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Three new amine functionalised tetracarboxylate linkers with a variety of arm lengths were synthesised, namely N,N,N′N′-tetrakis(R1, R2 or R3)-trans-1,4-diaminocyclohexane, R1 = (4-carboxyphenyl)-1-methyl; R2 = (4-cinnamic)-1-methyl; R3 = 1′-carboxy-[4,4′-biphenyl]-1-methyl. The diagonal length of the linkers, from single crystal structural analysis and obtained by measuring between the furthest oxygen atoms, is 19.4, 24.6 and 27.5 A for L1, L2 and L3, respectively. The sp3 hybridization of the amino groups of the cyclohexyldiamine core and the carbon atoms of methylene spacers permits the rotation of the attached groups to occur around these atomic sites, giving the ligands a flexibility that manifests itself in two main dominant conformations: convergent, where carboxyl arm groups connected to the same nitrogen atom are π⋯π stacking, and divergent, where two carboxyl arms occupy equatorial positions and two occupy the axial positions relative to the ligand's cyclohexyl core. Analysis of the overall ligand conformations obtained from crystal structures of sixteen new coordination polymers showed that the overwhelmingly most common conformation (93%) was the divergent one. The formulae and topologies of the coordination polymers obtained were: poly-[Cd2(H2L1)(Cl)2(OH2)2]·5H2O (1) 2D (4,4), poly-[M2L2(OH2)2]·DMA M = Cd (2Cd) or Mn (2Mn) 3D (4·62·7·8)(42·66·75·82), poly-[Cd2(L3)(OH2)4(DMF)2] (3) 1D ladder, poly-[Cd2(L3)]·4DMA·16H2O (4) 3D fsc, poly-{((CH3)2NH2)4[Zn4Na4(L1)4(OH2)4(DMF)2]} (5) 3D pts, poly-[M5(HL1)2(O)2(OH2)2(DMF)2]·solv M/solv = Zn/2DMF·18H2O (6Zn) or Co/9DMF·10H2O (6Co) 3D cyc, poly-[Zn3(L1)(OH)2]·2DMF (7) 3D fsc, poly-{((CH3)2NH2)[Zn2(HL2)(O)]·DMF} (8) 3D pts, poly-[Zn8(L3)3(O)2]·16DMF (9) 3D fsy, poly-[Cu2(L1)(DMF)2] (10) 2D (4,4), poly-[Cu2(L2)(OH2)2] (11) 3D lvt, poly-[Na4Zr2(L1)3(DMF)4] (12) 3D (44·52)2(44·5·6)(46·513·68·7)2, poly-[Zr6(HL1)2(O)8(CH3COO)2(OH2)6] (13) 3D scu, and poly-[Co2K4(L1)2(DMF)3] (14) 3D (42·64)(42·610·83). Although we applied similar reaction conditions, none of the coordination polymers obtained with L1, L2 & L3 were isoreticular upon ligand change. The overall trend is of void space increase by using longer ligands but with no notable increase in the level of interpenetration. The predictability and control of the obtained frameworks was hindered by the formation of non-default topologies due to the high flexibility of the tetracarboxylate linkers used and the variety of metal nodes observed.

Mixed donor phenanthroline-carboxylate linkers were combined with MnII or ZnII to form photoactive MOFs with large pore apertures. The MOFs display high CO2 adsorption capacities, which consequently causes structural framework flexibility, and align with favorable metrics for selective CO2 capture. The photophysical properties of the MOFs were investigated, with the MnII MOF giving rise to short triplet LMCT lifetimes.

One prominent aspect of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is the ability to tune the size, shape, and chemical characteristics of their pores. MOF-5, with its open cubic connectivity of Zn 4 O clusters joined by two-dimensional, terephthalate linkers, is the archetypal example: Both functionalized and elongated linkers produce isoreticular frameworks that define pores with new shapes and chemical environments. The recent scalable synthesis of cubane-1,4-dicarboxylic acid (1,4-H 2 cdc) allows the first opportunity to explore its application in leading reticular architectures. Herein we describe the use of 1,4-H 2 cdc to construct [Zn 4 O(1,4-cdc) 3 ], referred to as CUB-5. Isoreticular with MOF-5, CUB-5 adopts a cubic architecture but features aliphatic, rather than aromatic, pore surfaces. Methine units point directly into the pores, delivering new and unconventional adsorption locations. Our results show that CUB-5 is capable of selectively adsorbing high amounts of benzene at low partial pressures, promising for future investigations into the industrial separation of benzene from gasoline using aliphatic MOF materials. These results present an effective design strategy for the generation of new MOF materials with aliphatic pore environments and properties previously unattainable in conventional frameworks.

The use of flexible ligands in coordination polymers provides both opportunities and unpredictability. A new series of flexible ligands derived from p-xylylenediamine, which vary in the positioning of carboxylic acid functional groups, have been found to form a series of coordination polymers and a discrete coordination complex. Use of the tetra-substituted meta-carboxylic acid ligand N,N,N′,N′-tetra(3-carboxybenzyl)-p-xylylenediamine, isolated as its dihydrochloride salt (H6M4pxy)Cl2, resulted in the simultaneous formation of two products from the same synthetic conditions. One of these products was a discrete cage-type coordination complex of the form [Cu4(M4pxy)2(DMF)2(OH2)] (1), while the other product was the two-dimensional coordination polymer poly-[Cu2(M4pxy)(OH2)2] (2). Synthesis utilising the tetra-substituted para-carboxylic acid ligand, isolated as N,N,N′,N′-tetra(4-carboxybenzyl)-p-xylylenediamine dihydrochloride (H6P4pxy)Cl2, resulted in the formation of multiple two-dimensional coordination polymers, poly-[Cu2(P4pxy)(DMF)(OH2)]·2DMF·3H2O (3·2DMF·3H2O), poly-[Mn2(P4pxy)(DMA)2] (4), poly-[Co4(P4pxy)2(DMF)2(μ-OH2)2(OH2)2]·6DMF·4H2O (5·6DMF·4H2O) and poly-[Cd2(P4pxy)(OH2)2]·DMA·3H2O (6·DMA·3H2O). The last of these materials, a three-dimensional coordination polymer, was found to adsorb approximately 32 cm3 g−1 STP of CO2 at atmospheric pressure at 273 K.

