Sonochemical syntheses of binuclear lead(II)-azido supramolecule with ligand 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline as precursor for preparation of lead(II) oxide nanoparticles

The new neutral binuclear lead(II) azido coordination compound, [Pb2(tmph)2(μ-N3)2(CH3COO)2] (1) [tmph = 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline], has been synthesized by a sonochemical method. Single crystal X-ray structure shows that the overall structure of 1 is binuclear unit. Complex 1 has a bridging azido pathway, end-to-end bridging azides between a pair of lead(II) centers. This is further extended into a one-dimensional (1D) and three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure by Pb⋯C and π-π weak directional intermolecular interactions. The coordination number of lead(II) ions is seven, PbN4O3, with two N-donor atoms from tmph ligands and three O-donors from acetate anions and two N-donors from two azide anions. It has a “stereo-chemically active” electron lone pair, and the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The PbO nanoparticles were obtained by thermolysis of 1 at 180 °C with oleic acid as a surfactant. The morphology and size of the prepared PbO samples were further observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM).