Assembly of robust and porous hydrogen-bonded coordination frameworks: isomorphism, polymorphism, and selective adsorption

By using the tripodal ligand ntb (tris(benzimidazole-2-ylmethyl)amine) and lanthanide nitrate, three isomorphous series of coordination frameworks of the general formula [Ln(ntb)(NO(3))(3)]·solvents (series 1: monoclinic C2/c, Ln = Gd(3+) and Yb(3+); series 2: hexagonal P3(1)/c, Ln = Nd(3+), Eu(3+), Gd(3+), and Er(3+); series 3, cubic Pa3?, Ln = Gd(3+) and Er(3+); solvent = H(2)O or CH(3)OH) have been assembled and characterized with IR, elemental analyses, and single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods. In all isomorphous complexes, analogous [Ln(ntb)(NO(3))(3)] coordination monomers of the same structure act as the building blocks to be assembled via hydrogen bonds into three-dimensional (3D) frameworks. So the complexes of the same lanthanide ion (for example, the Gd(3+) ion) from three isomorphous series form polymorphs, for example, monoclinic polymorph 1-Gd, hexagonal polymorph 2-Gd, and cubic polymorph 3-Gd. The single-crystal analyses revealed that the polymorphism was related to different fashions of hydrogen bonding interactions, which was caused by different crystallization conditions, leading to the formation of different 3D hydrogen-bonded frameworks showing distinct porous and topological structures. The monoclinic and hexagonal crystals contain 1D channels, while the cubic crystal is nonporous. The thermogravimetric analyses indicated that all polymorphic crystals have high thermal stability against the removal of guest molecules, and the robust porosity of the hexagonal crystals has been verified by temperature-dependent single-crystal-to-single-crystal measurements upon guest removal/uptake. The solvents adsorption study disclosed that the porous frameworks show high selectivity of benzene against toluene and xylene, while the gas adsorption measurements indicated a moderate H(2), CO(2), and MeOH storage capacity in contrast to low N(2) uptake. The solid-state photoluminescence of the Eu(3+) and Nd(3+) complexes in the near-infrared and visible region has also been investigated, offering examples with optical properties tunable by means of isomorphous replacement.     

2,2′‐Bipyrimidine as Efficient Sensitizer of the Solid‐State Luminescence of Lanthanide and Uranyl Ions from Visible to Near‐Infrared

Treatment of Ln(NO₃)₃?nH₂O with 1 or 2 equiv 2,2′‐bipyrimidine (BPM) in dry THF readily afforded the monometallic complexes [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)₂] (Ln=Eu, Gd, Dy, Tm) or [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)₂]?THF (Ln=Eu, Tb, Er, Yb) after recrystallization from MeOH or THF, respectively. Reactions with nitrate salts of the larger lanthanide ions (Ln=Ce, Nd, Sm) yielded one of two distinct monometallic complexes, depending on the recrystallization solvent: [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)₂]?THF (Ln=Nd, Sm) from THF, or [Ln(NO₃)₃(bpm)(MeOH)₂]?MeOH (Ln=Ce, Nd, Sm) from MeOH. Treatment of UO₂(NO₃)₂?6H₂O with 1 equiv BPM in THF afforded the monoadduct [UO₂(NO₃)₂(bpm)] after recrystallization from MeOH. The complexes were characterized by their crystal structure. Solid‐state luminescence measurements on these monometallic complexes showed that BPM is an efficient sensitizer of the luminescence of both the lanthanide and the uranyl ions emitting visible light, as well as of the Yb^III ion emitting in the near‐IR. For Tb, Dy, Eu, and Yb complexes, energy transfer was quite efficient, resulting in quantum yields of 80.0, 5.1, 70.0, and 0.8 %, respectively. All these complexes in the solid state were stable in air.     