The resurgence of interest in the hydrogen economy could hinge on the distribution of hydrogen in a safe and efficient manner. Whilst great progress has been made with cryogenic hydrogen storage or liquefied ammonia, liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs) remain attractive due to their lack of need for cryogenic temperatures or high pressures, most commonly a cycle between methylcyclohexane and toluene. Oxidation of methylcyclohexane to release hydrogen will be more efficient if the equilibrium limitations can be removed by separating the mixture. This report describes a family of six ternary and quaternary multicomponent metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that contain the three-dimensional cubane-1,4-dicarboxylate (cdc) ligand. Of these MOFs, the most promising is a quaternary MOF (CUB-30), comprising cdc, 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate (bpdc) and tritopic truxene linkers. Contrary to conventional wisdom that adsorptive interactions with larger, hydrocarbon guests are dominated by π-π interactions, here we report that contoured aliphatic pore environments can exhibit high selectivity and capacity for LOHC separations at low pressures. This is the first time, to the best of our knowledge, where selective adsorption for cyclohexane over benzene is witnessed, underlining the unique adsorptive behavior afforded by the unconventional cubane moiety.

An understanding of the atomic-scale interactions between gas sorbent materials and their molecular guests is essential for the identification of the origins of desirable function and the rational optimization of performance. However, characterizations performed on equilibrated sorbent-guest systems may not accurately represent their behavior under dynamic operating conditions. The emergence of fast (minute-scale) neutron powder diffraction coupled with direct, real-time quantification of gas uptake opens up new possibilities for obtaining knowledge about concentration-dependent effects of guest loading upon function-critical features of sorbent materials, including atomic structure, diffusion pathways, and thermal expansion of the sorbent framework. This article presents a detailed investigation of the ultramicroporous metal-organic framework [Cu3 (cdm)4 ] as a case study to demonstrate the variety of insights into sorbent performance that can be obtained from real-time characterizations using neutron diffraction.

This communication briefly reviews why network topology is an important tool (for understanding, comparing, communicating, designing, and solving crystal structures from powder diffraction data) and then discusses the terms of an IUPAC project dealing with various aspects of network topology. One is the ambiguity in node assignment, and this question is addressed in more detail. First, we define the most important approaches: the “all node” deconstruction considering all branch points of the linkers, the “single node” deconstruction considering only components mixed, and the ToposPro “standard representation” also considering linkers as one node but, if present, takes each metal atom as a separate node. These methods are applied to a number of metal–organic framework structures (MOFs, although this is just one example of materials this method is applicable on), and it is concluded that the “all node” method potentially yields more information on the structure in question but cannot be recommended as the o...

The interdependent effects of temperature and guest uptake on the structure of the ultramicroporous metal-organic framework [Cu3 (cdm)4 ] (cdm=C(CN)2 (CONH2 )- ) were explored in detail by using in situ neutron scattering and density functional theory calculations. The tetragonal lattice displays an anisotropic thermal response related to a hinged "lattice-fence" mechanism, unusual for this topology, which is facilitated by pivoting of the rigid cdm anion about the Cu nodes. Calculated pore-size metrics clearly illustrate the potential for temperature-mediated adsorption in ultramicroporous frameworks due to thermal fluctuations of the pore diameter near the value of the target guest kinetic diameter, though in [Cu3 (cdm)4 ] this is counteracted by a competing contraction of the pore with increasing temperature as a result of the anisotropic lattice response.

Fourteen three-dimensional (3D) lanthanide coordination polymers (CPs) with dicarboxylate mixed ligands, [Ln(fum)1.5(H2O)2]·0.5(H2bdc)·H2O (Ln = Sm (1), Tb (2)), [Ln2(fum)2(bdc)(H2O)4]·2H2O (Ln = Sm (3), Eu (4), Tb (5), Er (6)), [Ln(fum)0.5(bdc)] (Ln = Sm (7), Eu (8), Tb (9), Er (10)), and [Ln2(bdc)2(ox)(H2O)4]·0.7H2O (Ln = Sm (11), Gd (12), Tb (13), Dy (14)), have been synthesized hydrothermally from the self-assembly of lanthanide(III) ions (Ln3+), fumaric acid (H2fum), and terephthalic acid (H2bdc) in the presence of potassium hydroxide at different temperatures. The compounds fall into four classes. Compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from hydrothermal reactions performed at a relatively low temperature of 100 °C and found to crystallize in the triclinic space group P. The 3D framework is assembled from 2D layers of [Ln(fum)(H2O)2] units pillared by the chelating fum ligands and has 1D rhombic channels templated by H2bdc and lattice H2O molecules. The framework presents a binodal (4,5)-connected tcs topology with the point symbol (44·62)(44·66). Raising the reaction temperature to 140 °C resulted in the formation of compounds 3–6. These materials crystallize in the monoclinic system with the polar space group P21 and feature a 3D network constructed from dinuclear {Ln2(OCO)6(H2O)4} units interlinked by fum and bdc ligands, showing a uninodal 6-connected two-fold interpenetrated pcu topology. The small channels of the framework are occupied by lattice H2O molecules. Further increase of the reaction temperature to 160 °C gave rise to the formation of compounds 7–10, crystallizing in the orthorhombic space group Pbca. The 3D framework is generated from 2D corrugated sheets of [Ln(fum)]2+ bound by bdc ligands and contains no intercalated H2O molecules in the lattice. The framework possesses a trinodal (4,6,7)-connected net with the point symbol (42·64)2(46·68·8)(412·69)2. Finally, compounds 11–14 contained an in situ generated oxalate (ox) ligand formed under hydrothermal conditions conducted at a high reaction temperature of 180 °C. These compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c and possess a 3D open framework consisting of a dinuclear [Ln2(ox)(H2O)4]2+ unit linked by bridging bdc ligands and has small void channels occupied by lattice H2O molecules. The frameworks were topologically simplified as a binodal (4,5)-connected tcj/hc net with a total point symbol of (42·52·72)(42·53·75). In the solid state at room temperature, the Tb (2, 5, 9, and 13) and Eu (4 and 8) compounds emit green and red light, respectively.

A new Cd(II) based metal–organic framework (MOF), having formula {(CH3)2NH2)6[Cd5(L)4]·H2O·3DMF}n (1), has been synthesized based on a rigid tetracarboxylate ligand of terphenyl-3,3′′,5,5′′-tetracarboxylic acid (H4L). 1 shows a complicated 3D tetranodal 3,3,4,8-c network with uncoordinated –COO− groups. The highly selective luminescent sensing of 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) and ferric ions was studied for 1 through the alleviation in its fluorescence intensity. The detection limit of 2,4-DNP was found to be 0.84 ppm, which is 20 times higher than that of 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, demonstrating greater and selective quenching ability. The possible mechanism associated with the decrease in fluorescence intensity of 1 in the presence of nitroaromatics (NACs) has been addressed by theoretical calculations. Furthermore, 1 displays excellent capacity to adsorb methylene blue (MB) with high selectivity, and it maintains an almost identical adsorption performance after being recycled five times.

