Self-assembly of three Cd(II) complexes: 0-D, 1-D,and 3-D structures based on 2-(1H-imidazol-1-methyl)-1 H-benzimidazole

Three new complexes, Cd(L)I₂]₂ (1), {Cd(L)I₂]?·?DMF} _n (2), and Cd₂(L)₄(μ ₂-I)I(H₂O)] _n (3), have been obtained through self-assembly of an unsymmetrical ligand 2-(1H-imidazol-1-methyl)-1H-benzimidazole (L) with Cd(II) salts. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction shows that 1 displays a dimeric structure in which two Cd(II) ions are bridged by two bidentate bridging L. Complex 2 exhibits a 1-D chain structure (···Cd–L–Cd–L···) constructed by L bridging Cd(II) ions. In 3, the Cd(II) ions are five-connected nodes and linked by L and iodide leading to the 3-D network. Complexes 2 and 3 are synthesized maintaining the same solvents and stoichiometric ratio of metal and ligand at different reaction temperature. The different structures of the complexes indicate that the temperature plays a significant role in construction of the complexes. Luminescent properties of 1–3 have been investigated in the solid state at room temperature.