A 2D Ag(I) layered coordination polymer based on pyridyl diphosphine: structure and selective sorption properties via weak C–H⋯F/O interactions

Abstract

A rare 2D (4,8²) Ag-phosphine coordination polymer, [AgL(CF₃SO₃)]_n⊃nDMF has been assembled from Ag⁺ and a pyridyl diphosphine, 3-(3,5-bis(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)pyridine (L). There exist 16-membered Ag₂L₂ and 28–membered Ag₄L₄ macrocyclic rings in the network. However, interestingly, no discrete space is located inside the grids of the layer and its amphiphilic cavities result from interdigitating of the 2D layers. The cavity ridges and hollows are constructed by the PPh₂ phenyl rings, and the triflate anions and pyridyl rings, respectively. The layered coordination polymer showed the ability to reversibly selectively uptake guest molecules (DMF) via synergetic weak C–H⋯F/O interactions in its amphiphilic cavities. The results suggest that tuning of cavity microenvironment is important in the design of dynamic guest-responsive materials.