Engineered Bifunctional Luminescent Pillared-Layer Frameworks for Adsorption of CO2 and Sensitive Detection of Nitrobenzene in Aqueous Media

Through a dual-ligand synthetic approach, five isoreticular primitive cubic (pcu)-type pillared-layer metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), [Zn₂(dicarboxylate)₂(NI-bpy-44)] ⋅ x DMF ⋅ y H₂O, in which dicarboxylate=1,4-bdc ( 1 ), Br-1,4-bdc ( 2 ), NH₂-1,4-bdc ( 3 ), 2,6-ndc ( 4 ), and bpdc ( 5 ), have been engineered. MOFs 1 – 5 feature twofold degrees of interpenetration and have open pores of 27.0, 33.6, 36.8, 52.5, and 62.1 %, respectively. Nitrogen adsorption isotherms of activated MOFs 1′ – 5′ at 77 K all displayed type I adsorption behavior, suggesting their microporous nature. Although 1′ and 3′ – 5′ exhibited type I adsorption isotherms of CO₂ at 195 K, MOF 2′ showed a two-step gate-opening sorption isotherm of CO₂. Furthermore, MOF 3′ also had a significant influence of amine functions on CO₂ uptake at high temperature due to the CO₂–framework interactions. MOFs 1 – 5 revealed solvent-dependent fluorescence properties; their strong blue-light emissions in aqueous suspensions were efficiently quenched by trace amounts of nitrobenzene (NB), with limits of detection of 4.54, 5.73, 1.88, 2.30, and 2.26 μm , respectively, and Stern–Volmer quenching constants (K_sv) of 2.93×10³, 1.79×10³, 3.78×10³, 4.04×10³, and 3.21×10³ m ⁻¹, respectively. Of particular note, the NB-included framework, NB@ 3 , provided direct evidence of the binding sites, which showed strong host–guest π–π and hydrogen-bonding interactions beneficial for donor–acceptor electron transfer and resulting in fluorescence quenching.     

Cd(II) and Cu(II) coordination polymers based on a multidentate N-donor ligand: syntheses,crystal structures,optical band gaps,and photoluminescence

Four Cd(II)- and Cu(II)-containing coordination polymers (CPs) based on a multidentate N-donor ligand and varied dicarboxylate anions, [Cd(3,3′-tmbpt)(p-bdc)]·2.5H₂O (1), [Cd(3,3′-tmbpt)(m-bdc)]·2H₂O (2), [Cu(3,3′-tmbpt)(m-bdc)]·H₂O (3), and [Cu(3,3′-tmbpt)(p-bdc)]·2H₂O (4), where 3,3′-tmbpt = 1 ? ((1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl)-3,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole, p-H₂bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, and m-H₂bdc = 1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, have been prepared hydrothermally. The structures of the compounds were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by infrared spectra and elemental analyses. Compound 1 exhibits a 3-D twofold interpenetrating framework with a 6⁵·8 CdSO₄ topology. Compound 2 is a 2-D layer containing meso-helical chains with a 4⁴·6² sql topology. Compound 3 shows a 1-D → 3-D interdigitated architecture while 4 displays a 2-D → 3-D interdigitated architecture. The structural differences of the compounds indicate that the dicarboxylate anions and the central metal ions play important roles in the resulting structures of CPs. Optical band gaps and solid-state photoluminescent properties have also been studied.     

Cationic,water‐soluble,fluorene‐containing poly(arylene ethynylene)s: Effects of water solubility on aggregation,photoluminescence efficiency,and amplified fluorescence quenching in aqueous solutions

