Three Dicyanidometallate(I)‐based Complexes Incorporating Hydrogen‐bonding, π–π Packing and d10–d10 Interactions with Auxiliary 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐like Ligands

To investigate the influence of the non‐covalent interactions, such as hydrogen‐bonding, π–π packing and d¹⁰–d¹⁰ interactions in the supramolecular motifs, three cyanido‐bridged heterobimetallic discrete complexes {Mn(bipy)₂(H₂O)[Ag(CN)₂]}[Ag(CN)₂] ( 1 ), {Mn(phen)₂(H₂O)[Au(CN)₂]}₂[Au(CN)₂]₂ · 4H₂O ( 2 ), and {Cd(bipy)₂(H₂O)[Au(CN)₂]}[Au(CN)₂] ( 3 ) (bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, and phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), which are based on dicyanidometallate(I) groups with 1:2 stoichiometry of metal ions and 2,2′‐bipyridyl‐like co‐ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. In compound 1 , hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions governed the supramolecular contacts. In compound 2 , the incorporation of aurophilic, hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions result in a 3D supramolecular network. In compound 3 , hydrogen bonding and π–π stacking interactions result in a 2D supramolecular layer. In the three complexes, hydrogen‐bonding, π–π packing and/or d¹⁰–d¹⁰ interactions can play important roles in increasing the dimensionality of supramolecular assemblies.     

A quadrupole–quadrupole stacking synthon in (2,3,5,6‐tetra­fluorobenzene­thiol­ato‐κS)(tri­phenylphosphine‐κP)­gold(I)

The title compound, [Au(C₆HF₄S)(C₁₈H₁₅P)], with both aromatic and fluorinated aromatic rings in its molecular system, shows dimerization through a quadrupole–quadrupole stacking synthon. The dimer further aggregates through intermolecular π–π stacking and C—H⋯π interactions, giving a supramolecular three‐dimensional network.     

Aurophilic Interactions in the Self‐Assembly of Gold Nanoclusters into Nanoribbons with Enhanced Luminescence

Aurophilic interactions (Au^I???Au^I) are crucial in directing the supramolecular self‐assembly of many gold(I) compounds; however, this intriguing chemistry has been rarely explored for the self‐assembly of nanoscale building blocks. Herein, we report on studies on aurophilic interactions in the structure‐directed self‐assembly of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles or nanoclusters (NCs, <2 nm) using [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]^? (SR=thiolate ligand) as a model cluster. The self‐assembly of NCs is initiated by surface‐motif reconstruction of [Au₂₅(SR)₁₈]^? from short SR‐[Au^I‐SR]₂ units to long SR‐[Au^I‐SR]_x (x>2) staples accompanied by structure modification of the intrinsic Au₁₃ kernel. Such motif reconstruction increases the content of Au^I species in the protecting shell of Au NCs, providing the structural basis for directed aurophilic interactions, which promote the self‐assembly of Au NCs into well‐defined nanoribbons in solution. More interestingly, the compact structure and effective aurophilic interactions in the nanoribbons significantly enhance the luminescence intensity of Au NCs with an absolute quantum yield of 6.2 % at room temperature.     

Luminescent Property of a Supramolecular Silver(I)‐Thiolate Complex Based on Secondary Ag‐S Interactions and Hydrogen Bonds

The supramolecular silver(I)‐thiolate complex [Ag(μ₂‐SC₄N₂H₄)₂(SCN)]_n has been prepared from the reaction of AgSCN and pyrimidine‐2‐thiol in DMF. X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that the supramolecular structure exhibits one‐dimensional chain through the secondary Ag‐S interactions and the chains are further linked by strong hydrogen bonds to form a three dimensional network. The luminescence effect from the silver‐centered state of S→Ag LMCT in solid state is different from that in solution due to the secondary Ag‐S interactions.     

A Polymorphic Gold(III) Complex Comprising a Multifunctional Triazolylpropanamide Ligand

Reaction of HAuCl₄ · 4H₂O with the multifunctional ligand 3‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐1‐yl)propanamide ( 1 , TPA) afforded the polymorphic gold(III) complex AuCl₃(TPA) ( 2 ) in 75 % yield. Thermal decomposition of the latter revealed the hydrochloride [HTPA]Cl ( 3 ). Complex 2 forms a stable monoclinic and a metastable triclinic modification. The crystal structures of both modifications feature infinite supramolecular assemblies formed by secondary Au ··· Cl bonding interactions and hydrogen bonding.     

