Cross-Coupling through Ag(I)/Ag(III) Redox Manifold

In ample variety of transformations, the presence of silver as an additive or co-catalyst is believed to be innocuous for the efficiency of the operating metal catalyst. Even though Ag additives are required often as coupling partners, oxidants or halide scavengers, its role as a catalytically competent species is widely neglected in cross-coupling reactions. Most likely, this is due to the erroneously assumed incapacity of Ag to undergo 2e⁻ redox steps. Definite proof is herein provided for the required elementary steps to accomplish the oxidative trifluoromethylation of arenes through Ag^I/Ag^III redox catalysis (i. e. CEL coupling), namely: i) easy Ag^I/Ag^III 2e⁻ oxidation mediated by air; ii) bpy/phen ligation to Ag^III; iii) boron-to-Ag^III aryl transfer; and iv) ulterior reductive elimination of benzotrifluorides from an [aryl-Ag^III-CF₃] fragment. More precisely, an ultimate entry and full characterization of organosilver(III) compounds [K]⁺[Ag^III(CF₃)₄]⁻ ( K-1 ), [(bpy)Ag^III(CF₃)₃] ( 2 ) and [(phen)Ag^III(CF₃)₃] ( 3 ), is described. The utility of 3 in cross-coupling has been showcased unambiguously, and a large variety of arylboron compounds was trifluoromethylated via [Ag^III(aryl)(CF₃)₃]⁻ intermediates. This work breaks with old stereotypes and misconceptions regarding the inability of Ag to undergo cross-coupling by itself.     

The Crystal Structure of Solvent‐Free Silver Dodecachloro‐closo‐dodecaborate Ag2[B12Cl12] from Aqueous Solution

Colourless octahedral single crystals of solvent‐free Ag₂[B₁₂Cl₁₂] (cubic, Pa3¯; a = 1238.32(7) pm, Z = 4) are obtained by the metathesis reaction of Cs₂[B₁₂Cl₁₂] with an aqueous solution of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) and recrystallization of the crude product from water. The crystal structure is best described as a distorted anti‐CaF₂‐type arrangement in which the quasi‐icosahedral [B₁₂Cl₁₂]^2— anions (d(B—B) = d(B—Cl) = 177—180 pm) are arranged in a cubic closest‐packed fashion. The tetrahedral interstices are filled with Ag⁺ cations which are strongly displaced from their ideal positions. Thereby each silver atom gets coordinated by six chlorine atoms from the edges of three [B₁₂Cl₁₂]^2— anions providing a distorted octahedral coordination sphere to the Ag⁺ cations (d(Ag—Cl) = 283—285 pm, CN = 6).     

Low Temperature Activation of Tellurium and Resource-Efficient Synthesis of AuTe2 and Ag2Te in Ionic Liquids

The low temperature syntheses of AuTe₂ and Ag₂Te starting from the elements were investigated in the ionic liquids (ILs) [BMIm]X and [P₆₆₆₁₄]Z ([BMIm]⁺=1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium; X = Cl, [HSO₄]⁻, [P₆₆₆₁₄]⁺ = trihexyltetradecylphosphonium; Z = Cl⁻, Br⁻, dicyanamide [DCA]⁻, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide [NTf₂]⁻, decanoate [dec]⁻, acetate [OAc]⁻, bis(2,4,4-trimethylpentyl)phosphinate [BTMP]⁻). Powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy revealed that [P₆₆₆₁₄]Cl is the most promising candidate for the single phase synthesis of AuTe₂ at 200 °C. Ag₂Te was obtained using the same ILs by reducing the temperature in the flask to 60 °C. Even at room temperature, quantitative yield was achieved by using either 2 mol % of [P₆₆₆₁₄]Cl in dichloromethane or a planetary ball mill. Diffusion experiments, ³¹P and ¹²⁵Te-NMR, and mass spectroscopy revealed one of the reaction mechanisms at 60 °C. Catalytic amounts of alkylphosphanes in commercial [P₆₆₆₁₄]Cl activate tellurium and form soluble phosphane tellurides, which react on the metal surface to solid telluride and the initial phosphane. In addition, a convenient method for the purification of [P₆₆₆₁₄]Cl was developed.     