Three novel fluorene‐containing poly(arylene ethynylene)s with amino‐functionalized side groups were synthesized through the Sonogashira reaction. They were poly{9,9‐bis[6′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)hexyl]‐2,7‐fluorenylene ethynylene}‐alt‐co‐{2,5‐bis[3′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)‐1′‐oxapropyl]‐1,4‐phenylene} ( P1 ), poly{9,9‐bis[6′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)hexyl]‐2,7‐fluorenylene ethynylene} ( P2 ), and poly({9,9‐bis[6′‐(N,N‐diethylamino)hexyl]‐2,7‐fluorenylene ethynylene}‐alt‐co‐(1,4‐phenylene)) ( P3 ). Through the postquaternization treatment of P1 – P3 with methyl iodide, we obtained their cationic water‐soluble conjugated polyelectrolytes (WSCPs): P1′ – P3′ . The water solubility was gradually improved from P3′ to P1′ with increasing contents of hydrophilic side chains. After examining the ultraviolet–visible absorption and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, fluorescence lifetimes, and dynamic light scattering data, we propose that with the reduction of the water solubility from P1′ to P3′ , they exhibited a gradually increased degree of aggregation in H₂O. The PL quantum yields of P1′ – P3′ in H₂O displayed a decreasing tendency consistent with the increased degree of aggregation, suggesting that the pronounced degree of aggregation was an important reason for the low PL quantum yields of WSCPs in H₂O. Two structurally analogous water‐soluble trimers of P2′ and P3′ , model compounds 2,7‐bis(9″,9″‐bis{6‴‐[(N,N‐diethyl)‐N‐methylammonium] hexyl}‐2″‐fluorenylethynyl)‐9,9‐bis{6′‐[(N,N‐diethyl)‐N‐methylammonium]hexyl}fluorene hexaiodide and 1,4‐bis(9′,9′‐bis{6″‐[(N,N‐diethyl)‐N‐methylammonium]hexyl}‐2′‐fluorenylethynyl)benzene tetraiodide, were synthesized. The amplified fluorescence quenching of these WSCPs by Fe(CN)₆⁴⁻ in H₂O was studied by comparison with a corresponding analogous trimer. The effects of aggregation on the fluorescence quenching may be two‐edged in these cases. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 5778–5794, 2006     

Four Zn(II)/Cd(II) coordination polymers derived from isomeric benzenedicarboxylates and 1,6-bis(triazol)hexane ligand: synthesis,crystal structure,and luminescent properties

Four coordination polymers, [Zn(o-bdc)(bth)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (1), [Cd(o-bdc)(bth)_0.5(H₂O)] _n (2), [Zn(m-bdc)(bth)] _n (3), and [Cd(p-bdc)(bth)?·?(H₂O)₂] _n (4) (where o-bdc?=?1,2-benzenedicarboxylate, m-bdc?=?1,3-benzenedicarboxylate, p-bdc?=?1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, and bth?=?1,6-bis(triazol)hexane), have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Both 1 and 2 are isostructural, featuring two binodal architectures: (6³)(6⁵·8) topology in terms of o-bdc and Zn^II/Cd^II as three- and four-connected nodes. Complex 3 shows a 2-D (4,4) network with the Zn?···?Zn?···?Zn angle of 57.84°, whereas 4 exhibits planar 2-D (4,4) network. These 2-D networks of 3 and 4 are extended by supramolecular interactions, such as CH?···?π/π–π stacking and hydrogen-bonding into 3-D architecture. A structural comparison of these complexes demonstrates that the dicarboxylate building blocks with different dispositions of the carboxyl site play a key role in governing the coordination motifs as well as 3-D supramolecular lattices. Solid-state properties such as photoluminescence and thermal stabilities of 1–4 have also been studied.     

Construction Of Two New 6‐connected Manganese(II) Metal Organic Frameworks via Isomeric Biphenyldicarboxylates Based on the Dinuclear Secondary Building Unit

Two coordination polymers, namely {[Mn(2,4′‐bpdc)(bimb)(H₂O)_0.5] · 0.5H₂O}_n ( 1 ) and [Mn(4,4′‐bpdc)(bimb)]_n · 2.5H₂O ( 2 ) [2,4′‐bpdc = biphenyl‐2,4′‐dicarboxylate, 4,4′‐bpdc = biphenyl‐4,4′‐dicarboxylate, and bimb = 1,4‐bis(1‐imidazol‐yl)‐2,5‐dimethyl benzene], were hydrothermally synthesized by reactions of manganese(II) salt with the rigid ligand 1,4‐bis(1‐imidazol‐yl)‐2,5‐dimethyl benzene and isomeric biphenyl dicarboxylate ligands. Complex 1 has an unusual 6‐connected three‐dimensional (3D) architecture with point symbol (4⁴.6¹¹). Complex 2 has also a 3D structure with two‐interpenetrated pcu topology with point symbol (4¹².6³). Structural comparisons show that the positions of the carboxylate groups in the ligand backbone play an important role in governing the structural topologies of these complexes.     

