Structure,bioactivity and theoretical study of 1-cyano-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-p-tolylcyclo-propanecarboxamide

A novel cyclopropane derivative, 1-cyano-N-p-tolylcyclopropanecarboxamide (C₁₂H₁₂N₂O, Mr = 200.24) was synthesized and its structure was studied by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectrum and MS. The crystals are monoclinic, space group P2_1/c with a = 7.109 (4), b = 13.758 (7), c = 11.505 (6) Å, α = 90.00, β = 102.731 (8), γ = 90.00 °, V = 1097.6 (9) ų, Z = 4, F(000) = 312, D _c  = 1.212 g/cm³, μ = 0.0800 mm^?1, the final R = 0.0490 and wR = 0.1480 for 1,375 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 6,109 reflections were collected, of which 2,290 were independent (R _int = 0.0290). Theoretical calculation of the title compound was carried out with HF/6-31G (d,p), B3LYP/6-31G (d,p), MP2/6-31G (d,p). The full geometry optimization was carried out using 6-31G(d,p) basis set, and the frontier orbital energy. Atomic net charges were discussed, and the structure-activity relationship was also studied. The preliminary biological test showed that the synthesized compound is bioactive against the KARI of Escherichia coli.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and fungicidal activity of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2-(5-((3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl)-4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)ethanone

A novel bis-heterocyclic compound was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of the title compound (C₂₂H₂₀ClN₅OS, Mr = 437.94) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal is of triclinic, space group P-1 with a = 8.646 (2), b = 9.148 (3), c = 14.540 (4) Å, α = 94.422 (4), β = 98.500 (4), γ = 102.823 (4)°, V = 1101.8 (5) Å³, Z = 2, F(000) = 312, Dc = 1.320 g/cm³, μ = 0.2900 mm^?1, the final R ₁ = 0.041000 and wR ₂ = 0.1160 for 2675 observed reflections with I > 2σ(I). A total of 5623 reflections were collected, of which 3866 were independent (R _int = 0.019000). The fungicidal activity of title compound was determined, the results showed the title compound displayed moderate fungicidal activity against G. zeae Petch, Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary, Botryosphaeria berengeriana f. sp. piricola (Nose) koganezawa et Sakuma, Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cucumerinum, and Cercospora arachidicola.     

New hybrids of clozapine and haloperidol and their isosteric analogues: synthesis,X-ray crystallography,conformational analysis and preliminary pharmacological evaluation

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder which affects approximately 1% of the world’s population. Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic showing unmatched effectiveness in the control of treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Unlike typical antipsychotics, clozapine does not induce extrapyramidal side effects (EPS), tardive dyskinesia or elevate prolactin levels. However, clozapine can induce a potentially fatal blood disorder, agranulocytosis, in 1–2% of patients, severely limiting its clinical use. The model for antipsychotic activity under investigation is based on obtaining a clozapine-like profile with preferential dopamine D₄ and serotonin 5-HT_2A receptor affinity. Profiled herein are three unique members of a series of prospective antipsychotic agents. Compound (I) originated from the structural hybridization of the commercial therapeutics, clozapine and haloperidol, whilst compounds (II) and (III) possess an alternative tricyclic nucleus derived from JL13; a clozapine-like atypical antipsychotic developed by Liégeois et al. These compounds have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, IR, ¹H and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy, MS and X-ray diffraction. Compound (I) crystallizes in space group P(?1) with a = 10.5032(1), b = 10.6261(2), c = 12.6214(3) Å, α = 81.432(1)°, β = 83.292(1)°, γ = 61.604(1)°, Z = 2, V = 1223.62(4) Å³, C₂₈H₂₉ClN₄O, M _r = 473.00, D _c = 1.284 Mg/m³, μ = 0.185 mm^?1, F(000) = 500, R = 0.0506 and wR = 0.1304. Compound (II) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 10.8212(2), b = 9.3592(2), c = 22.9494(5) Å, β = 106.471(1)°, Z = 4, V = 2228.88(8) Å³, C₂₅H₂₅ClN₄O₂, M _r = 448.94, D _c = 1.338 Mg/m³, μ = 0.202 mm^?1, F(000) = 944, R = 0.0529 and wR = 0.1129. Compound (III) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with a = 10.5174(2), b = 9.3112(2), c = 24.2949(5) Å, β = 98.666(1)°, Z = 4, V = 2352.03(8) Å³, C₂₅H₂₄Cl₂N₄O₂, M _r = 483.38, D _c = 1.365 Mg/m³, μ = 0.306 mm^?1, F(000) = 1008, R = 0.0478 and wR = 0.1067. The solid state conformations of (I), (II) and (III) exhibit the characteristic V-shaped buckled nature of the respective dibenzodiazepine and pyridobenzoxazepine nuclei with the central seven-membered heterocycle in a boat conformation. The molecules of (I) form a head-to-tail dimeric motif stabilized by hydrogen bonding. The results of a conformational analysis of compounds (I)–(III) investigating the effect of environment (in vacuo and aqueous solution) are presented. These analogues were tested for in vitro affinity for the dopamine D₄ and serotonin 5-HT_2A receptors and their comparative receptor binding profiles to clozapine and JL13 are reported.     

