compound, formulated as {Co(H₂O)₄(4,4′-bpy)}₂(4,4′-Hbpy)₂[SiW₁₁Co(4,4′-bpy)O₃₉] · 5H₂O (1) (4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, TG analysis, X-ray single crystal structure analysis and magnetic measurements. As far as we know, the title compound represents the first Co(II) substituted Keggin polyoxometalate with an antenna ligand structurally and magnetically characterized.     

Aromatic N-oxide bridged copper(II) coordination polymers: Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties

The complexes [Cu₂(o-NO₂-C₆H₄COO)₄(PNO)₂] (1), [Cu₂(C₆H₅COO)₄(2,2′-BPNO)]_n (2), [Cu₂(C₆H₅COO)₄(4,4′-BPNO)]_n (3), [Cu(p-OH-C₆H₄COO)₂(4,4′-BPNO)₂·H₂O]_n (4), (where PNO = pyridine N-oxide, 2,2′-BPNO = 2,2′-bipyridyl-N,N′-dioxide, 4,4′-BPNO = 4,4′-bipyridyl-N,N′-dioxide) are prepared and characterized and their magnetic properties are studied as a function of temperature. Complex 1 is a discrete dinuclear complex while complexes 2-4 are polymeric of which 2 and 3 have paddle wheel repeating units. Magnetic susceptibility measurements from polycrystalline samples of 1-4 revealed strong antiferromagnetic interactions within the {Cu₂}⁴⁺ paddle wheel units and no discernible interactions between the units. The complex 5, [Cu(NicoNO)₂·2H₂O]_n·4nH₂O, in which the bridging ligand to the adjacent copper(II) ions is nicotinate N-oxide (NicoNO) the transmitted interaction is very weakly antiferromagnetic.     

Square-planar copper(II) complexes with tetradentate amido-carboxylate ligands. Crystal structure of Na2[Cu(obap)]2 · 2H2O. Strain analysis and spectral assignments of complexes

Novel N-N-N-O-type of tetradentate ligands H₃obap (H₃obap = oxamido-N-aminopropyl-N′-benzoic acid) and H₃maeb (H₃maeb = malamido-N-aminoethyl-N′-benzoic acid) and the corresponding square-planar copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The obap³⁻ and maeb³⁻ ligands coordinate to the copper(II) ion via four ligating atoms (three deprotonated atoms: one carboxylate oxygen and two deprotonated amide nitrogens; one amine nitrogen) with in-plane square chelation. A four coordinate, square-planar geometry has been established crystallographically for the binuclear Na₂[Cu(obap)]₂ · 2H₂O complex. Structural data correlating the square-planar geometry of the [Cu(obap)]⁻ unit and an extensive strain analysis are discussed in relation to the information obtained for similar complexes. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are discussed in comparison to the related complexes of known geometries. Antibacterial activity of ligands and copper(II) complexes towards common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are reported as well.     

Solid state coordination chemistry of organodiphosphonates with copper(II) and auxilliary aromatic nitrogen heterocyclic ligands

The hydrothermal reactions of CuSO₄ · 5H₂O, a phosphonate ligand and an appropriate aromatic nitrogen heterocycle yield a series of materials of the Cu(II)/phosphonate/nitrogen ligand donor family. Two of the materials [Cu(2,2′-bpy)(HO₃PCH₂CH₂CH₂PO₃H)] (1) and [Cu(4,4′-bpy)(H₂O)₂(HO₃PCH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂PO₃H)] (2) are two-dimensional, while [{Cu(2,2′-bpy)}₂(O₃PC₆H₄PO₃)] · 8H₂O (3 · 8H₂O) is three-dimensional. When 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid is introduced as a reactant, the one-dimensional material [Cu(2,2′-bpy){OC₆H₂(CO₂H)₃}(HOPC₆H₅)] (4) is isolated. This is an example of an in situ hydrothermal ligand transformation in which the 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid is hydroxylated to give 1,3,5-benzene tricarboxylic acid-2-hydroxide. Compound 5 [Cu(terpy)(HO₃PC₆H₄PO₃H] is molecular.     

