A matter of greasy tails: Interdigitation of alkyl chains in free and coordinated 4′-(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridines

The syntheses and single crystal structures of 4′-(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridine, 2, and [Zn2(μ-OAc)4(2)2] are reported. Crystal packing is dominated by van der Waals interactions between fully extended alkyl chains producing lamellar structures in both compounds, and appears to be the reason for the formation of crystalline [Zn2(μ-OAc)4(2)2] rather than a one-dimensional coordination polymer as observed for related compounds.

Syntheses and single crystal structures of 4'-(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,2':6',4''-terpyridine, 2, and [Zn2(μ-OAc)4(2)2] are described. In the solid state, van der Waals interactions between extended alkyl chains result in lamellar structures and influence the preference for the assembly of discrete molecules of [Zn2(μ-OAc)4(2)2] rather than a one-dimensional coordination polymer.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Divergent 4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridine ligands with long alkyl tails.
► Controlling the assembly of mononuclear zinc(II) complexes versus 1D coordination polymers.
► van der Waals forces between extended alkyl chains control structural solid-state assembly.
► Crystal structure of [Zn2(μ-OAc)4 L2], L = 4′-(4-dodecyloxyphenyl)-4,2′:6′,4″-terpyridine.