Syntheses and characterizations of nine coordination polymers of transition metals with carboxylate anions and bis(imidazole) ligands

Nine new compounds, namely [CuL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (1), [ZnL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (2), [MnL1(biim-6)] · H₂O (3), [MnL1(biim-4)] (4), [Co₂(L2)₂(biim-5)₃ · 6H₂O] · 8H₂O (5), [ZnL3(biim-6)] (6), [ZnL3(biim-5)] (7), [CdL3(biim-5) · 1.5H₂O] · 0.5H₂O (8) and [CdL4(biim-6) · 2H₂O] (9) [where L1 = oxalate anion, L2 = fumarate anion, L3 = phthalate anion, L4 = p-phthalate anion, biim-4 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), biim-5 = 1,1′-(1,5-pentanedidyl)bis(imidazole) and biim-6 = 1,1′-(1,6-hexanedidyl)bis(imidazole)] were successfully synthesized. Compounds 1–3 are isostructural, and display 2D polymeric structures. Compound 4 shows a threefold interpenetrating diamondoid framework. In compound 5, the anions act as counterions, and the metal cations are bridged by bis(imidazole) ligands to form 1D polymeric chains. Compounds 6–9 show 2D polymeric structures. The magnetic properties for 1, 3 and 4 and luminescent properties for 2 and 6–9 are discussed. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) for these compounds are also discussed.     

Five novel transition metal coordination polymers with 2D/3D framework structure based on flexible H2tzda and ancillary ligand bpe

Five new transition metal coordination polymers based on H₂tzda and co-ligand bpe, {[M(tzda)(bpe)]·H₂O}_n [M=Zn(1), Cd(2), Mn(3), Co(4)] and [Ni₂(tzda)₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)]_n (5) [H₂tzda=(1,3,4-thiadiazole-2,5-diyldithio)diacetic acid, bpe=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane], have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Compounds 1-4 feature a 2D-layered architecture generated from [M(tzda)]_n moiety with double-chain structure cross-linking bpe spacers. However, the conformations bpe adopts in 3 and 4 are different from those in 1 and 2 due to the rotation of C-C single bond in bpe. Polymer 5 exhibits an interesting 3D porous framework with 2-fold interpenetration, in which intriguing 1D double helix chains are observed. The photoluminescence properties of 1 and 2 in the solid-state at room temperature are investigated. In addition, variable-temperature magnetic data show weak antiferromagnetic behavior in 3-5.     

Syntheses, structures and photoluminescence of a series of coordination frameworks based on dicarboxylate anion and bis(imidazole) ligand

In this article, ten new coordination frameworks, namely, [Ni(H₂O)₆]·(L3) (1), [Zn(L3)(H₂O)₃] (2), [Cd(L3)(H₂O)₃]·5.25H₂O (3), [Ag(L1)(H₂O)]·0.5(L3) (4), [Ni(L3)(L1)] (5), [Zn(L3)(L1)_0.5]·H₂O (6), [Cd(L3)(L1)_0.5(H₂O)] (7), [CoCl(L3)_0.5(L1)_0.5] (8), [ZnCl(L3)_0.5(L2)_0.5] (9), and [CoCl(L3)_0.5(L2)_0.5] (10), where L1 = 1,1′-(1,4)-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), L2 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(2-ethylbenzimidazole) and H₂L3 = 3,3′-(p-xylylenediamino)bis(benzoic acid), have been synthesized by varying the metal centers and nitrogen-containing secondary ligands. These structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses and IR spectra. In 1, the L3 anion is not coordinated to the Ni(II) center as a free ligand. The Ni(II) ion is coordinated by water molecules to form the cationic [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ complex. The hydrogen bonds between L3 anions and [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ cations result in a three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure of 1. In compounds 2 and 3, the metal centers are linked by the organic L3 anions to generate 1D infinite chain structures, respectively. The hydrogen bonds between carboxylate oxygen atoms and water molecules lead the structures of 2 and 3 to form 3D supramolecular structures. In 4, the L3 anion is not coordinated to the Ag(I) center, while the L1 ligands bridge adjacent Ag(I) centers to give 1D Ag-L1 chains. The hydrogen bonds among neighboring L3 anions form infinite 2D honeycomb-like layers, in the middle of which there exist large windows. Then, 1D Ag-L1 chains thread in the large windows of the 2D layer network, giving a 3D polythreaded structure. Considering the hydrogen bonds between the water molecules and L3 anions, the structure is further linked into a 3D supramolecular structure. Compounds 5 and 7 were synthesized through their parent compounds 1 and 3, respectively, while 6 and 9 were obtained by their parent compound 2. In 5, the L3 anions and L1 ligands connect the Ni(II) atoms to give a 3D 3-fold interpenetrating dimondoid topology. Compound 6 exhibits a 3D three-fold interpenetrating α-Po network structure formed by L1 ligands connecting Zn-L3 sheets, while compound 7 shows a 2D (4,4) network topology with the L1 ligands connecting the Cd-L3 double chains. In compound 8, the L1 ligands linked Co-L3 chains into a 2D layer structure. Two mutual 2D layers interpenetrated in an inclined mode to generate a unique 3D architecture of 8. Compounds 9 and 10 display the same 2D layer structures with (4,4) network topologies. The effects of the N-containing ligands and the metal ions on the structures of the complexes 1-10 were discussed. In addition, the luminescent properties of compounds 2-4, 6, 7 and 9 were also investigated.     