Dissolved air flotation for treating wastewater of the nuclear industry: preliminary results

Preliminary testing of dissolved air flotation (DAF) for wastewater treatment is presented. A combined coagulation-flocculation/DAF column system is used to remove oil and ⁶⁰Co from nuclear industry wastewater. In this work, operational conditions and coagulant/flocculant concentrations are optimized by varying pH. Determinations of air-solids ratio (G/S), retention time (θ), pressure (P), volume of depressurized air–water mixture (V), turbidity and ⁶⁰Co concentrations are reported. The effect of the treatment on the efficiency of separation of oily residues is also discussed. The results establish that the coagulant/flocculant system, formed by a modified polyamine (25 mgL^?1) and a slightly cationic polyacrylamide (1.5 mgL^?1), under specific operational conditions (pH = 7, mixing intensity Im₁ = 300 s^?1 and Im₂ = 30 s^?1), allowed the destabilization of colloidal matter, resulting in resistant flocs. It was concluded that by using G/S = 0.3, θ = 15 min, P = 620 kPa and V = 0.0012 m³, the greatest percentage removals of oil, turbidity, total cobalt and ⁶⁰Co were obtained. These preliminary results then show that dissolved air flotation represents a good alternative for treatment of nuclear industry wastewater contaminated with radionuclides.     

Study of the growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Enterococcus faecalis</Emphasis>, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> and their mixtures by microcalorimetry

In a majority of environments, microbes live as interacting communities. Microbial communities are composed of a mix of microbes with often unknown functions. Polymicrobial diseases represent the clinical and pathological manifestations induced by the presence of multiple infectious agents. These diseases are difficult to diagnose and treat and usually are more severe than monomicrobial infections. The interaction relationship between Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli was researched using a Calvet calorimeter. Three mixtures of both bacteria were prepared in the following proportions: 20 + 80 % (0.2 mL E. faecalis + 0.8 mL E. coli), 50 + 50 % (0.5 mL E. faecalis + 0.5 mL E. coli) and 80 + 20 % (0.8 mL E. faecalis + 0.2 mL E. coli). Experiments were carried out at concentration of 10⁶ CFU mL^?1 and a constant temperature of 309.65 K. The differences in shape of graph of E. faecalis, E. coli and their mixtures were compared. Also, the thermokinetic parameters such as detection time (t _d), growth constant (k), generation time (G) and the amount of heat released (Q) were calculated.     

