π–π Stacking,hydrogen bonding and anti-ferromagnetic coupling mechanism on a mononuclear Cu(II) complex

Weak anti-ferromagnetic coupling is observed in a mononuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu(Pid)(OSO₃)(H₂O)]?·?(H₂O) (Pid?=?2,2′-(1,10-phenanthrolin-2-ylimino)diethanol). The Cu(II) complex is a distorted square pyramid. Analysis of the crystal structure indicates that there are two types of magnetic coupling pathways, where one pathway involves π–π stacking between adjacent complexes and the second one involves the O–H?···?O hydrogen bonds between adjacent complexes. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibilities show that there is a weak anti-ferromagnetic coupling between adjacent Cu(II) ions with Curie–Weiss constant θ?=??13.71?K?=??9.93?cm^?1. Theoretical calculations reveal that the π–π stacking resulted in anti-ferromagnetic coupling with 2J?=??6.30?cm^?1, and the O–H?···?O hydrogen-bonding pathway led to a weaker anti-ferromagnetic interaction with 2J?=??3.38?cm^?1. The theoretical calculations also indicate that anti-ferromagnetic coupling sign from the π–π stacking accords with the McConnell I spin-polarization mechanism.     

Synthesis,X-ray crystal structure,thermal and solution studies of a centrosymmetric metal–organic polymer based on proton transfer methodology

A 3-D metal–organic coordination polymer based on pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylic acid (pzdcH₂) formulated as {[Mn(pzdc)(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O} _n (1), was obtained by the treatment of MnCl₂ · 6H₂O with pzdcH₂, 8-hydroxy quinoline (8-HQ), and 2-amino-4-methyl pyridine (ampy). In this study, we describe the synthesis, elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, TG analysis, and single X-ray diffraction. The X-ray single crystal structure reveals that the chemical environment around each Mn(II) is a distorted octahedral by participating one nitrogen, five oxygens from three (pzdc)^2? and two water molecules, O₅MnN. The centrosymmetric 1-D ladder-like structure of 1 is bridged by oxygens of (pzdc)^2?, and Mn–pzdc–Mn bonds are the rungs for our ladder structure. In the crystal structure, intermolecular O–H ··· O hydrogen bonds result in the formation of a supramolecular structure, effective for the stabilization of the structure. The thermal decomposition of 1 indicates that it is quite thermally stable. The protonation constants of ampy, 8-HQ and pzdcH₂ as the building blocks of proton transfer systems including pzdcH₂-ampy and pzdcH₂-8-HQ and the corresponding stability constants of these systems were determined by potentiometric study. The stoichiometry and stability constants of complexes of pzdcH₂-ampy and pzdcH₂-8-HQ with Mn²⁺ were investigated by this method in aqueous solution. The results obtained from solution study are comparable with the solid state results.     

Syntheses and structures of three chiral complexes derived from nucleophilic addition of L-proline to di-2-pyridyl ketone

In the presence of nickel acetate, a chiral ligand, (S)-Hdphp ((S)-N-[di(2-pyridyl)-hydroxy-methyl]-proline), was synthesized in situ by nucleophilic addition of L-proline to di-2-pyridyl ketone. Based on this ligand, three chiral mononuclear complexes, {Ni[(S)-dphp](DMF)(H₂O)}(ClO₄) (1), {Ni[(S)-dphp](H₂O)₂}(ClO₄)(H₂O)_1.5 (2), and {Ni[(S)-dphp](SCN)(H₂O)} (3), have been obtained and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and infrared spectra. By virtue of charge-assisted O–H?···?O hydrogen-bonding interactions, all the complexes possess double chain structures. The double chains were connected into 2-D networks via π?···?π stacking and CH?···?π interactions in 1. For 2, O–H?···?O hydrogen-bonding interactions between free water molecules and other oxygens as well as π?···?π stacking and CH?···?π interactions extend the chains into a 3-D network. Complex 3 exhibits 3-D structure via O–H?···?S interactions.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and magnetic properties of a salt containing [Cu2Cl7]3− and 4-nitrobenzyl-4′-dimethylaminopyridinium