Ln2(ClO4)2(H2I2O10) · 8H2O (Ln = Sm,Gd), a Lanthanide Perchlorate Mesodiperiodate forming a Novel Layer Structure

By slow evaporation of solutions containing Ln(ClO₄)₃ (Ln = Sm, Gd), H₅IO₆ and an excess of HClO₄, crystals of the title compounds could be obtained. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system, space group P2₁/c. They contain Ln³⁺ ions, which are coordinated by [H₂I₂O₁₀]^4— anions forming two‐dimensional, cationic networks. These are separated by perchlorate ions, forming a layered structure.     

Synthesis and Structure of Ln2(H4IO6)(I2O10)·H3O·5 H2O (Ln=Pr,Nd, Sm), a Lanthanide Periodate Diperiodate

By slow evaporation of solutions containing Ln(ClO₄)₃ (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm), H₅IO₆ and an excess of HClO₄, crystals of the title compounds could be obtained. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The compounds crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system, space group I2/a. They contain two types of periodate ions: octahedral H₄IO₆ groups and two crystallographically different I₂O₁₀ groups, which consist of two edge‐sharing octahedra. These anions coordinate to the cations as bridging groups yielding a three‐dimensional network. Together with some water of crystallization, a coordination number of 9 is achieved around the lanthanide ions with a tri‐capped trigonal prismatic geometry.     

Structures and Properties of Novel Mononuclear Iron(III) Complexes with Benzimidazole Containing Tripodal Tetradentate Ligands

The iron(III) complexes of the tripodal benzimidazole‐containing ligands tris(2‐benzimidazolylmethyl)amine (ntb), bis(2‐benzimidazolylmethyl)(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐amine (bbimae) and tris(5,6‐dimethyl‐2‐benzimidazolylmethyl)amine (me₂ntb) are structural and functional models for intradiol cleaving catechol dioxygenases. The complexes [Fe(ntb)Cl₂]Cl · 3 CH₃OH ( 1 ; P 1, a = 9.830(2) Å, b = 12.542(3) Å, c = 13.139(3) Å, α = 82.88(3)°, β = 73.45(3)°, γ = 85.53(3)°, V = 1539.2(6) ų; Z = 2) and [Fe(bbimae)Cl₂]Cl ( 2 ; P2₁/n, a = 7.461(2) Å, b = 18.994(5) Å, c = 14.515(4) Å, β = 98.22(2)°, V = 2035.8(9) ų, Z = 4) have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography and spectroscopic methods. In the octahedrally coordinated complexes two cis coordination sites – essential for catechol binding – are occupied by chloride ligands. The significant intradiol cleaving catechol dioxygenase activity of the model complexes was examined using 3,5‐di‐tert‐butylcatechol as a substrate.     

Lanthanide Contraction within a Series of Asymmetric Dinuclear [Ln2] Complexes

A complete isostructural series of dinuclear asymmetric lanthanide complexes has been synthesized by using the ligand 6‐[3‐oxo‐3‐(2‐hydroxyphenyl)propionyl]pyridine‐2‐carboxylic acid (H₃ L ). All complexes have the formula [Ln₂(H L )₂(H₂ L )(NO₃)(py)(H₂O)] (Ln=La ( 1 ), Ce ( 2 ), Pr ( 3 ), Nd ( 4 ), Sm ( 5 ), Eu ( 6 ), Gd ( 7 ), Tb ( 8 ), Dy ( 9 ), Ho ( 10 ), Er ( 11 ), Tm ( 12 ), Yb ( 13 ), Lu ( 14 ), Y ( 15 ); py=pyridine). Complexes of La to Yb and Y have been crystallographically characterized to reveal that the two metal ions are encapsulated within two distinct coordination environments of differing size. Whereas one site maintains the coordination number (nine) through the whole series, the other one increases from nine to ten owing to a change in the coordination mode of an NO₃^? ligand. This series offers a unique opportunity to study in detail the lanthanide contraction within complexes of more than one metal. This analysis shows that various representative parameters proportional to this contraction follow a quadratic decay as a function of the number n of f electrons. Slater’s model for the atomic radii has been used to extract, from these decays, the shielding constant of 4f electrons. The average of O???O distances within the coordination polyhedra shared by both metals and of the Ln???Ln separations follow also a quadratic decay, therefore showing that such dependence holds also for parameters that receive the contribution of two lanthanide ions simultaneously. The magnetic behavior has been studied for all nondiamagnetic complexes. It reveals the effect of the spin–orbit coupling and a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between both metals. Photoluminescent studies of all the complexes in the series reveal a single broad emission band in the visible region, which is related to the coordinated ligand. On the other hand, the Nd, Er, and Yb complexes show features in the near‐IR region due to metal‐based transitions.     

Structural Systematics of Rare Earth Complexes. XXII 4‐Methylpyridinium Salts of Diverse Complex Aqua/Chloro/Lanthanoid(III) Species

4‐Methylpyridinium cations, mpyH⁺, crystallized with complex aqua/chloro/lanthanoid(III) species for the gamut of the rare earth series, have ‘domains of existence’ defined for the following forms:

• (a) The triclinic series (mpyH)₂[{(H₂O)₃Cl₃Ln(μ‐Cl)_(2|2)}₂], previously defined for the Ln = La–Nd members (those for La, Pr characterized by full structure determinations);
• (b) The triclinic series (mpyH)₂[(H₂O)₃LnCl₄]Cl, previously defined for the Ln = Eu, Ho members by full structure determinations, is here augmented by the Ln = Nd, Sm examples (full structure determinations, the latter a new ‘light’ Ln extremum);
• (c) A new monoclinic C2/c series (mpyH)₂[(H₂O)₄LnCl₃]Cl₂, defined for the Ln = Er–Yb extrema (full structural characterizations for the Ln = Er, Tm, Yb members); the lanthanoid‐containing entity (which, with the cations, exhibits some disorder) is a neutral molecule of a new type. For the Ln = Lu case, a fully ordered derivative monoclinic C2 form has been obtained in a cell one half the size.

Other types have also been characterized, thus:

• (i) For Ln = La, (mpyH)₈[{(H₂O)₃Cl₃La(μ‐Cl)_(2|2)}₂]‐[{(H₂O)₄Cl₂La(μ‐Cl)₂La(OH₂)₂Cl₂(μ‐Cl)_(2|2)}₂]Cl₄·6H₂O·mpy has been defined by a full structural determination; the binuclear anion is similar to that in (a), albeit with some disorder, with the tetranuclear anion derivative of it.
• (ii) For Ln = Lu, (mpyH)₂[(H₂O)₅LuCl₂]Cl₃ is defined by a full structure determination.
• (iii) For Ln = Y, (mpyH)₂[(H₂O)₇YCl]Cl₄ is defined by a full structure determination; here, and in (ii), the complex component is cationic.

     

Hydrothermal Syntheses and Structural Studies of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers Involving In‐Situ Decarboxylation and their Luminescence Properties

Lanthanide coordination polymers with the formula [Ln(pydc)₂]·H₂O (Ln = La, 1 ; Nd, 2 ; pydc = 3,4‐pyridinedicarboxylate) and [Ln(pydc)(ina)(H₂O)₂] (Ln = Sm, 3 ; Eu, 4 ; Tb, 5 ; Dy, 6 ; pydc = 3,4‐pyridinedicarboxylate, ina = isonicotinate) were synthesized by treating Ln^III nitrates with 3,4‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid under hydrothermal conditions. Single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction studies indicate that these lanthanide coordination polymers adopt two different structures. The lighter lanthanide compounds 1 and 2 consist of extended two‐dimensional layer structures with the thickness of ca. 1.7 nm. While the heavier lanthanide compounds 3 ‐ 6 have pydc‐bridged double chain structures with one chelating carboxylate group of ina ligand and two water molecules on each metal center. Interestingly, decarboxylation occurred and pydc was partially transformed into ina in the hydrothermal reactions of 3 ‐ 6 . The fluorescence activities of compounds 4 and 5 are reported.     