Coordination Chemistry of Diiodine and Implications for the Oxidation Capacity of the Synergistic Ag+/X2 (X=Cl,Br, I) System

The synergistic Ag⁺/X₂ system (X=Cl, Br, I) is a very strong, but ill‐defined oxidant—more powerful than X₂ or Ag⁺ alone. Intermediates for its action may include [Ag_m(X₂)_n]^m+ complexes. Here, we report on an unexpectedly variable coordination chemistry of diiodine towards this direction: ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ), [Ag₂(I₂)₄]²⁺( A ⁻)₂ and [Ag₂(I₂)₆]²⁺( A ⁻)₂⋅(I₂)_x≈0.65 form by reaction of Ag( A ) ( A =Al(OR^F)₄; R^F=C(CF₃)₃) with diiodine (single crystal/powder XRD, Raman spectra and quantum‐mechanical calculations). The molecular ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ) is ideally set up to act as a 2 e⁻ oxidant with stoichiometric formation of 2 AgI and 2 A ⁻. Preliminary reactivity tests proved this ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ) starting material to oxidize n‐C₅H₁₂, C₃H₈, CH₂Cl₂, P₄ or S₈ at room temperature. A rough estimate of its electron affinity places it amongst very strong oxidizers like MF₆ (M=4d metals). This suggests that ( A )Ag‐I₂‐Ag( A ) will serve as an easily in bulk accessible, well‐defined, and very potent oxidant with multiple applications.     

Rhombicuboctahedral Ag100: Four-Layered Octahedral Silver Nanocluster Adopting the Russian Nesting Doll Model

Precise atomic structure of metal nanoclusters (NCs) is fundamental for elucidating the structure–property relationships and the inherent size-evolution principles. Reported here is the largest known FCC-based (FCC=face centered cubic) silver nanocluster, [Ag₁₀₀(SC₆H₃^3,4F₂)₄₈(PPh₃)₈]⁻: the first all-octahedral symmetric nesting Ag nanocluster with a four-layered Ag₆@Ag₃₈@Ag₄₈S₂₄@Ag₈S₂₄P₈ structure, consistent symmetry elements, and a unique rhombicuboctahedral morphology distinct from theoretical predictions and previously reported FCC-based Ag clusters. DFT studies revealed extensive interlayer interactions and degenerate frontier orbitals. The FCC-based Russian nesting doll model constitutes a new platform for the study of the size-evolution principles of Ag NCs.     

Elucidating the Structures of Intermediate Fragments during Stepwise Dissociation of Monolayer-Protected Silver Clusters

Fragmentation dynamics of ligated coinage metal clusters reflects their structural and bonding properties. So far methodological challenges limited probing structures of the fragments. Herein, we resolve the geometric structures of the primary fragments of [Ag₂₉L₁₂]³⁻, i.e. [Ag₂₄L₉]²⁻, [Ag₁₉L₆]⁻ and [Ag₅L₃]⁻ (L is 1,3-benzene dithiolate). For this, we used trapped ion mobility mass spectrometry to determine collision cross sections of the fragments and compared them to structures calculated by density functional theory. We also report that following two sequential [Ag₅L₃]⁻ elimination steps, further dissociation of [Ag₁₉L₆]⁻ also involves a new channel of Ag₂ loss and Ag−S and C−S bond cleavages. This reflects a competition between retaining the electronic stability of 8 e⁻ superatom cluster cores and increasing steric strain of ligands and staples. These results are also of potential interest for future soft-landing deposition studies aimed at probing catalytic behavior of Ag clusters on supports.     

