Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a Two-folded Interpenetrating Three-dimensional Network from Flexible Bisimidazolyl Ligands

The hydrothermal reaction of 1,2-bis(imidazol-1′-yl)ethane (Bime) and Ni(NO3)2·6H2O gave rise to a two-folded interpenetrating 3D coordination polymer, Ni(Bime)3·(NO3)2]n. Singlecrystal X-ray diffraction analyses show that the complex crystallizes in rhombohedral space group R-3. Ni(II) lies on a crystallographic S6 centre and connects six bimes into a 3D porous network. Bime exhibits an anti conformation. NO3- locates as the void filler to balance the charge in the system. The framework is stable through the two-folded interpenetration among the building units.