Two coordination polymers based on 2,2′-biimidazoles and d10 metal ions: syntheses,structures, and luminescence

Two d¹⁰ metal coordination polymers, Zn(µ-Me₂biim)Cl₂] _n (1) and Cd₃(MeHbiim)₂(1,4-BDC)₃] _n (2) (Me₂biim?=?N,N′-dimethyl-2,2′-biimidazole, MeHbiim?=?N-methyl-2,2′-biimidazole, 1,4-BDC?=?1,4-benzenedicarboxylate), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 features an infinite neutral zigzag 1-D chain. Interchain hydrogen-bonding interactions further extend the 1-D arrangement to generate a 2-D supramolecular architecture. Complex 2 features a 3-D coordination polymer with α-Po net topology, based on linear trinuclear {Cd₃O₁₄N₄} clusters. Both complexes have high thermal stability and exhibit strong luminescence at room temperature.