Syntheses,topological networks and properties of four complexes based on 4-amino-3,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole ligand

Reactions of metal acetates with 4-amino-3,5-bis(3-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazole (3-abpt) and co-ligands gave rise to four new complexes, namely [Zn₂(3-abpt)(beta)(DMF) (H₂O)₂]_n·nH₂O (1), [Zn(3-abpt)(ip)]_n·3nH₂O (2), [Zn(3-abpt)(ip)(H₂O)₂]_n·2nH₂O (3), and [Cu₂(3-abpt)₂(C₆H₅COO)₄(H₂O)₂]_n·2nH₂O (4) (ip = isophthalate, beta = 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylate). Compound 1 is a 3D coordination polymer with uncommon 3,4-connected (6².8)₂(6².8².10²) network. Compounds 2–4 are all 1D coordination polymers, which exhibit diversity structures. Compound 2 is a tubular-like chain, 3 is a ring-like network, and 4 is a zigzag chain. Their thermal stabilities and the photoluminescence of 1 have also been investigated.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and photoluminescent properties of lanthanide supramolecular complexes with 4-oxo-1(4H)-quinolineacetate

Five new lanthanide supramolecular complexes, namely, [Sm(oqa)₂(H₂O)₄]₂ (ClO₄)₂·(bpy)₂ (1), [Ln(oqa)₃]·2H₂O [Ln=Sm(2), Gd(3)] and [Ln(oqa)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)] [Ln=Pr(4), Eu(5)] (oqa=4-oxo-1(4H)-quinolineacetate, bpy=4,4′-bipyridine), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. These complexes exhibit three typical structure features. Complex 1 possesses a dimeric structure, which is further connected together through hydrogen bonds and π-π attractions, forming a 3D supramolecular framework. Compounds 2-3 are isomorphous and contain 1D ring-like chains, which are further interconnected by the oqa ligands into 2D sheet-like structures. 4 and 5 exhibit eight-connected 3D network of 4²⁴·6⁴-bcu topology. The various coordination modes of carboxylate ligands and the selection of the counterions have clearly affected the topological structures. Furthermore, the solid-state luminescent properties of complexes 1, 2 and 5 were investigated at room temperature and they show intense, characteristic emissions in the visible region.     

Hydrothermal assembly of (3,6)-connected networks with classical mineral structures constructed from Anderson-type heteropolymolybdate and metal cations

A series of 3D heteropolymolybdates, (NH₄)₂{[M(H₂O)₃]₂[TeMo₆O₂₄]}·H₂O (M=Mn(1), Co(2), Ni(3), Cu(4), and Zn(5)) and [Ln(H₂O)₄]₂[TeMo₆O₂₄]·3H₂O (Ln=La(6), Ce(7), and Nd(8)), has been isolated from hydrothermal reactions and characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, X-ray crystallography and magnetic properties. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that compounds 1-8 possess unusual (3,6)-connected networks constructed from Anderson-type anions [TeMo₆O₂₄]⁶⁻ and transion metal or rare-earth metal cations. Compounds 1-5 are of highly symmetrical structures with pyrite-like topology in which [TeMo₆O₂₄]⁶⁻ anions act as 6-connected sites and transition metal cations act as 3-connected sites. Compounds 6-8 crystallize in symmetrical space groups lower than that of 1-5 exhibiting rutile-like topology with [TeMo₆O₂₄]⁶⁻ anions acting as 6-connected sites and rare-earth metal cations acting as 3-connected sites. The magnetic properties of 1-4 are also presented.     

