Effect of anions on cadmium(II) complexes with ligand 2-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazole

Three new supramolecular complexes based on a 2-(pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-benzimidazole (Hpbi) and a series of Cd(II) salts have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Reaction of CdCl₂·2.5H₂O with Hpbi afforded a one-dimensional chain [Cd(Hpbi)Cl₂] (1), which exhibits a three-dimensional (3-D) supramolecular architecture through intermolecular X-H···Cl (X = N and C) hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. When using CdBr₂·4H₂O instead of CdCl₂·2.5H₂O under similar reaction conditions, a bisnuclear complex [Cd(Hpbi)₂Br₂] (2) is obtained, which obviously exhibits intermolecular X-H···Br (X = N and C) hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. When CdI₂ take place of CdCl₂·2.5H₂O, a mononuclear complex, [Cd(Hpbi)₂I₂] (3), is isolated, which shows a 3D supramolecule framework formed by intermolecule hydrogen bonds and π-π packing interactions. Interestingly, the Hpbi ligand exhibits the same coordination modes in complexes 1-3. It is noteworthy that the radius of anions plays an important role in affecting the structures and luminescent intensity of the final products. The TGA for 1-3 have been investigated and discussed in detail.