A one‐dimensional silver(I) coordination polymer based on the 2‐[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl]phenol ligand exhibiting photoluminescence

A one‐dimensional Ag^I coordination complex, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐{2‐[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl]phenol‐κ²N²:N³}] perchlorate monohydrate], {[Ag(C₁₉H₁₅N₃O)]ClO₄·H₂O}_n, was synthesized by the reaction of 2‐[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl]phenol (L) with silver perchlorate. In the complex, the L ligands are arranged alternately and link Ag^I cations through one benzimidazole N atom and the N atom of the pyridine ring, leading to an extended zigzag chain structure. In addition, the one‐dimensional chains are extended into a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture via O—H...O hydrogen‐bond interactions and π–π stacking interactions. The complex exhibits photoluminescence in acetonitrile solution, with an emission maximum at 390 nm, and investigation of the thermal stability reveals that the network structure is stable up to 650 K.     

A one‐dimensional lead(II) coordination polymer with terminal and bridging 5‐carboxy‐2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylate ligands

In the coordination polymer catena‐poly[[[diaqua[5‐carboxy‐2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylato‐κ²N³,O⁴]lead(II)]‐μ‐5‐carboxy‐2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylato‐κ³N³,O⁴:N²] dihydrate], {[Pb(C₁₀H₆N₃O₄)(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O}_n, the two 5‐carboxy‐2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylate ligands have different coordination modes, one being terminal and the other bridging. The bridging ligand links Pb^II cations into one‐dimensional coordination polymer chains. The structure is also stabilized by intra‐ and interchain π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine rings, resulting in the formation of a two‐dimensional network. Extensive hydrogen‐bonding interactions lead to the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular network.     

Three AgI,CuI and CdII coordination polymers based on the new asymmetrical ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole: syntheses,characterization and emission properties

The new asymmetrical organic ligand 2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L , C₁₇H₁₃N₅O), containing pyridine and imidazole terminal groups, as well as potential oxdiazole coordination sites, was designed and synthesized. The coordination chemistry of L with soft Ag^I, Cu^I and Cd^II metal ions was investigated and three new coordination polymers (CPs), namely, catena‐poly[[silver(I)‐μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole] hexafluoridophosphate], {[Ag( L )]PF₆}_n, catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐di‐μ‐iodido‐copper(I)‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)] 1,4‐dioxane monosolvate], {[Cu₂I₂( L )₂]·C₄H₈O₂}_n, and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis(μ‐2‐{4‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole)]–methanol–water (1/1/0.65)], {[Cd( L )₂(NO₃)₂]·2CH₄O·0.65H₂O}_n, were obtained. The experimental results show that ligand L coordinates easily with linear Ag^I, tetrahedral Cu^I and octahedral Cd^II metal atoms to form one‐dimensional polymeric structures. The intermediate oxadiazole ring does not participate in the coordination interactions with the metal ions. In all three CPs, weak π–π interactions between the nearly coplanar pyridine, oxadiazole and benzene rings play an important role in the packing of the polymeric chains.     

3,5‐Bis{4‐[(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine and its one‐dimensional polymeric complex with HgCl2

The molecule of 3,5‐bis{4‐[(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine (L), C₃₀H₂₄N₈, has an antiperiplanar conformation of the two terminal benzimidazole groups and forms two‐dimensional networks along the crystallographic b axis via two types of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. However, in catena‐poly[[[dichloridomercury(II)]‐μ‐3,5‐bis{4‐[(benzimidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]phenyl}‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine] dichloromethane hemisolvate], {[HgCl₂(C₃₀H₂₄N₈)]·0.5CH₂Cl₂}_n, synthesized by the combination of L with HgCl₂, the L ligand adopts a synperiplanar conformation. The Hg^II cation lies in a distorted tetrahedral environment, which is defined by two N atoms and two Cl atoms to form a one‐dimensional zigzag chain. These zigzag chains stack via hydrogen bonds which expand the dimensionality of the structure from one to two.     