通过稀土离子和羧酸配体组装成的两种新型的二维配位聚合物的合成、晶体结构及荧光性质

利用水热法合成了两种新型的二维（2D）稀土配位聚合物[Ln(PDC)(OH)(H2O)2]n (Ln = Eu (1) and Tb (2), H2PDC = 3,4-吡啶二羧酸),通过元素分析、红外光谱、热分析和X射线单晶衍射等技术对其进行了表征。单晶结构分析表明这两种配合物都显示出包含有一维Ln-O-Ln链的二维层状结构,层间又进一步通过 π-π 堆积和氢键作用扩展成三维超分子网络结构。此外,这两种配合物的固体在室温下都有强的荧光发射。     

Systematic Modulation of the Fluorescence Brightness in Boron‐Dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐Tagged N‐Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC)–Gold–Thiolates

Five different highly fluorescent boron‐dipyrromethene (BODIPY)‐tagged N‐heterocyclic carbene NHC–gold halide complexes were synthesized. The substitution of the halogeno ligand by 4‐substituted aryl thiolates leads to a decrease in the brightness of the complexes. This decrease depends on the electronic nature of the thiols, being most pronounced with highly electron‐rich thiols (4‐R=NMe₂). The brightness of the gold thiolates also depends on the distance between the sulfur atom and the BODIPY moiety. The systematic variation of the electron density of [(NHC–bodipy)Au(SC₆H₄R)] (via different R groups) enables the systematic variation of the fluorescence brightness of an appended BODIPY fluorophore. Based on this and supported by DFT calculations, a photoinduced electron‐transfer quenching appears to be the dominant mechanism controlling the brightness of the appended BODIPY dye.     

One‐ and Two‐Dimensional PbII Complexes Constructed from N‐Donor Chelating Ligands with Extended π‐System and Organic Dicarboxylates

Two new coordination polymers [Pb(TIP)(1,3‐bdc)]_n ( 1 ) and [Pb(Dpq)(fum)]_n ( 2 ) (TIP = 2‐(2‐thienyl)imidazo[4,5‐f]1,10‐phenanthroline, Dpq = dipyrido[3,2‐d:2′,3′‐f]quinoxaline, 1,3‐H₂bdc = benzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid, fum = fumaric acid) were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and were characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a one‐dimensional (1D) chain, which is bridged by 1,3‐bdc ligands. This is further extended into a three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure by hydrogen bonding interactions. Compound 2 exhibits a two‐dimensional (2D) network structure, which is further stacked by π–π interactions to form a 3D supramolecular framework. The most important feature of these two complexes is that the N‐donor ligands with an extended π‐system play a crucial role in the formation and stabilization of the final supramolecular frameworks. Moreover, the fluorescence property of complex 1 was also investigated in the solid state at room temperature.     

Self‐Assembly of Dialkyltin Moieties and Mercaptobenzoic Acid into Macrocyclic Complexes with Hydrophobic “Pseudo‐Cage” or Double‐Cavity Structures: Supramolecular Infrastructures Involving Intermolecular C?H⋅⋅⋅S Weak Hydrogen Bonds and π–π Interactions

Four novel organotin complexes of two types—[R₂Sn(o‐SC₆H₄CO₂)]₆ (R=Me, 1 ?H₂O; nBu, 2 ) and {[R₂Sn(m‐CO₂C₆H₄S)R₂Sn(m‐SC₆H₄CO₂)SnR₂]O}₂ (R=Me, 3 ; nBu, 4 )—have been prepared by treatment of o‐ or m‐mercaptobenzoic acid and the corresponding R₂SnCl₂ (R=Me, nBu) with sodium ethoxide in ethanol (95 %). All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) spectroscopy, TGA, and X‐ray crystallography diffraction analysis. The molecular structure analyses reveal that both 1 and 2 are hexanuclear macrocycles with hydrophobic “pseudo‐cage” structures, while 3 and 4 are hexanuclear macrocycles with double‐cavity structures. Furthermore, the supramolecular structure analyses show that looser and more intriguing supramolecular infrastructures were also found in complexes 1 – 4 , which exist either as one‐dimensional chains of rings or as two‐dimensional networks assembled from the organometallic subunits through intermolecular C? H???S weak hydrogen bonds (WHBs) and π–π interactions.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Pb(trz)(tfpb)(H2O)]: a Lead(II) Complex Containing 2,4,6‐Tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine and 4,4,4‐Trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butandionate

[Pb(trz)(tfpb)(H₂O)] ( 1 ) (trz and tfpb are the abbreviations of 2,4,6‐tris(2‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine and 4,4,4‐trifluoro‐1‐phenyl‐1,3‐butandionate, respectively) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and IR, ¹H NMR, spectroscopy. The single‐crystal structure of 1 shows the coordination number of the Pb²⁺ ions is eight with three N‐donor atoms from a “trz” ligand and four O‐donors from the dionate ligand and one molecule of water. The supramolecular features in this complex are guided by lone pair activity and control of strong hydrogen bonds, weak directional intermolecular interactions and aromatic π‐π stacking interactions.     