A new metal–organic framework, formulated as {[Zn2(L)(DMF)3]·2DMF·2H2O} (1), has been synthesized using a symmetrical rigid carboxylate ligand terphenyl-3,3′′,5,5′′-tetracarboxylic acid (H4L). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows that 1 possesses a 3D uninodal 4-c lonsdaleite (lon) topology based on binuclear Zn clusters. 1 behaves as a fluorescent chemosensor for highly selective and sensitive detection of Fe3+/Fe2+ ions, 2,4-dinitrophenol (2,4-DNP), p-nitrophenol (PNP) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). Furthermore, the photocatalytic properties of 1 for degradation of methyl violet (MV) and Rhodamine B (RhB) have been explored. The possible emission quenching of 1 in the presence of aromatic compounds has been addressed by theoretical calculations and the photocatalytic activity of 1 against organic dyes has been addressed using density of states (DOS) calculations.

A traditionally good chelating motif has been incorporated into a ligand for the synthesis of coordination polymers with vacant amine sites. A novel tetracarboxylic acid diamine ligand, isolated as N,N,N′,N′-tetra(4-carboxybenzyl)-1,3-diaminopropane dihydrochloride trihydrate (H6L1)Cl2·3H2O, has been prepared, structurally characterised, and subsequently used in the formation of three new coordination polymers. Poly-[Cu2(L1)(OH2)2]·6DMF·3H2O 1 consists of (4,4) sheets formed by each L1 ligand coordinating to four copper(II) ‘paddlewheel’ dinuclear clusters. The amines of the ligand are non-coordinating. After solvent exchange and evacuation, 1 was found to adsorb approximately 23 cm3(STP) g−1 of CO2 at atmospheric pressure at 273 K. The isostructural compounds poly-[Zn(H2L1)(OH2)]·DMF·4H2O and poly-[Cd(H2L1)(OH2)]·DMF·3H2O 2Zn/2Cd are self-penetrating (10,3) coordination polymers containing square-shaped one-dimensional solvent channels. After solvent exchange it was found that 2Zn and 2Cd lost crystallinity, which accounts for the low N2 and CO2 uptakes observed.

An unexploited pentacarboxylate ligand, 2,5-bis(3′,5′-dicarboxylphenyl)-benzoic acid (H5L), was designed and used for the preparation of metal organic material using Zn2+ as a node. The new compound, {(Me2NH2)[Zn2(L)(H2O)]·0.5DMF}n (1) (DMF = dimethylformamide), has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The topology of the 5-connected anionic framework may be described as (44)(66) (Schlafli symbol) based on {M2(CO2)5} molecular building blocks (MBBs) and L ligands in 1. It has been demonstrated that 1 can act as a fluorescent sensor for highly sensitive detection of nitroaromatics and Fe3+, with a detection limit of 0.54 ppm for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP) and 0.81 ppm for Fe3+. The possible emission quenching mechanism in the presence of nitroaromatics has been addressed by theoretical calculations.

Two unusual isostructural nanocage-based 3D Ln-MOFs, 1-Ln (Ln = Tb and Eu), were constructed using a new diisophthalate ligand with active Lewis basic triazole sites. 1-Eu exhibits highly efficient luminescent sensing for Fe3+ cations and Cr2O72- anions, and selective CO2 capture over CH4.

A new ZnII metal-organic framework, [Zn6 (L)3 (DMA)4 ]⋅5 DMA (H4 L=[1,1':3',1''-terphenyl]-3,3'',5,5''-tetracarboxylic acid, DMA=dimethylacetamide), has been synthesized and characterized. The structure contains a three-dimensional 3,4,4,6-connected net with (4.62 )2 (66 )(66 )(42 .610 .83 ) topology and displays selective detection of nitrobenzene, CrO42- and Fe3+ ions. The present work thus indicates that this metal-organic framework could be a prospective candidate for developing novel luminescence sensors for the selective sensing of nitrobenzene, which can be used as a precursor for explosives. Furthermore, the photoluminescent properties of this material in different solvents and with various analytes were investigated and corroborated by theoretical calculations. The results were in good agreement with the experimental solvent-dependent luminescence behavior.

A new divergent ligand, N,N′-bis(4-carboxyphenylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine (H4L1), has been prepared in high yield and used to generate two copper(II) coordination polymer materials, poly-[Cu(H2L1)(OH2)]·H2O (1) and poly-[Cu(H2L1)(OH2)]·H2O·DMF (2). Both networks possess (4,4) sheet topologies and have almost identical compositions and coordination modes. The only major difference between the compounds lies with the conformation of the chelating ethylenediamine cores; compound 1 adopts a trans-(R,R/S,S) conformation, while compound 2 exhibits a cis-(R,S) conformation. This seemingly small difference arising from variation in synthetic conditions influences the extended structures of each network through hydrogen bonding interactions, resulting in the formation of a close packed 2-fold 2D → 2D parallel interpenetrated network for 1, while the extended, non-interpenetrated structure of 2 contains aligned one-dimensional solvent channels. After solvent exchange and evacuation, compound 2 was found to adsor...

A new piperazine-derived ligand has been prepared and used to synthesise a porous coordination polymer which displays selective carbon dioxide uptake after solvent exchange and thermal activation. The ligand N,N′-bis(4-carboxyphenylmethylene)piperazine H2L1 was prepared from piperazine in three steps and good yield. A structure containing the deprotonated form K2L1·2H2O was determined and consists of a three-dimensional coordination polymer containing inorganic K2(COO)2(OH2) layers separated by the long organic bridging linker. The free compound H2L1 displays a one-dimensional hydrogen-bonded polymeric structure in the solid state with hydrogen bonding interactions between carboxylic acids and piperazine groups tightly linking molecules together. The two-dimensional polymeric complex [Zn3(L1)2(OH)2]·2DMF·0.5H2O 1 was prepared and analysed in the solid state to reveal tubular one-dimensional channels which, when activated by solvent exchange and evacuation, displayed selective affinity for CO2 over N2 and H2.

