Four complexes with a bulky carboxylate ligand: syntheses,crystal structures,and luminescent properties

Abstract  

Four complexes of 3,3-diphenylpropanoate (L) and 4,4′-bipyridine as auxiliary bridging ligands were synthesized and characterized, namely Zn(L)₂(4bpy)(EtOH)₂]_∞ (1), Co(L)₂(4bpy)(EtOH)₂]_∞ (2), Ni(L)₂(4bpy)(EtOH)₂]_∞ (3), and Cu(L)₂(4bpy)(H₂O)]_∞ (4) (4bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine). X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses show that complexes 1–4 all take one-dimensional (1D) fishbone-like structures incorporating bridging 4bpy ligands. The complexes show different supramolecular frameworks interlinked via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, π···π stacking, and/or C–H···π supramolecular interactions. Complex 3 only has a simple one-dimensional fishbone-like chain, whereas complexes 1 and 2 show two-dimensional supramolecular structures by interchain C–H···O hydrogen bonds. Complex 4 is assembled into two-dimensional layers and then an overall three-dimensional framework by a combination of interchain O–H···O hydrogen bonds and C–H···π supramolecular interactions. The luminescent properties of the ligands and their complexes were investigated.