Aza[6]helicene Platinum Complexes: Chirality Control of cis–trans Isomerism

It was serendipitously observed that cis‐[PtCl₂(NCEt)PPh₃] reacted differently with either racemic or enantiopure 4‐aza[6]helicene, giving respectively cis (racemic) and trans (enantiopure) [Pt^IICl₂(4‐aza[6]helicene)PPh₃] complexes. This unexpected reactivity is explained through a dynamic process (crystallization‐induced diastereoselective transformation) and enables a new aspect of reactivity in chiral transition‐metal complexes to be addressed.     

Chiral and extended π-conjugated bis(2-pyridyl)phospholes as assembling N,P,N pincers for coordination-driven synthesis of supramolecular [2,2]paracyclophane analogues

Chiral, π-conjugated 3,4-butano-1-phenyl-2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)phosphole derivatives 1a(2,2') and 1a(3) with chiral trans-1,2-diol moieties and fused pinene derivatives, respectively, were prepared from the corresponding chiral diynes by using the Fagan-Nugent method. Their UV/Vis absorption and chiroptical properties (optical rotation and circular dichroism) were studied. Their behavior as N,P,N chelates towards coordination of Cu(I) and formation of chiral supramolecular assemblies with π-conjugated ditopic dicyano ligands was investigated. Chiral C(2)-symmetric rectangles that are [2,2]paracyclophane analogues were obtained, as demonstrated by X-ray crystallography. During the course of this study, the first stable water-soluble phosphole derivative (1a(2)·2 HCl) was prepared. Furthermore, achiral 3,4-butano-1-phenyl-2,5-bis(aza[4]helicene)phosphole 1a(4) was synthesized and displays extended π conjugation. A supramolecular rectangle was obtained by coordination to Cu(I) and assembly with a dicyano stilbene. This coordination-driven supramolecular assembly contains a total of four aza[4]helicene moieties and displays two types of π-π stacking interactions in the solid state, that is, between two helicene moieties and between one helicene and a bridging dicyano ligand. All the supramolecular arrangements are discussed by comparing them with previous work on the parent 3,4-butano-1-phenyl-2,5-bis(2-pyridyl)phosphole.     

Supramolecular Polymers Self‐Assembled from trans‐Bis(pyridine) Dichloropalladium(II) and Platinum(II) Complexes

Two structurally similar trans‐bis(pyridine) dichloropalladium(II)‐ and platinum(II)‐type complexes were synthesized and characterized. They both self‐assemble in n‐hexane to form viscous fluids at lower concentrations, but form metallogels at sufficient concentrations. The viscous solutions were studied by capillary viscosity measurements and UV/Vis absorption spectra monitored during the disassembly process indicated that a metallophilic interaction was involved in the supramolecular polymerization process. For the two supramolecular assemblies, uncommon continuous porous networks were observed by using SEM and TEM revealed that they were built from nanofibers that fused and crosslinked with the increase of concentration. The xerogels of the palladium and platinum complexes were carefully studied by using synchrotron radiation WAXD and EXAFS. The WAXD data show close stacking distances driven by π–π and metal–metal interactions and an evident dimer structure for the platinum complex was found. The coordination bond lengths were extracted from fitting of the EXAFS data. Moreover, close Pt^II–Pt^II (Pd^II–Pd^II) and Pt?Cl (Pd?Cl) interactions proposed from DFT calculations in the reported oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE)‐based palladium(II) pyridyl supramolecular polymers were also confirmed by using EXAFS. The Pt^II–Pt^II interaction is more feasible for supramolecular interaction than the Pd^II–Pd^II interaction in our simple case.     

α,α′‐Diarylacenaphtho[1,2‐c]phosphole P‐Oxides: Divergent Synthesis and Application to Cathode Buffer Layers in Organic Photovoltaics

A divergent method for the synthesis of α,α′‐diarylacenaphtho[1,2‐c]phosphole P‐oxides has been established; α,α′‐dibromoacenaphtho[c]phosphole P‐oxide, which was prepared through a Ti^II‐mediated cyclization of 1,8‐bis(trimethylsilylethynyl)naphthalene, underwent a Stille coupling with three different kinds of aryltributylstannanes to afford the α,α′‐diarylacenaphtho[c]phosphole P‐oxides in moderate to good yields. X‐ray crystallographic analyses and UV/Vis absorption/fluorescence measurements have revealed that the degree of π‐conjugation, the packing motif, the electron‐accepting ability, and the thermal stability of the acenaphtho[c]phosphole π‐systems are finely tunable with the α‐aryl substituents. All the P?O and P?S derivatives exhibited high stability in their electrochemically reduced state. To use this class of arene‐fused phosphole π‐systems as n‐type semiconducting materials, we evaluated device performances of the bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaics (OPV) that consist of poly(3‐hexylthiophene), an indene‐C₇₀ bisadduct, and a cathode buffer layer. The insertion of the diarylacenaphtho[c]phosphole P‐oxides as the buffer layer was found to improve the power conversion efficiency of the polymer‐based OPV devices.     

Ruthenium‐Grafted Vinylhelicenes: Chiroptical Properties and Redox Switching

The properties of mono‐ and bis‐Ru–vinyl[6]helicene complexes ( 2 a and 2 b , respectively), recently synthesized by using molecular engineering of helicenes based on the grafting of lateral organometallic substituents on the π‐helical backbone through a vinyl bridge, are presented. These helicene derivatives are thoroughly characterized, with special attention given to their chiroptical properties and redox switching activity. The UV/Vis and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of P and M enantiopure species, both in the neutral and oxidized states ([ 2 a ] ^{. +}, [ 2 b ] ^{. +}, and [ 2 b ]²⁺), are analyzed with the aid of quantum‐chemical calculations. The extended π‐conjugation facilitated by the vinyl moiety, clearly visible in the electronic structures of 2 a , b , introduces new active bands in the ECD spectra that consequently lead to a significant increase in optical rotation of Ru–vinylhelicenes compared with the organic precursors. The vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra were measured and calculated for both the organic and organometallic species and constitute the first examples of VCD for metal‐based helicene derivatives. Finally, the redox‐triggered chiroptical switching activity of 2 a , b is examined in detail by using ECD spectroscopy. The modifications of the ECD spectra in the UV/Vis and NIR region are well reproduced and rationalized by calculations.     

π‐Ruthenium Complexes of Hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1): A Triple‐Decker Complex Bearing Two Ruthenoarene Units

Ruthenium(II) π‐coordination onto [28]hexaphyrins(1.1.1.1.1.1) has been accomplished. Reactions of bis‐Au^III and mono‐Au^III complexes of hexakis(pentafluorophenyl) [28]hexaphyrin with [RuCl₂(p‐cymene)]₂ in the presence of NaOAc gave the corresponding π‐ruthenium complexes, in which the [(p‐cymene)Ru]^II fragment sat on the deprotonated side pyrrole. A similar reaction of the bis‐Pd^II [26]hexaphyrin complex afforded a triple‐decker complex, in which the two [(p‐cymene)Ru]^II fragments sat on both sides of the center of the [26]hexaphyrin framework.     

A two‐dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer based on 1‐cyanomethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane and thiocyanate ligands

A cadmium–thiocyanate complex, poly[(1‐cyanomethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane‐κ⁴N)octakis‐μ₂‐thiocyanato‐κ⁸N:S;κ⁸S:N‐tricadmium(II)], [Cd₃(C₈H₁₄N₃)₂(NCS)₈]_n, was synthesized by the reaction of 1‐cyanomethyl‐4‐aza‐1‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane chloride, cadmium nitrate tetrahydrate and potassium thiocyanide in aqueous solution. In the crystal structure, there are two independent types of Cd^II cation (one on a centre of inversion and one in a general position) and both are in distorted octahedral coordination environments, coordinated by N and S atoms from different ligands. Neighbouring Cd^II cations are linked together by thiocyanate bridges to form a two‐dimensional network. Hydrogen‐bonding interactions are involved in the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular network.     

RhII‐Catalyzed [3+2] Cycloaddition of 2 H‐Azirines with N‐Sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐Triazoles

Rh^II‐catalyzed intermolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of 2 H‐azirines with N‐sulfonyl‐1,2,3‐triazoles is disclosed, in which a series of fully functionalized pyrroles is produced via rhodium azavinyl carbene intermediates. A distinct feature of this reaction is that the azavinyl carbene serves as a [2 C] equivalent, instead of as [1 C] or aza‐[3 C] synthons, which have been reported previously in cyclopropanations and [3+n] cycloadditions. Moreover, this methodology has also been successfully applied in the total synthesis of URB447 as well as the formal synthesis of Atorvastatin (Lipitor).     

Nickel(II), palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-allyl-<Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>′-pyrimidin-2-ylthiourea

Platinum(II), palladium(II) and nickel(II) complexes with N-allyl-N′-pyrimidin-2-ylthiourea were synthesized in 1:1 and 1:2 [metal:ligand] stoichiometric ratios and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivities, magnetic susceptibilities and by i.r., u.v.-vis., ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r. and mass spectra. The ¹H- and ¹³C- n.m.r. chemical shifts reveal coordination of one pyrimidine-N and sulphur atoms to Pt^II and Pd^II. The i.r. spectra indicate that the ligand behaves as a neutral monodentate towards Ni^II; coordinates via a pyrimidine-N and as a bidendate towards Pd^II and Pt^II coordinates via thione-S and a pyrimidine-N. The magnetic moments and electronic spectral data suggest a square-planar geometry for Pt^II and Pd^II complexes, a mixture of square-planar and tetrahedral geometries for the tetracoordinate Ni^II complex and octahedral for the six-coordinate one. The E.I. mass spectra of the complexes showed some isotope ion peaks of [M]⁺ and fragments containing metals; assignments of fragments containing metal ions were supported by the appearance of their peaks among isotope clusters.     

Pd‐Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of 4‐Aza‐1,6‐enynes to 3‐Aza‐bicyclo[4.1.0]hept‐2‐enes

A method for the synthesis of bicyclo[4.1.0]heptenes from 1,6‐enynes through Pd‐catalyzed cycloisomerization has been developed. N‐ and O‐tethered 1,6‐enynes were successfully transformed to their corresponding 3‐aza‐ and 3‐oxabicyclo[4.1.0]heptenes in reasonable‐to‐high yields using the catalysts [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂]/P(OPh)₃ or [Pd(maleimidate)₂(PPh₃)₂] in toluene. The computational calculations using density functional theory indicate that [PdCl₂{P(OPh)₃}] in the oxidation state Pd^II acts as the active catalyst species for the formation of 3‐azabicyclo[4.1.0]heptenes through 6‐endo‐dig cyclization.     

A potential molecular ferroelectric material: poly[[bis(1‐aza‐4‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane)di‐μ3‐chlorido‐tetra‐μ2‐chlorido‐dichloridotricadmium(II)] dihydrate]

The title compound, {[Cd₃(C₆H₁₃N₂)₂Cl₈]·2H₂O}_n, consists of pendant protonated cationic diamine ligands bonded to an anionic one‐dimensional coordination polymer chloridocadmate scaffold. Each coordination chain features two kinds of Cd^II centre, each with distorted octahedral coordination geometry. One Cd^II cation lies on a centre of inversion and is coordinated by six bridging chloride ligands, while the other is coordinated by four bridging chloride ligands, one terminal chloride ligand and a 1‐aza‐4‐azoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane aza N atom. This gives a reversible corner‐sharing half‐cubic linear polymer that lies along the crystallographic a direction. The chains interact through hydrogen bonding with solvent water, with each water molecule accepting one N—H...O interaction from a cation and donating to two O—H...Cl interactions with anionic chains, thus linking three separate chains and completing the packing structure.     

