The first substituted macrocyclic ligand Py2N4S2 containing four naphthylmethylene pendant-armed groups: Synthesis and photophysical properties

The synthesis of a pendant donor emissive macrocyclic ligand Py₂N₄S₂ with up to four naphthylmethylene arms (L) has been achieved. Their derivative solid metal complexes (Co^2 +, Ni^2 +, Cu^2 +, Zn^2 +, Cd^2 +, Hg^2 + and Ag⁺) have been isolated and characterized. The photophysical properties of the free ligand L and their complexation behaviour have been investigated in solution. In dichloromethane, the free ligand presents two emission bands which are related to the monomer naphthalene emission and a red-shifted band attributable to ground state dimers (interaction between two naphthalene chromophores), which was further validated from time-resolved data, with bi-exponential decay with absence of dynamic components. UV–Vis spectroscopy has revealed a 2:1 binding stoichiometry for Co^2 +, Cu^2 +, Zn^2 +, Hg^2 + and Ag⁺.     

Two novel supramolecular isomers based on 2,2′-biimidazole derivative and zinc ions: Syntheses,structures and luminescent properties

Two Zn(II)-2,2′-biimidazole derivative supramolecular isomers 1 and 2 formulated as [Zn(L)] · 2H₂O (H₂L = 4,4′-(1H,1′H-2,2′-biimidazole-1,1′-diylbis(methylene))dibenzoic acid) have been synthesized, and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 exhibits a 2D four-connected network with (4³.6³) topology when the zinc center and the L^2? ligand act as four-connected nodes (or a distorted (4,4) grid if the [Zn₂(imidazole)₄] units are considered as four-connected nodes). Complex 2 shows a novel four-connected twofold interpenetrated net with (4².6².8²) topology when the zinc center and the L^2? ligand act as four-connected nodes (or a twofold interpenetrated α-Po topology when [Zn₂(imidazole)₄] units are identified as six-connected nodes). Moreover, complexes 1 and 2 both exhibit strong luminescent properties at room temperature.     

Hydrothermal synthesis,crystal structure and strong blue fluorescence of a novel 3D coordination polymer containing copper and zinc centers linked by isonicotinic acid ligands

The first mixed metal Zn/Cu coordination polymer, [Zn₃Cu₂(IN)₈] (1) (HIN = isonicotinic acid) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The three dimensional structure of 1 has a novel topological metal-organic framework, which is built up by Zn²⁺, Cu⁺ and ligands IN to generate an open-framework with an unusual helical [–Zn(Cu)-IN–]_n chains along the b axis. The very strong blue fluorescence for 1 can be observed in the solid state.     

Sulfate binding in zinc(II) complexes of a monopyridylurea ligand N-(1-naphthyl)-N′-(3-pyridyl)urea

Two zinc(II) complexes of a urea-functionalized pyridyl ligand, [Zn(SO₄)L₃]·CH₃OH (1) and {[Zn(μ₂-SO₄)L₂]·0.5CH₃OH}_n (2) (L = N-(1-naphthyl)-N′-(3-pyridyl)urea), have been synthesized by the reaction of L with ZnSO₄·7H₂O under different conditions. Complex 1 is a hydrogen-bonded 2D grid structure in which the sulfate anion not only coordinates to the Zn^II ion as a monodentate ligand but also forms multiple hydrogen bonds with the urea groups of adjacent molecules. In complex 2 the sulfate ion serves as a μ₂-bridging ligand, connecting the Zn^II ions to form an infinite 1D organic–inorganic hybrid framework. Meanwhile, the sulfate anion is also bound by neighboring ligands through hydrogen bonds between urea groups and the non-coordinated oxygen atoms. The solid-state emission spectra of 1 and 2 show a red shift of the fluorescence emission of ligand L.     

First example of PMMA-supported and highly luminous color-purity red-light metallopolymer based on a tris-β-diketonate Zn2 +-Eu3 +-complex

Through the copolymerization of a complex monomer [Zn(L)(4-vinyl-Py)Eu(TTA)₃] (2; H₂L = N,N′-bis(salicylidene)cyclohexane-1.2-diamine; 4-vinyl-Py = 4-vinyl-pyridine and HTTA = 2-thenoyltrifluoroacetonate) with MMA (methyl methacrylate), the first example of PMMA-supported and highly luminous (Ф_Eu^L = 63.1%) color-purity red-light metallopolymer poly(MMA-co-2) based on a tris-β-diketonate Zn^2 +-Eu^3 +-complex is obtained.     

