Charge‐Separated and Molecular Heterobimetallic Rare Earth–Rare Earth and Alkaline Earth–Rare Earth Aryloxo Complexes Featuring Intramolecular Metal–π‐arene Interactions

A new family in town! Treatment of a rare‐earth metal (Ln) and either a potential divalent rare‐earth metal (Ln′) or an alkaline earth metal (Ae) with 2,6‐diphenylphenol (HOdpp) at elevated temperatures (200–250 °C) afforded heterobimetallic aryloxo complexes (see figure). Both a charge‐separated species, [(Ln′/Ae)₂(Odpp)₃][Ln(Odpp)₄], and a neutral species, [AeEu(Odpp)₄], were obtained and crystallographically characterised.

     

Mono‐, Di‐, Tri‐ and Tetranuclear Rare Earth Complexes Obtained Using a Moderately Bulky Aryloxide Ligand

Redox transmetallation ligand exchange reactions involving a rare earth metal, 2,4,6‐trimethylphenol (HOmes), and a diarylmercurial afford rare earth aryloxo complexes, which are structurally characterized. Both the lanthanoid contraction and the identity of the reaction solvent are found to influence the outcome of the reactions. Using THF in the reaction affords a dinuclear species [Ln₂(Omes)₆(thf)₄]?2THF (Ln=La 1 , Nd 2 ) for the lighter rare earth metals, while a mononuclear species [Ln(Omes)₃(thf)₃] (Ln=Sm 3 , Tb 5 , Er 6 , Yb 7 , Y 8 ) is obtained for the heavier rare earth elements. Surprisingly, there is no change in metal coordination number between the two structural motifs. A divalent trinuclear linear complex [Eu₃(Omes)₆(thf)₆] 4 is obtained for Eu, and features solely bridging aryloxide ligands. Using DME as the reaction solvent affords [La(Omes)₃(dme)₂] 9 from the reaction mixture, and [Ln₂(Omes)₆(dme)₂]?PhMe (La 10 , Nd 11 ) and [Y(Omes)₃(dme)₂] 14 following crystallization of the crude product from toluene. The dinuclear species [Eu₂(Omes)₄(dme)₄] 12 contains two unidentate and two chelating DME ligands, and contrasts the linear structure of 4 . Treatment of HOmes and HgPh₂ with Yb metal in DME affords the mixed valent Yb^II/III complex [Yb₂(Omes)₅(dme)₂] 13 , which is stabilized by an intramolecular π‐Ph–Yb interaction, and is a rare example of a mixed valent rare earth aryloxide. Treatment of Er metal with HOmes at elevated temperature (solvent free) affords the homoleptic [Er₄(Omes)₁₂] 15 , which consists of a tetranuclear array of Er atoms arranged in a ‘herringbone’ fashion; the structure is stabilized by intramolecular π‐Ph–Er interactions. Reaction of La metal with HOmes under similar conditions yields toluene insoluble “La(Omes)₃”, which affords 1 following extraction with THF.     

New structural features in heavy alkaline earth-metal chemistry--molecular heterobimetallic group 1, Ba complexes

The preparation of heterobimetallic complexes consisting of alkali and heavy alkaline earth metals remains a challenge due to limited available synthetic strategies. Here we present a new class of group 1, Ba compounds of the type [M(n){Ba(Odpp)(2+n)}] (M=Na(n=1) (1), K(n=1) (2), Cs(n=1) (3), Li(n=2) (4); HOdpp=2,6-diphenylphenol) and the Lewis base adducts [Li(2)(thf)(2){Ba(Odpp)(4)}]PhMe (5) and [K{Ba(Odpp)(3)(diglyme)}] (6) (diglyme=[bis(2-methoxy)ethyl ether]) as the first representatives of heterobimetallic group 1, Ba species of low nuclearity. The compounds display a significant degree of metal-arene interaction, believed to be a key factor in stabilizing these highly reactive species. Obtained by solid-state direct metalation, the target compounds are available without further work-up.     

