Synthesis and photophysical studies of tetrazolate‐based Eu(III) photoluminescent ternary complexes containing N‐heterocyclic phosphine oxides auxiliary co‐ligands

Two new ternary tetrazolate Eu(III) complexes with phosphine oxide co‐ligands Eu(PTO)₃·(P1/P2) [PTO = 5‐(2‐pyridyl‐1‐oxide)tetrazole, P1 = diphenylphosphorylamino‐phenylphosphoryl‐benzene, P2 = diphenylphosphorylpyridine)‐bis‐isobutyricphosphoryl] were synthesized and characterized using UV, fluorescence, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopic techniques. The analytical data prove that the complexes are mononuclear in nature and the central Eu(III) ion is coordinated by three N and three O atoms of tetrazolate, and two O atoms of the corresponding bidentate phosphine oxide ligands. The ancillary ligand increased the photoluminescence efficiency of Eu(PTO)₃·P1 (complex 3) by twofold compared with our previously reported Eu(PTO)₃ complex (complex 1). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Crystal structures, antioxidation and DNA binding properties of Eu(III) complexes with Schiff-base ligands derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxyaldehyde and three aroylhydrazines

Eu(III) and every newly synthesized ligand can form a binuclear Eu(III) complex with a 1:1 metal to ligand stoichiometry and nine-coordinate at Eu(III) center. Every ligand acts as a dibasic tetradentate ligand, binding to Eu(III) through the phenolate oxygen atom, nitrogen atom of quinolinato unit, the CN group (methylene) and ⁻O-CN- group (enolized and deprotonated from OC-NH- group) of the aroylhydrazine side chain. One DMF (N,N-dimethylformamide) molecule is binding orthogonally to the ligand-plane from one side to the metal ion, while another DMF and a nitrate anion (bidentate) are binding from the other. Dimerization of the monomeric unit occurs through the phenolate oxygen atoms leading to a central planar four-membered (EuO)₂ ring. On the other hand, all the ligands and Eu(III) complexes may be used as potential anticancer drugs, binding to Calf thymus DNA through intercalations at the order of magnitude 10⁵-10⁷ M⁻¹. All the ligands and Eu(III) complexes are strong scavengers of hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals, but Eu(III) complex containing active phenolic hydroxyl group shows stronger scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals than others, and Eu(III) complex containing N-heteroaromatic substituent shows stronger scavenging effects for superoxide radicals than others.     

Preparation, crystal structure and luminescent properties of the 3-D netlike supramolecular lanthanide picrate complexes with 2,2′-[1,2-phenylenebis(oxy)]bis(N-benzylacetamide)

Solid complexes of lanthanide picrates with a new podand-type ligand, 2,2′-[(1,2-phenylene)bis(oxy)]bis(N-benzylacetamide) (L) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR, electronic and ¹H NMR spectroscopies. The crystal and molecular structures of the complex NdL(Pic)₃ have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure shows that the Nd(III) ion is coordinated with four oxygen atoms of the ligand L and six oxygen atoms of three bidentate picrates. Furthermore, the NdL(Pic)₃ complex units are linked by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form a three-dimensional (3-D) netlike supermolecule. Under excitation, Eu complex exhibited characteristic emissions. The lowest triplet state energy level of the ligand indicates that the triplet state energy level of the ligand matches better to the resonance level of Eu(III) than Tb(III) ion.     

Preparation, crystal structure and luminescent properties of lanthanide picrate complexes with N-benzyl-2-{2′-[(benzyl-methyl-carbamoyl)-methoxy]-biphenyl-2-yloxy}-N-methyl-acetamide (L)

A new amide-based ligand derived from biphenyl, N-benzyl-2-{2′-[(benzyl-methyl-carbamoyl)-methoxy]-biphenyl-2-yloxy}-N-methyl-aceamide (L) was synthesized. Solid complexes of lanthanide picrates with this new ligand were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurements, IR and electronic spectroscopies. The molecular structure of [Eu(pic)₃L] shows that the Eu(III) ion is nine-coordinated by four oxygen atoms from the L and five from two bidentate and one unidentate picrates. All the coordinate picrates and their adjacent equivalent picrates form intermolecular π-π stacking. Furthermore, the [Eu(pic)₃L] complex units are linked by the π-π stacking to form a two-dimensional (2-D) netlike supramolecule. Under excitation, the europium complex exhibited characteristic emissions. The lifetime of the ⁵D₀ level of the Eu(III) ion in the complex is 0.22 ms. The quantum yield Φ of the europium complex was found to be 1.01 × 10⁻³ with quinine sulfate as reference. The lowest triplet state energy level of the ligand indicates that the triplet state energy level of the ligand matches better to the resonance level of Eu(III) than Tb(III) ion.     

A dinuclear europium(III) complex with thenoyltrifluoroacetonato and 1-(2-pyridylzao)-2-naphtholato ligands and its optical properties

Dinuclear lanthanide complexes of the general for Ln₂(TTA)₄(PAN)₂ (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb; TTA and monodeprotonated thenoyltrifluoroacetone and PAN 1-(2-pyridylazo)-2-naphthol, respectively) were prepared and structurally characterized. These novel complexes, representing the first examples of crystallographically characterized lanthanide-PAN complexes, each feature a dinuclear core with the metal atoms bridged by the phenolato O atoms of the chelating-bridging PAN ligands. Electronic spectroscopic and photoluminescence studies were carried out for the Eu(III) complex, and the results are consistent with ligand-mediated energy transfer and ligand-sensitized luminescence characteristic of Eu(III). The Eu(III) complex doped into a polymeric film was shown to effectively limit a nanosecond 523-nm laser pulse, and the limiting effect is rationalized in terms of reverse saturable absorption due to the strong absorption of the metal’s excited triplet states that are populated by intersystem crossing.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of two novel lanthanide (III) complexes of acetophenonylcarboxymethyl sulphoxide

A novel ligand containing multiple coordinating groups (sulfinyl, carboxyl and carbonyl groups), acetophenonylcarboxymethyl sulphoxide, was synthesized. Its corresponding two lanthanide (III) binary complexes were synthesized and characterized by element analysis, molar conductivity, FT‐IR, TG‐DTA and UV spectroscopy. Results showed that the composition of these complexes was REL₃L^‐ (ClO₄)₂·3H₂O (RE = Eu (III), Tb (III); L = C₆H₅COCH₂SOCH₂COOH; L^‐ = C₆H₅COCH₂SOCH₂COO^‐). FT‐IR results indicated that acetophenonylcarboxymethyl sulphoxide was bonded with an RE (III) ion by an oxygen atom of the sulfinyl and carboxyl groups and not by an oxygen atom of the carbonyl group due to high steric hinderance. Fluorescent spectra showed that the Tb (III) complex had excellent luminescence as a result of a transfer of energy from the ligand to the excitation state energy level (⁵D₄) of Tb (III). The Eu (III) complex displayed weak luminescence, attributed to low energy transfer efficiency between the triplet state energy level of its ligand and the excited state (⁵D₀) of Eu (III). As a result, the Tb (III) complex displayed a good antenna effect for luminescence. The fluorescence decay curves of Eu (III) and Tb (III) complexes were also measured. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of polymer–rare earth complexes containing salicylaldehyde‐type bidentate Schiff base ligand

Using molecular design and polymer reactions, two types of bidentate Schiff base ligands, salicylaldehyde–aniline (SAN) and salicylaldehyde–cyclohexylamine (SCA), were synchronously synthesized and bonded onto the side chain of polysulfone (PSF), giving two bidentate Schiff base ligand‐functionalized PSFs, PSF–SAN and PSF–SCA, referred to as macromolecular ligands. Following coordination reactions between the macromolecular ligands and Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions (the reaction occurred between the bonded ligands SAN or SCA and the lanthanide ion), two series of luminescent polymer–rare earth complexes, PSF–SAN–Eu(III) and PSF–SCA–Tb(III), were obtained. The two macromolecular ligands were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ¹H NMR and UV absorption spectroscopy, and the prepared complexes were also characterized by FTIR, UV absorption spectroscopy and thermo‐gravity analysis. On this basis, the photoluminescence properties of these complexes and the relationships between their structure and luminescence were investigated in depth. The results show that the bonded bidentate Schiff base ligands, SAN and SCA, can effectively sensitize the fluorescence emission of Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions, respectively. PSF–SAN–Eu(III) series complexes, namely the binary complex PSF–(SAN)₃–Eu(III) and the ternary complex PSF–(SAN)₃–Eu(III)–(Phen)₁ (Phen is the small‐molecule ligand 1,10‐phenanthroline), produce strong red luminescence, suggesting that the triplet state energy level of SAN is lower and well matched with the resonant energy level of the Eu(III) ion. By contrast, PSF–SAN–Eu(III) series complexes, namely the binary complex PSF–(SCA)₃–Tb(III) and the ternary complex PSF–(SCA)₃–Tb(III)–(Phen)₁, display strong green luminescence, suggesting that the triplet state energy level of SCA is higher and is well matched with the resonant energy level of Tb(III).     

Synthesis and properties of a new red luminescence europium complex containing a 2‐(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐8‐octyloxyquinoline as the second ligand

A new Eu(III) complex, Eu(III)(DBM)₃BIOQ, has been synthesized with dibenzoylmethane (DBM) as the first ligand and 2‐(benzimidazol‐2‐yl)‐8‐octyloxyquinoline (BIOQ) as the second ligand. The stability of the complex was analysed by DSC–TG. The results show that the Eu(III) complex has a relatively high thermal stability with a melting point of 235 °C and a decomposition temperature (onset) of 252 °C. The fluorescence properties of the compound were also investigated. The fluorescence results reveal that the as‐prepared complex shows the characteristic maximum emission spectra of Eu(III) at 611 nm (λ_ex = 350 nm). In addition, the photoluminescence spectrum of the complex in the solid state exhibits a single and symmetrical emission band at 611 nm, with a full width at half‐maximum of 4.7 nm, showing high colour purity. This finding indicates the possibility for the development of brighter red luminescent materials. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis and characterization of Eu(III) complexes with chiral Schiff base ligands derived from salicylaldehydes and amino alcohols

Optically active Schiff base ligands have been formed by the condensation of various salicylaldehydes with a series of chiral amino alcohols. The Eu(III) derivatives of these ligands were obtained as oligomeric materials, exhibiting an empirical 1:1 metal:ligand stoichiometry. The complexes were found to be somewhat soluble in chloroform, where they existed primarily as trimeric species. The optical activity experienced by the Eu(III) ion was observed to be dominated by the presence of configurational effects, corresponding to a dissymmetric arrangement of Schiff base ligands about the Eu(III) ion.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and fluorescence properties of terbium complexes with phenoxyacetic acid and 2,4,6‐tris‐(2‐pyridyl)‐s–triazine

Two complexes of Tb³⁺, Gd³⁺/Tb³⁺ and one heteronuclear crystal Gd³⁺/Tb³⁺ with phenoxyacetic acid (HPOA) and 2,4,6‐tris‐(2‐pyridyl)‐s–triazine (TPTZ) have been synthesized. Elemental analysis, rare earth coordination titration, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) and thermogravimetric analysis‐differential scanning calorimetry (TG‐DSC) analysis show that the two complexes are Tb₂(POA)₆(TPTZ)₂·6H₂O and TbGd(POA)₆(TPTZ)₂·6H₂O, respectively. The crystal structure of TbGd(POA)₆(TPTZ)₂·2CH₃OH was determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The monocrystal belongs to the triclinic system with the P‐1 space group. In particular, each metal ion is coordinately bonded to three nitrogen atoms of one TPTZ and seven oxygen atoms of three phenoxyacetic ions. Furthermore, there exist two coordinate forms between C₆H₅OCH₂COO^– and the metal ions in the crystal. One is a chelating bidentate, the other is chelating and bridge coordinating. Fluorescence determination shows that the two complexes possess strong fluorescence emissions. Furthermore, the fluorescence intensity of the Gd³⁺/Tb³⁺ complex is much stronger than that of the undoped complex, which may result from a decrease in the concentration quench of Tb³⁺ ions, and intramolecular energy transfer from the ligands coordinated with Gd³⁺ ions to Tb³⁺ ions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Metal complexes with two tri-aza,tri-oxa pendant-armed macrocyclic ligands: Synthesis,characterization, crystal structures and fluorescence studies

Metal complexes of two new tri-aza, tri-oxa macrocycles containing ethyl acetate (L¹) or carboxymethyl (H₂L²) pendant arms with hydrated nitrate or perchlorate salts of alkaline earth, post-transition and lanthanide metal ions have been synthesized and characterized by microanalysis FAB MS, conductivity measurements, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopy and fluorescence emission studies. The synthesis and characterization of the Pb(II) complexes with the armless macrocyclic precursors L (Schiff base macrocycle) and L′ (diaminic reduced macrocycle) are also reported. The crystal structures of complexes [PbL(ClO₄)(H₂O)](ClO₄), [PbL′(ClO₄)](ClO₄) and ([Zn₂L²(Cl)(H₂O)](ClO₄))_∞ have been determined. In both lead(II) complexes, the metal ion is located inside the macrocyclic cavity and is coordinated by all N₃O₃ donor atoms in the complex with L′ but only by the nitrogen atoms present in the ligand in the complex with L. In both cases, the coordination sphere of the metal atom is completed with a perchlorate anion or a water molecule in the iminic complex of L. X-ray studies on the Zn(II) complex show the presence of a supramolecular structure that is consistent with a linear polymer formed alternately by an endomacrocyclic metal atom coordinated to a macrocyclic ligand and an exomacrocyclic metal ion in distorted octahedral and tetrahedral environments, respectively. UV–Vis and fluorescent emission studies were carried out on the ligands L¹ and H₂L² and their metal complexes, but only the luminescence spectra of the Eu(III) and Tb(III) complexes with L¹ in aqueous solution at ca. pH 7 show the characteristic visible emission of the metal. The value of the quantum yield determined for the Eu(III) complex is similar to that reported in the literature for other Eu(III) complexes.     

N,N′-Ethylene-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneimine) mononuclear (4f) and heterodinuclear (3d–4f) metal complexes: Synthesis, crystal structure and luminescent properties

The stepwise synthesis of mononuclear (4f) and heterodinuclear (3d–4f) Salen-like complexes has been investigated through structural determination of the intermediate and final products occurring in the process. In the first step, reactions of ligand H₂L and Ln(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O give rise to three mononuclear lanthanide complexes Ln(H₂L)(NO₃)₃ [H₂L = N,N′-ethylene-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneimine), Ln = Nd (1), Eu (2) and Tb (3)], in which N,N′-ethylene-bis(3-methoxysalicylideneimine) acts as tetradentate ligands with the O₂O₂ set of donor atoms capable of effective coordination. These species are fairly stable and have been isolated. Then, addition of Cu(Ac)₂ · H₂O to the mononuclear lanthanide complex yields expected heterodinuclear (3d–4f) complexes Cu(L)Ln(NO₃)₃ · H₂O [Ln = Nd (4) and Eu (5)] where the Cu(II) ion is inserted to the inner N₂O₂ cavity. Luminescent analysis reveals that complex 3 exhibits characteristic metal-centered fluorescence of Tb(III) ion. However, the characteristic luminescence of both Sm(III) and Eu(III) ions is not observed both in solution and solid state of the complexes.     