ZnII and CuII complexes generated from 5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐3‐[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐thione

A new 1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐containing bispyridyl ligand, namely 5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐3‐[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐thione (L), has been used to create the novel complexes tetranitratobis{μ‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐3‐[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐thione}zinc(II), [Zn₂(NO₃)₄(C₁₄H₁₂N₄OS)₂], (I), and catena‐poly[[[dinitratocopper(II)]‐bis{μ‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐3‐[2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)ethyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2(3H)‐thione}] nitrate acetonitrile sesquisolvate dichloromethane sesquisolvate], {[Cu(NO₃)(C₁₄H₁₂N₄OS)₂]NO₃·1.5CH₃CN·1.5CH₂Cl₂}_n, (II). Compound (I) presents a distorted rectangular centrosymmetric Zn₂L₂ ring (dimensions 9.56 × 7.06 Å), where each Zn^II centre lies in a {ZnN₂O₄} coordination environment. These binuclear zinc metallocycles are linked into a two‐dimensional network through nonclassical C—H...O hydrogen bonds. The resulting sheets lie parallel to the ac plane. Compound (II), which crystallizes as a nonmerohedral twin, is a coordination polymer with double chains of Cu^II centres linked by bridging L ligands, propagating parallel to the crystallographic a axis. The Cu^II centres adopt a distorted square‐pyramidal CuN₄O coordination environment with apical O atoms. The chains in (II) are interlinked via two kinds of π–π stacking interactions along [01]. In addition, the structure of (II) contains channels parallel to the crystallographic a direction. The guest components in these channels consist of dichloromethane and acetonitrile solvent molecules and uncoordinated nitrate anions.     

Two novel organic–inorganic hybrid materials from tetrachloridometallate(II) salts and 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium

Two organic–inorganic hybrid compounds have been prepared by the combination of the 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium cation with perhalometallate anions to give 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium tetrachloridocobaltate(II), (C₁₂H₁₂N₂)[CoCl₄], (I), and 4‐[(E)‐2‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐2‐yl)ethenyl]pyridinium tetrachloridozincate(II), (C₁₂H₁₂N₂)[ZnCl₄], (II). The compounds have been structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, showing the formation of a three‐dimensional network through X—H...Cl_nM⁻ (X = C, N⁺; n = 1, 2; M = Co^II, Zn^II) hydrogen‐bonding interactions and π–π stacking interactions. The title compounds were also characterized by FT–IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).     

2,5‐Bis[4‐methyl‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole and its one‐dimensional polymeric complex with ZnCl2

2,5‐Bis[4‐methyl‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (L), C₂₆H₂₀N₄O, forms one‐dimensional chains via two types of intermolecular π–π interactions. In catena‐poly[[dichloridozinc(II)]‐μ‐2,5‐bis[4‐methyl‐3‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole], [ZnCl₂(C₂₆H₂₀N₄O)]_n, synthesized by the combination of L with ZnCl₂, the Zn^II centres are coordinated by two Cl atoms and two N atoms from two L ligands. [ZnCl₂L]_n forms one‐dimensional P (plus) and M (minus) helical chains, where the L ligand has different directions of twist. The helical chains stack together via interchain π–π and C—H...π interactions.     

Two cobalt(II) supramolecular isomers based on N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐3‐yl)oxalamide induced by the molecular orientation of lattice DMF molecules

Supramolecular isomerism for coordination networks refers to the existence of different architectures having the same building blocks and identical stoichiometries. For a given building block, different arrangements can lead to the formation of a series of supramolecular isomers. Two one‐dimensional Co^II coordination polymers based on N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐3‐yl)oxalamide (BPO), both catena‐poly[[[dichloridocobalt(II)]‐bis[μ‐N,N′‐bis(pyridin‐3‐yl)oxalamide‐κ²N:N′]] dimethylformamide disolvate], {[CoCl₂(C₁₂H₁₀N₄O₂)₂]·2C₃H₇NO}_n, have been assembled by the solvothermal method. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal that the two compounds are supramolecular isomers, the isomerism being induced by the orientation of the dimethylformamide (DMF) molecules in the crystal lattice.     