Alternating Array Stacking of Ag26Au and Ag24Au Nanoclusters

An assembly strategy for metal nanoclusters using electrostatic interactions with weak interactions, such as C?H???π and π???π interactions in which cationic [Ag₂₆Au(2‐EBT)₁₈(PPh₃)₆]⁺ and anionic [Ag₂₄Au(2‐EBT)₁₈]^? nanoclusters gather and assemble in an unusual alternating array stacking structure is presented. [Ag₂₆Au(2‐EBT)₁₈(PPh₃)₆]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2‐EBT)₁₈]^? is a new compound type, a double nanocluster ion compound (DNIC). A single nanocluster ion compound (SNIC) [PPh₄]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2‐EBT)₁₈]^? was also synthesized, having a k‐vector‐differential crystallographic arrangement. [PPh₄]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2,4‐DMBT)₁₈]^? adopts a different assembly mode from both [Ag₂₆Au(2‐EBT)₁₈(PPh₃)₆]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2‐EBT)₁₈]^? and [PPh₄]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2‐EBT)₁₈]^?. Thus, the striking packing differences of [Ag₂₆Au(2‐EBT)₁₈(PPh₃)₆]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2‐EBT)₁₈]^?, [PPh₄]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2‐EBT)₁₈]^? and the existing [PPh₄]⁺ [Ag₂₄Au(2,4‐DMBT)₁₈]^? from each other indicate the notable influence of ligands and counterions on the self‐assembly of nanoclusters.     

Synthesis and Structure of a Neutral Trimetallic Biicosahedral Cluster, (Ph3P)10Au11Ag12Pt2Cl7. A Comparative Study of Molecular and Crystal Structures of Vertex-Sharing Biicosahedral Mixed-Metal Nanoclusters

The synthesis and structure of a new, neutral Au–Ag–Pt vertex-sharing biicosahedral cluster, [(Ph₃P)₁₀Au₁₁Ag₁₂Pt₂Cl₇] (3), is reported. The title cluster was synthesized via a new synthetic strategy based on preformed clusters. The title cluster crystallizes in a monoclinic unit cell of P2₁/m space-group symmetry with lattice parameters a=16.553(14) Å, b=25.130(7) Å, c=29.633(13) Å, =103.03(5); V=12009.3 ų and Z=2. The structure was refined to R₁=7.7% and R₂=9.2% for 3585 independent reflections (242°) with I>3. The metal core of the title structure can be described as two Pt-centered Au₆Ag₆ icosahedra sharing a common Au atom. The four metal pentagons adopt the staggered–eclipsed–staggered (ses) configuration, or, the R(0) rotamer. The ten triphenylphosphine ligands coordinate to the ten peripheral (surface) Au atoms in a radial fashion. There are five doubly-bridging chloride ligands connecting two Ag₅ pentagons and two more chloride ligands coordinating terminally to two apical Ag atoms. The title cluster completes the series of Au-shared biicosahedral clusters with 0, 1, and 2 Pt atom(s) occupying the two icosahedral centers, as exemplified by [(p-Tol₃P)₁₀Au₁₃Ag₁₂Cl₇]²⁺ (1), [(Ph₃P)₁₀Au₁₂Ag₁₂PtCl₇]⁺ (2), and the title cluster [(Ph₃P)₁₀Au₁₁Ag₁₂Pt₂Cl₇] (3), respectively. The structure of the title cluster satisfies the site preference rules established for mixed-metal vertex-sharing polyicosahedral nanoclusters. The molecular structural invariance and the ubiquity of the P2₁/m space group for the crystal structures of the biicosahedral cluster series with Ph₃P as phosphine ligands and conforming to the R(0) rotameric metal configuration are discussed. Furthermore, endo- and exo-icosahedral chemistries, and rotamerism and roulettamerism of an extensive series of vertex-sharing biicosahedral nanoclusters, as well as their bonding implications, are described via a comparative study.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von heteronuklearen AgI/FeII‐Koordinationspolymeren: (Me3PhN)2[Ag2Fe(SCN)6], (Me3PhN)6[Ag6Fe3(ECN)18] (E = S,Se) und (Me3PhN)4[Ag2Fe(SCN)8]

The reaction of AgSCN with (Me₃PhN)₃[Fe(NCS)₆] in DMF yields two‐dimensional polymeric, heteronuclear complexes (Me₃PhN)₂[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₆] ( 1 ) and (Me₃PhN)₆[Ag₆Fe₃(SCN)₁₈] · CH₂Cl₂·DMF ( 2a ) with bridging SCN^? ligands, whereas additional (Me₃PhN)(SCN) leads to (Me₃PhN)₄[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₈] ( 3 ) with a one‐dimensional structure. The selenocyanato complex 2b , homologous to 2a , could also be prepared. Single crystal X‐ray structure determinations show, that the Ag⁺ ions in 1 and 2a are coordinated tetrahedrally by four S atoms, in 3 by one N and three S atoms of the bridging SCN^? ligands; six N atoms of the SCN^? or SeCN^? ligands bind to Fe²⁺ in an octahedral arrangement.     