The utility of the pyrazole-carboxylate mixed ligand system has been probed with the synthesis of five new coordination polymers, derived from bis-pyrazole ligand 4,4′-methylenebis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole) H2L1, large semirigid dicarboxylate coligands, and the deliberately designed and synthesized ligand para-((3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)methylene)benzoic acid H2L4. Complex poly-[Co(H2L1)(L2)(OH2)]·1/2H2O 1 features the coligand (S,S)-1,4,5,8-naphthalenetetracarboxylic diimide-N,N′-bis(2-propionate) L2, and comprises chiral two-dimensional sheets, associating via substantial π–π stacking interactions. Complexes 2 and 3 contain the coligand 1,4-bis((3-carboxyphenyl)methyl)piperazine L3. Complex poly-[Co(H2L1)2(L3)] 2 is a two-dimensional polymer containing octahedral Co(II) ions, whereas modifying the synthesis conditions gave complex poly-[Co2(HL1)2(L3)] 3, a three-dimensional α-Po structure containing pyrazolate-bridged dimers of tetrahedral Co(II) ions, displaying weak antiferromagnetic coupling. Mag...

A series of soluble metal ethylxanthate compounds was synthesised as precursors for metal sulfide thin films to be deposited using solution-based techniques. Initially, a range of air- and moisture-stable organic ethylxanthate (EtXn) salts were synthesised (cation=Me4N (1), Et4N (2), Pr4N (3), Ph4P (4), guanidinium (5), NMeH3 (6), NMe2H2 (7), NMe3H (8), NH4 (9)). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to examine their decomposition profiles, which in turn informed the decision of which counter cation was best suited for inclusion in the metal xanthate compounds. Periodic NMR spectroscopy studies and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD) were used to determine the role protic ammonium counter cations play in the detrimental conversion of xanthates to dithiocarbamate anions. The organic salts 1 and 4 were used to form the metal ethylxanthate compounds (Me4N)[M(EtXn)x] (x=3 for M=Cd (10 Cd), Ni (10 Ni), Zn (10 Zn); x=4 for M=La (11 La)) and (Ph4P)[M(EtXn)3] (M=Cd (12 Cd), Ni (12 Ni), Zn (12 Zn)). Solubility studies on these compounds were performed using a range of solvents to demonstrate the viability of using these compounds for solution-based deposition methods for thin-film formation. TGA of the metal xanthate compounds was used to examine their thermal-decomposition profiles and the product resulting from thermolysis was found to be the respective metal sulfide. In addition, the coproducts of thermal decomposition were analysed by headspace gas-chromatography mass spectrometry (HS GC–MS) to probe the decomposition mechanism of the precursors. In situ variable-temperature synchrotron XRD studies on both bulk and thin-film samples of 10 Cd and 12 Cd were used to examine metal sulfide crystalline phase formation. Decomposition of both precursors was found to give CdS in a hexagonal phase, with the addition of CdCl2 found to aid in increasing the crystallite size during crystallisation.

An ultramicroporous metal–organic framework (MOF) is reported that contains 0.35 nm nanotube-like channels with an unprecedented concentration of vacant CuII coordination sites. The nonintersecting, narrow channels in [Cu3(cdm)4] (cdm = C(CN)2(CONH2)−) align in two perpendicular directions, structurally resembling copper-doped carbon nanotubes with CuII embedded in the walls of the channels. The combination of ultramicroporosity with the exposed CuII coordination sites gives size-based selectivity of CO2 over CH4, based on pore-size distribution and modeling. Neutron powder diffraction and molecular dynamics simulations show the close packing of single rows of guests within the tubular nanostructure and interaction of CO2 with the exposed metal sites.

Examination of the crystal structures of (Me4N)(dcnm) (1), (Me4N)(dcnom) (2), and (Me4N)(nbdm) (3) [dcnm = dicyanonitrosomethanide, dcnom = dicyanonitromethanide, nbdm = nitroso-N,N-bis(dicyanometh...

Two isostructural series of compounds NH4[Ln(cdm)4(H2O)4]·18c6·3H2O (1Ln) and [K(18c6)(H2O)2][Ln(cdm)4(H2O)4]·H2O (2Ln) have been synthesised and structurally characterised (Ln = Gd, Dy, Er, cdm = C(CN)2(CONH2)−). These two classes of compounds are shown to be essentially isostructural to each other despite the change in counter-cation (ammonium vs. potassium) and the ensuing changes in coordination and hydrogen-bonding of water molecules in the structure. Structural data for 1Dy and 2Dy have been obtained using single crystal Laue neutron diffraction, allowing the precise location of all hydrogen atoms to be determined using fully anisotropic models. Both 1 and 2 contain the anionic complex [Ln(cdm)4(H2O)4]− in which the 8-coordinate lanthanoid is coordinated by a ring of four O-bound cdm ligands supported by inter-ligand N–H⋯O hydrogen bonds. The structures pack with complicated hydrogen-bonding networks in which both coordinated and non-coordinated water molecules are hydrogen-bond donors and all of the nitrile groups of the cdm ligands are hydrogen-bond acceptors. The change in cation between ammonium and potassium affects two water molecule sites which are both coordinated in 2Ln but not in 1Ln; in 1Ln one of these water molecules forms a hydrogen bond with NH4+ whilst the other has neither a coordination interaction nor a hydrogen bond to its oxygen atom.

The initial pH in the preparation of STA-16(Co) was found to have a great impact on the assembly of the MOF and the resulting porosity. The formation of a non-porous Co(II)-phosphonate pillared layer-structure was observed after changing the initial pH from 6.2 to 7.2 with distinct differences in the coordination environment of the cobalt centres.

Two new bis-(cyanobenzyl)piperazine ligands have been prepared, and have been used to prepare five Ag(I) coordination polymers which have been structurally characterised. Ligand N,N′-bis((4-cyanophenyl)methyl)piperazine L1 gave two structurally related two-dimensional coordination polymers poly-[Ag2(L1)(CF3SO3)2] 1 and poly-[Ag2(L1)(CF3SO3)2(C3H6O)1.5] 2 when reacted with silver trifluoromethanesulfonate in tetrahydrofuran and acetone, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 display similar ligand geometries but form different extended networks, as a result of the inclusion of coordinating solvent molecules and the resulting influence on the flexible metal geometry. Reaction of N,N′-bis((3-cyanophenyl)methyl)piperazine L2 with silver ions gave rise to three new structurally characterised species. Complex poly-[Ag2(L2)(C3H6O)2]2(PF6) 3 forms a one-dimensional chain structurally related to 1. Complex poly-[Ag2(L2)(C3H8O)2(CF3SO3)2] 4 formed under similar conditions to 3, except with the inclusion of a coordinating anion which links equivalent chains to those found in 3 into a two-dimensional sheet. Finally, complex poly-[AgL2]CF3SO35 was formed simply by altering the reaction stoichiometry, producing a three-dimensional PtS network containing linear, acentric anion channels. Analysis of the structures reveals that the ligand geometries are largely consistent, leading to the extended structures being more influenced by the nature of the anions and solvent molecules.