A novel 18‐membered metallocycle in {2,5‐bis[3‐(1H‐1,3‐imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole}dichloridocobalt(II)

The title molecular complex, [CoCl₂(C₂₂H₁₈N₆O)], features a novel 18‐membered Co‐containing metallocycle. The Co^II atom lies in a fairly regular tetrahedral geometry defined by two imidazole N‐atom donors from one 2,5‐bis[3‐(1H‐1,3‐imidazol‐1‐ylmethyl)phenyl]‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole (L) ligand and two chloride anions. The coordinating orientation of the L ligand plays an important role in constructing the metallocycle complex. The complexes form a three‐dimensional supramolecular assembly via nonclassical C—H...Cl and C—H...N hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of two novel bimetallic macrocyclic complexes generated from 1,2,4‐triazole‐containing semi‐rigid ligands and M(NO3)2 units (M = Ni and Zn)

Bimetallic macrocyclic complexes have attracted the attention of chemists and various organic ligands have been used as molecular building blocks, but supramolecular complexes based on semi‐rigid organic ligands containing 1,2,4‐triazole have remained rare until recently. It is easier to obtain novel topologies by making use of asymmetric semi‐rigid ligands in the self‐assembly process than by making use of rigid ligands. A new semi‐rigid ligand, 3‐[(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐5‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine (L), has been synthesized and used to generate two novel bimetallic macrocycle complexes, namely bis{μ‐3‐[(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐5‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine}bis[(methanol‐κO)(nitrato‐κ²O,O′)nickel(II)] dinitrate, [Ni₂(NO₃)₂(C₁₇H₁₄N₆S)₂(CH₃OH)₂](NO₃)₂, (I), and bis{μ‐3‐[(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐5‐(quinolin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐4‐amine}bis[(methanol‐κO)(nitrato‐κ²O,O′)zinc(II)] dinitrate, [Zn₂(NO₃)₂(C₁₇H₁₄N₆S)₂(CH₃OH)₂](NO₃)₂, (II), by solution reactions with the inorganic salts M(NO₃)₂ (M = Ni and Zn, respectively) in mixed solvents. In (I), two Ni^II cations with the same coordination environment are linked by L ligands through Ni—N bonds to form a bimetallic ring. Compound (I) is extended into a two‐dimensional network in the crystallographic ac plane via N—H…O, O—H…N and O—H…O hydrogen bonds, and neighbouring two‐dimensional planes are parallel and form a three‐dimensional structure via π–π stacking. Compound (II) contains two bimetallic rings with the same coordination environment of the Zn^II cations. The Zn^II cations are bridged by L ligands through Zn—N bonds to form the bimetallic rings. One type of bimetallic ring constructs a one‐dimensional nanotube via O—H…O and N—H…O hydrogen bonds along the crystallographic a direction, and the other constructs zero‐dimensional molecular cages via O—H…O and N—H…O hydrogen bonds. They are interlinked into a two‐dimensional network in the ac plane through extensive N—H…O hydrogen bonds, and a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture is formed via π–π interactions between the centroids of the benzene rings of the quinoline ring systems.     

The effect of the coordination orientation of N atoms on polymeric structures: synthesis and characterization of one‐ and two‐dimensional CuII coordination polymers based on 4‐amino‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐[(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole

Three new one‐ (1D) and two‐dimensional (2D) Cu^II coordination polymers, namely poly[[bis{μ₂‐4‐amino‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐[(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole}copper(II)] bis(methanesulfonate) tetrahydrate], {[Cu(C₁₃H₁₂N₅S)₂](CH₃SO₃)₂·4H₂O}_n ( 1 ), catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis{μ₂‐4‐amino‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐[(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole}] dinitrate methanol disolvate], {[Cu(C₁₃H₁₂N₅S)₂](NO₃)₂·2CH₃OH}_n ( 2 ), and catena‐poly[[copper(II)‐bis{μ₂‐4‐amino‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐[(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole}] bis(perchlorate) monohydrate], {[Cu(C₁₃H₁₂N₅S)₂](ClO₄)₂·H₂O}_n ( 3 ), were obtained from 4‐amino‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐[(pyridin‐3‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole with pyridin‐3‐yl terminal groups and from 4‐amino‐3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐5‐[(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)sulfanyl]‐1,2,4‐triazole with pyridin‐4‐yl terminal groups. Compound 1 displays a 2D net‐like structure. The 2D layers are further linked through hydrogen bonds between methanesulfonate anions and amino groups on the framework and guest H₂O molecules in the lattice to form a three‐dimensional (3D) structure. Compound 2 and 3 exhibit 1D chain structures, in which the complicated hydrogen‐bonding interactions play an important role in the formation of the 3D network. These experimental results indicate that the coordination orientation of the heteroatoms on the ligands has a great influence on the polymeric structures. Moreover, the selection of different counter‐anions, together with the inclusion of different guest solvent molecules, would also have a great effect on the hydrogen‐bonding systems in the crystal structures.     

Structural studies of (prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine hetero‐scorpionate copper complexes

The structures of five compounds consisting of (prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine complexed with copper in both the Cu^I and Cu^II oxidation states are presented, namely chlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(I) 0.18‐hydrate, [CuCl(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]·0.18H₂O, (1), catena‐poly[[copper(I)‐μ₂‐(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ⁵N,N′,N′′:C²,C³] perchlorate acetonitrile monosolvate], {[Cu(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]ClO₄·CH₃CN}_n, (2), dichlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II) dichloromethane monosolvate, [CuCl₂(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]·CH₂Cl₂, (3), chlorido{(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II) perchlorate, [CuCl(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)]ClO₄, (4), and di‐μ‐chlorido‐bis({(prop‐2‐en‐1‐yl)bis[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylidene]amine‐κ³N,N′,N′′}copper(II)) bis(tetraphenylborate), [Cu₂Cl₂(C₁₅H₁₇N₃)₂][(C₆H₅)₄B]₂, (5). Systematic variation of the anion from a coordinating chloride to a noncoordinating perchlorate for two Cu^I complexes results in either a discrete molecular species, as in (1), or a one‐dimensional chain structure, as in (2). In complex (1), there are two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit. Complex (2) consists of the Cu^I atom coordinated by the amine and pyridyl N atoms of one ligand and by the vinyl moiety of another unit related by the crystallographic screw axis, yielding a one‐dimensional chain parallel to the crystallographic b axis. Three complexes with Cu^II show that varying the anion composition from two chlorides, to a chloride and a perchlorate to a chloride and a tetraphenylborate results in discrete molecular species, as in (3) and (4), or a bridged bis‐μ‐chlorido complex, as in (5). Complex (3) shows two strongly bound Cl atoms, while complex (4) has one strongly bound Cl atom and a weaker coordination by one perchlorate O atom. The large noncoordinating tetraphenylborate anion in complex (5) results in the core‐bridged Cu₂Cl₂ moiety.     

CdII and CoII coordination polymers constructed from benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylic acid and 2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)‐1H‐benzimidazole ligands

In poly[aqua(μ₃‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁵O¹,O^1′:O¹:O⁴,O^4′)[2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl‐κN)‐1H‐benzimidazole]cadmium(II)], [Cd(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₂H₉N₃)(H₂O)]_n, (I), each Cd^II ion is seven‐coordinated by the pyridine N atom from a 2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl)benzimidazole (3‐PyBIm) ligand, five O atoms from three benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylate (1,4‐bdc) ligands and one O atom from a coordinated water molecule. The complex forms an extended two‐dimensional carboxylate layer structure, which is further extended into a three‐dimensional network by hydrogen‐bonding interactions. In catena‐poly[[diaquabis[2‐(pyridin‐3‐yl‐κN)‐1H‐benzimidazole]cobalt(II)]‐μ₂‐benzene‐1,4‐dicarboxylato‐κ²O¹:O⁴], [Co(C₈H₄O₄)(C₁₂H₉N₃)₂(H₂O)₂]_n, (II), each Co^II ion is six‐coordinated by two pyridine N atoms from two 3‐PyBIm ligands, two O atoms from two 1,4‐bdc ligands and two O atoms from two coordinated water molecules. The complex forms a one‐dimensional chain‐like coordination polymer and is further assembled by hydrogen‐bonding interactions to form a three‐dimensional network.     