Five-coordinate cobalt(II) complexes of tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (TPA): Synthesis, structural and magnetic characterization of a terephthalato-bridged dinuclear cobalt(II) complex

The cobalt(II) complexes [Co(TPA)Cl]ClO₄ (1), [Co(TPA)Br]ClO₄ (2), [Co(TPA)(H₂O)]Cl(ClO₄) (3) and [Co₂(TPA)₂(μ-tp)](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (4) (TPA = tris(2-methylpyridyl)amine and tp = terephthalate dianion) were synthesized and structurally characterized by UV-vis and IR spectroscopy. The molecular structures of complexes 1 and 4 were determined by X-ray crystallography and their magnetic properties were measured over the temperature range 2-300 K. The coordination geometry around the central Co(II) in these compounds has a distorted trigonal bipyamidal geometry with four nitrogen atoms from the TPA ligand and the fifth coordination site is occupied by Cl⁻ ion in 1, Br⁻ ion in 2, coordinated oxygen atom from H₂O in 3 and by an oxygen atom supplied by the carboxylate group of the bridged terephthalato ligand in 4. The visible spectra of the complexes 1-3 in MeOH show strong distortion toward tetrahedral geometry. For complex 4, analysis of the infrared spectral data for the ν(COO⁻) stretching frequencies of the tp-carboxalato groups reveals the existence of the bis(monodentate) coordination mode for the bridged tp. X-ray data for 1 and 4 show that the former is mononuclear while the latter is dinuclear. The electronic spectrum of 4 in MeOH is in complete agreement with the assigned X-ray geometry around the Co(II) centers. The magnetic behavior of the mononuclear complex 1 is indicative of a high-spin compound with zero-field splitting. The best fit was obtained with ∣D∣ = 7.3 cm⁻¹, g = 2.25. The dinuclear complex 4 exhibits weak antiferromagnetic coupling with a coupling constant J = −0.8 cm⁻¹. The magnetic properties and the structural parameters of 4 are discussed in relation to the other related μ-terephthalato dinuclear Co(II) compounds. The geometry of the coordination sphere around 4 is unique - the CSD compilation listing only one other compound with such a geometry around the dinuclear Co(II) complex and its composition is far different from that in 4. However, they share a common feature of having a weakly antiferromagnetic coupling between Co(II) centers.     

Preparation and photophysical studies of copper(I) and ruthenium(II) complexes of 4,4′-bis(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine

We report the synthesis of a new ligand, 4,4′-bis(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, optimised for binding to copper(I) and with pendant functionality that can eventually be developed into metallodendritic structures. The synthesis and photophysical properties of complexes with copper(I) and ruthenium(II) are reported. The solid state structure of the complex [Cu(1)₂][PF₆] · MeCN (1 = 4,4′-bis(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-6,6′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) is also described.     

Acetato and formato copper(II) complexes with 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine: Synthesis, crystal structure, magnetic properties and EPR results. A new 1D polymeric water chain

By the reactions of Cu(AcO)₂·H₂O and Cu(HCOO)₂·4H₂O with 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine the compounds [Cu(AcO)₂(4,4′-Me₂-2,2′-bipy)]·1/2H₂O (1), [Cu(AcO)₂(5,5′-Me₂-2,2′-bipy)(H₂O)] (2), [Cu(HCOO)(μ-HCOO)(4,4′-Me₂-2,2′-bipy)]_n·nH₂O (3) and [Cu(HCOO)(μ-HCOO)(5,5′-Me₂-2,2′-bipy)]_n·2nH₂O (4) were obtained. In the acetate complexes, 1 and 2, the geometry around copper is distorted octahedral and square pyramidal, respectively. Dimeric units of different geometry are formed in both cases through hydrogen bonds in which non-coordinated (in 1) and coordinated (in 2) water molecules are involved. The structures of 3 and 4 consist of polymeric monodimensional chains of square pyramidal copper units linked by axial-equatorial syn-anti (3) or anti-anti (4) bridging formate groups. Water molecules form hydrogen bonds with formate groups of the same chain in compound 3. In compound 4 the water molecules link the polymeric contiguous chains of complex through hydrogen bonds with oxygen atoms of formate groups and they are also linked between them, forming monodimensional water chains which run parallel to the complex chains. Sheets parallel to the ac plane are formed by alternating chains of water and polymeric complex. Magnetic properties and EPR spectra for these compounds have been studied.     

Hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structures and photoluminescent properties of four cadmium(II) coordination polymers derived from diphenic acid and auxiliary ligands

Four novel metal coordination polymers, [Cd(dpa)(H₂O)]_n (1), [Cd(dpa)(2,2′-bipy)]_n (2), {[Cd₂(dpa)₂(4,4′-bipy)₃](4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂}_n (3) and [Cd(dpa)(bim)₂(H₂O)]}_n (4) (H₂dpa = 2,4′-biphenyl-dicarboxylic acid, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, bim = benzimidazole), have been synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray analyses reveal that the 2,4′-diphenic acids acts as bridging ligands, exhibiting rich coordination modes to link metal ions: bis-monodentate, bidentate chelating, chelating/bridging, monoatomic bridging and monodentate modes. In addition, the luminescent properties for compound 1-4 are also investigated in this work.     

DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of mixed polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes with calf thymus DNA

New mixed polypyridyl {NMIP = 2′-(2″-nitro-3″,4″-methylenedioxyphenyl)imidazo-[4′,5′-f][1,10]-phenanthroline, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine} ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(dmb)₂(NMIP)]²⁺ (1) and [Ru(bpy)₂(NMIP)]²⁺ (2) have been synthesized and characterized. The binding of these complexes to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated with spectroscopic methods, viscosity and electrophoresis measurements. The experimental results indicate that both complexes could bind to DNA via partial intercalation from the minor/major groove. In addition, both complexes have been found to promote the single-stranded cleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA upon irradiation. Under comparable experimental conditions compared with [Ru(phen)₂(NMIP)]²⁺, during the course of the dialysis at intervals of time, the CD signals of both complexes started from none, increased to the maximum magnitude, then no longer changed, and the activity of effective DNA cleavage dependence upon concentration degree lies in the following order: [Ru(phen)₂NMIP]²⁺ > complex 2 > complex 1.     

Self-assembly of two fluorescent supramolecular frameworks constructed from unsymmetrical benzene tricarboxylate and bipyridine

Two new supramolecular compounds, [Ag(4,4′-bipy)]_n [Ag(HBTC)]_n (1) and [Cu(H₂BTC)(2,2′-bipy)] (2) (HBTC/H₂BTC = 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylate, 4,4′-bipy/2,2′-bipy = 4,4′/2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection integral spectra (UV-Vis DRIS), fluorescent spectra, thermogravimetric analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. It is noteworthy that there were two kinds of one-dimensional stairs-chain including cationic [Ag(4,4′-bipy)]_n chain and anionic [Ag(HBTC)]_n chain in 1. Furthermore, a two-dimensional double layer supramolecular framework was constructed through coordination bonds, hydrogen bonds, π-π stacking interactions and Ag?O weak coordinative interactions. The one-dimensional supramolecular chain of 2 was built from combining mononuclear [Cu(H₂BTC)(2,2′-bipy)] by inter- and intra-molecular hydrogen bonding interactions. Additionally, the two complexes exhibit intense blue or olivine luminescence at room temperature.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and density functional theory study of dimeric copper(II) complexes of a tridentate Schiff-base ligand

Oxalate- or 4,4′-bipyridine-bridged dimeric copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂L₂(μ-ox)] (1) and [Cu₂L₂(μ-bipy)](BF₄)₂ (2) [where ox = oxalate, bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, HL = N-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-2-pyridineethanamine, L⁻ = HL−H⁺], have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystal structure determinations carried out on 1 and 2 reveal that 1 is an oxalate-bridged centrosymmetrical square pyramidal dimeric copper(II) complex while 2 is a 4,4′-bipyridine-bridged non-centrosymmetric square planar dinuclear copper(II) complex. Comparison of the optimised geometries with the corresponding crystal structures suggests that the B3LYP/LANL2DZ level can reproduce the structures of 1 and 2 on the whole. The electronic spectra of 1 and 2 predicted by B3LYP/LANL2DZ method show some blue shifts compared with their experimental data. Thermal analysis carried out on 1 shows that there is only one exothermal peak at about 260 °C and the residue is presumably Cu₂O₄N₆.     