Chromium complexes based on thiophene–imine ligands for ethylene oligomerization

A new set of Cr(III) complexes, {L}CrCl₃(THF), based on thiophene–imine ( 2a , L = PhOC₆H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₃; 2b , L = PhOC₂H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₃; 2c , L = Ph(NH)C₂H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₃; 2d , L = PhOC₆H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₂‐5‐Ph; 2e , L = Ph(NH)C₂H₄(N═CH)‐2‐SC₄H₂‐5‐Ph) have been prepared and characterized using elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. Upon activation with methylaluminoxane, all the chromium complexes generated active systems affording a nonselective distribution of α‐olefins with turnover frequencies in the range 9500–93 500 (mol ethylene) (mol Cr)^?1 h^?1, and producing mostly oligomers (95.0–99.3 wt% of total products). Small amounts of polymer were produced in these oligomerization reactions (0.8–8.2 wt%). The catalytic activities were quite sensitive to the ligand environment. Moreover, the effects of oligomerization parameters (temperature, [Al]/[Cr] molar ratio, time) on the activity and on the product distribution were examined.     

Electrochemical Biosensor Utilizing Supramolecular Association of Enzyme on Sol−gel Matrix Embedded Gold Nanoparticles Supported Reduced Graphene Oxide−cyclodextrin Nanocomposite

Herein we present β‐cyclodextrin (CD)‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheets supported on silicate sol‐gel matrix‐embedded gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) modified electrode as a new affinity binding nanocomposite. The modified electrode is fabricated through layer‐by‐layer drop casting followed by immobilization of chemically modified enzyme conjugate (horse radish peroxidase (HRP)?adamantane carboxylic acid (ADA)). This affinity system is based on the supramolecular association between CDs and HRP?ADA and is mimicking the biological avidin?biotin interactions. CDs‐functionalized RGO (RGO?CD) functions as a macrocyclic host to form stable supramolecular inclusion complexes with enzyme conjugate. Besides Au NPs improve the interfacial interaction with RGO?CD nanosheets, and thus exhibit synergistic electrocatalytic effect toward H₂O₂ reduction in the presence of 1 mM hydroquinone.     

Self‐Assembled Hexanuclear Organometallic Cages: Synthesis,Characterization, and Host–Guest Properties

A series of iridium‐ and rhodium‐based hexanuclear organometallic cages containing 2,5‐dichloro‐3,6‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone, 9,10‐dihydroxy‐1,4‐anthraquinone, and 6,11‐dihydroxynaphthacene‐5,12‐dione ligands were synthesized from the self‐assembly of the corresponding molecular “clips” and 2,4,6‐tri(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine ligands in good yields. These organometallic cages can form inclusion systems with a wide variety of π‐donor substrates, including coronene, pyrene, [Pt(acac)₂], and hexamethoxytriphenylene. The 1:1 complexation of the resulting supramolecular assemblies was confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Large complexation shifts (Δδ>1 ppm) were observed in the ¹H NMR spectra of guests in the presence of cage [Cp*₆M₆(μ‐DHNA)₃(tpt)₂](OTf)₆ ( 6a ; M=Ir, tpt=2,4,6‐tri(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine). The formation of discrete 1:1 donor–acceptor complexes, pyrene ?6 b (M=Rh), coronene ?6 a , coronene ?6 b , and [Pt(acac)₂] ?6 a was confirmed by their single‐crystal X‐ray analyses. In these systems, the most important driving force for the formation of guest–host complexes is clearly the donor–acceptor π???π stacking interaction, including charge‐transfer interactions between the electron‐donating and electron‐accepting aromatic components. These structures provide compelling evidence for the existence of strong attractive forces between the electron‐deficient triazine core and electron‐rich guest. The results presented here may provide useful guidance for designing artificial receptors for functional biomolecules.     

