A new one‐dimensional CdII coordination polymer with a two‐dimensional layered structure incorporating 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate ligands

The N‐heterocyclic ligand 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (imb) has a rich variety of coordination modes and can lead to polymers with intriguing structures and interesting properties. In the coordination polymer catena‐poly[[cadmium(II)‐bis[μ‐benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁴O¹,O^1′:O²,O^2′]‐cadmium(II)‐bis{μ‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole}‐κ²N²:N³;κ²N³:N²] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Cd(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)]·C₃H₇NO}_n, (I), each Cd^II ion exhibits an irregular octahedral CdO₄N₂ coordination geometry and is coordinated by four O atoms from two symmetry‐related benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate (1,2‐bdic²⁻) ligands and two N atoms from two symmetry‐related imb ligands. Two Cd^II ions are connected by two benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate ligands to generate a binuclear [Cd₂(1,2‐bdic)₂] unit. The binuclear units are further connected into a one‐dimensional chain by pairs of bridging imb ligands. These one‐dimensional chains are further connected through N—H…O hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions, leading to a two‐dimensional layered structure. The dimethylformamide solvent molecules are organized in dimeric pairs via weak interactions. In addition, the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.     

A new three‐dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer involving 2‐[(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate ligands

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on multidentate N‐heterocyclic ligands involving imidazole, triazole, tetrazole, benzimidazole, benzotriazole or pyridine present intriguing molecular topologies and have potential applications in ion exchange, magnetism, gas sorption and storage, catalysis, optics and biomedicine. The 2‐[(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (tmb) ligand has four potential N‐atom donors and can act in monodentate, chelating, bridging and tridentate coordination modes in the construction of complexes, and can also act as both a hydrogen‐bond donor and acceptor. In addition, the tmb ligand can adopt different coordination conformations, resulting in complexes with helical structures due to the presence of the flexible methylene spacer. A new three‐dimensional coordination polymer, poly[[bis(μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato)‐κ⁴O¹,O^1′:O⁴,O^4′;κ²O¹:O⁴‐bis{μ₂‐2‐[(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)methyl‐κN⁴]‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κN³}dizinc(II)] trihydrate], {[Zn(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₀H₉N₅)]·1.5H₂O}_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of ZnCl₂ with tmb and benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂bdic) under solvothermal conditions. There are two crystallographically distinct bdic²⁻ ligands [bdic²⁻(A) and bdic²⁻(B)] in the structure which adopt different coordination modes. The Zn^II ions are bridged by tmb ligands, leading to one‐dimensional helical chains with different handedness, and adjacent helices are linked by bdic²⁻(A) ligands, forming a two‐dimensional network structure. The two‐dimensional layers are further connected by bdic²⁻(B) ligands, resulting in a three‐dimensional framework with the topological notation 6⁶. The IR spectra and thermogravimetric curves are consistent with the results of the X‐ray crystal structure analysis and the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

A three‐dimensional ZnII coordination network based on 5,5′‐methylenebis(2,4,6‐trimethylisophthalic acid) and 2,7‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)fluorene: synthesis,structure and luminescence properties

In recent years, coordination polymers constructed from multidentate carboxylate ligands and N‐containing ligands have attracted much attention since these ligands can adopt a rich variety of coordination modes which can lead to crystalline products with intriguing structures and interesting properties. A new coordination polymer, namely poly[[diaqua[μ‐2,7‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)fluorene‐κ²N³:N^3′][μ‐5,5′‐methylenebis(3‐carboxy‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoato)‐κ²O¹:O^1′]zinc(II)] hemihydrate], {[Zn(C₂₃H₂₂O₈)(C₁₉H₁₄N₄)(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O}_n, 1 , was prepared by the self‐assembly of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with 5,5′‐methylenebis(2,4,6‐trimethylisophthalic acid) (H₄BTMIPA) and 2,7‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)fluorene (BIF) under solvothermal conditions. The structure of 1 was determined by elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Each Zn^II ion is six‐coordinated by two O atoms from two H₂BTMIPA^2? ligands, by two N atoms from two BIF ligands and by two water molecules, forming a distorted octahedral ZnN₂O₄ coordination geometry. Adjacent Zn^II ions are linked by H₂BTMIPA^2? ligands and BIF ligands, leading to the formation of a two‐dimensional (2D) (4,4)‐ sql network, and intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions connect the 2D layer structure into the three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure. Each 2D layer contains two kinds of helices with the same direction, which are opposite in adjacent layers. The luminescence properties of complex 1 in the solid state have also been investigated.     

