Luminescent Pt(II) Complexes Containing (1-Aza-15-crown-5)dithiocarbamate and (1-Aza-18-crown-6)dithiocarbamate: Mechanochromic and Solvent-Induced Luminescence.

The strong tendency to stack in the solid state and rich luminescence for the Pt(II) complexes makes them potential candidates as new mechanochromic materials and sensing applications. Six mononuclear complexes [Pt(ppy)(O4NCS2)] (1), [Pt(bpy)(O4NCS2)]ClO4 (2), [Pt(ppy)(O5NCS2)] (3), [Pt(phen)(O4NCS2)]ClO4·CH3OH (5a), [Pt(phen)(O4NCS2)]ClO4 (5b), and [Pt(phen)(O5NCS2)]ClO4 (6a), one dinuclear complex [Pt2(phen)2(NaO5NCS2)2(ClO4)3]ClO4 (6b), and one one-dimensional (1-D) coordination polymer {[Pt2(bpy)2(NaO5NCS2)2(ClO4)2](ClO4)2}n (4) were synthesized by reacting [Pt(ppy)Cl]2, Pt(bpy)Cl2, and Pt(phen)Cl2 (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine, and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with (1-aza-15-crown-5)dithiocarbamate (O4NCS2) or (1-aza-18-crown-6)dithiocarbamate (O5NCS2), respectively, which have been isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Neutral complexes 1 and 3 contain no intermolecular Pt(II)···Pt(II) contact, whereas cationic complexes 2, 5a, 5b, and 6a with ClO4- as counteranions show alternative intermolecular Pt(II)···Pt(II) contacts of 3.535/4.091, 3.480/5.001, 3.527/4.571, and 3.446/4.987 Å in the solid state, respectively. Interestingly, complex 4 forms a 1-D coordination polymer through coordination between the encapsulated Na+ ions inside the azacrown ether rings of O5NCS2 and ClO4- anions with respective intra- and intermolecular Pt(II)···Pt(II) contacts of 3.402 and 3.847 Å in crystal lattices, whereas a dinuclear complex 6b was surprisingly formed and also connected by the encapsulated Na+ ions and ClO4- anions with alternative intra- and intermolecular Pt(II)···Pt(II) contacts of 3.650 and 3.677/4.4.372 Å, respectively. Upon excitation, complexes 1 and 3 showed similar vibronic luminescence at 507, 534, and 502, 532 nm, respectively, and the other complexes 2 and 4-6 showed broad luminescence with maxima at 537-567 nm. The B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculation was carried out and used to clarify their excited-state properties. In addition, the powder samples for complexes 1-4 almost showed no energy shift for the luminescence and significantly those of complexes 5-6 exhibited the mechanochromic luminescence upon grinding. It is noted that complexes 5a and 6a only showed minor red shifts (i.e., from 544 to 556 nm for complex 5a and from 551 to 565 nm for complex 6a), whereas complex 6b exhibited a remarkable red shift from 558 to 603 nm upon grinding. Besides, their luminescence reversibility was also examined toward various solvents.

Supramolecular assembly and structural transformation of d10-metal complexes containing (aza-15-crown-5)dithiocarbamate.

The reaction of potassium (aza-15-crown-5)dithiocarbamate (KO4NCS2) and (Me2S)AuCl gave the dinuclear complex [Au(O4NCS2)]2, which underwent structural transformation upon heating to rearrange into the hexanuclear complex [Au(O4NCS2)]6. Under similar reaction conditions, KO4NCS2 reacted with AgNO3 or [Cu(CH3CN)4]ClO4 to give the 1-D coordination polymer [Ag(O4NCS2)]n (1) and the tetranuclear complex [Cu(O4NCS2)]4 (2), respectively. It is noted that upon heating a similar structural transformation process occurs from tetranuclear complex 2 to the octanuclear complex [Cu(O4NCS2)]8 (2'), connected by a weak Cu⋯S contact of 2.846 Å, and it has been isolated and corroborated by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies as well. Moreover, a variety of MO4NCS2 salts (M = Li+, Na+, K+ and Rb+) were used to react with AgNO3 to construct a series of coordination architectures: [LiAg(O4NCS2)2(µ-H2O)0.5]2 (3), {Na[Ag(O4NCS2)2]}n (4), {K[Ag(O4NCS2)2]}n (5) and {Rb[Ag(O4NCS2)2]}n (6). The smallest Li+ ion only coordinates with four oxygen atoms from the same azacrown ether ring and one H2O molecule, leading to a 1-D hydrogen-bonded chain with another azacrown ether ring for complex 3. The larger Na+ ion coordinates with seven oxygen atoms from two different crown ether rings, leading to a 1-D chain for complex 4. However, the largest K+ and Rb+ ions constitute a 1-D framework, except that each metal ion coordinates with eight oxygen atoms from two different crown ether rings, featuring a 1-D helical chain for complexes 5 and 6. Hence, the different sizes of alkaline metal ions exert a dramatic effect on the structural motifs of complexes 3-6. Remarkably, the dithiocarbamate moieties adopt µ2-bridging ([Au(O4NCS2)]2 and [Au(O4NCS2)]6), µ3- and µ4-bridging (1-2) and chelate forms (3-6) in the structural backbones.