Three isomorphous two‐dimensional coordination polymers generated from a benzimidazole bridging ligand and ZnX2 (X = Cl,Br and I)

A novel bridging asymmetric benzimidazole ligand, 4‐{2‐[3‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenyl]‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl}benzoic acid, was used to construct three isomorphous two‐dimensional coordination polymers, namely catena‐poly[chlorido(μ₃‐4‐{2‐[3‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenyl]‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐ylmethyl}benzoato)zinc(II)], [Zn(C₂₆H₁₈N₃O₂)Cl]_n, (I), and the bromide, (II), and iodide, (III), analogues. Neighbouring two‐dimensional networks are stacked into three‐dimensional frameworks via interlayer π–π interactions. The luminescent properties of (I)–(III) were investigated and they display an obvious red‐shift in the solid state at room temperature.     

Three novel topologically different metal–organic frameworks built from 3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)benzoic acid

The design and synthesis of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much interest due to the intriguing diversity of their architectures and topologies. However, building MOFs with different topological structures from the same ligand is still a challenge. Using 3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)benzoic acid (HL) as a new ligand, three novel MOFs, namely poly[[(N,N‐dimethylformamide‐κO)bis[μ₂‐3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)benzoato‐κ³O,O′:N]cadmium(II)] N,N‐dimethylformamide monosolvate methanol monosolvate], {[Cd(C₁₂H₇N₂O₄)₂(C₃H₇NO)]·C₃H₇NO·CH₃OH}_n, ( 1 ), poly[[(μ₂‐acetato‐κ²O:O′)[μ₃‐3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)benzoato‐κ³O:O′:N]bis[μ₃‐3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)benzoato‐κ⁴O,O′:O′:N]dicadmium(II)] N,N‐dimethylacetamide disolvate monohydrate], {[Cd₂(C₁₂H₇N₂O₄)₃(CH₃CO₂)]·2C₄H₉NO·H₂O}_n, ( 2 ), and catena‐poly[[[diaquanickel(II)]‐bis[μ₂‐3‐nitro‐4‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)benzoato‐κ²O:N]] N,N‐dimethylacetamide disolvate], {[Ni(C₁₂H₇N₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂]·2C₄H₉NO}_n, ( 3 ), have been prepared. Single‐crystal structure analysis shows that the Cd^II atom in MOF ( 1 ) has a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal [CdN₂O₅] coordination geometry. The [CdN₂O₅] units as 4‐connected nodes are interconnected by L^? ligands to form a fourfold interpenetrating three‐dimensional (3D) framework with a dia topology. In MOF ( 2 ), there are two crystallographically different Cd^II ions showing a distorted pentagonal bipyramidal [CdNO₆] and a distorted octahedral [CdN₂O₄] coordination geometry, respectively. Two Cd^II ions are connected by three carboxylate groups to form a binuclear [Cd₂(COO)₃] cluster. Each binuclear cluster as a 6‐connected node is further linked by acetate groups and L^? ligands to produce a non‐interpenetrating 3D framework with a pcu topology. MOF ( 3 ) contains two crystallographically distinct Ni^II ions on special positions. Each Ni^II ion adopts an elongated octahedral [NiN₂O₄] geometry. Each Ni^II ion as a 4‐connected node is linked by L^? ligands to generate a two‐dimensional network with an sql topology, which is further stabilized by two types of intermolecular OW—HW…O hydrogen bonds to form a 3D supramolecular framework. MOFs ( 1 )–( 3 ) were also characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetic analysis. Furthermore, the solid‐state photoluminescence of HL and MOFs ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) have been investigated. The photoluminescence of MOFs ( 1 ) and ( 2 ) are enhanced and red‐shifted with respect to free HL. The gas adsorption investigation of MOF ( 2 ) indicates a good separation selectivity (71) of CO₂/N₂ at 273 K (i.e. the amount of CO₂ adsorption is 71 times higher than N₂ at the same pressure).     

