Crystalline inclusion compounds constructed through self-assembly of isonicotinic acid and thiocyanato coordination bridges

The synthesis, crystal structures, inclusion ability, and structural robustness of novel crystalline inclusion compounds of [Ni(SCN)2(isoH)2].xG (isoH = isonicotinic acid; G = aromatic guest) are described. The inclusion compounds are constructed by stacking identical 2D host layers that consist of SCN-, isoH, and Ni2+ with van der Waals contact separation. In the layer, two types of rectangular cavities (A-type and B-type) are formed, and the guests are included in the former cavity. The inclusion compounds were categorized into four stacking modes according to the difference in the stacking mode of the layers. A systematic investigation of the crystal structures of the 21 inclusion compounds clarified the close relationship between the molecular structure of the guest and the resultant stacking mode of the layers.