Influence of the anion on the coordination mode of an unsymmetrical N-heterocyclic ligand in Cd(II) complexes: From discrete molecule to one- and two-dimensional structures

Five new 0D–2D Cd(II) complexes, [Cd₂(Hbimt)₂I₄] (1), [Cd(bimt)(Hbimt)Br]_n (2), [Cd(Hbimt)Cl₂(H₂O)]_n (3), {[Cd(Hbimt)(SO₄)(H₂O)₂]·1.5H₂O}_n (4) and [Cd(Hbimt)(SCN)₂]_n (5) (Hbimt = 2-((benzoimidazol-yl)methyl)-1H-tetrazole) have been synthesized by the reactions of Hbimt with suitable cadmium salts. Employment of different anions can influence the coordination modes of the Hbimt ligand, and accordingly result in different structures ranging from 0D to infinite 1D and 2D networks. Complex 1 displays a dimeric structure in which two Cd(II) ions are bridged through two iodine atoms. Complex 2 was caused by deprotonation of the Hbimt ligand, resulting in a 1D helical chain. While in complexes 3 and 4, Hbimt acts as a bidentate bridging ligand which joins two Cd(II) ions, leading to 1D stair-like chains. Complex 5 exhibits a 2D network structure with infinite 1D [Cd₂(SCN)₂]_n chains. The distinct structures of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 reveal that the anions and the versatile coordination modes of the ligand play an important role in the structures of the complexes. In addition, the luminescent properties of complexes 1–5 have been investigated in the solid state at room temperature.