A one‐dimensional coordination polymer of 5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid with CuII cations

5‐[(Imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂L) was synthesized and the dimethylformamide‐ and dimethylacetamide‐solvated structures of its adducts with Cu^II, namely catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis[μ‐3‐carboxy‐5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[Cu(C₁₂H₉N₂O₄)₂]·2C₃H₇NO}_n, (I), and catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis[μ‐3‐carboxy‐5‐[(imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]benzoato]] dimethylacetamide disolvate], {[Cu(C₁₂H₉N₂O₄)₂]·2C₄H₉NO}_n, (II), the formation of which are associated with mono‐deprotonation of H₂L. The two structures are isomorphous and isometric. They consist of one‐dimensional coordination polymers of the organic ligand with Cu^II in a 2:1 ratio, [Cu(μ‐HL)₂]_n, crystallizing as the dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylacetamide (DMA) disolvates. The Cu^II cations are characterized by a coordination number of six, being located on centres of crystallographic inversion. In the polymeric chains, each Cu^II cation is linked to four neighbouring HL⁻ ligands, and the organic ligand is coordinated via Cu—O and Cu—N bonds to two Cu^II cations. In the corresponding crystal structures of (I) and (II), the coordination chains, aligned parallel to the c axis, are further interlinked by strong hydrogen bonds between the noncoordinated carboxy groups in one array and the coordinated carboxylate groups of neighbouring chains. Molecules of DMF and DMA (disordered) are accommodated at the interface between adjacent polymeric assemblies. This report provides the first structural evidence for the formation of coordination polymers with H₂Lvia multiple metal–ligand bonds through both carboxylate and imidazole groups.     

Synthesis and Structure–Property Relationships of 2,2′‐Bis(benzo[b]phosphole) and 2,2′‐Benzo[b]phosphole–Benzo[b]heterole Hybrid π Systems

The first comprehensive study of the synthesis and structure–property relationships of 2,2′‐bis(benzo[b]phosphole)s and 2,2′‐benzo[b]phosphole–benzo[b]heterole hybrid π systems is reported. 2‐Bromobenzo[b]phosphole P‐oxide underwent copper‐assisted homocoupling (Ullmann coupling) and palladium‐catalyzed cross‐coupling (Stille coupling) to give new classes of benzo[b]phosphole derivatives. The benzo[b]phosphole–benzo[b]thiophene and ‐indole derivatives were further converted to P,X‐bridged terphenylenes (X=S, N) by a palladium‐catalyzed oxidative cycloaddition reaction with 4‐octyne through the C_β? H activation. X‐ray analyses of three compounds showed that the benzo[b]phosphole‐benzo[b]heterole derivatives have coplanar π planes as a result of the effective conjugation through inter‐ring C? C bonds. The π–π* transition energies and redox potentials of the cis and trans isomers of bis(benzo[b]phosphole) P‐oxide are very close to each other, suggesting that their optical and electrochemical properties are little affected by the relative stereochemistry at the two phosphorus atoms. The optical properties of the benzo[b]phosphole–benzo[b]heterole hybrids are highly dependent on the benzo[b]heterole subunits. Steady‐state UV/Vis absorption/fluorescence spectroscopy, fluorescence lifetime measurements, and theoretical calculations of the non‐fused and acetylene‐fused benzo[b]phosphole–benzo[b]heterole π systems revealed that their emissive excited states consist of two different conformers in rapid equilibrium.     

The Metal–Metal‐to‐Ligand Charge Transfer Excited State and Supramolecular Polymerization of Luminescent Pincer PdII–Isocyanide Complexes

Pincer Pd^II–isocyanide complexes are described that display intermolecular interactions and emissive ³MMLCT excited states in aggregation state(s) at room temperature. The intermolecular Pd^II?Pd^II and ligand–ligand interactions drive these complexes to undergo supramolecular polymerization in a living manner. Comprehensive spectroscopic studies reveal a pathway with a kinetic trap that can be modulated by changing the counteranion and metal atom. The Pd^II supramolecular assemblies comprise two different aggregation forms with only one to be emissive. DFT/TDDFT calculations lend support to the MMLCT absorption and emission of these pincer Pd^II–isocyanide aggregates.     