Toward Heteronuclear Molecular Re(I)-Cu(II) Boxes: Structural, Luminescent, and Magnetic Properties.

The bifunctional ligands of isonicotinic acid (Py-4-COOH) and 4-pyrid-4-ylbenzoic acid (Pybz-4-COOH) instead of polypyridines were therefore reacted with (Re(CO)4)3(C3N3S3) (C3N3S3 = cyanurate trianion), resulting in the formation of two trinuclear [(Re(CO)3)3(C3N3S3)(Py-4-COOH)3] (1) and [(Re(CO)3)3(C3N3S3)(Pybz-4-COOH)3] (2), respectively. In the meantime, both complexes 1 and 2 are connected by three bifurcated hydrogen bonds between their carboxylic acid moieties Py-4-COOH and Pybz-4-COOH to form the supramolecular trigonal-prismatic and -antiprismatic structures, respectively. It is noted that complex 1 can further react with copper(II) nitrate upon deprotonation to give nonanuclear [(Re(CO)3)3(C3N3S3)(Py-4-COO)3]2Cu3(H2O)9 (3), where two trinuclear [(Re(CO)3)3(C3N3S3)(Py-4-COO)3] moieties are connected by three penta-coordinate copper(II) ions, each coordinating to two carboxylates and three water molecules, to form the trigonal-prismatic structure. Surprisingly, addition of pyrazine (pz) in the synthetic process of complex 3 resulted in serendipitous isolation of a rare example of octadecanuclear {[(Re(CO)3)3(C3N3S3)(Py-4-COO)3]2Cu3(H2O)6(pz)2}2 (4), which can be regarded as a dimer of complex 3, connected by two bridging pz ligands. Interestingly, both complexes 3 and 4 are heteronuclear molecular Re(I)-Cu(II) boxes, constructed by a complex-as-a-ligand strategy. Furthermore, complexes 1 and 2 can exhibit respective low-energy luminescence at ca. 561 and 534 nm at room temperature upon photoexcitation, and complex 3 is found to display antiferromagnetic coupling of -127.68 and -134.70 cm-1, possibly due to multiple hydrogen bonds inducing significant Cu(II)···Cu(II) coupling.

Anion-Recognition Studies of a Rhenium(I) 4-Mercaptopyridine Compound and Its Ligand-Coupling Products.

The reaction of Re(CO)5Cl with 4-mercaptopyridine (4-PySH) led to the formation of [Re(CO)3(4-HPyS)3]Cl (1), showing three hydrogen-bonding donors of 4-PySH ligands as well as a characteristic ligand-to-metal charge-transfer absorption at ca. 380 nm. In this regard, a variety of anions, i.e., CN-, OAc-, F-, Cl-, Br-, I-, PF6-, NO3-, ClO4-, and H2PO4-, were examined to study anion-recognition studies through hydrogen-bonding functionalities. Upon the addition of CN- to a methanolic solution of complex 1, a remarkable spectral change with an isosbestic point at ca. 314 nm in the absorption spectra was observed, with a binding constant (Kb) calculated to be 24770 M-1. Moreover, the OAc- anion also shows a similar trend, but a mild spectral change, with Kb calculated to be 2170 M-1. Unlike those of CN- and OAc-, the addition of F-, Cl-, Br-, and I- anions causes a less pronounced spectral change with an isosbestic point at ca. 350 nm and Kb calculated to be 2863-750 M-1. However, almost no spectral change can be observed for other anions (i.e., PF6-, NO3-, H2PO4-, and ClO4-). Interestingly, the molecular loops of [Re(CO)3Cl(Py2S2)]2 (2; Py2S2 = 4,4'-dipyridyl disulfide) and [Re(CO)3Cl(Py2S)0.35(Py2S2)0.65]2 (3; Py2S = 4,4'-dipyridyl sulfide) can be isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, where those crystals were grown from diethyl ether diffusion into a methanolic solution of complex 1 with [Bu4N]CN and [Bu4N]NO3, respectively. It is noted that such unusual ligand-coupling reactions toward the homoligand and hybrid-ligand loops of complexes 2 and 3 can be achieved at room temperature in this study.