“114”‐Type Nitrides LnAl(Si4−xAlx)N7Oδ with Unusual [AlN6] Octahedral Coordination

Aluminum–nitrogen six‐fold octahedral coordination, [AlN₆], is unusual and has only been seen in the high‐pressure rocksalt‐type aluminum nitride or some complex compounds. Herein we report novel nitrides LnAl(Si_4−x Al_x)N₇O_δ (Ln=La, Sm), the first inorganic compounds with [AlN₆] coordination prepared via non‐high‐pressure synthesis. Structure refinements of neutron powder diffraction and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data show that these compounds crystallize in the hexagonal Swedenborgite structure type with P 6₃mc symmetry where Ln and Al atoms locate in anticuboctahedral and octahedral interstitials, respectively, between the triangular and Kagomé layers of [SiN₄] tetrahedra. Solid‐state NMR data of high‐purity La‐114 powders confirm the unusual [AlN₆] coordination. These compounds are the first examples of the “33‐114” sub‐type in the “114” family. The additional site for over‐stoichiometric oxygen in the structure of 114‐type compounds was also identified.     

Manipulation of Molecular and Supramolecular Structure in Cobalt(II) Complexes with Tetrachloroterephthalate through the Influence of Different Solvents

The reactions of cobalt acetates with tetrachloroterephthalic acid (H₂BDC‐Cl₄) in different solvents gave two polymeric and one mononuclear Co^II complexes. X‐ray single‐crystal structural determination revealed that the ligand BDC‐Cl₄ displays a reliable bridging tecton to construct diverse supramolecular architectures through coordinative bonds or secondary hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The complexes [Co(BDC‐Cl₄)(DMF)₂(EtOH)₂]_n ( 1 ) and {[Co(BDC‐Cl₄)(DMF)₂(MeOH)₂] · 2DMF}_n ( 2 ) demonstrate a one‐dimensional (1D) coordination motif with infinite Co^II‐tetrachloroterephthalate chains, which are tuned by different binding solvent systems of DMF/ethanol (EtOH) and DMF/methanol (MeOH). [Co(DMF)₂(H₂O)₄] · (BDC‐Cl₄) ( 3 ) represents a two‐dimensional (2D) metallosupramolecular network by hydrogen‐bonded bridging between the aqua ligand of the mononuclear complex with the uncoordinated BDC‐Cl₄ solvates. The spectroscopic, thermal, and fluorescent properties of 1 – 3 were also investigated.     

[Fe(TPT)2/3{MI(CN)2}2]⋅nSolv (MI=Ag,Au): New Bimetallic Porous Coordination Polymers with Spin‐Crossover Properties

Two new heterobimetallic porous coordination polymers with the formula [Fe(TPT)_2/3{M^I(CN)₂}₂] ? nSolv (TPT=[(2,4,6‐tris(4‐pyridyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine]; M^I=Ag (nSolv=0, 1 MeOH, 2 CH₂Cl₂), Au (nSolv=0, 2 CH₂Cl₂)) have been synthesized and their crystal structures were determined at 120 K and 293 K by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis. These structures crystallized in the trigonal R‐3m space group. The Fe^II ion resides at an inversion centre that defines a [FeN₆] coordination core. Four dicyanometallate groups coordinate at the equatorial positions, whilst the axial positions are occupied by the TPT ligand. Each TPT ligand is centred in a ternary axis and bridges three crystallographically equivalent Fe^II ions, whilst each dicyanometallate group bridges two crystallographically equivalent Fe^II ions that define a 3D network with the topology of NbO. There are two such networks, which interpenetrate each other, thereby giving rise to large spaces in which very labile solvent molecules are included (CH₂Cl₂ or MeOH). Crystallographic analysis confirmed the reversible structural changes that were associated with the occurrence of spin‐crossover behaviour at the Fe^II ions, the most significant structural variation being the change in unit‐cell volume (about 59 ų per Fe^II ion). The spin‐crossover behaviour has been monitored by means of thermal dependence of the magnetic properties, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and calorimetry.     

