Synthesis and description of the first helical chain of Cu-Pb bimetallic atoms and Cu(I)-Cu(II) mixed-valence

An unprecedented Cu(I)/Cu(II)/Pb(II)-containing coordination polymer, which comprises two single-stranded helical chains recognizing each other to generate molecular zipper structure and parallel double-stranded helices under the direction of supramolecular interaction, is synthesized hydrothermally and characterized.