Solvation effect on the construction of coordination polymers containing a flexible four-pyridyl ligand. Synthesis and crystal structures of silver(I) complexes

Construction of AgX (X− = ClO4- and BF4-) with highly flexible N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(ethylisonicotinoyl)ethylendiamine (L) has been scrutinized for the weak argentophilic, Ag anion, and Ag·solvent interactions. All such complexes afford coordination polymers consisting of 2:1 (Ag(I):L). [Ag2(L)(CH3CN)2](X)2 (X− = ClO4- and BF4-) and [Ag2(L)(H2O)](BF4)2 are double-stranded 1D, whereas [Ag2(ClO4)2(L)(Me2CO)2] yields a 2D network structure. The molecular construction has been affected by anions, solvents, and the crystallization method. The natures of anion- and solvent-coordination, including the argentophilic interaction play important roles in the formation of skeletal structures. For [Ag2(L)(CH3CN)2](ClO4)2, weakly coordinated solvate acetonitrile reversibly associates and dissociates in the solid state.

► New silver(I) coordination complexes was constructed for the weak argentophilic, Ag·anion, and Ag·solvent interactions.
► The molecular construction was affected by anions, solvents, and the crystallization method.
► The natures of anion- and solvent-coordination, and the argentophilic interaction play important roles in the formation of skeletons.