Syntheses, structures and properties of structurally characterised complexes of imide-based ligands

This review details the syntheses, structures and properties of imide-based ligands (phthalimide analogues have been excluded) and structurally characterised coordination complexes of them. The surveyed imide complexes, including 3D-metal-organic frameworks and 1D-polymers formed from monometallic building block complexes, exhibit a wide range of interesting properties, including single chain and single molecule magnetism, spin crossover, reversible electrochemistry and luminescence.

► Mononuclear, discrete-multinuclear and polymeric complexes of imide ligands. ► Homometallic and heterometallic complexes of imide ligands. ► Common and rare binding modes of imide ligands are categorised and discussed. ► Magnetic properties include single molecule and chain magnet behaviour. ► Catalytic and reversible electrochemical properties are reported.