A series of Cd(II) complexes with π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions: Structural diversities by varying the ligands

Seven new Cd(II) complexes consisting of different phenanthroline derivatives and organic acid ligands, formulated as [Cd(PIP)₂(dnba)₂] (1), [Cd(PIP)(ox)]·H₂O (2), [Cd(PIP)(1,4-bdc)(H₂O)]·4H₂O (3), [Cd(3-PIP)₂(H₂O)₂]·4H₂O (4), [Cd₂(3-PIP)₄(4,4′-bpdc)(H₂O)₂]·5H₂O (5), [Cd(3-PIP)(nip)(H₂O)]·H₂O (6), [Cd₂(TIP)₄(4,4′-bpdc)(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (7) (PIP=2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f]1,10-phenanthroline, 3-PIP=2-(3-pyridyl)imidazo[4,5-f]1,10-phenanthroline, TIP=2-(2-thienyl)imidazo[4,5-f]1,10-phenanthroline, Hdnba=3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, H₂ox=oxalic acid, 1,4-H₂bdc=benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, 4,4′-H₂bpdc=biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxylic acid, H₂nip=5-nitroisophthalic acid) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Complexes 1 and 4 possess mononuclear structures; complexes 5 and 7 are isostructural and have dinuclear structures; complexes 2 and 3 feature 1D chain structures; complex 6 contains 1D double chain, which are further extended to a 3D supramolecular structure by π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions. The N-donor ligands with extended π-system and organic acid ligands play a crucial role in the formation of the final supramolecular frameworks. Moreover, thermal properties and fluorescence of 1-7 are also investigated.     

A series of 2D lanthanide (III) coordination polymers constructed from 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylate

Reactions of 2-(pyridine-3-yl)-1H-4,5-imidazoledicarboxylic acid (H₃PyIDC) with a series of Ln(III) ions affords ten coordination polymers, namely, {[Ln(H₂PyIDC)(HPyIDC)(H₂O)₂]·H₂O}_n [Ln=Nd (1), Sm (2), Eu (3) and Gd (4)], {[Ln(HPyIDC)(H₂O)₃]·(H₂PyIDC)·H₂O}_n [Ln=Gd (5), Tb (6), Dy (7), Ho (8) and Er (9)], and {[Y₂(HPyIDC)₂(H₂O)₅]·(bpy)·(NO₃)₂·3H₂O}_n (10) (bpy=4,4′-bipyridine). They exhibit three types of networks: complexes 1-4 are isomorphous coordination networks containing neutral 2D metal-organic layers, while complexes 5-9 are isomorphous, which consist of cationic metal-organic layers and anionic organic layers, and complex 10 is a 2D network built up from 4-connected HPyIDC²⁻ anion and 4-connected Y(III) ions. In addition, thermogravimetric analyses and solid-state luminescent properties of the selected complexes are investigated. They exhibit intense, characteristic emissions in the visible region at room temperature.     

Structure modulation of metal–organic frameworks via reaction pH: Self-assembly of a new carboxylate containing ligand N-(3-carboxyphenyl)iminodiacetic acid with cadmium(II) and cobalt(II) salts

Self-assembly of a new carboxylate containing ligand, N-(3-carboxyphenyl)iminodiacetic acid (H₃L), with Cd(II) and Co(II) salts under different reaction pH results in the formation of four new coordination polymers, namely [Cd(HL)(H₂O)] (1), [Co(HL)(H₂O)] (2), [Cd(HL)(H₂O)₄] (3) and [Cd₃(L)₂(H₂O)₉] · 7H₂O (4). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis indicates that 1 and 2 are isomorphous and isostructural with a 2D wave-like network structure, while 3 has a 1D zigzag chain structure. The complexes 1–3 were obtained at low pH (<7) which makes the ligands only partly deprotonated. However, complex 4, obtained at pH 7 with all the carboxylate groups deprotonated, exhibits a 2D network structure. The results suggest that the reaction pH is one of the key factors in the formation of the coordination architectures. In addition, the photoluminescence properties of the free ligand (H₃L) and complexes 1, 3 and 4 were studied in the solid state at room temperature. Moreover, the magnetic property of complex 2 was investigated.     