Complex Phase Behaviour and Structural Transformations of Metal-Organic Frameworks with Mixed Rigid and Flexible Bridging Ligands

Two new heteroleptic metal-organic framework materials show strong adsorption of H₂ and ethanol. [Co₂(L1)(bdc)₂], where L1=N¹,N⁴-bis(4-pyridinylmethyl)-2,5-dimethylbenzene-1,4-diamine and bdc is benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate, has a twofold interpenetrating pillared layer structure with pcu topology. It has a stepped, hysteretic EtOH adsorption that can be related to complicated phase and structural transformation behaviour that occurs on de-solvation and re-solvation, including major conformational changes to the geometry of the flexible L1 ligand. [Co₂(L1)(bpdc)₂], where bpdc=biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylate, has a unique six-connected self-catenating framework structure. Solvation changes occur without significant structural change and a partially-hydrolysed material binds its own decomposition products as guests.     

Tetrazine Chromophore‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks with Unusual Configurations: Synthetic,Structural, Theoretical,Fluorescent, and Nonlinear Optical Studies

Three unusual three‐dimensional (3D) tetrazine chromophore‐based metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) {(Et₄N)[WS₄Cu₃(CN)₂(4,4′‐pytz)_0.5]}_n ( 1 ), {[MoS₄Cu₄(CN)₂(4,4′‐pytz)₂] ? CH₂Cl₂}_n ( 2 ), and {[WS₄Cu₃(4,4′‐pytz)₃] ? [N(CN)₂]}_n ( 3 ; 4,4′‐pytz=3,6‐bis(4‐pyridyl)tetrazine) have been synthesized and characterized by using FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, powder X‐ray diffraction, gel permeation chromatography, steady‐state fluorescence, and thermogravimetric analysis; their identities were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. MOF 1 possesses the first five‐connected M/S/Cu (M=Mo, W) framework with an unusual 3D (4⁴?6⁶) topology constructed from T‐shaped [WS₄Cu₃]⁺ clusters as nodes and single CN^?/4,4′‐pytz bridges as linkers. MOF 2 features a novel 3D MOF structure with (4²⁰?6⁸) topology, in which the bridging 4,4′‐pytz ligands exhibit unique distorted arch structures. MOF 3 displays the first 3D MOF structure based on flywheel‐shaped [WS₄Cu₃]⁺ clusters with a non‐interpenetrating honeycomb‐like framework and a heavily distorted “ACS” topology. Steady‐state fluorescence studies of 1 – 3 reveal significant fluorescence emissions. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of 1 – 3 were investigated by using a Z‐scan technique with 5 ns pulses at λ=532 nm. The Z‐scan experimental results show that the π‐delocalizable tetrazine‐based 4,4′‐pytz ligands contribute to the strong third‐order NLO properties exhibited by 1 – 3 . Time‐dependent density functional theory studies afforded insight into the electronic transitions and spectral characterization of these functionalized NLO molecular materials.     

Crystal engineering of Cd(II) metal–organic frameworks bridged by dicarboxylates and N-donor coligands

Two new metal–organic coordination polymers, {[Cd₄(bpea)₄(IP)₈]?·?6H₂O} _n (1) and {[Cd_1.5(suc)_1.5(IP)_1.5]?·?4H₂O} _n (2) (bpea?=?biphenylethene-4,4′-dicarboxylate, H₂suc?=?succinic acid and IP?=?1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline), have been obtained through two types of dicarboxylate linkers. Complex 1 contains a neutral 2-D puckered sheet that is interdigitated by neutral 1-D zigzag chains. Compound 2 shows a 2-D (4,4) net, which is extended into a 3-D supramolecular framework by weak aromatic interactions. The different structures demonstrate the effect of the dicarboxylate ligands on the formation of such coordination architectures. The fluorescence property of the two complexes was also investigated.     