Tieftemperatur‐Oxidation in flüssigem Ammoniak: [Eu2(Ind)4(NH3)6], das erste Indolat eines Selten‐Erd‐Elementes

Low‐Temperature Oxidation in Liquid Ammonia: [Eu₂(Ind)₄(NH₃)₆], the First Indolate of a Rare Earth Element Intensively yellow to orange coloured, transparent crystals of [Eu₂(Ind)₄(NH₃)₆] were obtained by low‐temperature oxidation of europium metal with indole (C₈H₆NH) in liquid ammonia at —50 °C and subsequent melting of the reaction mixture in excess indole at 120 °C. [Eu₂(Ind)₄(NH₃)₆] has a dimeric structure and contains divalent Eu. The coordination sphere around the europium atoms consists of five N atoms of two cisoid indolate anions and three NH₃ molecules as well as an η⁵‐coordinating π‐system of another indolate ligand, bridging to the next Eu atom with an sp²‐orbital.     

Metal‐Ion Sensing Europium(III) Complexes with Bidentate Phosphine Oxide Ligands Containing a 2,2′‐Bipyridine Framework

Novel Eu^III complexes with bidentate phosphine oxide ligands containing a bipyridine framework, i.e., [3,3′‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐2,2′‐bipyridine]tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) ([Eu(hfa)₃(BIPYPO)]) and [3,3′‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)‐6,6′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine]tris(hexafluoroacetylacetonato)europium(III) ([Eu(hfa)₃(Me‐BIPYPO)]), were synthesized for lanthanide‐based sensor materials having high emission quantum yields and effective chemosensing properties. The emission quantum yields of [Eu(hfa)₃(BIPYPO)] and [Eu(hfa)₃(Me‐BIPYPO)] were 71 and 73%, respectively. Metal‐ion sensing properties of the Eu^III complexes were also studied by measuring the emission spectra of Eu^III complexes in the presence of Zn^II or Cu^II ions. The metal‐ion sensing and the photophysical properties of luminescent Eu^III complexes with a bidentate phosphine oxide containing 2,2′‐bipyridine framework are demonstrated for the first time.     

Multifunctional Lanthanide‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with a Polyheterotopic Ligand: Doped with Ytterbium(III) for Luminescence Enhancement and Selective Dye Adsorption

The chemistry of metal–organic frameworks has been progressing fast with its exciting potential in multifunctional applications. A series of three‐dimensional lanthanide‐based metal–organic frameworks, {[Ln(HTPO)(NO₃)(H₂O)]⋅x(CH₃CN)⋅y(H₂O)}_n (Ln=Eu ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), Gd ( 3 ), Sm ( 4 ), Dy ( 5 ), Nd ( 6 )), {[Eu(TPO)(HCOO)_0.5]⋅(H₃O)_0.5}_n ( 7 ), {[Eu(TPO)(DMF)]⋅(solv)_x}_n ( 8 ; DMF= N,N‐dimethylformamide), and {[Eu(TPO)(DMA)]⋅(solv)_x}_n ( 9 ; DMA=dimethylacetamide) were synthesized with semirigid C₃‐symmetric ligand tris(4‐carboxylphenyl)phosphine oxide (H₃TPO). In these frameworks, the H₃TPO ligand exists in a totally different configuration. Framework 1 exhibits good breathing properties for absorbing more guest molecules through a solvent‐induced single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal (SC–SC) transformation involving a configuration transformation of the organic linker in the framework. The ytterbium ion was doped into 1 to improve the luminescent performance (lifetime and quantum yield) of the red europium emission. Among a series of Eu_1−xYb_xTPO samples, Eu_0.88Yb_0.12TPO showed enhanced luminescence intensity (≈5.1 times that of the pure europium system), and the lifetime increased from 1073.08 to 1236.57 μs. Moreover, the porosity of these frameworks allows them to efficiently adsorb dye molecules with high selectivity and efficiency.     