A novel angle-dependent potential and its exact solution

The quantum mechanics of a diatomic molecule in a noncentral potential of the type V (r) = V _θ (θ)/r ² + V _r (r) are investigated analytically. The θ-dependent part of the relevant potential is suggested for the first time as a novel angle-dependent (NAD) potential \({V_{\theta}(\theta)=\frac{\hbar^2}{2\mu}\left(\frac{\gamma +\beta \sin^2\theta +\alpha \sin^4 \theta}{\sin^2\theta \cos^2\theta}\right)}\) and the radial part is selected as the Coulomb potential or the harmonic oscillator potential, i.e., V _r (r) =  ? H/r or V _r (r) = Kr ², respectively. Exact solutions are obtained in the Schrödinger picture by means of a mathematical method named the Nikiforov–Uvarov (NU). The effect of the angle-dependent part on the solution of the radial part is discussed in several values of the NAD potential’s parameters as well as different values of usual quantum numbers.     

X-ray and computational structural study of neutral <Emphasis Type="Italic">bis</Emphasis>(<Emphasis Type="Italic">N,N,N</Emphasis>′,<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-tetramethylthiophosphoramidoyl)-methylamine

The structure of bis(N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylthiophosphoramidoyl)-methylamine 1 has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, with a space group P2₁/c, a = 11.836(2) Å, b = 11.659(2) Å, c = 12.796(5) Å and β = 95.28(3)°, V = 1758.3(5) Å³ and Z = 4. The X-ray crystallographic data have been assessed by semi-empirical and ab-initio density functional theory and by Hartree–Fock molecular orbital methods. A comparative study of the results of the different methods is given.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and hydrogen-bonded displacive-type structural phase transition of guanidine dichloroacetate

Guanidine dichloroacetate was synthesized and separated as crystals. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurement shows that this compound undergoes a reversible phase transition at about 275 K with a heat hysteresis of 28 K. Step-like dielectric anomaly observed at 274 K further confirms the phase transition. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction data suggested that these was a transition from a room-temperature phase with the space group of P2₁/n (a = 8.030(5), b = 12.014(9), c = 8.124(6) Å, β = 96.089(1)°, V = 779.3(1) Å³, and Z = 4) to a low-temperature one with the space group of P2₁/c (a = 7.941(2), b = 11.828(3), c = 10.614(2) Å, β = 130.985(1)°, V = 752.6(3) Å³, and Z = 4). The displacements of hydrogen bonds induce the structure phase transition.     

A Novel 3D Platinum–Thallium Coordination Polymer having Strong Metal–Metal Interactions

A new three-dimensional platinum(II)–thallium(I) coordination polymer [{Pt(pda)(NHCOtBu)₂}₄Tl₄][Pt(CN)₄]₂·2H ₂ O (pda = 1,2-propyldiamine) has been prepared from the direct reaction of [Tl₂Pt(CN)₄] and [Pt(pda)(NHCOtBu)₂] in water, and its structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The compound crystallizes in monoclinic, space group Pn, a = 11.567(2) Å, b = 11.570(2) Å, c = 37.677(8)Å, β = 94.64(3)°, V = 5025.8(17) Å³, Z = 2, R1 = 0.0679 and wR2 = 0.1574 [I >  2σ (I)], Goodness-of-fit on F ² = 1.055. The compound exhibits a novel 3D network structure consisting of [Pt(CN)₄]^2? connected 1D infinite Pt–Tl–Pt–Tl chains via strong Pt–Tl bonds.     