New enantiopure palladium(II) complexes from a stereodynamic 2,2′‐biphosphole ligand

Two enantiopure palladium(II) complexes, viz. [1,1′‐(butane‐1,3‐diyl)‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetramethyl‐5,5′‐diphenyl‐2,2′‐biphosphole]dichloridopalladium(II) dichloromethane solvate [systematic name: dichlorido(1,2,5,10,11‐pentamethyl‐3,9‐diphenylperhydrodicyclopenta[a,c][1,4]diphosphepine‐κ²P,P′)palladium(II) dichloromethane solvate], [PdCl₂(C₂₈H₃₀P₂)]·CH₂Cl₂, have been synthesized from stereodynamic diphosphines derived from 2,2′‐biphosphole through a metal kinetic dynamic resolution. In both structures, the coordination around the metal atom is square planar, with a cis arrangement of the ligands that drastically reduces the dihedral angle between the two phosphole rings compared with the free ligand. The structural determination of both enantiomers unambiguously establishes the absolute configuration of both central and axial elements of chirality of the 2,2′‐biphosphole framework and indicates that the original carbon chirality of the backbone controls the chiralities of the 2,2′‐biphosphole framework.     

Luminescent Palladium(II) Complexes with π‐Extended Cyclometalated [RC^N^NR′] and Pentafluorophenylacetylide Ligands: Spectroscopic,Photophysical, and Photochemical Properties

A series of cyclometalated Pd^II complexes that contain π‐extended R? C^N^N? R′ (R? C^N^N? R′=3‐(6′‐aryl‐2′‐pyridinyl)isoquinoline) and chloride/pentafluorophenylacetylide ligands have been synthesized and their photophysical and photochemical properties examined. The complexes with the chloride ligand are emissive only in the solid state and in glassy solutions at 77 K, whereas the ones with the pentafluorophenylacetylide ligand show phosphorescence in the solid state (λ_max=584–632 nm) and in solution (λ_max=533–602 nm) at room temperature. Some of the complexes with the pentafluorophenylacetylide ligand show emission with λ_max at 585–602 nm upon an increase in the complex concentration in solutions. These Pd^II complexes can act as photosensitizers for the light‐induced aerobic oxidation of amines. In the presence of 0.1 mol % Pd^II complex, secondary amines can be oxidized to the corresponding imines with substrate conversions and product yields up to 100 and 99 %, respectively. In the presence of 0.15 mol % Pd^II complex, the oxidative cyanation of tertiary amines could be performed with product yields up to 91 %. The Pd^II complexes have also been used to sensitize photochemical hydrogen production with a three‐component system that comprises the Pd^II complex, [Co(dmgH)₂(py)Cl] (dmgH=dimethylglyoxime; py=pyridine), and triethanolamine, and a maximum turnover of hydrogen production of 175 in 4 h was achieved. The excited‐state electron‐transfer properties of the Pd^II complexes have been examined.     

Poly[diaqua(μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐κ2N:N′)bis(μ‐cyanido‐κ2C:N)bis(cyanido‐κC)nickel(II)copper(II)]: a metal–organic cyanide‐bridged framework

The structure of the title compound, [NiCu(CN)₄(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₂]_n or [{Cu(H₂O)₂}(μ‐C₁₀H₈N₂)(μ‐CN)₂{Ni(CN)₂}]_n, was shown to be a metal–organic cyanide‐bridged framework, composed essentially of –Cu–4,4′‐bpy–Cu–4,4′‐bpy–Cu– chains (4,4′‐bpy is 4,4′‐bipyridine) linked by [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ anions. Both metal atoms sit on special positions; the Cu^II atom occupies an inversion center, while the Ni^II atom of the cyanometallate sits on a twofold axis. The 4,4′‐bpy ligand is also situated about a center of symmetry, located at the center of the bridging C—C bond. The scientific impact of this structure lies in the unique manner in which the framework is built up. The arrangement of the –Cu–4,4′‐bpy–Cu–4,4′‐bpy–Cu– chains, which are mutually perpendicular and non‐intersecting, creates large channels running parallel to the c axis. Within these channels, the [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ anions coordinate to successive Cu^II atoms, forming zigzag –Cu—N[triple‐bond]C—Ni—C[triple‐bond]N—Cu– chains. In this manner, a three‐dimensional framework structure is constructed. To the authors' knowledge, this arrangement has not been observed in any of the many copper(II)–4,4′‐bipyridine framework complexes synthesized to date. The coordination environment of the Cu^II atom is completed by two water molecules. The framework is further strengthened by O—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the water molecules and the symmetry‐equivalent nonbridging cyanide N atoms.     

