In situ benzene-1,4-disulfonate ligand synthesis and electric conductivities of four silver 4-sulfobenzoate or benzene-1,4-disulfonate complexes

The reaction of 4,4′-bipyridine (bipy), AgNO₃ and 4-sulfobenzoate (4-sb) led to an unprecedented complex, {Ag₂(4,4′-bipy)₂(H₂O)₂]·(1,4-bds)·(2H₂O)}_n (1), in which benzene-1,4-disulfonate (1,4-bds) was synthesized in situ. This does not happen in the similar 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) system, where the complex {Ag₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)₂]·(4-sb)·3H₂O}_n (2) is formed. The same in situ reaction occurred when triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) was added into the bipy and silver reaction solution, resulting in the complex Ag₂(PPh3)₄(1,4-bds)]. 2DMF (3). Complex 4, {Ag₂(Ph₃P)₂(4-sb)(H₂O)]·(H₂O)}_n, was synthesized similar to the synthesis of complex 3, without the presence of 4,4′-bipyridine. Complexes 1-4 were characterized by single-crystal X-ray analyses, elemental analyses, IR spectra, TG analyses, fluorescence studies and electric conductivity. Complexes 1 and 2 are cation-anion species. Complexes 3 and 4 are silver triphenylphosphine complexes, where the phenyl embrace interactions play important roles. In 3, the six-fold phenyl embrace (6PEs) connect the molecules into a 1-d hybrid zig-zag infinite chain. Complex 4 is a one-dimensional branch-like polymer containing a 1-d necklace-like backbone made up of an Ag₂(4-sb)(H₂O)] unit and PPh₃ ‘‘leaves”. Two new coordination modes for the 1,4-bds ligands and one for the 4-sb ligand are observed. Complexes 1-3 are semi-conductors, while complex 4 is an insulator.