Solvent-Induced Luminescence and Structural Transformation of a Dinuclear Gold(I) (Aza-18-crown-6)dithiocarbamate Compound.

The reaction of AuCl(SMe2) with equimolar NaO5NCS2 [O5NCS2 = (aza-18-crown-6)dithiocarbamate] in CH3CN gave [Au2(O5NCS2)2]·2CH3CN (2·2CH3CN), where six other 2·solvates (solvates = 2DMF, 2DMSO, 2THF, 2acetone, 1.5toluene, and 1.5anisole) can be successfully isolated from different crystal-growing processes (i.e., ether diffusion, layer method, or evaporation in air) by dissolving the dry powder samples of 2·2CH3CN in the respective solvents, and their crystal structures are all determined by X-ray diffraction as well. It is noted that there are different intermolecular Au(I)···Au(I) contacts in combination with various luminescences for 2·solvates and indeed there is a close relationship between intermolecular Au(I)···Au(I) contacts [i.e., 2.8254(7)-2.9420(5) Å] and luminescence energies (i.e., 554-604 nm), including three examples of 2·2CH3CN, 2·0.5m-xylene, and 2·tert-butylbenzene·H2O reported in our previous work. In 2·solvates, the toluene and tert-butylbenzene solvates have the shortest [2.8254(7)-2.8289(7) Å] and longest [2.9420(5) Å] intermolecular Au(I)···Au(I) contacts, respectively, and consequently they show the respective lowest (604 nm) and highest (554 nm) luminescence energies. Indeed, 2·solvates exhibit different types of time-dependent luminescence upon solvate loss in air. Furthermore, B3LYP/LanL2DZ calculation results can help to clarify the relationship between intermolecular Au(I)···Au(I) contacts and luminescence energies for 2·solvates.

Toward a dodecanuclear molecular Re(i) box: structural and spectroscopic properties.

Two tetrapyridyl ligands of 1,2,4,5-tetraethynyl(4-pyridyl)benzene (tpeb) and tetra(4-pyridyl)-tetrathiafulvalene (TTF(py)4) were used to react with trinuclear (Re(CO)4)3(C3N3S3) (C3N3S3 = cyanurate trianion) moieties to afford hexanuclear [(Re(CO)3)6(tpeb)2(C3N3S3)2]·4CH3CN·toluene (1) and dodecanuclear [(Re(CO)3)12(TTF(py)4)3(C3N3S3)4]·8CH3CN·12DMF (2) boxes, respectively, under solvothermal conditions. Surprisingly, similar tetrapyridyl ligands with different core units (i.e., benzene and tetrathiafulvalene moieties) led to dramatically different structural motifs (i.e., hexanuclear and dodecanuclear boxes). Complex 1 forms a slightly bent trigonal-prismatic structure, containing two µ3-tpeb ligands and two Re3C3N3S3 moieties as well as a ππ interaction distance of 3.86 Å. It is noted that complex 2 features a novel four-star structure, and three crossed tetrathiafulvalene moieties from three µ4-TTF(py)4 ligands to form a triple-decker arrangement with a ππ interaction distance of 3.70 Å. Moreover, 1 and 2 display luminescence properties in the solid state along with electrochemical properties for complex 2 arising from the electroactive TTF core.

Crystal-engineering and luminescence studies of 1,3,5-tris(3-pyridylethynyl)benzene or 1,3,5-tris(4-pyridylethynyl)benzene with copper(i) iodides.