Poly[(μ4‐adamantane‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ5O1:O1′:O3,O3′:O3′)(μ3‐adamantane‐1,3‐dicarboxylato‐κ5O1,O1′:O3,O3′:O3′)dimagnesium]: a layered coordination polymer

The title compound, [Mg₂(C₁₂H₁₄O₄)₂]_n, is the first example of an s‐block metal adamantanedicarboxylate coordination polymer. The asymmetric unit comprises two crystallographically unique Mg^II centers and two adamantane‐1,3‐dicarboxylate ligands. The compound is constructed from a combination of chains of corner‐sharing magnesium‐centered polyhedra, parallel to the a axis, connected by organic linkers to form a layered polymer. The two Mg^II centers are present in distorted tetrahedral and octahedral coordination environments derived from carboxylate O atoms. Tetrahedrally coordinated Mg^II centers have been reported in organometallic compounds, but this is the first time that such coordination has been observed in a magnesium‐based coordination polymer. The bond valance sums of the two Mg^II centers are 2.05 and 2.11 valence units, matching well with the expected value of 2.     

A Theoretical Investigation into the Luminescent Properties of d8‐Transition‐Metal Complexes with Tetradentate Schiff Base Ligands

A theoretical investigation on the luminescence efficiency of a series of d⁸ transition‐metal Schiff base complexes was undertaken. The aim was to understand the different photophysics of [M‐salen]ⁿ complexes (salen=N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine; M=Pt, Pd (n=0); Au (n=+1)) in acetonitrile solutions at room temperature: [Pt‐salen] is phosphorescent and [Au‐salen]⁺ is fluorescent, but [Pd‐salen] is nonemissive. Based on the calculation results, it was proposed that incorporation of electron‐withdrawing groups at the 4‐position of the Schiff base ligand should widen the ³MLCT–³MC gap (MLCT=metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer and MC=metal centered, that is, the dd excited state); thus permitting phosphorescence of the corresponding Pd^II Schiff base complex. Although it is experimentally proven that [Pd‐salph‐4E] (salph=N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐1,2‐phenylenediamine; 4E means an electron‐withdrawing substituent at the 4‐position of the salicylidene) displays triplet emission, its quantum yield is low at room temperature. The corresponding Pt^II Schiff base complex, [Pt‐salph‐4E], is also much less emissive than the unsubstituted analogue, [Pt‐salph]. Thus, a detailed theoretical analysis of how the substituent and central metal affected the photophysics of [M‐salph‐X] (X is a substituent on the salph ligand, M=Pt or Pd) was performed. Temperature effects were also investigated. The simple energy gap law underestimated the nonradiative decay rates and was insufficient to account for the temperature dependence of the nonradiative decay rates of the complexes studied herein. On the other hand, the present analysis demonstrates that inclusions of low‐frequency modes and the associated frequency shifts are decisive in providing better quantitative estimates of the nonradiative decay rates and the experimentally observed temperature effects. Moreover, spin–orbit coupling, which is often considered only in the context of radiative decay rate, has a significant role in determining the nonradiative rate as well.     

Poly[[aqua‐μ3‐2,2‐dimethylmalonato‐copper(II)] monohydrate] and poly[aqua‐μ3‐2,2‐dimethylmalonato‐copper(II)]

The coordination mode of the dimethylmalonate ligand in the two title Cu^II complexes, {[Cu(C₅H₃O₄)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n, (I), and [Cu(C₅H₃O₄)(H₂O)]_n, (II), is the same, with chelated six‐membered, bis‐monodentate and bridging bonding modes. However, the coordination environment of the Cu^II atoms, the connectivity of their metal–organic frameworks and their hydrogen‐bonding interactions are different. Complex (I) has a perfect square‐pyramidal Cu^II environment with the aqua ligand in the apical position, and only one type of square grid consisting of Cu^II atoms linked via carboxylate bridges to three dimethylmalonate ligands, with weak hydrogen‐bond interactions within and between its two‐dimensional layers. Complex (II) has a coordination geometry that is closer to square pyramidal than trigonal bipyramidal for its Cu^II atoms with the aqua ligand now in the basal plane. Its two‐dimensional layer structure comprises two alternating grids, which involve two and four different dimethylmalonate anions, respectively. There are strong hydrogen bonds only within its layers.