Two photoluminescent one-dimensional copper(I) iodide coordination polymers incorporating Cu2I2 double-stranded stair and Cu6I6 hexagonal cage chain units

Two new CuI-phenanthrene-9-carbonitrile (phencn) based coordination polymers formulated with [CuI(phencn)]n (1) and [Cu2I2(phencn)]n (2) are easily accessible by the reaction of copper(I) iodide with phencn in different stoichiometric ratios of the reactants. 1 contains Cu2I2 double-stranded stair that can be regarded as two CuI zigzag single chains connected together via Cu―I bonds, while 2 consists of novel one-dimensional Cu6I6 hexagonal cage chain that can be conveniently described as two Cu2I2 double-stranded stairs connected together via Cu―I bonds. The monodentate phencn ligands regularly stack along both sides of the (CuI)n skeletons in 1 and 2. IR, elemental analysis and XRPD confirmed the phase purity of the bulk materials. The photoluminescent properties of 1 and 2 in the solid state at ambient temperature are also investigated.

Graphical AbstractSyntheses, structures and photoluminescent properties of two new low-dimensional copper(I) iodide coordination polymers [CuI(phencn)]n (1) and [Cu2I2(phencn)]n (2) (phencn = phenanthrene-9-carbonitrile) are described in which Cu2I2 double-stranded stair and Cu6I6 hexagonal cage chain, supported by a monodentate ligand phenanthrene-9-carbonitrile, are revealed.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► A comparative study of two new low-dimensional CuI coordination polymers is reported.
► The novel Cu2I2 stair and Cu6I6 hexagonal cage chain are found in complex 1 and 2.
► The stoichiometry of the reactants provides the structural diversity of complex 1 and 2.
► The mutual repulsion and steric hindrance of the phenanthrene rings is interesting.
► The photoluminescent properties of complex 1 and 2 are very well.