A novel porous metal–organic framework, {[Zn2(L)·H2O]·3H2O·3DMAc·NH2(CH3)2}n (Zn(II)–MOF), was synthesized under solvothermal conditions using a flexible multicarboxylic acid (H5L = 3,5-bis(1-methoxy-3,5-benzene dicarboxylic acid)benzoic acid). Zn(II)–MOF contains 1D nanotubular channels of 13.8 A × 16.4 A and exhibits a rare 5-connected vbk net with a Schlafli symbol of {45.65} topology. Notably, Zn(II)–MOF can adsorb toluidine blue fast and effectively, and trap lanthanide ions such as Eu3+ and Tb3+ to sensitize their emissions in the solid state through a Ln3+-exchanged approach. Furthermore, we successfully obtained white light emitting materials.

Two divergent ligands 1,4,7,10-tetrakis-(4-cyanobenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane L1 and 1,4,7,10-tetrakis-(4-carboxybenzyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane dihydrochloride dihydrate H6L2·2Cl·2H2O have been prepared and structurally characterised, and the solid-state structures of four new metal complexes have been elucidated. Ligand L1 was found to form a dimeric complex of the form [Ag2(L1)2]·2ClO4 when reacted with silver perchlorate, in which a macrocycle-bound Ag(I) ion is coordinated by the nitrile group of an adjacent ligand, forming a tightly-bound pair of Ag(I) ions supported by intramolecular π–π interactions. Compound H6L2·2Cl·2H2O was prepared by a solvothermal recrystallization following hydrolysis of the ester precursor, and forms a densely packed three-dimensional structure containing numerous hydrogen bonding interactions. Complexes [Ni(H4L2)Cl]2·[NiCl4]·2EtOH 2 and [Co(H4L2)Cl]2·[CoCl4]·2EtOH 3 were characterised as isostructural discrete macrocycle-bound Ni(II) and Co(II) species where the formation of rare hydrogen-bonded carboxylic acid tetramers gives rise to a series of 2-dimensional sheets, containing checkerboard-type cavities encapsulating alternating tetrachloridometallate anions and regions containing disordered solvent molecules. Complex poly-{[Cu2Cl(H2L1)(HOEt)]2·[CuCl4]·5H2O} 4 consists of a series of two-dimensional sheets formed from a macrocycle-bound CuCl species linked by copper paddlewheel clusters and hydrogen-bonded carboxylic acid dimers. Charge balance is again achieved by tetrachloridometallate anions, and the sheets undergo parallel 2D → 2D interpenetration. The influence of the flexible geometry and donor ability of the methylene-linked pendant arms is clearly visible when comparing discrete complex 1 with hydrogen-bonded networks 2 and 3 and polymeric species 4. The presence of tetrachloridometallate counterions resulting from the presence of excess chloride ions in the reaction mixtures also provides powerful structure-directing effects in complexes 2, 3 and 4.

The variable-length azacrown ether bridging ligand N,N′-bis(3-pyridyl-methyl)diaza-18-crown-6 (b3pmdc) was reacted with cuprous iodide to give a range of new discrete and polymeric coordination compounds. Six structurally diverse CuI(b3pmdc) architectures were isolated, as well as a single oxidized CuII(b3pmdc) species. These include the helical one-dimensional (1D) chain [H4b3pmdc][Cu10I14]·CHCl3·2H2O (1), the luminescent linear cluster chain [Cu4I6(H2b3pmdc)] (2), the guest water containing network [Cu4I4(Hb3pmdc)2](1.5ClO4)(0.5I3)·3.5H2O·2.5MeOH (3), the luminescent cubane cluster chain [Cu4I4(b3pmdc)2] (4), the three-dimensional (3D) net [Cu9I12(Kb3pmdc)3(H2O)4]·9MeOH (5), the dinuclear mixed halide [Cu2Cl3.4I2.6(H4b3pmdc)] (6), and the cupric 1D chain [CuCl2(H2b3pmdc)(MeOH)2]·2Cl·2MeCN (7). Manipulation of the ligand conformation was achieved by the addition of the alkali metal salt potassium and by varying the pH of the solution with a range of acids (HCl, HClO4). In the case of 2 and 4, green and y...

Hexakis(4-cyanophenyl)[3]radialene (1) is a hexadentate ligand that has previously been shown to form isomorphous honeycomb two-dimensional (2-D) coordination polymers {[Ag(1)](X)·2(CH3NO2)}n (X = ClO4, 2a; X = PF6, 2b) upon reaction with AgClO4 and AgPF6. Within these coordination polymers, close contacts were observed between the anions and the electron-deficient [3]radialene core. Here the synthesis and characterization of four new coordination polymers of 1 and copper(I), {[Cu2(1)2](X)2·Y(CH3NO2)}n (X = BF4, Y = 20, 4a; X = PF6, Y = 14, 4b) and {[Cu(1)](X)·2(CH3NO2)}n (X = BF4, 5a; X = PF6, 5b), are reported, along with two further examples of the (6,3) network {[Ag(1)](X)·2(CH3NO2)}n (X = BF4, 2c; X = SbF6, 2d), and an 8-fold interpenetrated (10,3)-b net formed from 1 and AgClO4, {[Ag3(1)](ClO4)3·CH3NO2}n (3). Coordination polymers 2a–2d were synthesized using low ratios of ligand to metal, 1:1 to 1:3, whereas other examples described herein (compounds 3, 4, and 5) were obtained via the use of a cons...

From a predesigned grid, [Cu(II)5Cu(I)4L6]⋅(I)2⋅13 H2O (1), in which LH2 was a pyrazinyl-triazolyl-2,6-substituted pyridine, we successfully synthesized an extended 3D complex, (1)∞[{Cu(II)5Cu(I)8L6}{μ-[Cu(I)3(CN)6]}2⋅2 CH3-CN] (2), that displayed unprecedented coexistence of all the five known coordination geometries of copper. Grid 1 displayed monovalent central metal exchange (CME) of Cu(I) for Ag(I) for the first time, as well as the formation of tri-iodide in the crystalline state. These systems were investigated for their magnetic properties. Remarkably, grid 1 showed much higher catalytic activity than the Ag-exchanged product for synthesis of a substituted triazole, 1-benzyl-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole.

A new family of organic ionic materials of the dicyano(nitroso)methanide anion is reported. Six of the compounds are room-temperature ionic liquids with low viscosities, which is a physical property highly desired for many synthetic and electrochemical applications. In addition, use of dimethylpyrrolidinium and tetramethylammonium cations yield the first reported dicyano(nitroso)methanide organic ionic plastic crystals, which have an advantageously wide plastic phase region. The salts also exhibit good conductivities and thermal stabilities thus making them suitable as liquid or solid-state electrolytes for a range of electrochemical devices.

A series of low-melting-point salts with hexakisdicyanonitrosomethanidolanthanoidate anions has been synthesised and characterised: (C(2) mim)(3) [Ln(dcnm)(6)] (1 Ln; 1 Ln=1 La, 1 Ce, 1 Pr, 1 Nd), (C(2) C(1) mim)(3) [Pr(dcnm)(6)] (2 Pr), (C(4) C(1) pyr)(3) [Ce(dcnm)(6)] (3 Ce), (N(1114))(3) [Ln(dcnm)(6)] (4 Ln; 4 Ln=4 La, 4 Ce, 4 Pr, 4 Nd, 4 Sm, 4 Gd), and (N(1112OH) )(3) [Ce(dcnm)(6)] (5 Ce) (C(2) mim=1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium, C(2) C(1) mim=1-ethyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium, C(4) C(1) py=N-butyl-4-methylpyridinium, N(1114) =butyltrimethylammonium, N(1112OH) =2-(hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium=choline). X-ray crystallography was used to determine the structures of complexes 1 La, 2 Pr, and 5 Ce, all of which contain [Ln(dcnm)(6)](3-) ions. Complexes 1 Ln and 2 Pr were all ionic liquids (ILs), with complex 3 Ce melting at 38.1 °C, the lowest melting point of any known complex containing the [Ln(dcnm)(6)](3-) trianion. The ammonium-based cations proved to be less suitable for forming ILs, with complexes 4 Sm and 4 Gd being the only salts with the N(1114) cation to have melting points below 100 °C. The choline-containing complex 5 Ce did not melt up to 160 °C, with the increase in melting point possibly being due to extensive hydrogen bonding, which could be inferred from the crystal structure of the complex.

A 3-fold interpenetrating porous metal–organic framework, namely, Zn(bdc)(L)·solvents (1, L = N4,N4′-di(pyridin-4-yl)biphenyl-4,4′-dicarboxamide, H2bdc = terephthalic acid), composed of self-catenated nets with unprecedented hxg-d-4-Fddd topology is reported. Upon removal of guest molecules, the crystal lattice is unaffected, and the resulting permanent porosity can be applied for gas chromatography separation of various organic molecules. Furthermore, remarkable tunable photoluminescence and direct white emission dependent on excitation wavelength, as well as visible light photocatalytic activity, are also observed, creating a new multifunctional material antetype.

An equimolar mixture of Ni(NO3)2·6H2O and pyridine-2-aldehyde with two equivalents of NaN3 in methanol in the presence of NaOMe resulted in the formation of light green precipitate which upon crystallization from dimethylformamide (DMF) yielded light green single crystals [{Ni2Na2(pic)4(N3)2(H2O)2(MeOH)}· MeOH·3H2O]n (1) and [{Ni2Na2(pic)4(N3)2(H2O)4}·2DMF·H2O]n (2) (pic = pyridine-2-carboxylate) at room temperature and high temperature (100°C), respectively. Variable temperature magnetic studies revealed the existence of overall ferromagnetic behaviour with J ≈ +10 cm − 1 and D ≈ − 2 to −7 cm − 1 for 1 and 2, respectively. Negative D values as well as variation of D upon slight distortion of structure by varying reaction temperature were observed. The X-band Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectra of both 2 and 3 were recorded below 50 K. The structural distortion was also implicated from the EPR spectra. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations on both complexes were performed in two different ways to corroborate the magnetic results. Considering only Ni\(^{\rm II}_{2}\) dimeric unit, results were J = +20.65 cm − 1 and D = −3.16 cm − 1 for 1, and J = +24.56 cm − 1 and D = −4.67 cm − 1 for 2. However, considering Ni\(^{\rm II}_{2}\)Na\(^{\rm I}_{2}\) cubane as magnetic core the results were J = +16.35 cm − 1 (1), +19.54 cm − 1 (2); D = −3.05 cm − 1 (1), −4.25 cm − 1 (2).

Two unprecedented three-dimensional (3D) true coordination polymorphs, namely, [Pb2(phda)2(H2O)]n·2nH2O (1a, and 1b) (H2phda = 1,4-phenylenediacetate acid), which show distinct novel topological networks, have been successfully prepared by utilizing a kinked flexible H2phda. This work shows the first example of two different isomers reported for a flexible ligand acting as a bridge.

Six new neutral crystalline clusters Zn8S(SC6H5)14L2 [L = pyridyl (1), 3-(phenylthio)pyridyl (2), 4-(phenylthio)pyridyl (3), 3-iodopyridyl (4), 3-butylpyridyl (5), and phenanthridyl (6)] with Zn8S cores have been assembled by a hydrothermal process. Exceptionally, in situ ligand reactions have been observed in clusters 2 and 3. There are no detectable fluorescence emissions of complexes 1−5, whereas 6 shows an emission peak at 365 nm due to the existence of terminal phenanthridyl ligands.

Layered organic structures, containing robust hydrogen-bonded anionic tapes bridged by di- and triammonium cations, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Salts of the carbamoyldicyanomethanide (cdm) anion, C(CN)2(CONH2)−, using H3N(CH2)nNH3 cations (n = 2, 3, or 4) display layered structures containing one-dimensional (1D) hydrogen-bonded chains of cdm. The structure of (H3N(CH2)2NH3)(cdm)2 (1) forms a bilayer structure with the cation bridging, through charge-assissted hydrogen bonds, between parallel anionic ribbons containing two different synthons. The longer cation in (H3N(CH2)3NH3)(cdm)2 (2) results in a structure containing parallel anionic layers with cationic pillars running through them. The layers in 2 contain different hydrogen bonded tapes with R22(8) and R22(16) ring synthons which are also observed in the structure of (H3N(CH2)4NH3)(cdm)2 (3). Despite the differing length of the cation in 2 and 3, the distances between the layers are remarkably similar; however, the extra de...

Seven three-dimensional (3D) cadmium coordination frameworks, {[Cd(5MT)2] (1a); [Cd5(N3)(5MT)9·0.12H2O] (1b); [Cd3(OH)Cl1.39(N3)0.61(5MT)3] (1c), 5MT = 5-methyl-tetrazole}; {[Cd3(OH)Cl(N3)(5AT)3 (2a); Cd2(OH)Br(5AT)2 (2b), 5AT = 5-amino-tetrazole]}; {[Cd7Cl2(5BT)12(H2O)2 (3a); and [Cd7Br2(5BT)12(H2O)2 (3b), 5BT = 5-butyl-tetrazole], were obtained through in situ tetrazole synthesis and have been structurally characterized by elemental analyses, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal studies, and single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1a and 1b were constructed by the interconnection of 5MT and cadmium metal ions, and both exhibited distinct topological nets: 1a has a diamond-like framework, while 1b has the acs topological net. Compounds 1c and 2a represented similar structural network motifs; both were intricate coordination polymers constructed from interconnected {ClCd3O} subnets through tetrazole anions. Compound 2b was constructed from two-dimensional (2D) wavelike {BrCd3O} ...

Five new coordination compounds, namely [Zn(Hbtc)(1,3-bix)(H2O)]n (1), {Zn2(µ-O)(btc)(timp)]·3(H2O)}n (2), {[Zn3(4,4′-bibp)2(btc)2(H2O)2]·4(H2O)}n (3), {[Ni3(4,4′-bibp)2(btc)2(H2O)2]·3(H2O)}n (4), {[Cu3(4,4′-bibp)2(btc)2(H2O)]·2(H2O)}n (5), where 1,3 - bix = 1- (3 - (1H -inidazol - 1 − yl)methyl)benzyl)-1H-imidazole, timp = 1- (3,5-di (1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazole, 4,4′-bibp = 4,4′-bisimidazolylbiphenyl, and btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate anion, were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. In compound 1, both 1,3-bix ligand and btc anion act as bidentate bridging ligands, and connect the zinc cations into a one-dimensional chain. In compound 2, timp and btc anions as tridentate ligands coordinate to zinc cations to form a three-dimensional 3,6-connected network. Compounds 3–5 have similar structures, 4,4′-bibp and btc anions act as bidentate and tetradentate ligands, respectively, and coordinate to metal cations to form a three dimensional 4,4-connected network. The luminescence properties for 1–3 and magnetic properties for 4–5 are also discussed in detail.

A couple of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) constructed from rigid bicarboxylates are presented herein, namely, Co3(ndc)3(bbi)(CH3CN)2 (1) and Dy2Mn3(ndc)6(bipy)2 (2), where H2ndc = 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, bipy = 2,2′-pyridine, and bbi = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole). These two coordination polymers have been prepared through solvo/hydrothermal reactions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray study, TG, IR, and elemental analysis. Polymer 1 features a novel self-penetrating network mediated by flexible long-chain ligand and well defines a unique 416·58·64 topology with the treatment of Co3 unit as an 8-connected node, which equals the highest connectivity for monometallic self-penetrating system so far. Polymer 2 represents the first example of a MnII−DyIII (3d-4f) heteropentanuclear complex showing an intriguing 3-D 36·418·53·6 framework upon the assignment of Dy2Mn3 cluster to an 8-connected node. In addition, magnetic studies of 1 reveal that the antiferromagnetic behavior is operati...

Twelve structurally diverse complexes, [Pb2(pzp)2(adip)(NO3)2] 1, [Pb(pzp)(glu)] 2, [Pb(pzp)(chdc)]·[Pb(pzp)(chdc)]·pzp·H2O 3, [Pb2(ndc)2(pzp)2(H2O)]·0.5H2O 4, [Pb(pzp)(1,3-bdc)(H2O)0.5]·H2O 5, [Pb(pzp)(1,2-bdc)]·H2O 6, [Pb2(ptc)2(adip)(NO3)2] 7, [Pb(ptc)(glu)] 8, [Pb(ptc)(chdc)] 9, [Pb(ptc)(dpdc)]2 10, [Pb(ptc)(1,3-bdc)]·2.5H2O 11, and [Pb(ptc)(1,4-bdc)]·0.75H2O 12, where H2adip = adipic acid, H2glu = glutaric acid, H2chdc = 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid, H2ndc = 1,4-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid, 1,4-H2bdc = benzene-1,4-dicarboxylic acid, H2dpdc = 2,2′-diphenyldicarboxylic acid, 1,3-H2bdc = benzene-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, 1,2-H2bdc = benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid, pzp = pyrazino[2,3-f][1,10]phenanthroline, and ptc = 2-phenyl-1H-1,3,7,8,-tetraaza-cyclopenta[l]-phenanthrene, have been hydrothermally synthesized. Compounds 7 and 10 possess dinuclear structures, which are further extended by π−π interactions to form supramolecular layers and chains, respectively. 1−6, 8−9, and 11−12 feature chain structure...

To determine the influence of reaction conditions on the formation of metal−organic frameworks, a series of Co(II)/H2tbip/bpp complexes, {[Co2(tbip)2(H2O)6]·8H2O}n (1), {[Co(tbip)(bpp)(H2O)]2·4H2O}n (2), {[Co(tbip)(bpp)]·H2O}n (3), {[Co2(H2O)(tbip)(Htbip)2(bpp)2]·0.5(H2tbip)·0.5H2O}n (4), {[Co3(OH)(tbip)2(Htbip)(bpp)]}n (5) (H2tbip = 5-tert-butyl isophthalic acid, bpp = 1,3-bi(4-pyridyl)propane), have been synthesized through the hydrothermal reaction of cobalt(II) acetate, H2tbip, and bpp under different temperatures and pH conditions. The diverse product structures show the marked sensitivity of the structural chemistry of the aromatic carboxylate ligand to synthesis conditions. Polymer 1, which features a three-dimensional (3D) framework with CdSO4 topology, has carboxylate bridging polymeric chains spanning two different directions and bridging water molecules between these chains, and is formed at pH = 4 at 120 °C. At pH = 6, a one-dimensional tube-like structure of 2 is formed. Further increase of t...