Equilibrium and structural studies on Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid: crystal structures of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes

Combined pH-metric, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR and EPR spectral investigations on the complex formation of M(II) ions (M=Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) with N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid (H₂bzimida, hereafter H₂L) in aqueous solution at a fixed ionic strength, I=10⁻¹ mol dm⁻³, at 25 ± 1 °C indicate the formation of M(L), M(H₋₁L)⁻ and M₂(H₋₁L)⁺ complexes. Proton-ligand and metal-ligand constants and the complex formation equilibria have been elucidated. Solid complexes, [M(L)(H₂O)₂] · nH₂O (n=1 for M = Co and Zn, n=2 for M = Ni) and {Cu (μ-L) · 4H₂O}_n, have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral, conductance and magnetic measurements and thermal studies. Structures of [Ni(L)(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O and {Cu(μ-L) · 4H₂O}_n have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The nickel(II) complex exists in a distorted octahedral environment in which the metal ion is coordinated by the two carboxylate O atoms, the amino-N atom of the iminodiacetate moiety and the pyridine type N-atom of the benzimidazole moiety. Two aqua O atoms function as fifth and sixth donor atoms. The copper(II) complex is made up of interpenetrating polymeric chains of antiferromagnetically coupled Cu(II) ions linked by carboxylato bridges in syn-anti (apical-equatorial) bonding mode and stabilized via interchain hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions.     

A new 3D transition-metal complex-templated framework based on Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate and copper(I)-pyrazine moieties

A new Wells-Dawson polyoxometalate-based compound, [Cu^II(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]₃[Cu^I₆(pz)₆(P₂W₁₈O₆₂)₂] (2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, pz = pyrizine) (1), has been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by routine physical methods. Compound 1 exhibits a [Cu^II(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]²⁺ complex-templated 3D (3,4)-connected framework with the topology of (6³)(6²8⁴), which is built up by the cross-linking of porous P₂W₁₈-Cu layers and Cu^I-pz chains with Cu2 atoms as intersections. The transition-metal complex cation [Cu^II(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]²⁺ acts not only as a template locating in the voids of inorganic layers, but also as a charge-balance complex to make the 3D structure more steady. The electrochemistry property of compound 1 has also been discussed.     

A new copper(II) tubelike metal-organic framework constructed from P,P′-diphenylmethylenediphosphinic acid and 4,4′-bipyridine: Synthesis, structure, and thermal behavior

A new tubular metal-organic framework [Cu₂(pcp)₂(4,4′-bipy)] · 5H₂O (pcp = P,P′-diphenylmethylenediphosphinate) has been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis, temperature-dependent X-ray powder diffraction (TDXD), thermogravimetric measurements and IR spectroscopy. The structure consists of polymeric nano-sized square channels, whose edges are constituted by infinite chains of metal ions bridged by phosphinate ligands. The chains are linked together by 4,4′-bipyridines, forming the walls of the channels. Solvent water molecules are located inside and outside the channels, all anchored through hydrogen bonds. The cross-section dimensions of the channels are approximately 10 × 10 Å². The four guest molecules located inside the channels can be eliminated by gentle heating at ca. 80 °C, restored in air, or in turn substituted by DMF through vapour exposition. The monohydrated phase [Cu₂(pcp)₂(4,4′-bipy)] · H₂O, which maintains the same polymeric framework as the title complex, remains stable till 260 °C. Above this temperature the complex undergoes a solid state crystal-to-crystal rapid reaction, via loss of both the 4,4′-bipyridine and the remaining water and rearrangement of the coordinated pcp to give the previously reported [Cu(pcp)] polymeric framework.