A new salt, [NO₂BzDMAP]₃[Cu₂Cl₇]?·?H₂O (1), has been synthesized, where [NO₂BzDMAP]⁺ is 1-(4′-nitrobenzyl)-4-dimethylaminopyridinium. Herein, the synthesis, spectral and structural characterization, and magnetic behavior of 1 are reported. It is orthorhombic, with space group Pca2₁, and a?=?26.639(2)?Å, b?=?9.638(1)?Å, and c?=?20.011(2)?Å with V?=?5137.5(7)?ų for Z?=?4. The anion shows a chloride-bridged binuclear structure with Cu?···?Cu distance of 3.872?Å; the two Cu(II) ions have a tetrahedral geometry. The cations stack through p?···?π and π?···?π interactions, and a complicated hydrogen-bonding network structure is formed through C–H?···?Cl and C–H?···?O hydrogen bonds. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal that 1 exhibits strong antiferromagnetic interaction with J?=??193.0?cm^?1.     

Four silver-containing coordination polymers based on bis(imidazole) ligands

Four coordination polymers, [Ag(L¹)](m-Hbdc) (1), [Ag(L¹)]₂(p-bdc)?·?8H₂O (2), [Ag(Hbtc)(L¹)][Ag(L¹)]?·?2H₂O (3) and [Ag₂(L²)₂](OH-bdc)₂?·?4H₂O (4), where L¹?=?1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), L²?=?1,2-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, m-H₂bdc?=?1,3-benzenedicarboxylic acid, p-H₂bdc?=?1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, H₃btc?=?1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, and OH–H₂bdc?=?5-hydroxisophthalic acid, were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compound 1 contains a–Ag-L¹–Ag-L¹–chain and a hydrogen-bonding interaction induced–(m-Hbdc)-(m-Hbdc)–chain. Compound 2 consists of two independent–Ag-L¹–Ag-L¹–chains. P-bdc anions are not coordinated. Hydrogen bonds form a 3D supramolecular structure. A novel (H₂O)₁₆ cluster is formed by lattice water molecules in 2. Compound 3 contains a–Ag-L¹–Ag-L¹–and a–Ag(Hbtc)-L¹–Ag(Hbtc)-L¹–chain. The packing diagram shows a 2D criss-cross supramolecular structure, with?π?···?π?and C–H ···?π?interactions stabilizing the framework. Compound 4 contains a [Ag₂(L²)₂]²⁺ dimer with hydrogen-bonding,?π?··· π, and Ag ··· O interactions forming a 3D supramolecular framework. The luminescent properties for these compounds in the solid state are discussed.     

Self-assembly of copper(II) complexes with substituted aroylhydrazones and monodentate N-heterocycles: synthesis,structure and properties

Two ternary copper(II) complexes [Cu(L¹)(py)] (1) and [Cu(L²)(Himdz]?·?CH₃OH (2) with substituted aroylhydrazones, 5-bromo-salicylaldehyde-3,5-dimethoxy-benzoylhydrazone (H₂L¹) and 5-bromo-salicylaldehyde-p-methyl-benzoylhydrazone (H₂L²), pyridine (py) and imidazole (Himdz), have been synthesized. Their crystal structures and spectroscopic properties have been studied. In each complex, the metal is in a square-planar N₂O₂ coordination formed by the phenolate-O, the imine-N and the deprotonated amide-O atoms of L^2?, and the sp²?N atom of the neutral heterocycle. In the solid state, 1 exists as a centrosymmetric dimer due to very weak apical coordination of the metal bound phenolate-O. Complex 2 has no such apical coordination and exists as a monomer. Self-assembly via C–H?···?O, N–H?···?O and O–H?···?N interaction leads to a one-dimensional chain arrangement; other non-covalent interactions such as C–H?···?π and π?···?π are not involved.     