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.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von Ln3I(SiS4)2 (Ln = Pr,Nd, Sm,Tb)

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Ln₃I(SiS₄)₂ (Ln = Pr, Nd, Sm, Tb) Single crystals of Ln₃I(SiS₄)₂ were prepared by a two‐step reaction of lanthanide metal, sulfur, silicon and iodine in the ratio 1 : 3.25 : 1 : 0.33 in quartz glass tubes. The thiosilicates crystallize in the monoclinic space group C 2/c (Z = 4) isotypic to Ce₃I(SiS₄)₂ [1]. In the crystal structures the iodide ions form chains along [001] with trigonal coordination by lanthanide ions.     

Lanthanoid‐Based Ionic Liquids Incorporating the Dicyanonitrosomethanide Anion

A series of low‐melting‐point salts with hexakisdicyanonitrosomethanidolanthanoidate anions has been synthesised and characterised: (C₂mim)₃[Ln(dcnm)₆] ( 1 Ln ; 1 Ln = 1 La , 1 Ce , 1 Pr , 1 Nd ), (C₂C₁mim)₃[Pr(dcnm)₆] ( 2 Pr ), (C₄C₁pyr)₃[Ce(dcnm)₆] ( 3 Ce ), (N₁₁₁₄)₃[Ln(dcnm)₆] ( 4 Ln ; 4 Ln = 4 La , 4 Ce , 4 Pr , 4 Nd , 4 Sm , 4 Gd ), and (N_1112OH)₃[Ce(dcnm)₆] ( 5 Ce ) (C₂mim=1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium, C₂C₁mim=1‐ethyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium, C₄C₁py=N‐butyl‐4‐methylpyridinium, N₁₁₁₄=butyltrimethylammonium, N_1112OH=2‐(hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium=choline). X‐ray crystallography was used to determine the structures of complexes 1 La , 2 Pr , and 5 Ce , all of which contain [Ln(dcnm)₆]^3? ions. Complexes 1 Ln and 2 Pr were all ionic liquids (ILs), with complex 3 Ce melting at 38.1 °C, the lowest melting point of any known complex containing the [Ln(dcnm)₆]^3? trianion. The ammonium‐based cations proved to be less suitable for forming ILs, with complexes 4 Sm and 4 Gd being the only salts with the N₁₁₁₄ cation to have melting points below 100 °C. The choline‐containing complex 5 Ce did not melt up to 160 °C, with the increase in melting point possibly being due to extensive hydrogen bonding, which could be inferred from the crystal structure of the complex.     

Crystal structure of chiral binaphthol lanthanide complexes and their catalysis in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone

Heterometallic [(THF)₂Na]₃[Ln(R‐Binolate)₃(H₂O)] [Ln = Sm ( 1 ) and Gd ( 2 )] has been synthesized by the reactions of either LnCl₃ or LnBr₃ with 3 equiv. Na(R‐HBinolate) and characterized by X‐ray crystallographic analysis. Structural analyses proposed that 1 and 2 are isomorphous complexes, crystallizing in the hexagonal space group P6₃ with C₃ symmetry. The coordination geometry of the lanthanide ions in 1 and 2 can be best approximated as a mono‐capped triangle antiprism. When complexes 1 and 2 were employed as catalysts in the Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley (MPV) reactions of acetophenone, the S‐phenylethanol was separated in 94 and 85% enantiomeric excess (e.e.) for 1 and 2 , respectively. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Syntheses,structures, and luminescent properties of lanthanide complexes with N,N′-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxapentanediamide

An amide-type acyclic polyether, N,N′-bis(p-methoxyphenyl)-3-oxapentanediamide (L), and its three lanthanide coordination compounds, [Ln(NO₃)(L)₂(H₂O)₂]?·?(NO₃)₂ [Ln?=?Pr (1), Nd (2), and Dy (3)], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction. Single crystal X-ray structure analyses reveal that 1 and 2 have the same structure and crystallize in the monoclinic crystal system with C2/c space group. The coordination geometry around the central atom is a distorted bicapped square antiprism. Extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonds in 1 and 2 result in 3-D supramolecular networks. Complex 3 exhibits luminescence in the visible region upon excitation with UV-rays.     