Two new isomeric zinc(II) metal–organic frameworks based on 1,5‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane and 5‐methylisophthalate ligands

Many factors, such as temperature, solvent, the central metal atom and the type of coligands, may affect the nature of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and the framework formation in the self‐assembly process, which results in the complexity of these compounds and the uncertainty of their structures. Two new isomeric Zn^II metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on mixed ligands, namely, poly[[μ‐1,5‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐κ²N ³:N ^3′](μ‐5‐methylisophthalato‐κ²O ¹:O ³)zinc(II)], [Zn(C₉H₆O₄)(C₁₃H₂₀N₄)]_n , (I), and poly[[μ‐1,5‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐κ²N ³:N ^3′](μ₃‐5‐methylisophthalato‐κ³O ¹:O ^1′:O ³)(μ₃‐5‐methylisophthalato‐κ⁴O ¹:O ^1′:O ³,O ^3′)dizinc(II)], [Zn₂(C₉H₆O₄)₂(C₁₃H₂₀N₄)]_n , (II), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex (I) displays a two‐dimensional layer net, while complex (II) exhibits a twofold interpenetrating three‐dimensional framework. Both complexes show high stability and good fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

A new two‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer based on 1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene and 5‐nitrobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid: synthesis,crystal structure and physical properties

A novel two‐dimensional (2D) Zn^II coordination framework, poly[[μ‐1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene](μ‐5‐nitrobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato)zinc(II)], [Zn(C₈H₃NO₆)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)]_n or [Zn(NO₂‐BDC)(1,3‐BMIB)]_n [1,3‐BMIB is 1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene and NO₂‐H₂BDC is 5‐nitrobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid], has been prepared and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, thermal analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the compound is a new 2D polymer with a 6³ topology parallel to the (10) crystal planes based on left‐handed helices, right‐handed helical NO₂‐BDC–Zn chains and [Zn₂(1,3‐BMIB)₂]_n clusters. In the crystal, adjacent layers are further connected by C—H…O hydrogen bonds, C—H…π interactions, C—O…π interactions and N—O…π interactions to form a three‐dimensional structure in the solid state. In addition, the compound exhibits strong fluorescence emissions in the solid state at room temperature.     

A new two‐dimensional CoII coordination polymer based on bis[4‐(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)phenyl] ether and biphenyl‐4,4′‐diyldicarboxylic acid: synthesis,crystal structure and photocatalytic degradation activity

A novel two‐dimensional Co^II coordination framework, namely poly[(μ₂‐biphenyl‐4,4′‐diyldicarboxylato‐κ²O⁴:O^4′){μ₂‐bis[4‐(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)phenyl] ether‐κ²N³:N^3′}cobalt(II)], [Co(C₁₄H₈O₄)(C₂₀H₁₈N₄O)]_n, has been prepared and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, thermal analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The crystal structure reveals that the compound has an achiral two‐dimensional layered structure based on opposite‐handed helical chains. In addition, it exhibits significant photocatalytic degradation activity for the degradation of methylene blue.     

Effects of two benzenedicarboxylic acids on the construction of CdII coordination polymers incorporating a flexible N‐donor ligand

Compared with the monomorphic type of ligand, combining mixed ligands in one coordination polymer offers greater tunability of the structural framework. Employment of N‐heterocyclic ligands and aromatic polycarboxylates is an effective approach for the construction of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). Two new coordination polymers incorporating both 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (imb) and benzenedicarboxylic acid isomers, namely, catena‐poly[[[di‐μ‐chlorido‐bis[(2‐carboxybenzoato‐κ²O¹,O^1′)cadmium(II)]]‐bis{μ‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κ²N:N′}] dihydrate], {[Cd(C₈H₅O₄)Cl(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)]·H₂O}_n, (I), and poly[[aqua(μ₂‐benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ³O¹,O^1′:O³){μ₂‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κ²N:N′}cadmium(II)] dihydrate], {[Cd(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_n, (II), have been prepared and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. In polymer (I), imb ligands bridge Cd^II ions, forming a one‐dimensional chain, and 2‐carboxybenzoate anions coordinate to the Cd^II ions in a terminal fashion. Polymer (II) exhibits a two‐dimensional network structure in which imb ligands and the benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylate anions join Cd^II ions co‐operatively. This indicates that changing of the aromatic dicarboxylic acids can result in polymers with different compositions and architectures. Moreover, their IR spectra, PXRD (powder X‐ray diffraction) patterns, thermogravimetric analyses and fluorescence properties were also investigated.     

