Imidazole Cation as Guest Encapsulated within Unique Anionic Cyanocuprate(I) Supramolecular Architecture as Luminescent Sensor and Catalyst for Efficient Removal of Hazardous Materials.

The new host-guest _∞³[Cu₂(CN)₃HB] supramolecular coordination polymer (SCP1) where HB = imidazole cation, was synthesized and structurally elucidated by X-ray single crystal and elemental analyses as well as spectral investigations. The topology of SCP1 constructs of three-dimensional anionic {[Cu₂(CN)₃]^-}_∞ framework based on the mini-cycle [Cu₂(μ₃-CN)₂] motifs with encapsulation of cationic imidazole ring. Nanoscale form (SCP1^\) was obtained by ultrasonic irradiation and TEM image shows regular nanostructure with the particle size in the range of 19.25–24.35 nm. Luminescence behavior of SCP1 was investigated to detect its ability as sensor for selective determination of nitrobenzene and metal ions. SCP1 and 1^\ were found to have high catalytic and photocatalytic activities for degradation of Indigo Carmine (IC) in presence of H₂O₂. Each catalyst was recycled without loss of catalytic efficiency. The effect of ultrasonic and UV-irradiation and the degradation mechanism were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]