Different coordination modes and supramolecular aggregations in copper(II) pentane-2,4-dionato compounds with 2-pyridone and 3-hydroxypyridine

Abstract  

Copper(II) bis(pentane-2,4-dionato-κ² O,O′) compounds with 2-pyridone (1) and 3-hydroxypyridine (2) were prepared by the reaction of bis(pentane-2,4-dionato-κ² O,O′)copper(II) with selected ligands. The coordination of Cu(II) in both compounds is square pyramidal with the fifth coordination site occupied by the carbonyl oxygen atom of the 2-pyridone ligand in 1 and by the nitrogen atom of 3-hydroxypyridine in 2. The X-ray crystallographic studies revealed different crystal aggregation influenced by the ability of the 2-pyridone ligand to act as a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, and 3-hydroxypyridine acting only as a hydrogen bond donor. Intermolecular N–H···O hydrogen bonding forms dimers in 1 and infinite chains in 2. Three-dimensional aggregation is achieved by π–π interactions and C–H···π (arene) hydrogen bonding.     

Self-assembly of ionic triorganotin(IV) complexes of tetrafluorophthalic acid with a tetranuclear macrocyclic or polymeric structure: syntheses,characterization and crystal structures

Four triorganotin(IV) complexes constructed from tetrafluorophthalic acid (H₂tfp) with a 1?:?1?:?1 molar ratio of H₂tfp: Et₃N: R₃SnCl gave two of type {[R₃Sn (tfp)].Et₃NH}₄ (R?=?Me 1, R?=?n-Bu 2), and two of type [R₃Sn (tfp).Et₃NH] _n (R?=?PhCH₂ 3, Ph 4). All the complexes are characterized by elemental, IR, ¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR analyses. Complexes 1 and 4 were also confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is tetranuclear with a 28-membered C₁₆O₈Sn₄ macrocyclic ring system with a cavity. The supramolecular structure of 1 has been found to consist of a three-dimensional network built up by intermolecular N–H?···?O, C–H?···?O hydrogen bonds and C–F?···?F weak interactions. Complex 4 is an infinite polymeric structure. The salient feature of the supramolecular structure of 4 is that of a two-dimensional plane, in which intermolecular N–H?···?O and C–H?···?π hydrogen bonds are important.     

Formation of a 1-D metal–water chain and a 2-D water–sulfate layer containing cyclic water octamers in a 3-D supramolecular network

A new tetranuclear complex, {[Cu(phen)(OH)]₄(H₂O)₂}?·?(SO₄)₂?·?8H₂O (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis, IR, TG, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 exhibits a 3-D supramolecular network with a 1-D metal–water chain consisting of tetranuclear hydroxo-bridged copper(II) clusters and water octamers and a 2-D water–sulfate layer containing cyclic water octamers with five types of O–H?···?O hydrogen-bonding motifs. The free ligand and its complex were screened for antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.     

A tetradentate bisoxime and its supramolecular nickel(II) cluster: synthesis,crystal structure,and spectral properties

Salen-type bisoxime 5,5′-dimethoxy-2,2′-[(ethylenedioxy)bis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol (H₂L) and its trinuclear Ni(II) cluster {[(NiL)(n-BuOH)]₂(μ-OAc)₂Ni}?·?n-BuOH have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of H₂L adopts an L-shape conformation where the two salicylaldoxime moieties are well separated. In the trinuclear Ni(II) cluster, two acetates coordinate to three Ni(II)'s through Ni–O–C–O–Ni bridges, four μ-phenoxos from two [NiL(n-BuOH)] units also coordinate to Ni(II), and two n-butanols coordinate to two terminal Ni(II)'s forming a distorted octahedral geometry. The Ni–O–C–O–Ni and μ-phenoxo bridges play important roles in assembling Ni(II) and the ligands. H₂L forms a rectangle-like large cave structure through O–H?···?N, C–H?···?O, and C–H?···?π hydrogen-bond interactions, whereas its trinuclear Ni(II) cluster exhibits a 3-D supramolecular network structure through intermolecular O–H?···?O, C–H?···?O, and C–H?···?π hydrogen-bond interactions.     