Modification of Extended Open Frameworks with Fluorescent Tags for Sensing Explosives: Competition between Size Selectivity and Electron Deficiency

Three new electron‐rich metal–organic frameworks ( MOF‐1 – MOF‐3 ) have been synthesized by employing ligands bearing aromatic tags. The key role of the chosen aromatic tags is to enhance the π‐electron density of the luminescent MOFs. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures have revealed that these MOFs form three‐dimensional porous networks with the aromatic tags projecting inwardly into the pores. These highly luminescent electron‐rich MOFs have been successfully utilized for the detection of explosive nitroaromatic compounds (NACs) on the basis of fluorescence quenching. Although all of the prepared MOFs can serve as sensors for NACs, MOF‐1 and MOF‐2 exhibit superior sensitivity towards 4‐nitrotoluene (4‐NT) and 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (DNT) compared to 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT) and 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene (TNB). MOF‐3 , on the other hand, shows an order of sensitivity in accordance with the electron deficiencies of the substrates. To understand such anomalous behavior, we have thoroughly analyzed both the steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence quenching associated with these interactions. Determination of static Stern–Volmer constants (K_S) as well as collisional constants (K_C) has revealed that MOF‐1 and MOF‐2 have higher K_S values with 4‐NT than with TNT, whereas for MOF‐3 the reverse order is observed. This apparently anomalous phenomenon was well corroborated by theoretical calculations. Moreover, recyclability and sensitivity studies have revealed that these MOFs can be reused several times and that their sensitivities towards TNT solution are at the parts per billion (ppb) level.     

Axial extension of trinickel string complex by 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate: synthesis,structure, and magnetism of {[Ni3(dpa)4(1,4-bdc)] · 0.5H2O]}n

The reaction of [Ni₃(dpa)₄(ClO₄)₂] with 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate through diffusion of layered-solution led to the precipitation of 1, {[Ni₃(dpa)₄(1,4-bdc)]?·?0.5H₂O]}_n, where dpa^? is 2,2′-dipyridylamido anion, which was characterized by IR, elemental analysis, MS, fluorescence spectrum, TG analysis, and magnetic measurement. Extension of the metal string complex by assembly of [Ni₃(dpa)₄]²⁺ and 1,4-bdc^2? gives a 1-D polymeric structure, in which the axial 1,4-bdc^2? influences the Ni?···?Ni distances, fluorescence emission, and magnetism.     

1,4-Diazobicyclo[2.2.2]octane-catalyzed coupling of aldehydes and activated double bonds. Part 3. A short ans practical synthesis of mikanecic acid (4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid)

The title dicarboxylic acid 1d has been prepared in 24% overall yield via, 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO)-catalyzed coupling of ethanal and tert-butyl propenoate ( 3 ) to 4 , S_N2′-reaction to tert-butyl (Z)-2-romomethyl-2-butenoate ( 5a ), dehydrobrominatin to tert-butyl 2-methylidene-3-butenoate ( 2c ), dimerizatoin to di-tert-butyl 4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene-1,4-dicarboxylate ( 1c ) and acidic ester cleavage. Acidic cleavage of easily obtainable 5a affords (Z)-2-bromomethyl-2-butenoic acid ( 5a ) in 68% yield with respect to ethanal.     

Highly Selective and Stable Zn (II)-Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for the Detections of Tetracycline Antibiotic and Acetone in Aqueous System

Tetracycline (TC) is one of the most widely used antibiotics in aquaculture, and its good water solubility makes it a major contaminant in seawater. Therefore, it is very necessary and challenging to develop an efficient detection method. In this work, two novel metal–organic frameworks [Zn (bpydb)(bimmb)_0.5]_n ( 1 ), {[Zn₂(bpydb)₂(bimb)]·[Zn (bpydb)(bimb)]·H₂O}_n ( 2 ), (bimb = 1,4-bis (lmidazol) butane, H₂bypdb = 4,4′-(4,4’-Bipyridine-2,6-diyl)dibenzoic acid, bimmb = 1,4-bis (imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene) were successfully synthesized under solvothermal conditions. Zn-MOF 1 – 2 were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As expected, 1 – 2 have excellent fluorescence properties, thermal stability and good structural stability in water. TC in water can be detected by fluorescence quenching with high selectivity. At the same time, the fluorescence quenching efficiency remains unchanged in the presence of other interfering antibiotics and in aqueous solutions of different pH values (pH = 3–10). The detection ability of 1 in real seawater has not changed substantially, showing considerable practical application prospects. Interestingly, 1 – 2 also efficiently detected traces of acetone in solution with detection limits of 0.07 μM (4.38 ppb) and 0.18 μM (10.85 ppb), respectively. In addition, the mechanism of fluorescence quenching is further discussed.     

