A series of 2D coordination complexes constructed from a flexible bis(methylbenzimidazole) ligand and different dicarboxylates

Five coordination complexes [Cd(hbmb)(tbi)]n (1), [Cd(hbmb)(adi)]n (2), [Zn(hbmb)0.5(atda)]n (3), {[Zn2(hbmb)(suc)1.5(OH)]·2H2O}n (4), and {[Zn2(hbmb) (fum)1.5(OH)]·2H2O}n (5) (H2tbi = 5-tert-butylisophthalic acid, H2adi = adipic acid, H2atda = 1,3-adamantanediacetic acid, H2suc = succinic acid, H2fum = fumaric acid, hbmb = 1,1′-(1,6-hexane)bis-(2-methylbenzimidazole)) have been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 is an undulated 2D structure with (63)2 topology, containing left- and right-handed helical chains. Complex 2 possesses a puckered two-dimensional (2D) network with 44·62 topologies symbol. Complex 3 exhibits a 2D (4, 4) parallelogram network and also owns left- and right-handed helical chains. Complexes 4 and 5 display 2D rectangular grids and can be simplified as a four-connected 44·62 topological network. Moreover, the photoluminescence properties and thermal stabilities of the five complexes were investigated.

Graphical abstractFive new complexes have been obtained and characterized. Complex 1 exhibits an undulated 2D structure with (63)2 topology, containing left- and right-handed helical chains. Complex 2 presents puckered 2D networks with 44·62 topologies. Complex 3 possesses 2D (4, 4) parallelogram networks. Complexes 4 and 5 feature 2D rectangular grids with 44·62 topology.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► 1,1′-(1,6-Hexane)bis-(2-methylbenzimidazole)(hbmb) is synthesized. ► Five complexes are obtained based on a flexible hbmb and different dicarboxylates. ► The complexes are structurally characterized through single crystal X-ray diffraction. ► The flexibility of hbmb and dicarboxylate coligands have an important effect on the features of resultant complexes.