Synthesis and characterization of zinc(II), copper(II) and cadmium(II) coordination polymers with tetrachloroterephthalate-based ligands

Three complexes, namely Zn(BDC-Cl₄)(py)₃ (1), Cu(BDC-Cl₄)(py)₃ (2) and Cd(BDC-Cl₄)(py)₃ (3) (BDC-Cl₄ = 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, py = pyridine) have been synthesized. Complexes (1) and (2) have been obtained using solvothermal methods. Both have a five-coordinate geometry with two bridging monodentate tetrachloroterephthalate ligands and three pyridine ligands coordinated to the Zn(II) or Cu(II) atom. The tetrachloroterephthalate ligands bridge the adjacent Zn(II) or Cu(II) centers, giving zigzag chains. Complex (3) has also been crystallized, each Cd(II) atom is six-coordinated to three carboxylate oxygen atoms and three pyridyl nitrogen atoms. Two types of tetrachloroterephthalate ligand, featuring monodentate and bidentate carboxylates, connect the Cd(II) centers to form zigzag chains. All three complexes have been subjected to thermogravimetric analysis.