Two isomeric C3-symmetric ligands, 1,3,5-tris(3-pyridylethynyl)benzene (L1) and 1,3,5-tris(4-pyridylethynyl)benzene (L2), were used to react with CuI to give a series of coordination frameworks containing various CuI clusters, {[(Cu2I2)2(L1)2]·C6H5CH3}n (1), {[(Cu2I2)1.5(L1)2]·1.5C6H6·CH3CN}n (2), [(Cu2I2)0.5(L1)]n (3), {[(Cu2I2)0.5(L2)]·C6H6}n (4), and {[(Cu2I2)(L2)]·C6H6}n (5), which have been isolated and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction studies. Although 1 is simultaneously composed of a rhombohedral Cu2I2 cluster and a step-cubane Cu4I4 cluster and 2 contains two types of rhombohedral Cu2I2 clusters in the frameworks, both give similar 3-D supramolecular architectures interpenetrated by 2-D layer frameworks. 3 forms a 1-D double-zigzag framework, and significantly the interlocking of the 1-D frameworks into the 28-membered rings of the adjacent chains generates a novel 1-D (1-D → 1-D) polyrotaxane framework. However, as the structural and isomeric analogue, 4 only forms a 1-D double-zigzag framework leading to a 2-D supramolecular structure by ππ interactions and C-HN hydrogen bonding. 5, composed of polymeric (Cu2I2)n cluster chains, forms a 3-D coordination framework and interpenetrates to give a 2-fold interpenetrated framework. It is noted that these coordination frameworks show various structural motifs depending on the reaction conditions and ligands' backbones. In addition, the low-energy emissions at 538-615 nm for 1-5 either at room temperature or at 77 K have been observed, which are most likely to originate from an iodo-to-copper charge-transfer transition, possibly modified by Cu(i)Cu(i) interactions.

Molecular ReI Cages: Structural and Luminescent Properties.

Versatile building block [{Re(CO)4 }3 (C3 N3 S3 )] (1 a; C3 N3 S3 =cyanurate trianion) reacts with linear dipyridyl ligands [i.e., pyrazine (pz), 4,4'-bipyridine (bpy), 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe), bis(4-pyridyl)acetylene (bpa), and 1,4-bis(pyridyl-4-ylethynyl)benzene (bpb)] and a tripyridyl ligand [1,3,5-tris(4-pyridylethynyl)benzene (tpb)] to afford a series of molecular cages [{Re(CO)3 }6 (L)3 (C3 N3 S3 )2 ] [L=pz (2), bpy (3), bpe (4), bpa (5), bpb (6)] and [{Re(CO)3 }9 (tpb)3 (C3 N3 S3 )3 ] (7) under solvothermal conditions. Various structural dimensions and motifs can be systematically tuned and obtained by using different dipyridyl and tripyridyl ligands in the reactions. The molecular cages of hexanuclear complexes 2-6 containing dipyridyl ligands feature interesting trigonal-prismatic structures with different dimensions. Furthermore, nonanuclear complex 7 has a novel triangular-star structure, and three benzene rings of tpb ligands form a triple-decker arrangement with significant π⋅⋅⋅π interactions having distances of 3.490(1) and 3.528(1) Å. In addition, molecular cages 1-3 and 5-7 exhibit luminescence in the solid state, and their luminescent properties were also studied.

Anion- and Solvent-Induced Assembly and Reversible Structural Transformation of d(10)-Metal Coordination Architectures Containing N-(4-(4-Aminophenyloxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide.

We set out studies on anion- and solvent-induced assembly based on the ligand N-(4-(4-aminophenyloxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide (papoa), which is synthesized to show a bent and flexible backbone. Reactions of papoa with ZnX2 (X=Cl, Br, and I) gave the dinuclear macrocycles ([ZnX2 (papoa)]2 ; X=Cl (1 a), Br (2 a), I (3)), the structure of which was determined by X-ray diffraction. Notably, the less bulky Cl and Br compounds afforded the coordinated imine in acetone (i.e., [ZnX2 (papoi)]2 , papoi=N-(4-(4-(propan-2-ylideneamino)phenoxy)phenyl)isonicotinamide; X=Cl (1 b), Br (2 b)), whereas the iodine one only gave the coordinated amine compound 3 under the same reaction condition. In fact, the coordinated imine can return to the amine analogue upon exposure to air or in DMSO, which has been monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. Both the dinuclear [Zn(papoa)(NO3)2]2 (4 a) and the 1D [Zn(papoa)2(NO3)2]n (4 b) were formed from the reaction of Zn(NO3)2 and papoa in mixed solvents with acetone and acetonitrile, respectively. In addition, Cd(ClO4)2 can react with papoa to give the 1D framework {[Cd(papoa)2 (CH3CN)2](ClO4)2}n (5 a) and the 2D framework [Cd(papoa)2 (ClO4)2]n (5 b), depending on the solvent used, that is, MeOH and CH3CN, respectively. Importantly, the 1D framework with axially coordinated CH3 CN molecules and the 2D framework with axially coordinated ClO4(-) ions can be interconverted by heating and grinding in the presence of CH3CN, respectively. Such a reversible structural transformation process was proven by PXRD studies.