Three double- or triple-stranded chains constructed from different cobalt(II) salts and a flexible bis-triazole ligand

Three coordination compounds, {[Co(btrp)₂(H₂O)₂]?·?NO₃?·?H₂O} _n (1), {[Co(btrp)₂(H₂O)₂]?·?H₂O?·?2H₂btc} _n (2), and {[Co(btrp)₃]?·?2ClO₄} _n (3) (btrp?=?1,3-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propane; H₃btc?=?benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid), have been prepared via solvothermal method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and elemental analyses. Compound 1 possesses a 1-D double-stranded chain composed of ribbons of 20-membered cycles. Binuclear water clusters link adjacent nitrate anions to form a 1-D supramolecular helix in the structure. Compound 2 has a 1-D double-stranded chain wherein free H₂btc ligands constitute 1-D negative chains through classical hydrogen-bonding interactions (O–H?···?O). Compound 3 exhibits a triple-stranded 1-D chain. For 1–3, 3-D supramolecular structures are consolidated by interchain weak hydrogen-bonding interactions as well as electrostatic interactions.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,and properties of two heterometallic Cu(II)–M(II) (M = Zn,Ni) oxamidato-bridged coordination complexes

Two heterometallic coordination complexes, {[Cu(aeop)Zn(H₂O)₃]₂?·?3H₂O} _n (1) and [Cu(aeop)Ni(H₂O)₄]?·?4H₂O (2) (H₄aeop?=?N-(2-aminoterephthalic acid)-N′-(1,3-propanediamine)oxamidate), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray crystal diffraction. Complex 1 features a 1-D chain constructed from neutral tetranuclear units. Complex 2 is a neutral binuclear complex. Through intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions, 2 gives a 3-D network structure. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (2–300?K) of 2 show a pronounced antiferromagnetic interaction between the copper(II) and nickel(II), and the exchange integral J is equal to ?42.7?cm^?1.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of two Co(II) coordination polymers based on 4,6-bis(4-methylbenzoyl)isophthalic acid and 4,4′-bipyridine

Two coordination complexes, [Co₂L₂(4,4′-bpy)₂(H₂O)₄]?·?6H₂O (1) and [CoL(4,4′-bpy)] (2) (H₂L?=?4,6-bis(4-methylbenzoyl)isophthalic acid and 4,4′-bpy?=?4,4′-bipyridine), have been synthesized with the same starting materials under conventional and hydrothermal condition, respectively. Their structures have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex 1 features a 2-D sheet structure (space group C2/c) with (4,4) grid units. The non-covalent interactions (O–H?·?·?·?O, C–H?·?·?·?π, and weak π??·?·?·?π interactions) extend 1 into a 3-D supramolecular network. Complex 2 displays a (3,5)-connected network (space group P 1) with a (4²?·?6)(4²?·?6⁸) topology.     

Three new coordination frameworks based on 2-ethyl-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate and 1,10-phenanthroline: syntheses,crystal structures,and luminescence

Three new coordination polymers based on 2-ethyl-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate with 1,10-phenanthroline as ligands, Pb(HEIDC)(phen)₂ (1), [Zn(EIDC)(phen)] _n (2), and {[Ba(H₂EIDC)₂(phen)]?·?(phen)₂?·?[Ba(H₂EIDC)(HEIDC)(phen)]} _n (3) (H₃EIDC?=?2-ethyl-1-Himidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate; phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 displays a tetranuclear square constructed of four Pb(II) centers, four HEIDC, and eight phen, resulting in a 3-D network with a 1-D open channel along the c-axis via C–H?···?O hydrogen bonds, C–H?···?π, and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 2 is an infinite zigzag chain resulting in the final 3-D supramolecular framework via C–H?···?O and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 3 is composed of two individual Ba chains, exhibiting a 3-D framework via O–H?···?O, O–H?···?N hydrogen bonds, and π–π stacking interactions. The photoluminescence spectra of 1 and 2 in the solid state have been investigated, 1 exhibits green photoluminescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

