Anion effects on formation of metallacyclodimeric silver(I) complexes as a solvent reservoir

Ionic macrocyclodimeric silver(I) complexes, [Ag(L)]2(X)2 (L = 2,3-bis(picolinoyloxy)naphthalene; X− = PF6-, ClO4-, BF4-, and NO3-) were synthesized. Single crystals consisting of cationic 22-membered metallamacrocycles with four pyridyl groups and two naphthyl groups were proven to have inter-cyclodimeric cavity with aromatic walls suitable for storage of small molecules. The nature of polyatomic counteranions plays a significant role in storage of small molecules.

► Ionic macrocyclodimeric silver(I) complexes, [Ag(L)]2(X)2 (L = 2,3-bis(picolinoyloxy)naphthalene (L); X− = PF6-, ClO4-, BF4-, and NO3-) were synthesized.
► The metallacycle was proven to have inter-cyclodimeric cavity with aromatic walls.
► The nature of the polyatomic anions plays a key role in storage of small molecules.