Syntheses and structures of cadmium(II) and cobalt(II) coordination polymers based on 1,1′-(2,2′-oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(1H-imidazole) and carboxylate ligands

Two novel coordination polymers containing Cd(II) and Co(II) metals, connected via 1,1′-(2,2′-oxybis(ethane-2,1-diyl))bis(1H-imidazole) (L) ligand, have been synthesized. Compound [Cd(L)₂(p-BDC)] · 2H₂O (1) (p-BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate anion) is a three-dimensional interdigitated supramolecular architecture. Compound [Co(L)(BTCA)_0.5] (2) (BTCA = 1,2,3,4-butanetetracarboxylate anion) possesses a unique (3,4)-connected 3D framework with (8³)₂(8⁵ · 10) topology.     

The novel ligand 4′-phenyl-3,2′:6′,3′′-terpyridine (L) and the supramolecular structure of the dinuclear complex [Zn2(μ-L)(acac)4] · H2O (acac = acetylacetonato)

The new terpyridyl ligand 4′-phenyl-3,2′:6′,3′′-terpyridine (L) reacts with Zn(acac)₂ to produce the dizinc complex [Zn₂(μ-L)(acac)₄] · H₂O (1) (acac = acetylacetonato). The analysis of the crystal structure of this zero-dimensional (0D) complex shows the existence of two Zn(acac)₂ centers bridged symmetrically by one μ-L ligand. The key role played by the acac and L ligands and the guest water molecule allows the generation of a series of intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the O–H/O, C–H/O and C–H/π type which give raise to a 3D supramolecular array. The observed C–H/π interactions are so widespread that all the π-rings present in the structure, viz., those belonging to the L ligand as well as the acetylacetonato chelate rings, participate as hydrogen bond acceptors.     

Two 2D metal–organic frameworks based on 2,2′-bibenzimidazole ligand with (6,3) net topology

Two 2D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), {[Zn₄(Hbbim)₄(bbim)₂] 2H₂O}_n (1) and [Cd₂(Hbbim)₂(bbim)]_n (2) (H₂bbim = 2,2′-bibenzimidazole) were obtained by solvothermal reaction and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Different metal ions, Cd(II)/Zn(II), adopt very different coordination geometries though two title compounds both have a 2D honeycomb network with (6,3) topology. The frameworks of compounds 1 and 2 are stable below 360 °C and 475 °C, respectively. Solid-state luminescent spectroscopy of compound 2 exhibits an emission peak at 407 nm.     

Hetero-trinuclear near-infrared (NIR) luminescent ZnLn2 (Ln = Nd,Yb or Er) complexes based on monomer ZnL Schiff-base precursor and o-vanillin

With the monomer [Zn(L¹)(H₂O)] (1) complex in situ formed by the deprotonated hexadentate Salen-type Schiff-base ligand H₂L¹ (H₂L¹ = N,N′-bis(3-methoxy-salicylidene)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine) and Zn(NO₃)₂ as the precursor, series of the hetero-trinuclear ZnLn₂ complexes [ZnLn₂(L¹)₂(L²)(NO₃)₂Cl] (Ln = Nd, 2; Ln = Yb, 3; Ln = Er, 4 or Ln = Gd, 5) were obtained from the further reaction with LnCl₃ (Ln = Nd, Yb Er or Gd) and the second o-vanillin (HL²) ligand, respectively. The photophysical properties of complexes 2–4 showed that the characteristic near-infrared (NIR) luminescence of Ln^3 + ions with two emission centers and emissive lifetimes in microsecond ranges, was sensitized from the excited state (both ¹LC and ³LC) of mixed H₂L¹–HL² ligands.     

A multifunctional reduced molybdophosphate-based 3D metal–organic framework induced by a rigid triazole and a flexible bis(triazole) mixed ligand

A novel reduced molybdophosphate-based metal–organic framework (MOF) Zn[(MoO₂)₆(HPO₄)₂(PO₄)₂(OH)₃]₂[Zn₂(L¹)][Zn(HL²)₂]₂·10H₂O (1) (L¹ = 1,6-bis(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)hexane, L² = 1,2,4-triazol) has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Compound 1 is constructed from the [Zn(P₄Mo₆)₂]-based 2D layer and μ₂-bridging L¹ ligands, which shows a (2,3,8)-connected three-dimensional framework with {{4·6²}2{4⁴·6²·8¹⁸·12⁴}{4}²} topology. 1 represents the first 3D P₄Mo₆-based MOF constructed by mixed N-donor ligands. The electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activities of compound 1 have been investigated.     