Three AgI,CuI and CdII coordination polymers based on the new asymmetrical ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole: syntheses,characterization and emission properties

The new asymmetrical organic ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L , C₁₇H₁₃N₅O), containing pyridine and imidazole terminal groups, as well as potential oxdiazole coordination sites, was designed and synthesized. The coordination chemistry of L with soft Ag^I, Cu^I and Cd^II metal ions was investigated and three new coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole] hexafluoridophosphate], {[Ag( L )]PF₆}_n, catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐di‐μ‐iodido‐copper(I)‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)] 1,4‐dioxane monosolvate], {[Cu₂I₂( L )₂]·C₄H₈O₂}_n, and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)]–methanol–water (1/1/0.65)], {[Cd( L )₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₄O·0.65H₂O}_n, were obtained. The experimental results show that ligand L coordinates easily with linear Ag^I, tetrahedral Cu^I and octahedral Cd^II metal atoms to form one‐dimensional polymeric structures. The intermediate oxadiazole ring does not participate in the coordination interactions with the metal ions. In all three CPs, weak π–π interactions between the nearly coplanar pyridine, oxadiazole and benzene rings play an important role in the packing of the polymeric chains.     

Two new NiII and ZnII metal–organic frameworks of glutarate and 1,4‐bis[(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene ligands: syntheses,structures and luminescence sensing properties

Two new metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), namely, three‐dimensional poly[diaquabis{μ₂‐1,4‐bis[(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene}bis(μ₂‐glutarato)dinickel(II)] monohydrate], {[Ni₂(C₅H₆O₄)₂(C₁₆H₁₈N₄)₂(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n or {[Ni₂(Glu)₂(1,4‐mbix)₂(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n, ( I ), and two‐dimensional poly[[{μ₂‐1,4‐bis[(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene}(μ₂‐glutarato)zinc(II)] tetrahydrate], {[Zn(C₅H₆O₄)(C₁₆H₁₈N₄)]·4H₂O}_n or {[Zn(Glu)(1,4‐mbix)]·4H₂O}_n ( II ), have been synthesized hydrothermally using glutarate (Glu^2?) mixed with 1,4‐bis[(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene (1,4‐mbix), and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric and photoluminescence analyses. Ni^II MOF ( I ) shows a 4‐connected 3D framework with point symbol 6⁶, but is not a typical dia network. Zn^II MOF ( II ) displays a two‐dimensional 4⁴‐ sql network with one‐dimensional water chains penetrating the grids along the c direction. The solid‐state photoluminescence analysis of ( II ) was performed at room temperature and the MOF exhibits highly selective sensing toward Fe³⁺ and Cr₂O₇^2? ions in aqueous solution.     

Temperature‐induced solid‐to‐solid transformation in helical homochiral coordination polymers

The reactions of (R)‐ and (S)‐4‐(1‐carboxyethoxy)benzoic acid (H₂CBA) with 1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene (1,3‐BMIB) ligands afforded a pair of homochiral coordination polymers (CPs), namely, poly[[[μ‐1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene][μ‐(S)‐4‐(1‐carboxylatoethoxy)benzoato]zinc(II)] monohydrate], {[Zn(C₁₀H₈O₅)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)]·H₂O}_n or {[Zn{(S)‐CBA}(1,3‐BMIB)]·H₂O}_n ( 1‐L ), and poly[[[μ‐1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene][μ‐(R)‐4‐(1‐carboxylatoethoxy)benzoato]zinc(II)] monohydrate] ( 1‐D ). Three kinds of helical chains exist in compounds 1‐D and 1‐L , which are constructed from Zn^II atoms, 1,3‐BMIB ligands and/or CBA^2? ligands. When the as‐synthesized crystals of 1‐L and 1‐D were further heated in the mother liquor or air, poly[[μ‐1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene][μ‐(S)‐4‐(1‐carboxylatoethoxy)benzoato]zinc(II)], [Zn(C₁₀H₈O₅)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)]_n or [Zn{(S)‐CBA}(1,3‐BMIB)]_n ( 2‐L ), and poly[[μ‐1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene][μ‐(R)‐4‐(1‐carboxylatoethoxy)benzoato]zinc(II)] ( 2‐D ) were obtained, respectively. The single‐crystal structure analysis revealed that 2‐L and 2‐D only contained one type of helical chain formed by Zn^II atoms and 1,3‐BMIB and CBA^2? ligands, which indicated that the helical chains were reconstructed though solid‐to‐solid transformation. This result not only means the realization of helical transformation, but also gives a feasible strategy to build homochiral CPs.     