2,2′‐Bipyrimidine as Efficient Sensitizer of the Solid‐State Luminescence of Lanthanide and Uranyl Ions from Visible to Near‐Infrared

Treatment of Ln(NO₃)₃?nH₂O with 1 or 2 equiv 2,2′‐bipyrimidine (BPM) in dry THF readily afforded the monometallic complexes [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)₂] (Ln=Eu, Gd, Dy, Tm) or [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)₂]?THF (Ln=Eu, Tb, Er, Yb) after recrystallization from MeOH or THF, respectively. Reactions with nitrate salts of the larger lanthanide ions (Ln=Ce, Nd, Sm) yielded one of two distinct monometallic complexes, depending on the recrystallization solvent: [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)₂]?THF (Ln=Nd, Sm) from THF, or [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)(MeOH)₂]?MeOH (Ln=Ce, Nd, Sm) from MeOH. Treatment of UO₂(NO₃)₂?6H₂O with 1 equiv BPM in THF afforded the monoadduct [UO₂(NO₃)₂(bpm)] after recrystallization from MeOH. The complexes were characterized by their crystal structure. Solid‐state luminescence measurements on these monometallic complexes showed that BPM is an efficient sensitizer of the luminescence of both the lanthanide and the uranyl ions emitting visible light, as well as of the Yb^III ion emitting in the near‐IR. For Tb, Dy, Eu, and Yb complexes, energy transfer was quite efficient, resulting in quantum yields of 80.0, 5.1, 70.0, and 0.8 %, respectively. All these complexes in the solid state were stable in air.     

Luminescence Tuning and White‐Light Emission of Co‐doped Ln–Cd–Organic Frameworks

Four new three‐dimensional isostructural lanthanide–cadmium metal–organic frameworks (Ln–Cd MOFs), [LnCd₂(imdc)₂(Ac)(H₂O)₂]?H₂O (Ln=Pr ( 1 ), Eu ( 2 ), Gd ( 3 ), and Tb ( 4 ); H₃imdc=4,5‐imidazoledicarboxylic acid; Ac=acetate), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by IR, elemental analyses, inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis, and X‐ray diffraction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction shows that two Ln^III ions are surrounded by four Cd^II ions to form a heteronuclear building block. The blocks are further linked to form 3D Ln–Cd MOFs by the bridging imdc^3? ligand. Furthermore, the left‐ and right‐handed helices array alternatively in the lattice. Eu–Cd and Tb–Cd MOFs can emit characteristic red light with the Eu^III ion and green light with the Tb^III ion, respectively, while both Gd–Cd and Pr–Cd MOFs generate blue emission when they are excited. Different concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions were co‐doped into Gd–Cd/Pr–Cd MOFs, and tunable luminescence from yellow to white was achieved. White‐light emission was obtained successfully by adjusting the excitation wavelength or the co‐doping ratio of the co‐doped Gd–Cd and Pr–Cd MOFs. These results show that the relative emission intensity of white light for Gd–Cd:Eu³⁺,Tb³⁺ MOFs is stronger than that of Pr–Cd:Eu³⁺,Tb³⁺ MOFs, which implies that the Gd complex is a better matrix than the Pr complex to obtain white‐light emission materials.     

Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalate‐Based Metal–Organic Networks for Photocatalytic Dye Degradation

The reaction of Keggin‐type polyoxometalate (POM) units, transition‐metal (TM) ions, and a rigid bis(imidazole) ligand (1,4‐bis(1‐imidazolyl)benzene (bimb)) in a hydrothermal environment led to the isolation of four new POM‐based metal–organic networks, [H₂L][CuL][SiW₁₂O₄₀]?2 H₂O ( 1 ), [H₂L]₂[Co(H₂O)₃L][SiW₁₁CoO₃₉]?6 H₂O ( 2 ), KH[CuL]₂[SiW₁₁CoO₃₉(H₂O)]?2 H₂O ( 3 ), and [CuL]₄[GeW₁₂O₄₀]?H₂O ( 4 ; L=bimb). All four compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 3 are new 3D networks with 1D channels. Compounds 2 and 4 contain 2D networks, which further stack into 3D supramolecular networks. The contributions of pH value, the negative charge of the POM, and the TM coordination modes to the construction of 3D networks were elucidated by comparing the synthetic conditions and structures of compounds 1 – 4 . The photocatalytic properties of compounds 1 – 4 were investigated using methylene blue (MB) degradation under UV light. All compounds showed good catalytic activity and structural stability. The possible catalytic mechanism was discussed on the basis of active‐species trapping experiments. The different photocatalytic activities of compounds 1 – 4 were explained by comparison of the band gaps of different POM species and different packing modes of POM units in these hybrid compounds.     

