Self-assembly of copper(ii) complexes with ladder, bi-rack, rack–ladder–rack and layer structures by the directional-bonding approach using a T-shaped ligand

Abstract

Six copper(II) complexes of trans-1,2,3-propenetricarboxylic acid (H₃L) with novel ladder, bi-rack, rack–ladder–rack and layer structures were obtained by the combination of the diverse coordination symmetries and the Jahn–Teller effect of the Cu²⁺ ion and the T-shaped coordination mode of the L³⁻ or HL²⁻ ligand together with the introduction of an inert directing ligand. Solid-state photoluminescent analyses of the present compounds show that they display blue emissions.