Synthesis and luminescence properties of novel 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives and their Eu(III) complexes

Six novel 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives were synthesized using 2‐methyl‐8‐hydroxyquinoline and para‐substituted phenol as the main starting materials, and were characterized by ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS), ultraviolet (UV) light analysis and infra‐red (IR) light analysis. Their complexes with Eu(III) were also prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, UV light analysis, IR light analysis, and thermogravimetric–differential thermal analysis (TG–DTA). The results showed that the ligand coordinated well with Eu(III) ions and had excellent thermal stability. The structure of the target complex was EuY^1–6(NO₃)₃.2H₂O. The luminescence properties of the target complexes were investigated, the results indicated that all target complexes had favorable luminescence properties and that the introduction of an electron‐donating group could enhance the luminescence intensity of the corresponding complexes, but the addition of an electron‐withdrawing group had the opposite effect. Among all the target complexes, the methoxy‐substituted complex (–OCH₃) had the highest fluorescence intensity and the nitro‐substituted complex (–NO₂) had the weakest fluorescence intensity. The results showed that 8‐hydroxyquinoline derivatives had good energy transfer efficiency for the Eu(III) ion. All the target complexes had a relatively high fluorescence quantum yield. The fluorescence quantum yield of the complex EuY³(NO₃)₃.2H₂O was highest among all target complexes and was up to 0.628. Because of excellent luminescence properties and thermal stabilities of the Eu(III) complexes, they could be used as promising candidate luminescent materials.     

New coordination polymer based on salpn Schiff base and azide bridging ligands: Synthesis and structural characterization of {Na[Co(μ-salpn)(μ1,1-N3)2]}n (H2salpn = N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane)

One-pot reaction of cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O with H₂salpn (N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,3-diaminopropane) in presence of a large excess of sodium azide (NaN₃) gives the new Co(III) compound {Na[Co^III(μ-salpn)(μ_1,1-N₃)₂]}_n (1), which was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The crystal structure shows polymeric 1D complex generated by the hexadentate Schiff base salpn²⁻ and two crystallographically different azide ligands. The two nitrogen atoms of the salpn ligand are bonded to the cobalt(III) ion while each phenoxo oxygen atom is bonded to the same Co(III) ion and to two equivalent sodium ions. Each azide ligand acts with the end-on bridging coordination mode between Co(III) and Na(I) ions. The Co(III) ion adopts a distorted octahedral geometry arising from two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms of the salpn ligand and from two nitrogen atoms of the two crystallographically different azide ligands in trans positions. Such [Co(salpn)(N₃)₂] entities are connected each other by sodium ions through four oxygen atoms of two equivalent Schiff base ligands and two nitrogen atom of the two different azide ligands to generate the 1D structure of 1.     

Monoporphyrinate neodymium (III) complexes stabilized by tripodal ligand: synthesis, characterization and luminescence

A series of monoporphyrinate neodymium (III) complexes stabilized by anionic tripodal ligand (cyclopentadienyl)tris(dimethylphosphito)cobaltate(I) were prepared and characterized by IR, ESI-HRMS, UV-Vis and X-ray diffraction studies. Structural analyses revealed that the Nd³⁺ ion was seven-coordinate, surrounded by four nitrogen atoms from the porphyrinate dianion and three oxygen atoms from the anionic tripodal ligand. Photoluminescence studies showed that the porphyrinate dianion acting as a sensitizer absorbed the light and transferred the energy to the Nd³⁺ center, which then allowed the metal ion to emit efficiently at 885 and 1071 nm. The luminescent intensity of the complexes increases when there are strong electronic donating groups on the porphyrin rings but decreases with increasing polarity of the solvents.     

Lanthanide(III) complexes of amide derivatives of DOTA exhibit an unusual variation in stability across the lanthanide series

Luminescence excitation spectroscopy of the ⁷F₀→⁵D₀ transition of the Eu(III) complex of 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (TCMC, an amide derivative of DOTA) is used to measure the stability constant of the complex (K). A log K value of 10.6 is obtained for [Eu(TCMC)]³⁺ at 25 °C and an ionic strength of 0.1 M. Competition experiments with eleven other members of the lanthanide(III) series give stability constants for their complexes with TCMC. An unusual variation in stability is observed for complexes of [Ln(TCMC)]³⁺ across the lanthanide series with a pronounced optimum for the Sm(III) complex. This variation is quite different from that observed for other Ln(III) macrocyclic complexes, suggesting that the TCMC ligand is uniquely sensitive to Ln(III) ion radius.     