Coordination of phosphanide and trialkylsilylphosphanide ligands at pentacarbonyltungsten fragments: An NMR spectroscopic and structural investigation

Trialkylsilylphosphanide ligands as pentacarbonyltungsten adducts such as the anions [((CO)₅W)₂P(H)SiR₃]⁻ and [(CO)₅W‐PHSiR₃]⁻ with R = Me, iPr, and tBu are prepared by the reaction of (thf)W(CO)₅ with MP(H)SiR₃ or by the metathesis reaction of ((OC)₅W)₂PHLi₂ with ClSiR₃ and characterized by NMR spectroscopy with a focus on ¹⁸³W‐NMR experiments. The solvent‐separated ion pair (tmeda)K⁺ [((OC)₅W)₂P(H)SiiPr₃]⁻ crystallizes as a coordination polymer with a rather large P Si bond length of 228.1 pm. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 16:420–425, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ). DOI 10.1002/hc.20128     

Neue phosphidoverbrückte Mehrkernkomplexe des Ag und Zn. Die Kristallstrukturen von [Ag3(PPh2)3(PnBu2tBu)3], [Ag4(PPh2)4(PR3)4] (PR3 = PMenPr2, PnPr3), [Ag4(PPh2)4(PEt3)4]n, [Zn4(PPh2)4Cl4(PRR2)2] (PRR′2 = PMenPr2, PnBu3, PEt2Ph), [Zn4(PhPSiMe3)4Cl4(C4H8O)2] und [Zn4(PtBu2)4Cl4]

New Phosphido-bridged Multinuclear Complexes of Ag and Zn. The Crystal Structures of [Ag₃(PPh₂)₃(PⁿBu₂^tBu)₃], [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PR₃)₄] (PR₃ = PMeⁿPr₂, PⁿPr₃), [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PEt₃)₄]_n, [Zn₄(PPh₂)₄Cl₄(PRR′₂)₂] (PRR′₂ = PMeⁿPr₂, PⁿBu₃, PEt₂Ph), [Zn₄(PhPSiMe₃)₄Cl₄(C₄H₈O)₂] and [Zn₄(P^tBu₂)₄Cl₄] AgCl reacts with Ph₂PSiMe₃ in the presence of tertiary Phosphines (PⁿBu₂^tBu, PMeⁿPr₂, PⁿPr₃ and PEt₃) to form the multinuclear complexes [Ag₃(PPh₂)₃(PⁿBu₂^tBu)₃] 1 , [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PR₃)₄] (PR₃ = PMeⁿPr₂ 2 , PⁿPr₃ 3 ) and [Ag₄(PPh₂)₄(PEt₃)₄]_n 4 . In analogy to that ZnCl₂ reacts with Ph₂PSiMe₃ and PRR′₂ to form the multinuclear complexes [Zn₄(PPh₂)₄Cl₄(PRR′₂)₂] (PRR′₂ = PMeⁿPr₂ 5 , PⁿBu₃ 6 , PEt₂Ph 7 ). Further it was possible to obtain the compounds [Zn₄(PhPSiMe₃)₄Cl₄(C₄H₈O)₂] 8 and [Zn₄(P^tBu₂)₄Cl₄] 9 by reaction of ZnCl₂ with PhP(SiMe₃)₂ and ^tBu₂PSiMe₃, respectively. The structures were characterized by X-ray single crystal structure analysis. Crystallographic data see “Inhaltsübersicht”.     