Highly Selective Detection of 2,4,6‐Trinitrophenol and Cu2+ Ions Based on a Fluorescent Cadmium–Pamoate Metal–Organic Framework

A luminescent cadmium–pamoate metal–organic framework, [Cd₂(PAM)₂(dpe)₂(H₂O)₂]?0.5(dpe) ( 1 ), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions by using π‐electron‐rich ligands 4,4′‐methylenebis(3‐hydroxy‐2‐naphthalenecarboxylic acid) (H₂PAM) and 1,2‐di(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (dpe). Its structure is composed of both mononuclear and dinuclear Cd^II building units, which are linked by the PAM and dpe ligands, resulting in a (4,8)‐connected 3D framework. The π‐conjugated dpe guests are located in a 1D channel of 1 . The strong emission of 1 could be quenched efficiently by trace amounts of 2,4,6‐trinitrophenol (TNP), even in the presence of other competing analogues such as 4‐nitrophenol, 2,6‐dinitrotoluene, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, nitrobenzene, 1,3‐dinitrobenzene, hydroquinone, dimethylbenzene, and bromobenzene. The high sensitivity and selectivity of the fluorescence response of 1 to TNP shows that this framework could be used as an excellent sensor for identifying and quantifying TNP. In the same manner, 1 also exhibits superior selectivity and sensitivity towards Cu²⁺ compared with other metal ions such as Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Ni²⁺, Co²⁺, and Ca²⁺. This is the first MOF that can serve as a dual functional fluorescent sensor for selectively detecting trace amounts of TNP and Cu²⁺.     

Three Lanthanide Metal‐Organic Frameworks Based on an Ether‐Decorated Polycarboxylic Acid Linker: Luminescence Modulation,CO2 Capture and Conversion Properties

Three new isostructural 3D lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln‐MOFs), {H[LnL(H₂O)]?2 H₂O}_n ( 1‐Ln ) (Ln=Eu³⁺, Gd³⁺ and Tb³⁺), based on infinite lanthanide‐carboxylate chains were constructed by employing an ether‐separated 5,5′‐oxydiisophthalic acid (H₄L) ligand under solvothermal reaction. 1‐Eu and 1‐Tb exhibit strong red and green emission, respectively, through the antenna effect, as demonstrated through a combination of calculation and experimental results. Moreover, a series of dichromatic doped 1‐Eu_xTb_y MOFs were fabricated by introducing different concentrations of Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions, and they display an unusual variation of luminescent colors from green, yellow, orange to red. 1‐Eu with channels decorated by ether O atoms and the open metal sites displays good performance for CO₂ capture and conversion between CO₂ and epoxides into cyclic carbonates.     

Homo‐ and Heteronuclear Compounds with a Symmetrical Bis‐hydrazone Ligand: Synthesis,Structural Studies,and Luminescent Properties

Nine new coordination compounds have been synthesized by the reaction of salts of bivalent metal ions (a=Zn^II, b=Cu^II, c=Ni^II, d=Co^II) with the bis(benzoylhydrazone) derivative of 4,6‐diacetylresorcinol (H₄L). Three kinds of complexes have been obtained: homodinuclear compounds [M₂(H₂L)₂]?nH₂O ( 1 a , 1 b , 1 c , and 1 d ), homotetranuclear compounds [M₄(L)₂]?n(solv) ( 2 a and 2 c ), and heterotetranuclear compounds [Zn₂M₂(L)₂]?n(solv) ( 2 ab , 2 ac , and 2 ad ). The structures of the free ligand H₄L?2 DMSO and its complexes [Zn₂(H₂L)₂(DMSO)₂] ( 1 a* ), [Zn₄(L)₂(DMSO)₆] ( 2 a* ), and [Zn_0.45Cu_3.55(L)₂(DMSO)₆]?2 DMSO ( 2 ab* ) were elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The ligand shows luminescence properties and its fluorimetric behavior towards M^II metals (M=Zn, Cu, Ni and Co) has been studied. Furthermore, the solid‐state luminescence properties of the ligand and compounds have been determined at room temperature. ¹H NMR spectroscopic monitoring of the reaction of H₄L with Zn^II showed the deprotonation sequence of the OH/NH groups upon metal coordination. Heteronuclear reactions have also been monitored by using ESI‐MS and spectrofluorimetric techniques.     

Luminescent Europium(III) Coordination Zippers Linked with Thiophene‐Based Bridges

Novel Eu^III coordination polymers [Eu(hfa)₃(dpt)]_n (dpt: 2,5‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)thiophene) and [Eu(hfa)₃(dpedot)]_n (dpedot: 2,5‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)ethylenedioxythiophene) with hydrogen‐bonded zipper structures are reported. The coordination polymers are composed of Eu^III ions, hexafluoroacetylacetonato ligands, and thiophene‐based phosphine oxide bridges. The zig‐zag orientation of single polymer chains induced the formation of densely packed coordination structures with multiple intermolecular interactions, resulting in thermal stability above 300 °C. They exhibit a high intrinsic emission quantum yield (ca. 80 %) due to their asymmetrical and low‐vibrational coordination structures around Eu^III ions. Furthermore, the characteristic alternative orientation of substituents also contributes to the dramatically high ligand‐to‐metal energy transfer efficiencies of up to 80 % in the solid state.     

Enhanced Hydrogen Storage by Palladium Nanoparticles Fabricated in a Redox‐Active Metal–Organic Framework

Quick on the uptake : Palladium nanoparticles were fabricated simply by immersing {[Zn₃(ntb)₂(EtOH)₂]?4 EtOH}_n ( 1 ) in an MeCN solution of Pd(NO₃)₂ at room temperature, without any extra reducing agent. 3 wt % PdNPs@[ 1 ]^0.54+(NO₃^?)_0.54 significantly increase H₂ uptake capacities, both at 77 K and 1 bar and at 298 K and high pressures (see picture, red curve) compared to [Zn₃(ntb)₂]_n (black). ntb=4,4′,4′′‐nitrilotrisbenzoate.

     

A CdII‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework with pcu Topology as Turn‐On Fluorescent Sensor for Al3+

A new metal‐organic framework (MOF) {[Cd₂(bbib)₂(ndc)₂]?2DMF}_n ( JXUST‐1 ) (bbib=1,3‐bis(benzimidazolyl)benzene, H₂ndc=1,4‐naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, DMF=N,N‐dimethylformamide) has been solvothermally synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, PXRD, TGA, IR and elemental analysis. JXUST‐1 exhibits a three‐dimensional 6‐connected pcu topology with a Schläfli symbol {4¹².6³} constructed by [Cd₂(CO₂)₃] secondary building units. Fluorescence studies show that this MOF can sensitively and selectively recognize Al³⁺ via a fluorescence enhancement effect, and the detection limit is 0.048 ppm. Furthermore, JXUST‐1 displays relatively good thermal and chemical stabilities as well as reusability. All these results suggest JXUST‐1 to be a highly selective and recyclable luminescent sensing material for the detection of Al³⁺.     

Developments in heterobimetallic s-block systems: synthesis and structural survey of molecular M/Ae (M=Li, Na, K, Cs; Ae=Ca, Sr) aryloxo complexes

A series of novel heterobimetallic group 1/strontium and group 1/calcium aryloxo complexes having the composition [MAe(Odpp)3] [Ae=Sr and M=Na (1), K (2, 3), Cs (4); Ae=Ca and M=Na (5), K (6), Cs (7)] or [M2Ae(Odpp)4] [M=Li and Ae=Sr (9), Ca (10)] have been prepared using 2,6-diphenylphenol (HOdpp) as the ligand. Through the use of solid-state direct metalation, these compounds were obtained either directly from the reaction vessel or after workup in toluene. The Lewis base adduct [KCa(Odpp)3(thf)] (8) was obtained by treatment of [KCa(Odpp)3] (6) with tetrahydrofuran (thf). All of the compounds displayed extensive metal-pi-arene interactions, which provide significant stabilization in these reactive species. The thermal stabilities and volatilities of representative heterobimetallic strontium and calcium complexes were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis.     