Single-nodal linking for Zn2 +-Nd3 +-containing metallopolymer with efficient near-infrared (NIR) luminescence

Through the single-nodal copolymerization of MMA (methyl methacrylate) and a vinyl-containing complex monomer [Zn(L)(4-vinyl-Py)Nd(NO₃)₃] (2; H₂L = N,N′-bis(3-methoxy-salicylidene)ethylene-1,2-diamine; 4-vinyl-Py = 4-vinyl-pyridine) with the both ¹π-π* and ³π-π* sensitizing approach to Nd^3 + ion, the Zn^2 +-Nd^3 +-containing metallopolymer Poly(MMA-co-2) exhibits good physical properties including an attractive Nd^3 +-centered NIR sensitization efficiency (Φ^L_Nd = 1.22% and η = Φ^L_Nd/Φ^Nd_Nd = 82%).     

An unusual emissive and colorimetric copper (II) detection by a selective probe based on a pseudo-crown cysteine dye: Solution and gas phase studies

An off-on-off emissive and colorimetric probe L, based on a Pseudo-Crown cysteine dye was designed for Copper (II). Compound L was studied in solution and in gas-phase (MALDI-MS) over alkaline, alkaline, earth-alkaline and transition metal ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca^2 +, Mg^2 +, Zn^2 +, Cu^2 +, Co^2 +, Ni^2 +, Pb^2 +, and Hg^2 +) in organic media. The recognition of Cu^2 + by L lead to red/dark red colored complexes, one emissive L₂Cu and another LCu, less emissive. In regards to fluorescent quantum yield in both cases an increase respective to L was visualized (2 fold for LCu and 7 fold for L₂Cu). The paramagnetic nature of both complexes was proved by the synthesis of both complex species, as well as, through ¹H NMR and FTIR. Compound L demonstrate to be able to detect and quantify the minimal amounts of 1.3 μM/3.3 μM of Cu^2 +.     

Ligand concentration and reaction time controlled successive substitution of chloro and η6-benzene of di-μ-chlorobis{η6-benzene)dichlororuthenium(II)} with selenated Schiff base: Formation of half sandwich Ru(II) complex highly active catalyst for oxidation of alcohols

Schiff base (L) synthesized by reacting 2-methylthiobenzeldehyde with 2-(phenylseleno)ethylamine on reaction with di-μ-chlorobis{η⁶-benzene)dichloro-ruthenium(II)}(a) forms two type of species: (i) [Ru(L)₂][PF₆]₂ (1) [L:a = 4:1 and reaction time ～8 h] and (ii) [Ru(η⁶-C₆H₆)(L)][PF₆]₂ (2) [L:a = 2:1 and reaction time ～1 h]. This is first example in which chloro as well benzene ring both are successively substituted by controlling metal:ligand ratio and duration of reaction. The geometry around Ru in complex 1 is distorted octahedral. The 2 has a pseudo-octahedral half sandwich “piano-stool” disposition of ligands around Ru. The Ru–Se distances are 2.4683(10)–2.5082(7) ?. The proton and carbon-13 NMR spectra of L and its both complexes 1 and 2 authenticate them. The 2 shows high catalytic activity for oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols both (TON upto 9.6 × 10⁴; TOF upto 4.80 × 10⁴ h^?1).     

Circular dichroism enhancement by the coordination of different metal ions with a pair of chiral tripodal ligands

The coordination of metal ions with a pair of chiral tripodal ligands (R or S)-2-(2-((bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)methyl)phenoxy)-N-(1-phenylethyl)acetamide (R- or S-L) results in the circular dichroism (CD) enhancement distinctly, giving fingerprint information among different metals. Specifically, the CD signals show more obvious magnification upon coordination with Ln^3 + compared with Zn^2 + and other metals. Structural analyses show that in Eu-complex (1), the Eu^3 + metal center is surrounded in a 10-coordinating geometry and the ligand takes fan-like configuration, while in Zn-complex (2), Zn^2 + is surrounded in a 7-coordinating geometry and the ligand takes pincer-like configuration. These differences in the coordination structure as well as intramolecular packing effects are responsible for the variation in CD signal responses of different metal-coordinated systems.     

Microporous metal–organic frameworks constructed by Cu(I)/Zn(II), Tpt and 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate

Two novel metal–organic frameworks, [Cu(tpt)(bdc)_1/2]_n · nH₂O (1) and [Zn(tpt)(bdc)_1/2I]_n (2) (tpt = 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine, H₂bdc = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid), have been prepared by hydrothermal reactions. In complex 1, Cu(I) center is in a trigonal coordination environment with bidentate tpt coordinating Cu(I) atoms to form 1D zigzag chains, and bdc ligand links the zigzag chains to form a 2D layered structure. In complex 2, Zn(II) center is in a trigonal–pyramidal environment with bidentate tpt coordinating Zn(II) atoms to form zigzag chains, and bdc links the zigzag chains to form metal–organic framework which contains interesting hexagonal nano-channels.     