Single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation and solvochromic luminescence of a dinuclear gold(I)-(aza-[18]crown-6)dithiocarbamate compound.

The treatment of [AuCl(SMe2 )] with an equimolar amount of NaO5 NCS2 (O5 NCS2 =(aza-[18]crown-6)dithiocarbamate) in CH3 CN gave [Au2 (O5 NCS2 )2 ]⋅2 CH3 CN (2⋅2 CH3 CN), and its crystal structure displays a dinuclear gold(I)-azacrown ether ring and an intermolecular gold(I)⋅⋅⋅gold(I) contact of 2.8355(3) Šin crystal lattices. It is noted that two other single crystals of 2⋅tert-butylbenzene⋅H2 O and 2⋅0.5 m-xylene can be successfully obtained from a single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation process by immersing single crystals of 2⋅2 CH3 CN in the respective solvents, and both also show intermolecular gold(I)⋅⋅⋅gold(I) contacts of 2.9420(5) and 2.890(2)-2.902(2) Å, respectively. Significantly, the emissions of all three 2⋅solvates are well correlated with their respective intermolecular gold(I)⋅⋅⋅gold(I) contacts, where such contacts increase with 2⋅2 CH3 CN (2.8355(3) Å)<2⋅0.5 m-xylene (2.890(2)-2.902(2) Å)<2⋅tert-butylbenzene⋅H2 O (2.9420(5) Å), and their emission energies increase with 2⋅2 CH3 CN (602 nm)<2⋅0.5 m-xylene (583 nm)<2⋅tert-butylbenzene⋅H2 O (546 nm) as well. In this regard, we further examine the solvochromic luminescence for some other aromatics, and finally their emissions are within 546-602 nm. Obviously, the above results are mostly ascribed to the occurrence of intermolecular gold(I)⋅⋅⋅gold(I) contacts in 2⋅solvates, which are induced by the presence of various solvates in the solid state, as a key role to be responsible for their solvochromic luminescence.

Structural Transformation of ZnII -Dipyridylamide-Based Coordination Frameworks: Hybrid-Ligand and Metal Effects.

A series of one-dimensional (1D) double-zigzag ({[Zn(papx)2 (H2 O)2 ](ClO4 )2 }n (x=so 1, sc 3, oc 5, and soc 7) and 2D polyrotaxane ([Zn(papx)2 (ClO4 )2 ]n (x=so 2, sc 4, oc 6, and soc 8) frameworks are synthesized by the reactions of Zn(ClO4 )2 with equimolar amounts of papx (i.e., papso=1/2paps+1/2papo, papsc=1/2paps+1/2papc, papoc=1/2papo+1/2papc, and papsoc=1/3paps+1/3papo+1/3papc; paps=N,N'-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl thioether, papo=N,N'-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether, papc=N,N'-(methylenedi-p-phenylene)bispyridine-4-carboxamide). The new frameworks are isolated and characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies, elemental analysis, and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. In addition, synthesis and structural characterization of 2D polyrotaxane frameworks of [Cu(papx)2 (ClO4 )2 ]n (x=s 9, o 10, and c 11) by the reaction of Cu(ClO4 )2 with the respective dipyridylamide ligands are carried out. Based on the PXRD experiments, upon heating, the double-zigzag frameworks of 1, 3, 5, and 7 undergo structural transformation to give the respective polyrotaxane frameworks of 2, 4, 6, and 8. Moreover, grinding the solid samples of 2, 4, 6, and 8 in the presence of moisture also result in the total conversion back into the double-zigzag frameworks of 1, 3, 5, and 7, respectively. Remarkably, grinding the solid samples of polyrotaxane frameworks of 9 and 10 in the presence of moisture fails to induce a structural transformation process.

Ligand-coupling assembly of Re(I)-thiolate complexes.