Unidimensional Self‐assembling of {HgII[NNN(PhBr)2]2} through Metal‐η4‐arene π‐Interactions: Synthesis and X‐Ray Characterization of a Bis Diaryl Symmetric‐substituted Triazenide Complex Polymer of Mercury(II)

A solution of deprotonated 1,3‐bis(4‐bromophenyl)triazene reacts with Hg(CH₃COO)₂ in methanol / tetrahydrofurane to give yellow crystalline needles of {Hg^II[NNN(PhBr)₂]₂}_n, a triazenide complex polymer of Hg^II with metal‐η²,η²‐arene π‐interactions, performed by coordinated single triazenide chains. The crystal structure of the new polymeric complex of Hg^II belongs to the monoclinic space group P2₁/n. The lattice of [Hg^II(BrPhNNNPhBr)₂]_n can be viewed as a one‐dimensional assembling of planar tectons [Hg^II(BrPhNNNPhBr)₂] linked through metalocene alike Hg^II‐η²,η²‐arene π‐interactions along the crystallographic b axis.     

Triazine‐Cored Lanthanide‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks Featuring Unique Water Chains and Strong Characteristic Emissions

A new triazine‐cored tricarboxylic acid, N,N′,N“‐1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triyltris(cis‐4‐aminocyclohexane‐carboxylic acid) (H₃L), has been prepared by replacing the chlorine atoms of cyanuric chloride with cis‐4‐aminocyclohexane‐carboxylic acid, which has been used for the construction of a series of triazine‐cored lanthanide‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). All these MOFs were structurally authenticated, revealing that they are isostructural and exist as two‐dimensional (2D) coordination networks with the general formula [Ln(L)(H₂O)₂]?5.5 H₂O (Ln= 1?Gd , 2?Tb , 3?Eu ). A unique one‐dimensional water chain, composed of primary tetrameric cyclic rings and dodecameric cyclic rings, has been found entrapped in the lattice. Moreover, all these compounds display bright characteristic photoluminescence. Particularly, for 1 , apart from the strong blue emission peak (Φ_f=20.6 %) corresponding to the intraligand transition under near‐UV excitation, the characteristic emissions of Gd³⁺ cation (Φ_f=5.0 %) were unexpectedly observed upon excitation at 273 nm.     

Solvent‐Mediated Transformation from Achiral to Chiral Nickel(II) Metal–Organic Frameworks and Reassembly in Solution

Reactions of 5‐nitroisophthalic acid (NO₂‐H₂ip), 1,4‐bis(imidazol‐1′‐yl)butane (bimb), and Ni(NO₃)₂ ? 6 H₂O gave rise to four metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), [Ni₂(NO₂‐ip)₂(bimb)_1.5]_n ( 1 ), [Ni₄(NO₂‐ip)₃(bimb)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)]_n ? (CH₃CH₂OH)_{0.5 n} ( 2 ), [Ni(NO₂‐ip)(bimb)_1.5(H₂O)]_n ? (H₂O)_n ? (CH₃CH₂OH)_{0.5 n} ( 3 ), and [Ni(NO₂‐ip) (bimb)(μ‐H₂O)]_n ? (H₂O)_n ( 4 ). The metal/ligand ratio, pH value, and solvent exerted a subtle but crucial influence on the formation of complexes 1 – 4 , which possess different visual color and crystal structures. Complex 1 exhibits a twofold interpenetrating 3D pillared bilayer framework composed of binuclear and mononuclear Ni^II units, whereas complex 2 is a 3D chiral network that consists of asymmetric tetranuclear Ni^II units. Complexes 3 and 4 are 3D layer‐pillared frameworks that consist of mononuclear Ni^II ions and a 3D six‐connected network of μ‐water‐bridged dinuclear Ni^II units, respectively. Interestingly, achiral 4 can be transformed into chiral 2 by using a solvent‐mediated single‐crystal‐to‐single‐crystal process without any chiral auxiliary. Magnetic analyses of 2 and 4 show the occurrence of antiferromagnetic interactions. Complex 3 is difficult to obtain directly as a single solid phase, but it can be homogeneously formed by solvent‐mediated transformations from 1 , 2 , and 4 .     

catena‐Poly­[europium(III)‐tri‐μ‐2,3‐di­methoxy­benzoato]

The title compound, [Eu(C₉H₉O₄)₃]_n or [Eu(2,3‐DMOBA)₃]_n, where 2,3‐DMOBA is 2,3‐di­methoxy­benzoate, is an infinite one‐dimensional non‐centrosymmetric coordination polymer. The unique Eu^III atom is bridged by six carboxyl­ate ligands; it is ennea‐coordinated and has a distorted tricapped trigonal prism geometry. The Eu—O distances are in the range 2.315 (3)–2.959 (5) Å.