Cu(II)‐promoted cyclization of hydrazonophthalazine to triazolophthalazine; Synthesis and structure diversity of six novel Cu(II)‐triazolophthalazine complexes

A novel route for the synthesis of Cu(II)‐triazolophthalazine complexes using the Cu(II)‐promoted cyclization dehydrogenation reactions of hydrazonophthalazines under reflux was presented. Two hydrazonophthalazines were cyclized to the corresponding triazolophthalazine ligands, 3‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐3,10b‐dihydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazine ( TPP ) and 3‐(3,10b‐dihydro‐[1,2,4]triazolo[3,4‐a]phthalazin‐3‐yl)‐benzoic acid ( TP3COOH ), followed by in situ complexation with Cu(II) yielding six novel Cu(II)‐triazolophthalazine complexes depending on the reaction conditions. The molecular and supramolecular structures of the Cu(II)‐triazolophthalazine complexes were discussed. The metal sites have rectangular pyramidal geometry in the [Cu(TPP)Cl₂]₂; 1 and [Cu(TP3COOEt)Cl₂(H₂O)]₂; 4 dinuclear complexes, distorted square planar in [Cu(TP3COOMe)₂Cl₂]; 3 , [Cu(TP3COOH)₂Cl₂]; 5 and [Cu(TP3COOH)₂Cl₂]·H₂O; 6 and a distorted octahedral in [Cu(TPP)(H₂O)₂(NO₃)₂]; 2 . Hirshfeld analysis showed that the O…H, C…H, Cl…H (except TP3COOH and 2 ), N…H and π‐π stacking interactions are the most important intermolecular contacts. The π‐π stacking interactions are the maximum for TP3COOH and complex 6 with net C…C/C…N contacts of 19.4% and 15.4%, respectively. The orbital–orbital interaction energies of the Cu‐N/Cu‐Cl bonds correlated inversely with the corresponding Cu‐N/Cu‐Cl distances, respectively. The charge transfer processes between Cu(II) and ligand groups were also discussed. The charge densities of the Cu(II) centers are reduced to 0.663–0.995 e due to the interactions with the ligand groups coordinating it.     

Structure Determination of [Au18(SR)14]

Unravelling the atomic structures of small gold clusters is the key to understanding the origin of metallic bonds and the nucleation of clusters from organometallic precursors. Herein we report the X‐ray crystal structure of a charge‐neutral [Au₁₈(SC₆H₁₁)₁₄] cluster. This structure exhibits an unprecedented bi‐octahedral (or hexagonal close packing) Au₉ kernel protected by staple‐like motifs including one tetramer, one dimer, and three monomers. Until the present, the [Au₁₈(SC₆H₁₁)₁₄] cluster is the smallest crystallographically characterized gold cluster protected by thiolates and provides important insight into the structural evolution with size. Theoretical calculations indicate charge transfer from surface to kernel for the HOMO–LUMO transition.     

基于二-吡嗪-(2, 3-f: 2′3′-h)-喹喔啉和吡啶-2，5-二羧酸混合配体的两个新奇金属有机超分子骨架的水热合成、晶体结构与光致发光

以二-吡嗪-(2, 3-f: 2′3′-h)-喹喔啉(Dpq)和吡啶-2,5-二羧酸(2,5-H2pda)两种混合配体与不同金属硝酸盐为原料,通过水热反应得到了两个新奇的金属有机骨架[Zn2(Dpq)2(2,5-pda)2(H2O)2]·2H2O(1)和[Cd2(Dpq)2(2,5-pda)2]·2H2O(2),并经元素分析、TG、IR、X-射线单晶衍射分析进行了表征。结构分析表明,2,5-pda采取不同的配位方式桥连金属离子分别形成了二聚物1和2D菱形网络2。在化合物1中,相邻的二聚物通过氢键和π-π堆积作用形成扭曲的a-Po超分子结构。在化合物2中,相邻的配位聚合物层通过氢键拓展成扭曲的a-Po超分子骨架,而π-π堆积起到巩固骨架的作用。化合物1和2的结构差异表明了金属离子和配体在配位聚合物自组装过程中对结构的影响。此外固态标题化合物在室温下表现出蓝色的发光性质。     

Supramolecular Assembly of Bis(benzimidazole)pyridine: An Extended Anisotropic Ligand For Highly Birefringent Materials

Four new bis(benzimidazole)pyridine (BBP)‐containing compounds Zn(BBP)Cl[Au(CN)₂], Mn(BBP)[Au(CN)₂]₂?H₂O, Mn(BBP)Br₂(MeOH) and Mn(BBP)Cl₂(MeOH)?MeOH have been synthesized and structurally characterized and their birefringence values (Δn) determined. The structure of Zn(BBP)Cl[Au(CN)₂] contains a hydrogen‐bonded dimer of Zn(BBP)Cl[Au(CN)₂] units which propagate into a 1D chain through Au–Au interactions, although the crystals are of poor optical quality. The supramolecular structure of Mn(BBP)[Au(CN)₂]₂?H₂O forms a 1D coordination polymer through chains of Mn(BBP)[Au(CN)₂]₂ units, each containing one bridging Au(CN)₂ and one forming a 2D sheet through Au–Au interactions. The supramolecular structures of Mn(BBP)Br₂(MeOH) and Mn(BBP)Cl₂(MeOH)?MeOH are very similar, consisting of a complex hydrogen‐bonded network between NH imidazole, methanol and halide groups to align BBP building blocks. In the plane of the primary crystal growth direction, the birefringence values of the three Mn‐containing materials were Δn=0.08(1), 0.538(3) and 0.69(3), respectively. The latter two birefringence values are larger than in the related 2,2′;6′2′′‐terpyridine systems, placing them among the most birefringent solids reported. These compounds illustrate the utility of extending the π‐system of the building block and incorporating hydrogen‐bonding sites as design elements for highly birefringent materials and also illustrates the effect on the measurable birefringence of the crystal quality, growth direction and structural alignment of the anisotropic BBP building blocks.     

On the Structure and Chiral Aggregation of Liquid Crystalline Star-Shaped Triazines H-Bonded to Benzoic Acids

The ability of a star-shaped tris(triazolyl)triazine derivative to hierarchically build supramolecular chiral columnar organizations through the formation of H-bonded complexes with benzoic acids was studied from a theoretical and experimental point of view. The combined study has been done at three different levels including the study of the structure of the triazine core, the association with benzoic acids in stoichiometry 1:3, and the assembly of 1:3 complexes in helical aggregates. Although the star-shaped triazine core crystallizes in a non-C₃ conformation, the C₃-symmetric conformation is theoretically predicted to be more stable and gives rise to a favorable C₃ supramolecular 1:3 complex upon the interaction with three benzoic acids in their voids. In addition, calculations at different levels (DFT, PM7, and MM3) for the 1:3 host-guest complex predict the formation of large stable columnar helical aggregates stabilized by the compact packing of the interstitial acids by π–π and CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The acids restrict the movement of the the star-shaped triazine cores along the stacking axis causing a template effect in the self-assembly of the complex. Theoretical predictions correlate with experimental results, since the interaction with achiral or chiral 3,4,5-(4-alkoxybenzyloxy)benzoic acids gives rise to supramolecular complexes that organize in bulk hexagonal columnar mesophases stable at room temperature with intracolumnar order. The existence of supramolecular chirality in the mesophase was determined for complexes formed by acids derived from (S)-2-octanol. Chiral aggregation was also evidenced for complexes formed in dodecane.     

A Heterobimetallic AuIII‐PtII Photocatalyst for Water Reduction to Hydrogen

A supramolecular complex, [Au(C^N^C)(C≡CC₆H₄C≡C)Pt(terpy)]⁺, has been synthesized as a photocatalyst for water reduction. This compound consists of a cyclometalated alkyne‐gold(III) photosensitizer and a platinum(II) terpyridine complex bridged through a central phenylethynyl group.     

Metal‐4,4′‐azobis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazole) Complexes with Seven‐ and Nine‐membered Hydrogen‐bonded Rings Originating from the Pyrrolic NH Function

The metal complexes [Cu(NO₃)₂(H₂O)₂(H₂azbpz)₂] · 2H₂O ( 1 ) and [Ni(H₂O)₄(H₂azbpz)₂](NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O ( 2 ) of 4,4′‐azobis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazole) (H₂azbpz) incorporate the bipyrazole as a monodentate ligand and are associated into supramolecular architectures by hydrogen bonds and azo‐pz π interactions in the solid state. In 1 a cis configuration is integrated and the NH function adjacent to the metal‐coordinating nitrogen atom gives rise to a seven‐membered anion‐assisted hydrogen‐bonded ring around the central metal atom bringing the NH function in endo‐position to the azo‐bridge. The interplay of hydrogen‐bonds and dimeric azo‐pz π interactions in 1 forms one‐dimensional supramolecular chains, which are further interconnected by a heterodromic D_2h symmetric tetrameric water ring. In 2 a trans form of H₂azbpz is mono‐coordinated and the synergy of hydrogen‐bonded rings around the central metal atom and continuous azo‐pz π interactions form a two‐dimensional supramolecular network structure. The supramolecular packings of 1 and 2 is further underpinned by the analysis of their Hirshfeld surface areas.