Guest⊂Guest⊂Host Multicomponent Molecular Crystals: Entrapment of Guest⊂Guest in Honeycomb Networks Formed by Self‐Assembly of 1,3,5‐Tri(4‐hydroxyaryl)benzenes

Sterically‐engineered rigid trigonal molecular modules based on 1,3,5‐tri(4‐hydroxyphenyl)benzenes H1 and H2 undergo O‐H???O hydrogen‐bonded self‐assembly into eight‐fold catenated hexagonal (6,3) and two‐fold interpenetrated undulated square (4,4) networks, respectively. In the presence of [18]crown‐6 as a guest, the triphenol H1 is found to self‐assemble into a honeycomb network with hexagonal voids created between three triphenol building blocks. The guest [18]crown‐6 molecules are found to be nicely nested in hexagonal enclosures. The empty spaces within the crowns can be further filled with neutral (MeOH/water, MeOH/MeNO₂) or ionic guest species such as KI/KAcAc to furnish novel multicomponent assemblies, that is, guest ? guest ? host, that typify Russian dolls. In contrast, triphenol H2 is found to yield analogous multicomponent molecular crystals in which the guest crown–K⁺ acts as a spacers in the hydrogen‐bonded self‐assembly that leads to distorted chicken wire networks.     

The Heterometallic Clusters of Trivalent Rare Earth Metals of [Ln(OPh)6{Li(dme)}3], with Ln=Eu and Sm

Two new heterobimetallic phenoxide Ln^III–Li complexes of formula [Ln(μ₂‐OPh)₆{Li(dme)}₃] (Ln=Sm, Eu) have been synthesized and characterized using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. These two compounds are isostructural.     

A Terbium Metal–Organic Framework for Highly Selective and Sensitive Luminescence Sensing of Hg2+ Ions in Aqueous Solution

A series of isomorphic lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) Ln(TATAB)?(DMF)₄(H₂O)(MeOH)_0.5 (LnTATAB, Ln=Eu, Tb, Sm, Dy, Gd; H₃TATAB=4,4′,4′′‐s‐triazine‐1,3,5‐triyltri‐p‐aminobenzoic acid) have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Among these MOFs, TbTATAB exhibits good water stability and a high fluorescence quantum yield. Because mercury ions (Hg²⁺) have a high affinity to nitrogen atoms, and the space between multiple nitrogen atoms from triazine and imino groups is suitable for interacting with Hg²⁺ ions, TbTATAB shows highly selective and sensitive detection of Hg²⁺ in aqueous solution with a detection limit of 4.4 nm . Furthermore, it was successfully applied to detect Hg²⁺ ions in natural water samples.     

Identification of the Structural Boundary between [Ln(18‐crown‐6)(NO3)3] and [Ln(NO3)3(H2O)3] · 18‐crown‐6 Motifs in the Lanthanide Series

Recrystallization of Ln(NO₃)₃ (Ln = Sm, Eu, Yb) in the presence of 18‐crown‐6 under aqueous conditions yielded [Ln(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃] · 18‐crown‐6. X‐ray crystallography revealed isomorphous structures for each of the lanthanide complexes where [Ln(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃] is involved in hydrogen bonding interactions with 18‐crown‐6. The transition point where the structural motif changes from [Ln(18‐crown‐6)(NO₃)₃] (with the metal residing in the crown cavity) to [Ln(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₃] · 18‐crown‐6 has been identified as at the Nd/Sm interface. A similar investigation involving [Ln(tos)₃(H₂O)₆] (tos = p‐toluenesulfonate) and 18‐crown‐6 were resistant to crown incorporation. X‐ray studies show extensive intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding is present.