A new two‐dimensional CdII coordination polymer based on 2‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate: synthesis,crystal structure and characterization

In the construction of coordination polymers, many factors can influence the formation of the final architectures, such as the nature of the metal centres, the organic ligands and the counter‐anions. In the coordination polymer poly[aqua(μ‐benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁴O ¹,O ^1′:O ²,O ^2′)[μ‐2‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κ²N ²:N ³]cadmium(II)], [Cd(C₁₂H₁₂N₄)(C₈H₄O₄)(H₂O)]_n or [Cd(immb)(1,2‐bdic)(H₂O)]_n , each Cd^II ion is seven‐coordinated by two N atoms from two symmetry‐related 2‐(1H‐imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole (immb) ligands, by four O atoms from two symmetry‐related benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate (1,2‐bdic²⁻) ligands and by one water molecule, leading to a CdN₂O₅ distorted pentagonal bipyramidal coordination environment. The immb and 1,2‐bdic²⁻ ligands bridge Cd^II ions and form a two‐dimensional network structure. O—H…O and N—H…O hydrogen bonds stabilize the structure. In addition, the IR spectroscopic properties, PXRD patterns, thermogravimetric behaviour and fluorescence properties of the title polymer have been investigated.     

A new two‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer constructed by a multidentate N‐heterocyclic ligand and 5‐carboxybenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylate

In the coordination polymer, poly[[{μ‐1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐imidazole‐κ²N:N′}(μ‐5‐carboxybenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O¹:O³)zinc(II)] dimethylformamide monosolvate pentahydrate], {[Zn(C₉H₄O₆)(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)]·C₃H₇NO·5H₂O}_n, the Zn^II ion is coordinated by two N atoms from two symmetry‐related 1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐imidazole (bmi) ligands and two O atoms from two symmetry‐related 5‐carboxybenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylate (Hbtc²⁻) ligands in a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry. The Zn^II ions are bridged by Hbtc²⁻ and bmi ligands, leading to a 4‐connected two‐dimensional network with the topological notation (4⁴.6²). Adjacent layers are further connected by 12 kinds of hydrogen bonds and also by π–π interactions, resulting in a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture in the solid state.     

Two new CoII coordination polymers with multifunctional 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid and flexible isomeric bis(imidazole) ligands: preparation,crystal structure and characterization

Two new Co^II coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[[(5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κO)aquacobalt(II)]‐bis[μ‐1,3‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene‐κ²N:N′]] 4.75‐hydrate], {[Co(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)₂(H₂O)]·4.75H₂O}_n, (1), and poly[(μ‐5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O¹:O³)[μ‐1,2‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene‐κ²N:N′]cobalt(II)], [Co(C₈H₂Br₃NO₄)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)]_n, (2), have been synthesized successfully by the assembly of multifunctional 5‐amino‐2,4,6‐tribromoisophthalic acid (H₂ATBIP) and Co^II ions in the presence of the flexible isomeric bis(imidazole) ligands 1,3‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene (mbix) and 1,2‐bis(imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)benzene (obix). The isomeric mbix and obix ligands have a big influence on the structures of CPs (1) and (2). CP (1) is composed of chains of nanometre‐sized elliptical rings, in which the Co^II atom exhibits a distorted octahedral coordination geometry and ATBIP²⁻ acts as a monodentate ligand. Two adjacent chains are interlinked by π–π stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds, resulting in a supramolecular double chain. Hydrogen‐bonded R₈⁶(16) rings extend adjacent supramolecular double chains into a two‐dimensional supramolecular layer. Halogen bonding and a hydrogen‐bonded R₄²(8) ring further link the two‐dimensional supramolecular layers, leading to the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. The Co^II ion in CP (2) is tetracoordinated, exhibiting a distorted tetrahedral configuration. The ATBIP²⁻ ligand exhibits a bis(monodentate) coordination bridging mode, linking adjacent Co^II ions into zigzag chains, which are further bridged by the auxiliary bridging obix ligand, resulting in a two‐dimensional (4,4) topological network. Interlayer hydrogen and halogen–halogen bonding further extend the two‐dimensional layers into a three‐dimensional supramolecular network. A detailed analysis of the solid‐state UV–Vis–NIR diffuse‐reflectance spectra of (1) and (2) indicates that a wide optical band gap exists in both (1) and (2). CP (1) exhibits an irreversible dehydration–rehydration behaviour.     