Determination of Hg isotopic compositions in certified reference material NIES No. 13 Human Hair by cold vapor generation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Hg isotopic ratios of NIES CRM No. 13 Human Hair were analyzed using cold vapor generation coupled to multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer to meet the growing demand for better understanding of Hg exposure routes by using Hg isotopic compositions in human hair samples. To validate and assure the accuracy of our analytical method, (1) the reproducibility of the Hg isotopic measurement was monitored and (2) the Hg isotopic compositions of four secondary reference materials—IAEA-085, IAEA-086, and CRPG-RL24H—were measured. Our results for NIES CRM No. 13 show the mass-dependent fractionation values of δ ¹⁹⁹Hg = (2.13 ± 0.07) ‰, δ ²⁰⁰Hg = (0.98 ± 0.08) ‰, δ ²⁰¹Hg = (2.77 ± 0.10) ‰, δ ²⁰²Hg = (1.89 ± 0.10) ‰, and δ ²⁰⁴Hg = (2.76 ± 0.16) ‰ (2SD, n = 11) and the mass-independent fractionation values of Δ ¹⁹⁹Hg = (1.65 ± 0.06) ‰, Δ ²⁰⁰Hg = (0.04 ± 0.04) ‰, Δ ²⁰¹Hg = (1.36 ± 0.07) ‰, and Δ ²⁰⁴Hg = (?0.04 ± 0.11) ‰ (2SD, n = 11). Interlaboratory comparison of the CRM performed at the University of Pau showed good agreement with the values obtained at NIES.     

Probing Structure,Thermochemistry, Electron Affinity and Magnetic Moment of Erbium-Doped Silicon Clusters ErSi<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis></Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis> = 3–10) and Their Anions with Density Functional Theory

The lowest energy structures and electronic properties of ErSi _n (n = 3–10) and their anions were probed using the ABCluster global search technique combined with the PBE, TPSSh and B3LYP schemes. The lowest energy energies of neutral ErSi _n (n = 3–10) can be regarded as substituting a Si atom of the lowest energy structure of Si_n+1 with a Er atom. The additional electron effects on the geometries are very strong, resulting the lowest energy structures of ErSi _n ^? with n > 6 are different from their neutral counterparts. Starting from n = 7, the potential energy surfaces of ErSi _n ^? are very flat, resulting isomeric arrangements occur and functional dependence of the predicted most stable structures exist. The AEAs, VDEs and simulated PES of ErSi _n (n = 3–10) are reported. Introducing Er to Si cluster can significantly improve photochemical reactivity of the cluster. The 4f electron of Er atom in ErSi₄, ErSi _n ^? (n = 4, 7–10) prefers to take part in bonding. The total magnetic moments of ErSi _n and their anions are mainly provided by the 4f electrons of Er atom. The dissociation energies of Er from ErSi _n and their anions were evaluated to inspect relative stability.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">cis</Emphasis>-Dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of sterically encumbered phenol-based tetradentate N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> ligands: Structural,spectroscopic, and electrochemical studies

Two cis-dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes [MoO₂L] (L: L ¹, 2 and L: L ², 3) in a phenol-based sterically encumbered N₂O₂ ligand environment have been synthesized, and their crystallographic characterizations are reported. The orange crystals of 2 are monoclinic, space group P2₁/a with unit cell dimensions as a=16.2407(17) Å, b=7.2857(8) Å, c=18.400(2) Å, β=98.002(9)°, Z=4, and d _cal=1.486 g cm^?3. The light orange crystals of 3, however, are orthorhombic, space group, Pbcn, with unit cell dimensions a=8.3110(12) Å, b=12.637(3) Å, c=34.673(5) Å, Z=4, and d _cal=1.187 g cm^?3. The structures were refined by a full-matrix least-squares procedure on F ² to a final R=0.046 (0.055 for 3) using 4944 (3677) all independent data. In both the cases, the Mo atom exists in a distorted octahedral geometry defined by a N₂O₄ donor set, which features a cis-Mo(–O)₂ and a trans-Mo(OPh)₂ arrangement. Compound 2 undergoes a quasireversible one-electron reduction at ?1.3 V vs Ag/AgCl reference due to Mo^VIO₂/Mo^VO₂ electron transfer and thus providing a rare example of steric solution to the comproportionation–dimerization problem encountered frequently in the development of valid biomimetic models for the active sites of oxomolybdenum enzymes.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,crystal structures,and theoretical studies of (<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone and (<Emphasis Type="Italic">E</Emphasis>)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone

Two thiosemicarbazones, (E)-2-(2,4-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone (24-MBTSC (1)) and (E)-2-(2,5-dimethoxybenzylidene)thiosemicarbazone (25-MBTSC (2)), derived from 2,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde and 2,5-dimethoxybenzaldehyde, respectively, with thiosemicarbazide have been synthesized and their structures were characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction analysis. Molecular orbital calculations have been carried out for 1 and 2 by using an ab initio method (HF) and also density functional method (B3LYP) at 6-31G basis set. Compound 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c, with a = 8.1342(5) Å, b = 18.1406(10) Å, c = 8.2847(6) Å, β = 109.7258(17)°, V = 1150.75(12) Å³, and Z = 4, whereas compound 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, space group Pbca, with a = 11.0868(6) Å, b = 13.1332(6) Å, c = 15.9006(8) Å, V = 2315.2(2) Å³, and Z = 8. The compounds 1 and 2 displays a trans-configuration about the C=N double bond.     

Synthesis,characterization, and crystal structure of modified benzophenone UV-absorber containing reactive group

A modified benzophenone UV-absorber containing reactive group (4-(4,6-dichloro-1,3,5-triazin-2-yloxy)-2-hydroxyphenyl)phenyl)methanone (UV-DTHM) has been prepared in good yield from the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 2,4-dihydroxy benzophenone with 2,4,6-trichlorotriazine, catalyzed by 1.3 equiv. NaOH. The most favorable reaction conditions (the catalyst dosage, the mole ratio of the reactants, and reactive time) were selected. The compound was characterized by IR spectroscopy, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal monoclinic, space group C c with the unit cell parameters a = 3.987(2), b = 30.688(16), c = 12.423(6) Å and α = 90.00, β = 92.117(15), γ = 90.00º, Z = 4, R = 0.0620. wR(F ²) = 0.1589. The crystal structure reveals that 2,4,6-trichlorotriazine is boned to 4-seat hydroxyl of 2,4-dihydroxy benzophenone and a intramolecular hydrogen bond is formed with hydrogen of 2-hydroxyl and oxygen of carbonyl group. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of UV-DTHM was studied, showing two distinct endothermic peaks at temperatures of 281.5 and 358.5 °C. The molar absorption coefficient of UV-DTHM is 1.6 × 10⁴ and 6.3 × 10³ at 268 and 330 nm, respectively, and shows excellent ultraviolet absorption property.     

A novel synthesis of 2,5-diphenylpyrazine

The compound C₁₆H₁₂N₂ (2,5-diphenylpyrazine) was obtained as the by-product of synthesizing 5H-Imidazol[2,3-b]isoquinoline-1-ethanol-5-one,1,2,3,10b-tetrahydro-, β(S)-phenyl-3(S)-phenyl-(compound 2), and its structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. The crystal is monoclinic, P2(1)/c, a = 13.466(5) Å, α = 90.00º, b = 5.758(2) Å, β = 93.049(9)º, c = 7.713(3) Å, γ = 90.00º, V = 597.2(4) Å³, Z = 2, Dcalc. = 1.292 mg/m³; the final R factor is R₁ = 0.0592, 771 for reflections with I ₀ > 2σ(I ₀).     

Saw-sedge <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cladium mariscus</Emphasis> as a functional low-cost adsorbent for effective removal of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid from aqueous systems