Tetrapyrazolyl-calix[4]arene-based supramolecular architectures from [Pd16L4] macrocycle to three-dimensional microporous channels

By employing di-palladium complex [(bpy)₂Pd₂(NO₃)₂](NO₃)₂ (where bpy = 2, 2′-bipyridine) as corners and tetrapyrazolate calix[4]arene-based ligand (L^4 −) as linkers, a novel cavity-containing high-positively-charged polypyrazolate-bridged metallo-macrocycle [Pd₁₆L₄]^16 +·16NO₃ with Pd(II)⋯Pd(II) dimetal-coordination motifs has been synthesized by a directed coordination driven self-assembly with spontaneous deprotonation of the 1H-bipyrazole ligands in aqueous solution. The counter ions NO₃⁻ were trapped within the amphiphilic 3-D microporous channels in the solid state.     

Metal-organic frameworks constructed from monomeric,dimeric and trimeric phenanthroline citrate zinc building units

Adduct of mononuclear and dinuclear citrate zinc complex [Zn(Hcit)(phen)(H₂O)][Zn₂(Hcit)(phen)₂(H₂O)₃]·13.5H₂O (1) and its aggregate [Zn₃(Hcit)₂(phen)₄]_n·14nH₂O (2) (H₄cit = citric acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized in weak acidic solutions. The former was obtained from the reaction of zinc nitrate, citric acid and phenanthroline in a molar ratio of 3:2:3, while a slightly excess of phenanthroline results in the formation of the polymeric product 2 in a molar ratio of 3:2:4. Transformation of 1 to 2 was finished by the reaction of 1 with an equimolar of phenanthroline in 72% yield. Reverse conversion of 2 to 1 is obtained in 77% yield, showing an equilibrium between 1 and 2. Neutral compound 1 consists of one monomeric anionic unit [Zn(Hcit)(phen)(H₂O)]^? and one dimeric cationic unit [Zn₂(Hcit)(phen)₂(H₂O)₃]⁺ that connect each other by strong hydrogen bonds [O6?O4w 2.636(2); O7?O3w 2.630(3) Å]. In 2, the citrate ligand links each trinuclear unit [Zn₃(Hcit)₂(phen)₄] to generate an infinite 1D chain that extents into a 3D supramolecular structure by intra- and inter-molecular hydrogen bonds. Moreover, 1 and 2 exhibit strong fluorescence at room temperature.     

Blue-green photoluminescent 5- and 10-connected metal 5-(4′-carboxy-phenyl)tetrazolate coordination polymers

Hydrothermal reaction of Zn/Cd salts, NaN₃ and 4-cyanobenzoic acid via in situ [2 + 3] cycloaddition generated two blue-green photoluminescent coordination polymers [Zn(cptta)(H₂O)] (1) and [Cd(cptta)(H₂O)] (2) (H₂cptta = 5-(4′-carboxy-phenyl)tetrazole). When only metal ions are considered as nodes, 1 shows rare 5-connected Shubnikov plane topological type and 2 has unprecedented 10-connected {3¹².4²⁴.5⁹} topological type.     

One-dimensional nanoporous M2L2 rhombohedral molecular square with strong blue fluorescent emission

The hydrothermal reactions of Zn(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O and Cd(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with the ligand N,N^′-bis(pyridylcarbonyl)-4,4^′-diaminodiphenyl ether (L) afford two one-dimensional (1D) coordination polymers, ([CdL(ClO₄)₂ · (H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O) (1) and [ZnL(ClO₄)₂ · (H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O, (2) having a nanoporous M₂L₂ rhombohedral molecular square with an approximately accessible cavity of 12.9 × 12.9 (1) and 12.7 × 12.7 (2) Å without any interpenetrations. Both 1 and 2 are isostructural and display very strong blue fluorescent emission in the solid state at room temperature.     

A luminescent europium metal–organic framework with free phenanthroline sites for highly selective and sensitive sensing of Cu2 + in aqueous solution

A luminescent europium metal–organic framework [Eu(HL)(L)(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (1) (H₂L = (2,3-f)-pyrazino(1,10)phenanthroline-2,3-dicarboxylic acid) with uncoordinated phenanthroline nitrogen sites was hydrothermally synthesized. It exhibits highly sensitive and selective sensing of Cu^2 + in aqueous solution. To the best of our knowledge, complex 1 is the first luminescent Eu-MOF with uncoordinated phenanthroline nitrogen sites for selective sensing of Cu^2 + in aqueous solution. The probable sensing mechanism was discussed in detail.