Syntheses,structures and characterization of isomorphous CoII and NiII coordination polymers based on 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate

Careful choice of the organic ligands is one of the most important parameters in the rational design and synthesis of coordination polymers. Aromatic polycarboxylates have been widely used in the preparation of metal–organic polymers since they can utilize various coordination modes to form diverse structures and can act as hydrogen‐bond acceptors and donors in the assembly of supramolecular structures. Nitrogen‐heterocyclic organic compounds have also been used extensively as ligands for the construction of polymers with interesting structures. In the polymers catena‐poly[[[diaquabis{2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κN ³}cobalt(II)]‐μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O ¹:O ⁴] dihydrate], {[Co(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₂H₁₁N₄)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n , (I), and catena‐poly[[[diaquabis{2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole‐κN ³}nickel(II)]‐μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O ¹:O ⁴] dihydrate], {[Ni(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₂H₁₁N₄)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n , (II), the Co^II or Ni^II ion lies on an inversion centre and exhibits a slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry, coordinated by two N atoms from two imidazole rings and four O atoms from two monodentate carboxylate groups and two water molecules. The dicarboxylate ligands bridge metal ions forming a polymeric chain. The 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐6‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole ligands coordinate to the Co^II or Ni^II centres in monodentate modes through an imidazole N atom and are pendant on opposite sides of the main chain. The two structures are isomorphous. In the crystal, the one‐dimensional chains are further connected through O—H…O, O—H…N and N—H…O hydrogen bonds, leading to a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. In addition, the IR spectroscopic properties, PXRD patterns, thermogravimetric behaviours and fluorescence properties of both polymers have been investigated.     

A three‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer constructed from 1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylate and 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene ligands exhibiting photoluminescence

Ligands based on polycarboxylic acids are excellent building blocks for the construction of coordination polymers; they may bind to a variety of metal ions and form clusters, as well as extended chain or network structures. Among these building blocks, biphenyltetracarboxylic acids (H₄bpta) with C ₂ symmetry have recently attracted attention because of their variable bridging and multidentate chelating modes. The new luminescent three‐dimensional coordination polymer poly[(μ₅‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylato)bis[μ₂‐1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene]dizinc(II)], [Zn₂(C₁₆H₆O₈)(C₁₂H₁₀N₄)]_n , was synthesized solvothermally and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. The crystal structure contains two crystallographically independent Zn^II cations. Both metal cations are located on twofold axes and display distorted tetrahedral coordination geometries. Neighbouring Zn^II centres are bridged by carboxylate groups in the syn –anti mode to form one‐dimensional chains. Adjacent chains are linked through 1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylate and 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene ligands to form a three‐dimensional network. In the solid state, the compound exhibits blue photoluminescence and represents a promising candidate for a thermally stable and solvent‐resistant blue fluorescent material.     

A one‐dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer with a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture incorporating 1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazole and adipate

The synthesis of coordination polymers or metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has attracted considerable interest owing to the interesting structures and potential applications of these compounds. It is still a challenge to predict the exact structures and compositions of the final products. A new one‐dimensional coordination polymer, catena‐poly[[[bis{1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazole‐κN³}zinc(II)]‐μ‐hexane‐1,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁴O¹,O^1′:O⁶,O^6′] monohydrate], {[Zn(C₆H₈O₄)(C₉H₈N₆)₂]·H₂O}_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Zn(Ac)₂ (Ac is acetate) with 1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazole (bimt) and adipic acid (H₂adi) at room temperature. In the polymer, each Zn^II ion exhibits an irregular octahedral ZnN₂O₄ coordination geometry and is coordinated by two N atoms from two symmetry‐related bimt ligands and four O atoms from two symmetry‐related dianionic adipate ligands. Zn^II ions are connected by adipate ligands into a one‐dimensional chain which runs parallel to the c axis. The bimt ligands coordinate to the Zn^II ions in a monodentate mode on both sides of the main chain. In the crystal, the one‐dimensional chains are further connected through N—H…O hydrogen bonds, leading to a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. In addition, the title polymer exhibits fluorescence, with emissions at 334 and 350 nm in the solid state at room temperature.     