Synthesis of new carbamate derivatives of indole and their modification

Oximation of indoles having a methoxycarbonylamino group on C⁵ and an acyl group on C³ with hydroxylamine hydrochloride in the presence of pyridine gave the corresponding oximes. The reduction of the 3-C=O group with sodium tetrahydridoborate in the presence of sodium hydroxide was accompanied by removal of the methoxycarbonyl group at the pyrrole nitrogen atom with formation of racemic alcohols. 1,4-Addition of 1-(pyridin-3-yl)butane-1,3-dione to dimethyl 1,4-benzoquinone diimine N,N′-dicarboxylate in dioxane in the presence of sodium methoxide, followed by heating in boiling 22% hydrochloric acid, afforded methyl 2-methyl-5-(methoxycarbonylamino)-3-(pyridin-3-ylcarbonyl)-1H-indole-1-carboxylate. 3-(Dimethylamino)-1-(4-methyl-1,2,5-oxadiazol-3-yl)prop-2-en-1-one reacted with N,N′-bis(methoxycarbonyl)- and N,N′-bis(phenylsulfonyl)-1,4-benzoquinone diimines in methylene chloride and acetic acid, respectively, in the presence of BF₃ · Et₂O to produce indoles having a 1,2,5-oxadiazolylcarbonyl group on C₃.     

Two manganese(II) complexes constructed from 2-(3-pyridyl)-imidazo[4,5-f] 1,10-phenanthroline and organic dicarboxylates: syntheses,crystal structures,and luminescence

In this study, two new Mn(II) complexes consisting of a phenanthroline derivative and organic acid ligands, [Mn(3-PIP)(1,3-bdc)] _n (1) and [Mn(3-PIP)₂(1,4-bdc)] _n (2) (3-PIP?=?2-(3-pyridyl)-imidazo[4,5-f]?1,10-phenanthroline, 1,3-H₂bdc?=?benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, 1,4-H₂bdc?=?benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid), have been synthesized via hydrothermal reaction and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra, elemental analyses, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a one-dimensional (1-D) twisted double chain bridged by 1,3-bdc. The 3-PIP ligands in a parallel fashion are alternately attached to both sides of the 1-D double chain. Complex 2 exhibits a 1-D zigzag chain, to which pairs of crossed 3-PIP ligands are alternately attached. The two complexes are further extended into three-dimensional (3-D) supramolecular structures by hydrogen-bonding and π–π stacking interactions. The N-donor ligands with an extended π-system play a crucial role in formation and stabilization of the final supramolecular frameworks. Thermal properties of 1 and 2 and fluorescence of 2 are investigated in the solid state.     

A Series of New Eu/Tb Mixed MOFs with Tunable Color Luminescence

Two isostructural lanthanide metal‐organic frameworks [Ln‐MOFs, Ln = Tb ( 1 ), Eu ( 8 )] containing oxalic acid ligand with green, red luminescence were solvothermally synthesized. A series of Eu/Tb mixed MOFs ( 2 – 7 ), (C₅H₆N)₂[Eu_xTb_2–x(H₂O)₂(C₂O₄)₄] · 2H₂O, were designed and obtained, which displayed highly tunable luminescence color by adjusting the excitation wavelength. Complexes 1 – 8 were characterized by IR, elemental analysis, ICP, powder XRD, and TG measurements. The quantum yields of the complexes 1 – 8 range from 6.89 to 4.15 %, whereas the fluorescence lifetime of 1 – 8 varies between 1.12 and 0.87 ms. Therefore, with the increase of the molar ratio of Eu, the quantum yields and fluorescence lifetime of the complexes 1 – 8 gradually decrease.     