Synthesis,structure and magnetic properties of Ni2(NO3)4(APTY)4 (APTY=1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-{[(1 E )-pyridine-4-ylmethylene]amino}-1,2-dihydro-3 H -pyrazol-3-one)

A novel dinuclear nickel(II) complex Ni₂(NO₃)₄(APTY)₄ (1) (APTY?=?1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-4-{[(1E)-pyridine-4-ylmethylene]amino}-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one), was synthesized by solvothermal reaction of Ni(NO₃)₂?·?6H₂O with APTY in methanol at 353?K. The structure consists of centrosymmetric dimers resulting from octahedrally coordinated Ni atoms bridged by APTY ligands. Weak intermolecular interactions (C–H?···?N, C–H?···?O hydrogen bonding, C–H?···?π and π–π stacking interactions) are responsible for a supramolecular assembly of molecules in the lattice. Magnetic measurements over 1.8–300?K show weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Ni(II) ions with J?=?2.969?cm^?1, g?=?2.280, θ?=??5.903.     

Two binuclear complexes containing the enrofloxacinate anion: Cd2(C19H21N3O3F)4(H2O)2 · 4H2O and Pb2(C19H21N3O3F)4 · 4H2O

The syntheses and crystal structures of the closely related but non-isostructural Cd₂(C₁₉H₂₁N₃O₃F)₄(H₂O)₂?·?4H₂O (1) and Pb₂(C₁₉H₂₁N₃O₃F)₄?·?4H₂O (2) are described, where C₁₉H₂₁N₃O₃F^? is enrofloxacinate (enro). Both compounds contain centrosymmetric, binuclear, neutral complexes incorporating a central diamond-shaped M₂O₂ (M?=?Cd, Pb) structural unit. The Cd²⁺ coordination polyhedron in 1 is a CdO₆ trigonal prism, including one coordinated water. The Pb²⁺ coordination polyhedron in 2 can be described as a very distorted square-based PbO₅ pyramid, although two additional short Pb?···?O (<3.1?Å) contacts are also present. In the crystal of the cadmium complex, O–H?···?O hydrogen bonds lead to a layered structure. In the lead compound, O–H?···?O and O–H?···?N interactions lead to chains in the crystal. Crystal data: 1: C₇₆H₉₆Cd₂F₄N₁₂O₁₈, M _r?=?1766.45, triclinic, P 1, a?=?12.185(2)?Å, b?=?12.306(3)?Å, c?=?14.826(3)?Å, α?=?68.15(3)°, β?=?70.28(3)°, γ?=?86.11(3)°, V?=?1938.2(7)?ų, Z?=?1, T?=?298 K, R(F)?=?0.030, wR(F ²)?=?0.079. 2: C₇₆H₈₈F₄N₁₂O₁₆Pb₂, M _r?=?1920.00, triclinic, P 1, a?=?12.0283(4)?Å, b?=?12.7465(4)?Å, c?=?13.0585(4)?Å, α?=?83.751(1)°, β?=?74.635(1)°, γ?=?81.502(1)°, V?=?1904.3(1)?ų, Z?=?1, T?=?298?K, R(F)?=?0.021, wR(F ²)?=?0.049.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and fluorescence of an unexpected dialkoxo-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complex with bis(salen)-type tetraoxime

An unexpected dinuclear Cu(II) complex, [Cu₂(L²)₂] (H₂L^2?=?3-methoxysalicylaldehyde O-(2-hydroxyethyl)oxime), has been synthesized via complexation of Cu(II) acetate monohydrate with H₄L¹. Catalysis by Cu(II) results in unexpected cleavage of two N–O bonds in H₄L¹, giving a dialkoxo-bridged dinuclear Cu(II) complex possessing a Cu–O–Cu–O four-membered ring core instead of the usual bis(salen)-type tetraoxime Cu₃–N₄O₄ complex. Every complex links six other molecules into an infinite-layered supramolecular structure via 12 intermolecular C–H?···?O hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, Cu(II) complex exhibits purple emission with maximum emission wavelength λ_max?=?417?nm when excited with 312?nm.     