For the first time in the published literature, a study is described concerning the use of the saw-sedge Cladium mariscus (C. mariscus) for adsorption of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) from aqueous systems. Among the experiments carried out, the elemental composition of C. mariscus was determined (C = 48.0 %, H = 7.1 %, N = 0.95 %, S = 0.4 %), FTIR spectroscopic analysis was performed to confirm the chemical structure of the adsorbent, and porous structure parameters were measured: BET surface area (A _BET  = 0.6 m²/g), total pore volume (V _p  = 0.001 cm³/g) and average pore size (S _p  = 6.6 nm). It was shown that the effectiveness of removal of 2,4-D from aqueous systems using C. mariscus depends on parameters of the process: contact time, system pH, mass of sorbent, and temperature. Maximum adsorption was attained for a solution at pH = 3. Further increase in the alkalinity of the tested systems led to a reduction in the effectiveness of the process. The kinetic of adsorption of 2,4-D by C. mariscus was also determined, and thermodynamic aspects were investigated. The experimental data obtained correspond to a pseudo-second-order kinetic model of type 1. Additionally the negative values obtained for ΔHº indicate that the process is exothermic, and the negative values of ΔGº show it to be spontaneous. As the temperature of the system increases the spontaneity of adsorption is reduced, in accordance with the exothermic nature of the process.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new monophosphate (C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>16</Subscript>N<Subscript>2</Subscript>)(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Chemical preparation, crystal structure, and NMR spectroscopy of a new trans-2,5-dimethylpiperazinium monophosphate are given. This new compound crystallizes in the triclinic system, with the space group P-1 and the following parameters: a = 6.5033(3), b = 7.6942(4), c = 8.1473(5) Å, α = 114.997(3), β = 92.341(3), γ = 113.136(3), V = 329.14(3) ų, Z = 1, and D_x = 1.565 g cm^?3. The crystal structure has been determined and refined to R = 0.030 and R _w(F ²) = 0.032 using 1558 independent reflections. The structure can be described as infinite [H₂PO₄] _n ^n? chains with (C₆H₁₆N₂)²⁺ organic cations anchored between adjacent polyanions to form columns of anions and cations running along the b axis. This compound has also been investigated by IR, thermal, and solid-state, ¹³C and ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopies and Ab initio calculations.     

Tetrakis [<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-(2-pyridyl) sulfonamide] di palladium: synthesize,X-ray diffraction,antibacterial properties and as a novel binuclear Pd-complex for coupling reactions

The N-(2-pyridyl) 4-toluene sulfonamide as a free ligand (PTS) was prepared from the reaction of 2-amino pyridine and 4-toluenesulfonyl chloride in the presence of potassium hydroxide solution 1 M as a base and THF was used as a solvent. The complex tetrakis [N-(2-pyridyl) sulfonamide] di palladium (1) (Pd₂L₄) was also prepared from the reaction of PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ using (PTS) in the presence of NaOH 0.5 M and its application in Heck and Suzuki reactions. This complex consists of a binuclear unit consisting of four ligands linked to two palladium atoms via the nitrogen of pyridines ring and the nitrogen of sulfonamides. These compounds were confirmed by FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the structure of the complex was studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The green crystal of Pd₂L₄ [L = N-(2-pyridyl) sulfonamide](1) was found to crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c with a = 18.2013(19), b = 19.7544(16), c = 17.2898(19) Å, β = 120.179(8) °; V = 5374.0(9) ų; Z = 4; the final R ₁ = 0.0894, wR ₂ = 0.1754 (or 5867 observed reflections and 318 variables). The Pd–Pd distance is 2.567(2) Å. In addition, PTS and Pd₂L₄ presented different antibacterial behaviors. The free ligand was active against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, but the complex was inactive against them.     

Silver-based coordination complexes of carboxylate ligands: crystal structures,luminescence and photocatalytic properties

The complexes [Ag₄(dpe)₄]·(btec) (1) and [Ag₄(bpy)₄]·(btec)·12H₂O (2) (dpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene, bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, H₄btec = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid) have been synthesized in aqueous alcohol/ammonia by slow evaporation at room temperature and characterized by elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV–Vis and luminescence spectroscopies. Both complexes are composed of 1D infinite cationic [Ag/dpe(bpy)] _n ⁿ⁺ chains and discrete btec^4? anions. Their three-dimensional supramolecular structures are built up of cationic sheets formed from [Ag/dpe(bpy)] _n ⁿ⁺ units via weak Ag…Ag and Ag…N interactions, plus anionic btec^4? sheets featuring electrostatic, π–π and hydrogen bonding interactions. Both complexes exhibited photocatalytic activity for the decomposition of methyl orange under UV light irradiation.