A one‐dimensional coordination polymer of 5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid with CuII cations

5‐[(Imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂L) was synthesized and the dimethylformamide‐ and dimethylacetamide‐solvated structures of its adducts with Cu^II, namely catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis[μ‐3‐carboxy‐5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Cu(C₁₂H₉N₂O₄)₂]·2C₃H₇NO}_n, (I), and catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis[μ‐3‐carboxy‐5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylacetamide disolvate], {[Cu(C₁₂H₉N₂O₄)₂]·2C₄H₉NO}_n, (II), the formation of which are associated with mono‐deprotonation of H₂L. The two structures are isomorphous and isometric. They consist of one‐dimensional coordination polymers of the organic ligand with Cu^II in a 2:1 ratio, [Cu(μ‐HL)₂]_n, crystallizing as the dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylacetamide (DMA) disolvates. The Cu^II cations are characterized by a coordination number of six, being located on centres of crystallographic inversion. In the polymeric chains, each Cu^II cation is linked to four neighbouring HL⁻ ligands, and the organic ligand is coordinated via Cu—O and Cu—N bonds to two Cu^II cations. In the corresponding crystal structures of (I) and (II), the coordination chains, aligned parallel to the c axis, are further interlinked by strong hydrogen bonds between the noncoordinated carboxy groups in one array and the coordinated carboxylate groups of neighbouring chains. Molecules of DMF and DMA (disordered) are accommodated at the interface between adjacent polymeric assemblies. This report provides the first structural evidence for the formation of coordination polymers with H₂Lvia multiple metal–ligand bonds through both carboxylate and imidazole groups.     

1‐Carboxymethyl‐3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium chloride 2‐(3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium‐1‐yl)acetate monohydrate: a crystal stabilized by imidazolium zwitterions

The title compound, C₆H₉N₂O₂⁺·Cl⁻·C₆H₈N₂O₂·H₂O, contains one 2‐(3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium‐1‐yl)acetate inner salt molecule, one 1‐carboxymethyl‐3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium cation, one chloride ion and one water molecule. In the extended structure, chloride anions and water molecules are linked via O—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, forming an infinite one‐dimensional chain. The chloride anions are also linked by two weak C—H...Cl interactions to neighbouring methylene groups and imidazole rings. Two imidazolium moieties form a homoconjugated cation through a strong and asymmetric O—H...O hydrogen bond of 2.472 (2) Å. The IR spectrum shows a continuous D‐type absorption in the region below 1300 cm⁻¹ and is different to that of 1‐carboxymethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride [Xuan, Wang & Xue (2012). Spectrochim. Acta Part A, 96 , 436–443].     

A two‐dimensional copper(II) coordination polymer based on 2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid

Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis of poly[bis(μ₂‐5‐carboxy‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylato‐κ³N³,O⁴:O⁵)copper(II)], [Cu(C₈H₉N₂O₄)₂)]_n, indicates that one carboxylic acid group of the 2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid (H₃PDI) ligand is deprotonated. The resulting H₂PDI⁻ anion, acting as a bridge, connects the Cu^II cations to form a two‐dimensional (4,4)‐connected layer. Adjacent layers are further linked through interlayer hydrogen‐bond interactions, resulting in a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure.     

Structural comparison of group 7 tricarbonyl complexes of 2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)ethyl]iminomethyl}‐5‐methylphenolate

Two tricarbonyl complexes of rhenium(I) and manganese(I) coordinated by the ligand 2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)ethyl]iminomethyl}‐5‐methylphenolate are reported, viz. fac‐tricarbonyl(2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl‐κN³)ethyl]iminomethyl‐κN}‐5‐methylphenolato‐κO)rhenium(I) methanol monosolvate, [Re(C₁₆H₁₄N₃O₄)(CO)₃]·CH₃OH, (I), and fac‐tricarbonyl(2‐{[2‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl‐κN³)ethyl]iminomethyl‐κN}‐5‐methylphenolato‐κO)manganese(I), fac‐[Mn(C₁₆H₁₄N₃O₄)(CO)₃], (II), display facial coordination in a distorted octahedral environment. The crystal structure of (I) is stabilized by O—H...O, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen‐bond interactions, while that of (II) is stabilized by N—H...O hydrogen‐bond interactions only. These interactions result in two‐dimensional networks and π–π stacking for both structures.