By taking advantage of solvothermal reactions of Re2(CO)10 with 2-mercaptobenzothiazol (HNS2) or 2-mercaptobenzoxazol (HNOS), a series of Re(I) complexes (1-4) with in situ ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. In this study, we examined the effects of reaction conditions (i.e., reaction solvents and temperatures) on the HNS2 system to give complexes 1-3, and also compared the reaction products of the HNS2 (2) and HNOS (4) systems under similar reaction conditions. For the HNS2 system, the reaction temperatures at 140 and 120 °C in mesitylene led to different ligands in complexes 1 and 2, respectively. However, at the same temperature of 140 °C, different solvents (mesitylene or benzene) caused the formation of complexes 1 and 3 containing different ligands, respectively. Although the same temperature and solvent were used, HNS2 and HNOS underwent a similar in situ ligand reaction in dinuclear complexes 2 and 4, which surprisingly show both anti and syn conformations, respectively.

ZnII -Dipyridylamide-Based Coordination Frameworks: Structural Transformation and Anion Effect.

We have synthesized a series of 1 D double-zigzag ({[Zn(paps)2 (H2 O)2 ](PF6 )2 }n  (1), {[Zn(papo)2 (H2 O)2 ](PF6 )2 }n  (3), and {[Zn(papc)2 (H2 O)2 ](PF6 )2 }n  (5)) and 2 D polyrotaxane ([Zn(papc)2 (PF6 )2 ]n  (6)) frameworks through the reaction of Zn(PF6 )2 with dipyridylamide ligands (N,N'-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl thioether (paps), N,N'-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (papo), and N,N'-(methylenedi-p-phenylene)bispyridine-4-carboxamide (papc), respectively), and their molecular structures have been determined through X-ray diffraction studies. From the powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) experiments, it is found that on heating, the double-zigzag frameworks 1 and 3 undergo structural transformation to give the respective polyrotaxane frameworks 2 ([Zn(paps)2 (PF6 )2 ]n ) and 4 ([Zn(papo)2 (PF6 )2 ]n ), which matched well with those of their Zn(ClO4 )2 analogues. Furthermore, grinding the solid samples of 2 and 4 in the presence of moisture resulted in total conversion back to the double-zigzag frameworks 1 and 3, respectively. Although the 1 D double-zigzag and 2 D polyrotaxane frameworks of ZnII -paps and -papo with ClO4 - anions can be also interconverted through heating and grinding in the presence of moisture, the related ZnII -papc framework with ClO4 - can only undergo a structural transformation process through heating. Surprisingly, reversible structural transformation between 5 and 6 has been proven successfully. In this work, we show that by replacing ClO4 - with PF6 - , a series of ZnII -papx-based frameworks can be obtained. Significantly, this indicates that a remarkable anion effect on such a novel structural transformation process has been demonstrated.

Reversible phase transformation and luminescence of cadmium(II)-dipyridylamide-based coordination frameworks.

We have synthesized a series of 1D double-zigzag ({[Cd(paps)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)}(n) (1), {[Cd(papo)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)}(n) (3), and {[Cd(papc)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)}(n) (5)) and 2D polyrotaxane frameworks ([Cd(papc)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](n) (6)) by the reaction of Cd(ClO(4))(2) with dipyridylamide ligands N,N'-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl thioether (paps), N,N'-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (papo), and N,N'-(methylenedi-p-phenylene)bispyridine-4-carboxamide (papc), respectively, where their molecular structures have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies. Based on the powder X-ray data (PXRD) of compound 3 and its Zn(II) analogue, heating the double-zigzag framework of compound 3 can give the polyrotaxane framework of [Cd(papo)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](n) (4) and grinding this powder sample in the presence of moisture resulted in its complete conversion back into the pure double-zigzag framework. In addition, heating the double-zigzag frameworks of compounds 1 and 5 can induce structural transformation into their respective polyrotaxanes, whereas grinding these solid samples in the presence of moisture did not lead to the formation of the double zigzags. Herein, we investigated the effect of the metal (from Zn(II) to Cd(II)) on the assembly process and luminescence properties, as well as on the particularly intriguing structural transformation of a series of papx-based frameworks. In fact, the assembly behavior and luminescence properties of the Cd(II)-papx and Zn(II)-papx frameworks were really similar. However, both Zn(II)-papx (x = s, o) frameworks can perform reversible structural transformation, but only the Cd(II)-papo framework can do it. Therefore, a delicate metal effect on such a new structural transformation can be observed.

