Assembly of two novel three-dimensional networks driven by Alkali metals with an irreversible structural conversion

Two novel three-dimensional (3-D) heterometallic frameworks containing dinuclear p-block metal–oxygen clusters, formulated as [Na2(H2O)3Cu2(H2O)6(sip)2] · H2O 1 and [K2(H2O)2Cu2(H2O)5(sip)2] · H2O 2 (sip3− = 5-sulfoisophthalic anion), have been synthesized at room temperature. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that similar structural motifs (one-dimensional zigzag chain built by copper atoms and sip3− ligands, and dinuclear p-block metal–oxygen clusters) can be found within their crystal structures. Compound 1 shows an interesting 3-D structure constructed from copper-sip chains interconnected by two kinds of dinuclear sodium–oxygen clusters adopting 4- and 6-connected fashions. Compound 2 displays a 3-D framework formed by cross-linking copper-sip chains via 6-connected dinuclear potassium–oxygen clusters. Interestingly, an irreversible structural conversion from 1 to 2 was observed.

Graphical abstractTwo new three-dimensional (3-D) heterometallic networks containing dinuclear p-block metal–oxygen clusters and an irreversible structural conversion controlled by alkali metals are reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide