Two CuCN hybrid networks with unusual topology tuned by terpyridine ligands

Abstract

This paper reports two structurally unique CuCN-terpyridine hybrid networks of 4′-p-tolyl-2, 2′ : 6′, 2″-terpyridine (ttpy) prepared under solvothermal condtions: [(CuCN)₅(ttpy)]_n (1), [(CuCN)₃(ttpy)]_n (2). Complex 1 features a tri-layer structure with 3-connected binodal (8²10)·(8²10) topology, while complex 2 features unusual honeycomb-like layer structures. The adjacent honeycomb-like layers consist of the opposite handed helical CuCN-ttpy chains. In both complexes, each ttpy coordinates two copper(I) atoms with short Cu–Cu distances, and the side pyridyl group rotates in a certain angle from the central pyridyl plane directing the formation of the diversified networks.