Reversible phase transformation and mechanochromic luminescence of Zn(II)-dipyridylamide-based coordination frameworks.

A 1D double-zigzag framework, {[Zn(paps)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)}(n) (1; paps = N,N'-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl thioether), was synthesized by the reaction of Zn(ClO(4))(2) with paps. However, a similar reaction, except that dry solvents were used, led to the formation of a novel 2D polyrotaxane framework, [Zn(paps)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](n) (2). This difference relies on the fact that water coordinates to the Zn(II) ion in 1, but ClO(4)(-) ion coordination is found in 2. Notably, the structures can be interconverted by heating and grinding in the presence of moisture, and such a structural transformation can also be proven experimentally by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The related N,N'-bis- (pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (papo) and N,N'-(methylenedi-para-phenylene)bispyridine-4-carboxamide (papc) ligands were reacted with Zn(II) ions as well. When a similar reaction was performed with dry solvents, except that papo was used instead of paps, the product mixture contained mononuclear [Zn(papo)(CH(3)OH)(4)](ClO(4))(2) (5) and the polyrotaxane [Zn(papo)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](n) (4). From the powder XRD data, grinding this mixture in the presence of moisture resulted in total conversion to the pure double-zigzag {[Zn(papo)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)}(n) (3) immediately. Upon heating 3, the polyrotaxane framework of 4 was recovered. The double-zigzag {[Zn(papc)(2)(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2)}(n) (6) and polyrotaxane [Zn(papc)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](n) (7) were synthesized in a similar reaction. Although upon heating the double-zigzag 6 undergoes structural transformation to give the polyrotaxane 7, grinding solid 7 in the presence of moisture does not lead to the formation of 6. Significantly, the bright emissions for double-zigzag frameworks of 1 and 3 and weak ones for polyrotaxane frameworks of 2 and 4 also show interesting mechanochromic luminescence.

pH-Dependent spectroscopic and luminescent properties, and metal-ion recognition studies of Re(I) complexes containing 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazole and 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolate.

A series of Re(I) complexes, [Re(CO)(3)Cl(HPB)] (1), [Re(CO)(3)(PB)H(2)O] (2), [Re(CO)(3)(NO(3))(PB-AuPPh(3))] (3), and [Re(CO)(3)(NO(3))(PB)Au(dppm-H)Au](2) (4) [HPB = 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazole; dppm = 2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphinomethane)], have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Complex 1, which exhibits interesting pH-dependent spectroscopic and luminescent properties, was prepared by reacting Re(CO)(5)Cl with an equimolar amount of 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazole. The imidazole unit in complex 1 can be deprotonated to form the imidazolate unit to give complex 2. Addition of 1 equiv of AuPPh(3)(NO(3)) to complex 2 led to the formation of a heteronuclear complex 3. Addition of a half an equivalent of dppm(Au(NO(3)))(2) to complex 2 yielded 4. In both 3 and 4, the imidazolate unit acts as a multinuclear bridging ligand. Complex 4 is a rare and remarkable example of a Re(2)Au(4) aggregate in combination with µ(3)-bridging 2-(2'-pyridyl)benzimidazolate. Finally, complex 2 has been used to examine the Hg(2+)-recognition event among group 12 metal ions. Its reversibility and selectivity toward Hg(2+) are also examined.

Novel single-crystal-to-single-crystal anion exchange and self-assembly of luminescent d(10) metal (Cd(II), Zn(II), and Cu(I)) complexes containing C(3)-symmetrical ligands.

Ligands L1 and L2' (L1=N,N',N''-tris(4-pyridyl)trimesic amide, L2'=N,N',N''-tris(3-pyridinyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide) belonging to an interesting family of tripyridyltriamides with C(3)-symmetry have been utilized to construct 3D porous or hydrogen-bonded frameworks. Through a novel single-crystal-to-single-crystal anion-exchange process, [Cd(L1)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](n) (1c) can be obtained from [Cd(L1)(2)Cl(2)](n) (1b) in the presence of ClO(4)(-) anions. This anion-exchange process is highly selective and only the substitution of Cl(-) by ClO(4)(-) or PF(6)(-) could be realized; Cl(-) was found not to be substituted by BPh(4)(-). This demonstrates that the exchange process depends on the size of the anions in relation to the size of the cavities in the host material (ca. 7.5 A). In addition, the anion-exchange properties of 1 b have also been investigated by means of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis (EA), and infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR). Structurally, [Zn(L1)(NO(3))(2)](n)(2) consists of a 2D coordination network with five-coordinate Zn(II) ions. Surprisingly, different trigonal-bipyramidal Zn(II) ions propagate to form distinct respective sheet structures, A and B, which are packed in an A-B-A-B manner in the crystal lattice, and these are hydrogen-bonded to give a 3D extended framework. The molecular structure of [CuI(L2')](n)(3) shows that the Cu(I) ion adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry, and 3 also forms a 2D coordination network. Significantly, this 2D coordination network is further assembled into a remarkable 3D homochiral framework through triple hydrogen bonding and pi...pi interactions. All of these 3D coordination polymers and/or hydrogen-bonded frameworks are luminescent in the solid state, and their solid-state luminescent properties have been investigated at room temperature and/or at 77 K.

Crystal-engineering studies of coordination polymers and a molecular-looped complex containing dipyridyl-amide ligands.

We report herein crystal-engineering studies of coordination polymers and a molecular-looped complex containing two dipyridyl-amide ligands, 1,3-bis-pyridin-4-ylmethyl urea (L1) and N,N'-bis-4-methylpyridyl oxalamide (L2). The reaction of Cd(OAc)2 with L1 gives rise to [Cd(OAc)2(L1)]n (1), a 1-D chain through coordination to two L1 and two acetate ligands, and then the axial coordination to one urea's carbonyl group through the third L1 ligand leads 1 to form "a dimer of 1-D chains". With a slight change in the structural backbone from L1 to L2, the reaction of L2 with Cd(OAc)2 gives [Cd(OAc)2(L2)(H2O)]n (2), a 1-D chain structure. The reaction of Cd(NO3)2, instead of Cd(OAc)2, with L2 gives [Cd(NO3)2(L2)3/2]n (3), where the coordinated-anion effect on the assembly process has been observed for 2 and 3. The former forms a 1-D chain structure, and the latter, a 2-D sheet structure, depending on the coordinated anions used. [HgCl2(L1)]n (4) and [CuCl2(L2)]n (5), which are 1-D chain structures, show tetrahedral [Hg(II)] and square-planar [Cu(II)] centers, respectively. Surprisingly, 4 shows a typical amide-amide hydrogen bonding and 5 shows none. Instead, a hydrogen-bonding interaction between Cl and the amide group is observed in 5. Finally, the different structural conformation of L2 (a syn or anti form) leads to the formation of different structural motifs, coordination polymers (2, 3, and 5 with an anti form), and a macrocycle ([Pd(PPy)(L2)]2(ClO4)2 (6) with a syn form, PPy = 2-phenylpyridine). Each side of the boat form of 6 (pseudo-cyclohexane) ranges from 6.12 to 6.39 A, and the molecular loop is further hydrogen-bonded to stack into a 1-D hydrogen-bonded framework with a ladder pattern through amide-amide hydrogen bonding. Interestingly, one ClO4- anion is encapsulated inside the cavity through multiple CH...O interactions.

Supramolecular assembly of gold(I) complexes of diphosphines and N,N'-bis-4-methylpyridyl oxalamide.

We report herein the supramolecular assembly and spectroscopic and luminescent properties of gold(I) complexes of diphosphines (dppm [bis(diphenylphosphino)methane], dppp [1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane], and dpppn [1,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)pentane]) and N,N'-bis-4-methylpyridyl oxalamide (L). The dppm and dppp cases form the rectangular structures, [dppm(Au(2))L](2)(ClO(4))(4) and [dppp(Au(2))L](2)(ClO(4))(4), with four gold(I) ions at the corners, as well as two L and two dppm or dppp ligands as edges, featuring 38- and 42-membered rings for the former and the latter, respectively. Remarkably, the packing of the dppp complexes shows interesting one-dimensional rectangular channels in the solid state, most likely due to intermolecular pi...pi interactions. The dpppn complex has been structurally characterized as a one-dimensional coordination polymer, {[(dpppn)(3.5)(Au(7))L(3.5)](PF(6))(7)}. The absorptions and emissions of the compounds are in general due to intraligand transitions, but aurophilic or pi...pi interactions could also make partial contributions. The dipyridyl amide system with the amides incorporated into the bridging ligands as well as the one-dimensional rectangular channels in the solid state for the dppp-based rectangle make this a promising family of metal-containing cyclic peptides in crystal engineering and molecular-recognition studies.