Syntheses,crystal structures,and magnetic and luminescent properties of a series of lanthanide coordination polymers with chelidamic acid ligand

A series of lanthanide(III) complexes with chelidamic acid ligand, [Ln(C₇H₂NO₅)·3H₂O]_n·nH₂O (Ln = La (1), Y (2), Sm (3), and Nd (4)), [Gd₂(C₇H₂NO₅)₃·4H₂O]_n·2nH₂O (5) and [Ce(C₇H₂NO₅)·1.5H₂O]_n (6), have been synthesized by hydrothermal method and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1–4 are isostructural and possess 2D framework. Complex 5 contains two different Gd(III) ions linked through carboxylate group to form a 2D framework. Complex 6 exhibits a (4⁴) topology 2D network. The variable-temperature magnetic properties of 3 and 5 have been investigated. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of 1, 2, 3, and 5 at room temperature were also studied.     

Syntheses, structures and luminescent properties of a series of 3D lanthanide coordination polymers with tripodal semirigid ligand

Reactions of the tripodal bridging ligand 5-(4-carboxy-phenoxy)-isophthalic acid (abbreviated as H₃cpia) with lanthanide salts lead to the formation of a family of different coordination polymers, that is, [Ln(cpia)(H₂O)₂]_n·nH₂O (Ln=Ce (1), Pr (2), Nd (3), Sm (4), Eu (5), Gd (6), Dy (7), Er (8), Tm (9) and Y (10)) in the presence of formic acid or diethylamine, which are characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), XRPD spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1-10 are isostructural and exhibit three-dimensional microporous frameworks. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of 4, 5 and 7 have been studied in detail.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and photoluminescent properties of four lanthanide 5-nitroisophthalate coordination polymers

Four new lanthanide coordination polymers, [Y(Hnip)(nip)(H₂O)]·H₂O (1), [Ln(Hnip)(nip)(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O [Ln=Eu(2), Tb(3)] and [Y(nip)₂]·(H₂4,4′-bpy)_0.5 (4) [5-nip=5-nitroisophthalate, 4,4′-bpy=4,4′-bipyridine], have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 features novel lanthanide-carboxylate groups chains composed of three samehanded helical strands intersecting each other through hinged lanthanide atoms, and these chains are cross-linked by phenylene moieties of carboxylate ligands into a 2D layer structure. Compounds 2 and 3 are isomorphous, and contain 1D catenanelike Ln-O-C-O-Ln chains, which are interconnected by phenylene moieties into 2D layer structures. Compound 4, however, displays a 3D architecture sustained by strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the protonated 4,4′-bpy and the carboxyl oxygen atom from [Y₂(nip)₄]²⁻ with 2D layer structure, and 4,4′-bpy as the guest molecules exist in bilayer channel. The studies for the thermal stabilities of the four compounds show that compound 4 is more stable than other compounds. Compound 2 emits characteristic red luminescence of Eu³⁺ ions at room temperature, and its luminescent lifetime and quantum efficiency has been determined.     

Syntheses, structures, and photoluminescence of three-dimensional lanthanide coordination polymers with 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid

Four new open-framework coordination polymers of lanthanide 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylates, with the formulas Pr2(pydc)₃(H₂O)₂ (1), Ln(pydc)(Hpydc) (Ln=Tb (2), Er (3), Eu (5)), and Gd(pydc)(nic)(H₂O) (4) (H₂pydc=2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, Hnic=nicotinic acid), have been hydrothermally synthesized and four of them (except Eu (5)) have been structurally characterized. Complex 1 consists of two types of ligand-binding modes contributing to link the PrO₇N(H₂O) polyhedral chains to three-dimensional (3D) open-framework architecture. Complexes 2 and 3 are isostructural and feature unique 3D cage-like supramolecular frameworks remarkably different from that of 1, owing to the different ligand-bridging pattern. Complex 4, however, has the distinct 3D open-framework architecture due to the presence of unexpected nicotinate ligands, which may be derived from pydc ligands via in-situ decarboxylation under the hydrothermal condition.     

The tunable coordination architectures of a flexible multicarboxylate N-(4-carboxyphenyl)iminodiacetic acid via different metal ions, pH values and auxiliary ligand

{[Pb₃(CPIDA)₂(H₂O)₃]·H₂O}_n1, {[Cd₃(CPIDA)₂(H₂O)₄]·5H₂O}_n2, [Cd(HCPIDA)(bpy)(H₂O)]_n3 (bpy=4,4′-bipyridine) and {[Co₃(CPIDA)₂(bpy)₃(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O}_n4 were synthesized with N-(4-carboxyphenyl) iminodiacetic acid (H₃CPIDA). In 1, the CPIDA³⁻ ligands adopt chelating and bridging modes with Pb(II) to possess a 3D porous framework. In 2D-layer 2, the CPIDA³⁻ ligands display a simple bridging mode with Cd(II). The 2D layers have parallelogram-shaped channels along a axis. With bpy ligands, the HCPIDA²⁻ ligands in 3 show more abundant modes, but 3 still displays a 2D sheet on bc plane for the unidentate bpy molecules. However, in 3D-framework 4, the bpy ligands adopt bridging bidentate at a higher pH value and the CPIDA³⁻ ligands show bis-bidentate modes with Co(II). Additionally, 2D correlation analysis of FTIR was introduced to ascertain the characteristic adsorptions location of the carboxylate groups with different coordination modes in 4 with thermal and magnetic perturbation. Compounds 1, 2 and 4 exhibit the fluorescent emissions at room temperature.     

Syntheses and characterization of novel lanthanide adamantine-dicarboxylate coordination complexes

Hydrothermal reactions of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), 1,3-adamantanedicarboxylic acid (H₂L) and lanthanide chlorides yielded six compounds: [Ln(L)(HL)(phen)] (Ln=Pr, 1; Nd, 2), [Ln(L)(HL)(phen)(H₂O)] (Sm, 3; Eu, 4), [Tb(L)(HL)(phen)(H₂O)]₂·2H₂O (5), [Er₃(L)₄(OH)(phen)]₂ (6). Compounds 1-4 are structurally featured by one-dimensional polymeric chains; 5 hold binuclear structure constructed from eight-coordinated lanthanide center LnN₂O₆ of distorted bicapped trigonal prism bridged by dicarboxylate ligands; 6 shows that erbium ions are in mono and bicapped trigonal prismatic geometries, respectively, which are further connected by μ₃-OH to give rise to trinuclear structure. Thermogravimetric analyses of 1, 3 and 5 were performed. Fluorescent measurements of 4 and 5 were carried out, respectively.     

Bottom-up synthesis of three heterometallic coordination polymers with layered structures constructed from presynthesized [Sb2(tart)2] metalloligands

Self-assembly of presynthesized [Sb₂(tart)₂]²⁻ metalloligand as molecular building block with metal salts affords three unique heterometallic coordination polymers, namely, {[Ln(H₂O)₆][Sb₂(tart)₂]}Cl·5H₂O (Ln = La (1), Pr (2)) and {[Ba₂(H₂O)₇][Sb₂(tart)₂]₂}·4H₂O (3), (tart = tartaric acid). Their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectra, and TG analyses. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural and represent the first examples of lanthanide-organic open frameworks containing [Sb₂(tart)₂]²⁻ metalloligands. The structures of 1 and 2 contain left-handed and right-handed layer, each built up from the same-handed helical chains. Compound 3 consists of two kinds of arm-shaped chiral layers, which alternately stack in a heterochiral fashion to yield a racemic 3D hydrogen-bonded network with 1D channels along the a axis. To the best of our knowledge, compounds 1-3 are the first 2D chiral layer frameworks constructed from [Sb₂(tart)₂]²⁻ metalloligands and rare-earth or alkaline-earth metal ions.     

New anion-templated 3D heterobimetallic open frameworks based on lanthanide-carboxylate layers and copper pillars

A series of new three-dimensional (3D) lanthanide-transition metal (4f-3d) heterobimetallic open frameworks, [Ln₂(1,2-bdc)₂(H₂O)₂ Cu(inic)₂](ClO₄) (Ln=Eu (1), Tb (2), Nd (3) and Sm (4); 1,2-bdc=1,2-benzenedicarboxylate; Hinic=isonicotinic acid) have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TG and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compounds 1-4 are isostructural. They possess a new anion-templated 3D heterobimetallic open framework, which is observed for the first time in the {Ln/TM/bdc/inic} (TM=transition metal) system. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit the characteristic fluorescent properties of Eu(III) and Tb(III), respectively.     

Solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of new Cu(II) complexes with phenylsuccinic acid

Five new Cu(II) complexes [Cu(psa)(phen)] · 3H₂O (1), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)] · 0.5H₂O (2), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)(H₂O)] · 3H₂O (3), [Cu(psa)(4bpy)] · H₂O (4), and [Cu(psa)_0.5(N₃)(2bpy)] (5) (H₂psa = phenylsuccinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, and 4bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were obtained under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2 and 3 were formed by one-pot reaction. In complex 2, Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated and locates at a slightly distorted square center. In complex 3, the coordinated water molecule occupies the axial site of Cu(II) ion forming a tetragonal pyramid geometry. Complexes 1 and 3 are of 1D chain structures, and extended into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. Complex 2 is of zipper structure, and further assembled into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 4 is a 3D CdSO₄-like structure with twofold interpenetration, while complex 5 is a dinuclear compound. The different structures of complexes 1–5 can be attributed to using the auxiliary ligands, indicating an important role of the auxiliary ligands in assembly and structure of the title complexes.     

Syntheses, structures and photoluminescence of a series of lanthanide-organic frameworks involving in situ ligand formation

A series of lanthanide-organic frameworks with aromatic pyridinecarboxylate ligand, generally formulated as [Ln(PYDC)(C₂O₄)_0.5(H₂O)₂]·H₂O (LnPr(1), Nd(2), Eu(3), Gd(4), Tb(5), Er(6); H₂PYDC3,4-pyridinedicarboxylic acid) have been successfully synthesized and characterized. Their isostructures are built up from one-dimensional (1D) infinite chains cross-linked via the tri-connected PYDC ligands, leading to the two-dimensional (2D) layer structure. The adjacent layers are further extended into three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular frameworks through hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. Interestingly, the oxalate bridging ligand is believed to form via in situ ligand synthesis through decarboxylation of the organic precursor, H₂PYDC. Complexes 3 and 5 exhibit strong fluorescent emissions in the visible region at room temperature.     

Synthesis and characterization of Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) coordination polymers containing bis(imidazolyl) ligands

Two structurally related flexible imidazolyl ligands, bis(N-imidazolyl)methane (L₁) and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)butane (L₂), were reacted with Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) salts of aliphatic/aromatic dicarboxylic acids resulting in the formation of a number of novel metal–organic coordination architectures, [CuB₂(ox)₂(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂] · 4H₂O (1) (ox = oxalate), [Cu(pdc)(L₂)_1.5] · 4H₂O (2, pdc = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate), [Co(L)₂(H₂O)₂](tp) · 4H₂O (3, tp = terephthalate), [Ni(L₁)₂(H₂O)₂](ip) · 5H₂O (4, ip = isophthalate), [Cu₂(L₁)₄(H₂O)₄](tp)₂ · 7H₂O (5), [Co(mal)(L₁)(H₂O)] · 0.5MeOH (6, mal = malonate), [Co(pdc)(L₁)(H₂O)] (7). All the complexes have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The different coordination modes of the dicarboxylate anions, due to their chain length, rigidity and diimidazolyl functionality, lead to a wide range of different coordination structures. The coordination polymers exhibit 1D single chain, ladder, 2D sheet and 2D network structures. The aliphatic and aromatic dicarboxylates can adopt chelating μ₂ and chelating-bridging μ₃ coordination modes, or act as uncoordinated counter anions. The central metal ions are coordinated in N₂O₄, N₄O₂, N₂O₃ and N₃O₃ fashions, depending on the ancillary ligands. The topology of 1 gives rise to macrocycles which are connected through hydrogen bonds to form 1D chains, whereas compound 2 exhibits a 1D polymeric ladder in which the carboxylate acts as a pincer ligand. Compounds 3–5 show doubly bridged 1D chains, and the dicarboxylate groups are not coordinated but form 2D corrugated sheets with water molecules intercalated between the cationic layers. Compound 6 has a 2D network sheet structure in which each metal ion links three neighboring Co atoms by the bis(N-imidazolyl)methane ligand. The cobalt compound 7, with a 2D polymeric double sheet structure, is built from pincer carboxylate (pdc) and 1,4-bis(N-imidazolyl)methane ligands.