Synthesis and comparison of the structure–property relationships of symmetric and asymmetric water‐soluble poly(p‐phenylene)s

Sodium salts of water‐soluble polymers poly{[2,5‐bis(3‐sulfonatopropoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene]‐alt‐[2,5‐bis(hexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene]} ( P1 ), poly{[2,5‐bis(3‐sulfonatopropoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene]‐alt‐[2,5‐bis(dodecyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene]} ( P2 ), poly{[2,5‐bis(3‐sulfonatopropoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene]‐alt‐[2,5‐bis(dibenzyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene]} ( P3 ), poly[2‐hexyloxy‐5‐(3‐sulfonatopropoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene] ( P4 ), and poly[2‐dodecyloxy‐5‐(3‐sulfonatopropoxy)‐1,4‐phenylene] ( P5 )] were synthesized with Suzuki coupling reactions and fully characterized. The first group of polymers ( P1 – P3 ) with symmetric structures gave lower absorption maxima [maximum absorption wavelength (λ_max) = 296–305 nm] and emission maxima [maximum emission wavelength (λ_em) = 361–398 nm] than asymmetric polymers P4 (λ_max = 329 nm, λ_em = 399 nm) and P5 (λ_max = 335 nm, λ_em = 401 nm). The aggregation properties of polymers P1 – P5 in different solvent mixtures were investigated, and their influence on the optical properties was examined in detail. Dynamic light scattering studies of the aggregation behavior of polymer P1 in solvents indicated the presence of aggregated species of various sizes ranging from 80 to 800 nm. The presence of alkoxy groups and 3‐sulfonatopropoxy groups on adjacent phenylene rings along the polymer backbone of the first set hindered the optimization of nonpolar interactions. The alkyl chain crystallization on one side of the polymer chain and the polar interactions on the other side allowed the polymers ( P4 and P5 ) to form a lamellar structure in the polymer lattice. Significant quenching of the polymer fluorescence upon the addition of positively charged viologen derivatives or cytochrome‐C was also observed. The quenching effect on the polymer fluorescence confirmed that the newly synthesized polymers could be used in the fabrication of biological and chemical sensors. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 3763–3777, 2006     

A Doubly Interpenetrated Cu(II)-based Metal-Organic Framework as a Heterogeneous Catalyst for the ipso-Hydroxylation of Arylboronic Acids

A doubly interpenetrated Cu(II)-organic framework with formula [{Cu₂( L )₂(4,4′-bpdc)₂(H₂O)₂} ⋅ 8H₂O ⋅ CH₃OH]_α ( 1 ) (where, L =N², N⁶-di(pyridin-4-yl)naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxamide and 4,4′-bpdc=[1,1′-biphenyl]-4,4′-dicarboxylate ion) has been synthesized and characterized with the help of several spectroscopic and analytical techniques including single crystal X-ray analysis. A single crystal X-ray analysis reveals that 1 exhibit interpenetrated two-dimensional sheet-like structure containing elongated channels of cross-section 11.09×31.22 Ų along the a-axis. Finally, 1 has been exploited as a heterogeneous catalyst for the ipso-hydroxylation of arylboronic acids yielding up to 99 % of the respective phenolic product. Importantly, the catalyst can be reused for five successive cycles without having a significant loss in its catalytic efficiency.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Luminescence of Metal(II) Coordination Polymers based on Flexible 1,1′‐(1,4‐Butanediyl)bis(imidazole) and Tetrachlorobenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate Ligands

The coordination polymers, {[Co(bbim)₂(H₂O)₂](tcbdc) · 2H₂O}_n ( 1 ), {[Ni(tcbdc)(bbim)(H₂O)₂] · 2DMF}_n ( 2 ), and {[Cu₂(tcbdc)₂(bbim)₄] · 4H₂O}_n ( 3 ) [bbim = 1,1′‐(1,4‐butanediyl)bis(imidazole) and tcbdc^2– = tetrachlorobenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate] were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, luminescence, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 has a double‐stranded chain structure through doubly bridged [Co(bbim)₂] units. Complex 2 exhibits two‐dimensional square grid, whereas complex 3 has a three‐dimensional porous network structure with an unprecedented 4⁴ · 6¹¹ topological structure through interpenetrating square grid. The water molecules in complex 3 occupy the vacancy through three kinds of hydrogen bond interactions. Upon excitation at 370 nm, complexes 1 – 3 present solid‐state luminescence at room temperature.     