Mixed ligation to vanadium(III): Synthesis,spectra and structures of bis(acetylacetonato)(o-phenanthroline)vanadium(III) fluoroborate and bis(acetylacetonato)(o-phenanthroline)vanadium(III) perchlorate

Two mixed ligand vanadium(III) complexes bis(acetylacetonato)(phenanthroline)vanadium(III) fluoroborate (1) and bis(acetylacetonato)(phenanthroline)vanadium(III) perchorate (2) have been prepared and characterized by UV–Vis, IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopic techniques and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The electronic spectra are as expected for V(III) in an octahedral environment. The ¹H NMR spectra are typical of paramagnetic V(III) species. The complexes have crystallized with dichloromethane solvate and are isomorphous. The coordination sphere is composed of vanadium in a distorted octahedral environment, ligated to two bidentate chelating acetylacetonate ligands through the oxygen atoms and two phenanthroline nitrogens.     

Circularly polarized luminescence of Sm (III) and Eu (III) complexes with chiral ligand (R/S)‐BINAPO

Luminescent lanthanide (III) ions have been exploited for circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) for decades. However, very few of these studies have involved chiral samarium (III) complexes. Complexes are prepared by mixing axial chiral ligands (R/S))‐2,2’‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (BINAPO) with europium and samarium Tris (trifluoromethane sulfonate) (Eu (OTf)₃ and Sm (OTf)₃). Luminescence‐based titration shows that the complex formed is Ln((R/S)‐BINAPO)₂(OTf)₃, where Ln = Eu or Sm. The CPL spectra are reported for Eu((R/S)‐BINAPO)₂(OTf)₃ and Sm((R/S)‐BINAPO)₂(OTf)₃. The sign of the dissymmetry factors, g_em, was dependent upon the chirality of the BINAPO ligand, and the magnitudes were relatively large. Of all of the complexes in this study, Sm((S)‐BINAPO)₂(OTf)₃ has the largest g_em = 0.272, which is one of the largest recorded for a chiral Sm³⁺ complex. A theoretical three‐dimensional structural model of the complex that is consistent with the experimental observations is developed and refined. This report also shows that (R/S)‐BINAPO are the only reported ligands where g_em (Sm³⁺) > g_em (Eu³⁺).     

Synthesis, crystal structure and photoluminescent property of an iridium complex with coumarin derivative ligand

Novel iridium complex containing coumarin derivative as a cyclometalated ligand (L) and picolinate (pic) as the ancillary ligand, Ir(III)bis(3-(pyridin-2-yl)coumarinato N,C⁴)(picolinate) [Ir(L)₂(pic)], was synthesized and characterized. It was demonstrated that the iridium (III) ion in Ir(L)₂(pic) is hexacoordinated by two C atoms and two N atoms from 3-(pyridin-2-yl)coumarin ligands and one N atom and one O atom from picolinate ligand, displaying a distorted octahedral coordination geometry. The Ir(L)₂(pic) has very strong absorption and intensive emission at 532 nm. These results show the promising future of that Ir(L)₂(pic) in fabrication organic light-emitting diodes.     

Structural preferences and thermal stability of complexes with the exo-bidentate ligand 1,2-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene

We describe a series of new coordination polymers of Cd(II), Co(II) and Ag(I) with 1,2-bis(2-methylimidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene. All complexes were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction which reveals polymeric bridging of metal centers by the ligand in all cases. The cadmium center in complex 1 has a slightly irregular octahedral geometry involving two Cl⁻ ions and four N atoms from individual ligands, resulting in the formation of undulated (4,4) layers. In complex 2 the cobalt(II) ion is coordinated by two Cl⁻ ions and two N atoms from separate ligands. This yields a slightly irregular tetrahedral coordination environment around the metal center and the formation of a 1D zigzag-chain structure. Each of the three Ag(I) complexes (3-5) forms an infinite 1D chain. These three complexes are similar both in conformation and packing mode despite modification of the counterions. The size of the counterion appears to affect the thermal stabilities of the resulting networks.