Two cadmium(II) addition compounds with 3-hydroxy-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonate containing aromatic diamines and their 3-D net

{[CdCl(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]⁺·[Cd(3-O^?-2,7-NDS)(2,2′-bipy)₂]^?·3H₂O} (1) and {[Cd(phen)₃]²⁺·2[Cd(3-O^?-2,7-NDS)(phen)₂]^?·8.5H₂O} (2) (3-OH-2,7-NDS?=?3-hydroxy-2,7-naphthalenedisulfonate, phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline, and 2,2′-bipy?=?2,2′-bipydine) were prepared and characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compound 1 contains a discrete coordination cation [CdCl(2,2′-bipy)₂(H₂O)]⁺ and a coordination anion [Cd(3-O^?-2,7-NDS)(2,2′-bipy)₂]^?; 2 contains a discrete coordination cation [Cd(phen)₃]²⁺ and two coordination anions [Cd(3-O^?-2,7-NDS)(phen)₂]^?. There are numerous weak interactions among the coordination cation, coordination anion, and free water molecules, such as O–H?···?O hydrogen bonds, π?···?π stacking, and Cl^??···?π interactions in 1 and π?···?π stacking and C–H?···?π interactions in 2. The cations and anions as building blocks are connected to construct different 3-D supramolecular architectures via weak intermolecular interactions. Particularly, the capsule structure of 1 was observed.     

Syntheses and structural characterizations of three transition metal coordination complexes based on flexible 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate (2,4-DCP)

Three transition metal coordination complexes, {[Co(2,4-DCP)₂(μ ₂-H₂O)(H₂O)₂]?·?(H₂O)₂} _n (1), [Zn(2,4-DCP)(IN)] _n (2), and [Mn₂(2,4-DCP)₃(DMPY)₂(μ ₂-H₂O)(H₂O)]?·?(2,4-DCP)?·?0.2(H₂O) (3) (2,4-DCP?=?2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate, IN?=?isonicotinate, DMPY?=?5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 displays a 1-D chain through cobalt and bridging water molecules with Co?···?Co distance of 4.028(2)?Å. Complex 2 shows a 2-D (4,4) net, which is extended into a 3-D supramolecular framework by weak hydrogen-bonding interactions. Complex 3 consists of discrete dinuclear cations, 2,4-DCP counter ions and free water molecules, which are assembled into a packing structure through π?···?π stacking of inversion-related DMPY ligands and hydrogen bonds. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interactions in 1. The photoluminescence and lifetime of 2 in the solid state have also been studied.     

Preparations,IR spectra and crystal structures of cyano-bridged bimetallic complexes of zinc(II) and cadmium(II) with tetracyanopalladate(II)

The novel heteronuclear compounds [Zn(hydet-en)₂Pd(CN)₄] (1) and [Cd(hydet-en)₂Pd(CN)₄] (2) {hydet-en: N-(2-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediamine)} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses and IR spectra. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. Structural analysis shows that both compounds have shown a polymeric chain, in which the Zn(II)/Pd(II) and Cd(II)/Pd(II) centres are linked by two CN groups. Both zinc and cadmium atoms are six coordinate with two trans cyanide–nitrogen and four hydet-en N atoms in a distorted octahedron arrangement; the palladium atoms in 1 and 2 are four coordinate with four cyanide-C atoms in a square planar arrangement. The chains in both compounds are connected through weak interchain hydrogen bonds, N–H?···?O, N–H?···?N and O–H?···?N, thereby forming a three-dimensional network.