Cytotoxic dimeric half-sandwich Ru(II), Os(II) and Ir(III) complexes containing the 4,4′-biphenyl-based bridging ligands

A series of dinuclear half-sandwich Ru(II), Os(II) and Ir(III) complexes [Ru₂(μ-Lⁿ)(η⁶-pcym)₂Cl₂](PF₆)₂ ( 1 , 4 ), [Os₂(μ-Lⁿ)(η⁶-pcym)₂Cl₂](PF₆)₂ ( 2 , 5 ) and [Ir₂(μ-Lⁿ)(η⁵-Cp*)₂Cl₂](PF₆)₂ ( 3 , 6 ), based on 4,4′-biphenyl-based bridging Schiff base ligands N,N′-(biphenyl-4,4′-diyldimethylidyne)bis-2-(pyridin-2-yl)methanamine (L¹; for 1 – 3 ) and N,N′-(biphenyl-4,4′-diyldimethylidyne)bis-2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethanamine (L²; for 4 – 6 ) is reported; pcym = 1-methyl-4-(propan-2-yl)benzene, Cp* = pentamethylcyclopentadienyl. The complexes were characterized by relevant analytical techniques (i.e. elemental analysis, FT-IR, NMR, ESI-MS), and their in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed at six cancerous and two non-cancerous (healthy) human cell lines. Overall, complexes 4 – 6 , containing the L² bridging ligand, revealed higher cytotoxicity as compared with 1 – 3 and, thus, they were studied in greater detail. The best-performing complex 6 exceeded at least twice the in vitro cytotoxicity of cisplatin and showed high selectivity towards the cancer cells over the normal ones, including the primary culture of human hepatocytes. In contrast to cisplatin, complexes 4 – 6 did not induce the cell cycle modification of the treated A2780 human ovarian carcinoma cells (studied by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis). High levels of superoxide anion were induced by complexes 4 – 6 at the A2780 cells. The levels of activated forms of Caspase-3 and Caspase-8 at the A2780 cells treated by Ru(II) complex 4 were comparable with cisplatin, while complexes 5 and 6 had only a minor effect on activation of these caspases.     

From 1D to 2D Cd(II) and Zn(II) Coordination Networks by Replacing Monocarboxylate with Dicarboxylates in Partnership with Azine Ligands: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,Inclusion, and Emission Properties

Eight mixed-ligand coordination networks, [Cd(2-aba)(NO₃)(4-bphz)_3/2]_n·n(dmf) (1), [Cd(2-aba)₂(4-bphz)]_n·0.75n(dmf) (2), [Cd(seb)(4-bphz)]_n·n(H₂O) (3), [Cd(seb)(4-bpmhz)]_n·n(H₂O) (4), [Cd(hpa)(3-bphz)]_n (5), [Zn(1,3-bdc)(3-bpmhz)]_n·n(MeOH) (6), [Cd(1,3-bdc)(3-bpmhz)]_n ·0.5n(H₂O)·0.5n(EtOH) (7), and [Cd(NO₃)₂(3-bphz)(bpe)]_n·n(3-bphz) (8) were obtained by interplay of cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate or zinc nitrate hexahydrate with 2-aminobenzenecarboxylic acid (H(2-aba)), three dicarboxylic acids, sebacic (decanedioic acid, H₂seb), homophthalic (2-(carboxymethyl)benzoic acid, H₂hpa), isophthalic (1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, H₂(1,3-bdc)) acids, bis(4-pyridyl)ethane (bpe) and with four azine ligands, 1,2-bis(pyridin-4-ylmethylene)hydrazine (4-bphz), 1,2-bis(1-(pyridin-4-yl)ethylidene) hydrazine (4-bpmhz), 1,2-bis(pyridin-3-ylmethylene)hydrazine (3-bphz), and 1,2-bis(1-(pyridin-3-yl) ethylidene)hydrazine (3-bpmhz). Compounds 1 and 2 are 1D coordination polymers, while compounds 3–8 are 2D coordination polymers. All compounds were characterized by spectroscopic and X-ray diffraction methods of analysis. The solvent uptakes and stabilities to the guest evacuation were studied and compared for 1D and 2D coordination networks. The de-solvated forms revealed a significant increase of emission in comparison with the as-synthesized crystals.