Selenium(IV) fluoride and oxofluoride anions

The [((C₆H₅)₃P)₂N]⁺, [(C₆H₅)₄P]⁺ and [N(CH₃)₄]⁺ salts of SeF₅⁻, SeF₆²⁻ and SeOF₃⁻ and CsSeO₂F were prepared and characterized. Crystal structures were obtained for [((C₆H₅)₃P)₂N][SeF₅] and [((C₆H₅)₃P)₂N][SeOF₃] CH₂Cl₂. In contrast to oxygen-bridged dimeric TeOF₃⁻, the SeOF₃⁻ anion in [((C₆H₅)₃P)₂N][SeOF₃] CH₂Cl₂ is monomeric and represents the first experimentally well determined molecular structure of a monomeric trifluoro-chalcogenite anion. Similarly, [((C₆H₅)₃P)₂N][SeF₅] represents the first example of a structure containing a well-isolated undistorted SeF₅⁻ anion. The NMR and the vibrational spectra and their assignments were re-examined and corrected by comparison with high-level theoretical calculations. Whereas the previously published normal coordinate analysis of SeF₅⁻ is correct, that for SeOF₃⁻ needs major revision.     

Porous Salts Containing Cationic Al24-Hydroxide-Acetate Clusters from Scalable,Green and Aqueous Synthesis Routes

The solution chemistry of aluminum is highly complex and various polyoxocations are known. Here we report on the facile synthesis of a cationic Al₂₄ cluster that forms porous salts of composition [Al₂₄(OH)₅₆(CH₃COO)₁₂]X₄, denoted CAU-55-X, with X=Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, HSO₄⁻. Three-dimensional electron diffraction was employed to determine the crystal structures. Various robust and mild synthesis routes for the chloride salt [Al₂₄(OH)₅₆(CH₃COO)₁₂]Cl₄ in water were established resulting in high yields (>95 %, 215 g per batch) within minutes. Specific surface areas and H₂O capacities with maximum values of up to 930 m² g⁻¹ and 430 mg g⁻¹ are observed. The particle size of CAU-55-X can be tuned between 140 nm and 1250 nm, permitting its synthesis as stable dispersions or as highly crystalline powders. The positive surface charge of the particles, allow fast and effective adsorption of anionic dye molecules and adsorption of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).     

Heteroctanuclear Au4Ag4 Cluster Complexes of 4,5-Diethynylacridin-9-One with Luminescent Mechanochromism

Two heteroctanuclear Au₄Ag₄ cluster complexes of 4,5-diethynylacridin-9-one (H₂L) were prepared through the self-assembly reactions of [Au(tht)₂](CF₃SO₃), Ag(tht)(CF₃SO₃), H₂L and PPh₃ or PPh₂Py (2-(diphenylphosphino)pyridine). The Au₄Ag₄ cluster consists of a [Au₄L₄]⁴⁻ and four [Ag(PPh₃)]⁺ or [Ag(PPh₂Py)]⁺ units with Au₄L₄ framework exhibiting a twisted paper clip structure. In CH₂Cl₂ solutions at ambient temperature, both compounds show ligand fluorescence at ca. 463 nm as well as phosphorescence at 650 nm for 1 and 630 nm for 2 resulting from admixture of ³IL (intraligand) of L ligand, ³LMCT (from L ligand to Au₄Ag₄) and ³MC (metal-cluster) triplet states. Crystals or crystalline powders manifest bright yellow-green phosphorescence with vibronic-structured emission bands at 530 (568sh) nm for complex 1 and 536 (576sh) nm for complex 2. Upon mechanical grinding, yellow-green emission in the crystalline state is dramatically converted to red luminescence centered at ca. 610 nm with a drastic redshift of the emission after crystal packing is destroyed.     

The preparation and reactions of group IIB metal chloride stabilized complexes of (chlorofluoromethylene)tris(dimethylamino)phosphorane

A facile dechlorination reaction occurs between [((CH₃)₂N)₃⁺PCFCl₂]Cl^? and Group IIB metals to form addition complexes of the type [((CH₃)₂N)₃P⁺ CFCl-(MCl)]Cl^? where M = Zn, Cd, or Hg. These complexes exhibit surprising stability in ethereal solvents, and serve as effective 1-chloro-1-fluorovinyl transfer agents via the Wittig reaction by dissociation into [(CH₃)₂N]₃PCFCl and the metal chloride. ¹⁹F and ³¹P NMR, as well as derivative formation, substantiate that these complexes are indeed quaternary phosphonium compounds which contain covalent carbonmetal bonds.     