Three one‐dimensional coordination polymers based on 1,1′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)‐2,2′‐bi‐1H‐benzimidazole and HgX2 (X = Cl,Br and I)

A new 2,2′‐bi‐1H‐benzimidazole bridging organic ligand, namely 1,1′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)‐2,2′‐bi‐1H‐benzimidazole, C₂₆H₂₀N₆, L or (I), has been synthesized and used to create three new one‐dimensional coordination polymers, viz.catena‐poly[[dichloridomercury(II)]‐μ‐1,1′‐bis(pyridin‐4‐ylmethyl)‐2,2′‐bi‐1H‐benzimidazole], [HgCl₂(C₂₆H₂₀N₆)]_n, (II), and the bromido, [HgBr₂(C₂₆H₂₀N₆)]_n, (III), and iodido, [HgI₂(C₂₆H₂₀N₆)]_n, (IV), analogues. Free ligand L crystallizes with two symmetry‐independent half‐molecules in the asymmetric unit and each L molecule resides on a crytallographic inversion centre. In structures (II)–(IV), the L ligand is also positioned on a crystallographic inversion centre, whereas the Hg centre resides on a crystallographic twofold axis. Compound (I) adopts an anti conformation in the solid state and forms a two‐dimensional network in the crystallographic bc plane viaπ–π and C—H...π interactions. The three Hg^II coordination complexes, (II)–(IV), have one‐dimensional zigzag chains composed of L and HgX₂ (X = Cl, Br and I), and the Hg^II centres are in a distorted tetrahedral [HgX₂N₂] coordination geometry. Complexes (III) and (IV) are isomorphous, whereas complex (II) displays an interesting conformational difference from the others, i.e. a twist in the flexible bridging ligand.     

A one‐dimensional coordination polymer with a capped [Cu4O4] cubane core assembled from 2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyridine

The one‐dimensional coordination polymer catena‐poly[[[di‐μ₂‐acetato‐tetrakis[μ₃‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)methanolato]tetracopper(II)]‐di‐μ₂‐diacetamidato] acetonitrile monosolvate], {[Cu₄(C₆H₆NO)₄(CH₃COO)₂(C₂N₃)₂]·CH₃CN}_n, has been prepared from the direct reaction of 2‐(hydroxymethyl)pyridine with Cu(OAc)₂·H₂O (OAc⁻ is acetate) in a methanol–acetonitrile mixture. The four Cu centres are bridged by four O atoms from discrete (pyridin‐2‐yl)methanolate ligands and two acetate groups, forming a capped [Cu₄O₄] cubane core. Each core is doubly bridged to each of two adjacent cores by [N(CN)₂]⁻ anions, resulting in one‐dimensional chains. The magnetic properties of the complex were also studied.     

A one‐dimensional zinc(II) coordination polymer with a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture incorporating 1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazole and adipate

