The nature of the metal ions influenced formation of coordination polymers based on asymmetric semi-rigid 3-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phthalic acid with N-heterocyclic ligands

Three new coordination complexes, namely [Cd(HL)(μ-bpp)(H2O)]n·(H2O)n (1), [Co(HL)(μ-bpp)]n·(H2O)n (2), and [Ag2(L)2/3(μ-bpp)]n (3) [H3L = 3-(4-carboxyphenoxy)phthalic acid and bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane], have been successfully synthesized by using H3L and accessory bridging ligand. The predominant influence in 1–3 may be the nature of different metal ions, which result in the complexes assembling into supramolecular frameworks with different topological nets. Structural analysis reveals that the structure of 1 can be described as a 2D network with Point (Schälfli) symbol for net: {66} topology. Complex 2 shows the similar 2D 44 grid-like layers by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds, whereas dinuclear Ag(I) clusters in 3 act as coordination nodes, forming a sandwich-like 2D structure. In addition, the magnetic behavior of 2 was also studied.

Graphical abstractThe structure of 1 can be described as a 2D network with Point (Schälfli) symbol for net: {66} topology. Complex 2 shows the similar 2D 44 grid-like layers by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds, whereas dinuclear Ag(I) clusters in 3 act as coordination nodes, forming a sandwich-like 2D structure. In addition, the magnetic behavior of 2 was also studied.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► H3L ligand is the asymmetric semi-rigid V-shaped. ► The nature of metal ions may lead to varieties of final structures of complexes. ► Benzene rings of H3L can rotate freely around the –O– groups to meet the requirement of the coordination geometries.