A series of Zn(II) and Cd(II) metal−organic frameworks, namely, [Zn(DFDA)] (1), [Cd(DFDA)(C2H5OH)] (2), [Zn2(DFDA)2(L1)2]2·3H2O (3), [Cd2(DFDA)2(L1)2] (4), [Zn(DFDA)(L2)] (5), [Cd(DFDA)(L2)(DMF)] (6), and [Zn(DFDA)(L3)] (7) (where DFDA = 9,9-dipropylfluorene-2,7-dicarboxylate anion, L1 = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, L2 = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl) bis(imidazole), L3 = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized. Compound 1 exhibits a three-dimensional (3D) framework containing one-dimensional (1D) Zn(II)-O clusters, with (48·67) topology. Compound 2 contains hydrophobic channels built from infinite 1D Cd(II)-O clusters, with (48·54·63) topology. Compounds 3 and 4 possess isomorphic two-dimensional (2D) layer structures which contain two kinds of rings, and the layers interdigitate extensively. Compound 5 features a 3D diamond-like structure that contains four interpenetrating networks. Compound 6 displays a 2D (4,4) topology. Compound 7 is compose...

Several CuII complexes of carbamoyldicyanomethanide (cdm, C(CN)2(CONH2)−) with various bidentate co-ligands have been prepared and characterised to examine the persistence of a previously observed dual-synthon ‘heterotape’ hydrogen-bonding motif that incorporates both amide and nitrile functionalities. Using 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline as co-ligands yields dimeric complexes of the form [Cu(cdm)Cl(L)]2·2MeOH (L = 2,2′-bipy 1 or 1,10-phen 2). However, the bridging species in these two dimers are different; μ2 chloride bridging in the bipyridine dimer and η1(N):η1(N′) cdm bridging in the phenanthroline complex. The subtle change in co-ligand prompts a change in the bridging mode that prevents the desired motif from forming in the phenanthroline structure, an effect that appears to arise from the greater π-stacking of the phenanthroline groups. The dimeric complex [Cu(cdm)(acac)(H2O)]23 and the monomeric complexes [Cu(cdm)2(NH2(CH2)3NH2)] 4 and [Mn(cdm)Cl(1,10-phen)2] 5 also fail to display the expected tape motif, although other complicated hydrogen bonding is present, and their structures are discussed.

A series of four- and six-connected entangled structures, namely [Cd(oba)(bbi)]·0.5H2O (1), [Ni(oba)(bbi)]2·H2O (2), [Co(bpea)(bbi)]·H2O (3), [Co2(bpea)2(bbi)2]·1.5H2O (4), [Cd(oba)(1,4-bix)] (5), and [Ni2(oba)2(1,4-bix)(H2O)2] (6), where oba = 4,4′-oxybis(benzoate), bpea = biphenylethene-4,4′-dicarboxylate, 1,4-bix = 1,4-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene, and bbi = 1,1′-(1,4-butanediyl)bis(imidazole), have been successfully synthesized through a hydrothermal process. The structures of 1 and 2 both consist of two interpenetrating CdSO4 nets. In 1, the two nets are related by symmetry. By comparison, the individual nets are, unusually, crystallographically distinct in 2. The structures of 3 and 4 both contain interpenetrating diamond networks. In 3, there are 6 interpenetrating nets, and they show the usual mode of interpenetration. For 4, however, there are 7 nets, and a rare ‘abnormal’ [4 + 3] interpenetration mode is observed. In 5, the oba and 1,4-bix ligands linked the Cd(II) atoms into a deeply corrugated 2D sheet. The corrugated 2D sheets polycatenate each other in a parallel manner with DOC (degree of catenation) = 2, yielding a rare 2D → 3D parallel polycatenation net. In 6, the dinuclear Ni(II) units are bridged by the oba ligands to generate a 2D (4,4) square-grid with a rhombic window. It is interesting that the two identical (4,4) square-grids show 2D → 2D parallel interpenetration but are then further crosslinked by the 1,4-bix ligands to yield an unusual 3D self-penetrating net with an unique 6-connected 44.611 topology. The importance of bbi conformations and metal sources in the framework formation of complexes 1–6 was unraveled. Their infrared spectra, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescent properties were also investigated in detail.

A series of five salts of carboamoyldicyanomethanide, C(CN)2(CONH2)−cdm, have been synthesised and structurally characterised using different cations; ammonium (1), methylammonium (2), dimethylammonium (3), trimethylammonium (4) and tetramethylammonium (5). These organic salts vary in the degree of hydrogen-bonding interactions that the cation can partake in with minimal change in the size of the cation. The structure of 1 shows the NH4 cation involved in extensive hydrogen bonding to the cdm anions to form a 3D network with minimal interaction between anions and the disruption of previously observed supramolecular synthons that occur between cdm anions. In contrast to this the structure of 5 contains no hydrogen-bonding between cations and anions and leads to the formation of a corrugated sheet containing only interactions between neighbouring anions. The intermediate cases involving the MeH3N+ (2), Me2H2N+ (3) and Me3HN+ (4) cations, display a 2D hydrogen bonded sheet in the case of 2 and 1D chains in the structures of 3 and 4. The structure of a larger tetraalkylammonium salt, (Et3MeN)cdm (6) contains a similar sheet network to that of the Me4N+ compound with subtle changes due to the increase in size of the counter cation. The role of the steric bulk of the counter-cation has been further investigated by the synthesis of the benzyltrimethylammonium salt of cdm (7) in which the anions form a previously observed 1D chain motif and are well separated due to the bulk of the cation.

Two new 3D frameworks [(WS4Cu6Br4)(timp)8/3(H2O)40/3]n (1) and [(WS4Cu6Br4) (timtz)8/3(H2O)40/3]n (2), containing heptanuclear cluster blocks (one W atom and six Cu atoms) bridged by trigonal ligands timp or timtz (timp = 1-(3,5-di (1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazole; timtz = 2,4,6-tri(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-1,3,5-triazine), were successfully synthesized. Both compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, XRD, IR, TGA. X-ray determination shows that 1 and 2 can be topologically represented as (3,4)-connected networks with α-C3N4 (or ctn) topology where [WS4Cu6] act as the 4-connecting nodes, and the timp or timtz ligands bridge in pairs that act as the three-connecting nodes. Both compounds have the high symmetry of space group I-43d, which is the maximum symmetry for this net topology. The luminescent spectra and N2 absorption behaviors for 1 and 2 have also been investigated.