The synthesis of coordination polymers or metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has attracted considerable interest owing to the interesting structures and potential applications of these compounds. It is still a challenge to predict the exact structures and compositions of the final products. A new one‐dimensional coordination polymer, catena‐poly[[[bis{1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazole‐κN³}zinc(II)]‐μ‐hexane‐1,6‐dicarboxylato‐κ⁴O¹,O^1′:O⁶,O^6′] monohydrate], {[Zn(C₆H₈O₄)(C₉H₈N₆)₂]·H₂O}_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Zn(Ac)₂ (Ac is acetate) with 1‐[(1H‐benzimidazol‐2‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐tetrazole (bimt) and adipic acid (H₂adi) at room temperature. In the polymer, each Zn^II ion exhibits an irregular octahedral ZnN₂O₄ coordination geometry and is coordinated by two N atoms from two symmetry‐related bimt ligands and four O atoms from two symmetry‐related dianionic adipate ligands. Zn^II ions are connected by adipate ligands into a one‐dimensional chain which runs parallel to the c axis. The bimt ligands coordinate to the Zn^II ions in a monodentate mode on both sides of the main chain. In the crystal, the one‐dimensional chains are further connected through N—H…O hydrogen bonds, leading to a three‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. In addition, the title polymer exhibits fluorescence, with emissions at 334 and 350 nm in the solid state at room temperature.     

One‐ and two‐dimensional CdII coordination polymers constructed from 2‐(2‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)acetate ligands

The one‐ and two‐dimensional polymorphic cadmium polycarboxylate coordination polymers, catena‐poly[bis[μ₂‐2‐(2‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)acetato‐κ³N³:O,O′]cadmium(II)], [Cd(C₁₀H₉N₂O₂)₂]_n, and poly[bis[μ₂‐2‐(2‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazol‐1‐yl)acetato‐κ³N³:O,O′]cadmium(II)], also [Cd(C₁₀H₉N₂O₂)₂]_n, were prepared under solvothermal conditions. In each structure, each Cd^II atom is coordinated by four O atoms and two N atoms from four different ligands. In the former structure, two crystallographically independent Cd^II atoms are located on twofold symmetry axes and doubly bridged in a μ₂‐N:O,O′‐mode by the ligands into correspondingly independent chains that run in the [100] and [010] directions. Chains containing crystallographically related Cd^II atoms are linked into sheets viaπ–π stacking interactions. Sheets containing one of the distinct types of Cd^II atom are stacked perpendicular to [001] and alternate with sheets containing the other type of Cd^II atom. The second complex is a two‐dimensional homometallic Cd^II (4,4) net structure in which each Cd^II atom is singly bridged to four neighbouring Cd^II atoms by four ligands also acting in a μ₂‐N:O,O′‐mode. A square‐grid network results and the three‐dimensional supramolecular framework is completed by π–π stacking interactions between the aromatic ring systems.     

Novel one‐ and two‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymers based on a versatile 3,6‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenanthrene‐9,10‐dione ligand

Two new Zn^II coordination polymers, namely, catena‐poly[[dibromidozinc(II)]‐μ‐[3,6‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenanthrene‐9,10‐dione‐κ²N:N′]], [ZnBr₂(C₂₄H₁₄N₂O₂)]_n, (1), and poly[[bromido[μ₃‐10‐hydroxy‐3,6‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenanthren‐9‐olato‐κ³N:N′:O⁹]zinc(II)] hemihydrate], {[ZnBr(C₂₄H₁₅N₂O₂)]·0.5H₂O}_n, (2), have been synthesized through hydrothermal reaction of ZnBr₂ and a 60° angular phenanthrenedione‐based linker, i.e. 3,6‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenanthrene‐9,10‐dione, in different solvent systems. Single‐crystal analysis reveals that polymer (1) features one‐dimensional zigzag chains connected by weak C—H...π and π–π interactions to form a two‐dimensional network. The two‐dimensional networks are further stacked in an ABAB fashion along the a axis through C—H...O hydrogen bonds. Layers A and B comprise left‐ and right‐handed helical chains, respectively. Coordination polymer (2) displays a wave‐like two‐dimensional layered structure with helical chains. In this compound, there are two opposite helical –Zn–HL– chains [HL is 10‐hydroxy‐3,6‐bis(pyridin‐4‐yl)phenanthren‐9‐olate] in adjacent layers. The layers are packed in an ABAB sequence and are further connected through O—H...Br and O—H...O hydrogen‐bond interactions to form a three‐dimensional framework. In (1) and (2), the mutidentate L and HL ligands exhibits different coordination modes.