An Electrophilic Carbene‐Anchored Silylene–Phosphinidene

The cyclic alkyl(amino) carbene‐anchored silylene–phosphinidene was isolated as L−Si−P(:cAAC−Me) (L=benzamidinate) at room temperature, synthesized from the reduction of L−Si(Cl₂)−P(:cAAC−Me) ( 1 ) using two equivalents of KC₈. Compound 1 was prepared by the oxidative addition of a chlorophosphinidene to the benzamidinate substituted silylene center. This is the first molecular example of a silylene–phosphinidene characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis. Moreover, ¹H, ³¹P, and also ²⁹Si NMR spectroscopic data supported the formulation of the products. The theoretical calculations of compound 2 are in good agreement with the experimental results.     

Revealing the composition-dependent structural evolution fundamentals of bimetallic nanoparticles through an inter-particle alloying reaction

Alloy nanoparticles represent one of the most important metal materials, finding increasing applications in diverse fields of catalysis, biomedicine, and nano-optics. However, the structural evolution of bimetallic nanoparticles in their full composition spectrum has been rarely explored at the molecular and atomic levels, imparting inherent difficulties to establish a reliable structure–property relationship in practical applications. Here, through an inter-particle reaction between [Au₄₄(SR)₂₆]²⁻ and [Ag₄₄(SR)₃₀]⁴⁻ nanoparticles or nanoclusters (NCs), which possess the same number of metal atoms, but different atomic packing structures, we reveal the composition-dependent structural evolution of alloy NCs in the alloying process at the molecular and atomic levels. In particular, an inter-cluster reaction can produce three sets of Au_xAg_44−x NCs in a wide composition range, and the structure of Au_xAg_44−x NCs evolves from Ag-rich [Au_xAg_44−x(SR)₃₀]⁴⁻ (x = 1–12), to evenly mixed [Au_xAg_44−x(SR)₂₇]³⁻ (x = 19–24), and finally to Au-rich [Au_xAg_44−x(SR)₂₆]²⁻ (x = 40–43) NCs, with the increase of the Au/Ag atomic ratio in the NC composition. In addition, leveraging on real-time electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), we reveal the different inter-cluster reaction mechanisms for the alloying process in the sub-3-nm regime, including partial decomposition–reconstruction and metal exchange reactions. The molecular-level inter-cluster reaction demonstrated in this study provides a fine chemistry to customize the composition and structure of bimetallic NCs in their full alloy composition spectrum, which will greatly increase the acceptance of bimetallic NCs in both basic and applied research.

An inter-particle reaction between atomically precise [Au₄₄(SR)₂₆]²⁻ (SR = thiolate) and [Ag₄₄(SR)₃₀]⁴⁻ nanoparticles reveals the composition-dependent structural evolution of alloy Au_xAg_44−x nanoparticles at the atomic level.     

NH4Ag3(PO3F)2, a layered monofluorophosphate(V) with seven different Ag sites

Single crystals of ammonium trisilver bis[fluorophosphate(V)], NH₄Ag₃(PO₃F)₂, were obtained from an aqueous solution and the structure was refined from a racemically twinned crystal. The asymmetric unit contains seven crystallographically distinct Ag atoms (two of which are located on twofold axes), four PO₃F tetrahedra and two ammonium cations. The layered structure is composed of silver–monofluorophosphate sheets, [Ag₃(PO₃F)₂]⁻, that extend parallel to (100). The F atoms of the PO₃F tetrahedra point towards the ammonium cations, which are located in the interlayer space and stabilize the structure via moderate N—H...O and N—H...F hydrogen bonds.     

Self-Assembled Three-Dimensional Coordination Polymers with Unusual Ligand-Unsupported Ag−Ag Bonds: Syntheses,Structures, and Luminescent Properties

A staggered arrangement like that of the hydrogen atoms in ethane is exhibited by the six phenol groups about each pair of silver atoms in the self-assembled three-dimensional coordination networks [Ag₂(H₂L)₃]_nX_2n (H₂L=N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,4-diaminobutane; X⁻=NO₃⁻ or ClO₄⁻); the former is depicted (for clarity the H₂L ligands are represented by long rods and the Ag atoms by hatched circles). These solids contain short ligand-unsupported metal–metal bonds and display intense blue photoluminescence at room temperature.