Structural Diversity in Multinuclear PdIIAssemblies that Show Low-Humidity Proton Conduction

Chromone-Based Cd(II) Fluorescent Coordination Polymer Fabricated to Study Optoelectronic and Explosive Sensing Properties

Here, electrical conductivity and explosive sensing properties of multifunctional chromone-Cd(II)-based coordination polymers (CPs) (1-4) have been explored. The presence of different pseudohalide linkers, thiocyanate ions, and dicyanamide ions resulted in 1D and 3D architecture in the CPs. Thin film devices developed from CPs 1-4 (complex-based Schottky devices, CSD1, CSD2, CSD3, and CSD4, respectively) showed semiconductor behavior. Their conductivity values increased under photo illumination (1.37 × 10-5, 1.85 × 10-5, 1.61 × 10-5, and 2.01 × 10-5 S m-1 under dark conditions and 5.06 × 10-5, 8.78 × 10-5, 7.26 × 10-5, and 10.21 × 10-5 S m-1 under light). The nature of the I-V plots of these thin film devices under light irradiation and dark are nonlinear rectifying, which has been observed in Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs). All four CPs (1-4) exhibited highly selective fluorescence quenching-based sensing properties toward well-known explosives, 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). The limit of detection (LOD) values are 55, 28, 27, and 31 μM for TNP and 78, 44, 32, and 41 μM for DNP for complexes 1-4, respectively. A structure property correlation has been established to explain optoelectronic and explosive sensing properties.

Rational synthesis of a pyridyl-imidazoquinazoline based multifunctional 3D Zn(II)-MOF: structure, luminescence, selective and sensitive detection of Al3+ and TNP, and its semiconducting device application

In the age of sustainable development, the exploration of multifunctional materials is of high priority due to their economic benefits and environmental suitability. A stable luminescent coordination polymer, [Zn₂(tdc)₄(pdiq)₃] (1), (pdiq = pyridyl-imidazoquinazoline; H₂tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylic acid) has been prepared and structurally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The 3D framework consists of a distorted octahedral geometry with a ZnO₄N₂ coordination sphere where four carboxylato-O donations come from two tdc^2- as bridging ligands and two pyridyl-Ns come from two pdiq. The π⋯π interactions between the imidazolium and phenyl groups bestow robustness on the architecture. The compound is chemically stable to water, shows tolerance to acid/base aqueous solutions (pH = 2-12), and is stable to the impact of organic solvents. The high dispersibility of Zn-MOF (1) in acetonitrile may enhance the fluorescence intensity compared to that in water, which prompted fluorescence measurements in the former solvent and it is used for the efficient and selective turn-off ratiometric sensing of Al³⁺ ions (LOD, 1.39 × 10^-7 M). In addition, the fluorescence emission of 1 is instantly quenched by trinitrophenol (TNP) and the LOD is 1.54 × 10^-7 M. The Tauc's plot is used to measure the semiconducting band gap (3.33 eV) and the electrical conductivity is significantly increased upon illumination (Λ: 1.14 × 10^-3 S m^-1 (dark), 5.35 × 10^-3 S m^-1 (light)) and the energy barrier declines marginally (FB: 0.57 (dark), 0.49 (light)). Transit time (τ) and diffusion length (L_D) at the quasi-Fermi level were analyzed to offer information on the charge transport mechanism of the compound. The better performance on photo-irradiation signifies the enhanced charge transfer kinetics of a Zn-MOF coated thin-film device (TFD 1), which encourages its application in semiconductor devices.

Emissive Platinum(II) Macrocycles as Tunable Cascade Energy Transfer Scaffolds

Developing artificial light-harvesting scaffolds with a cascade energy transfer process is significant for better understanding of photosynthesis. Here, we report [3+3] self-assembled Pt^II fluorescent macrocycles (3 a and 3 b) as light-harvesting platforms with cascade energy transfer. The Pt^II macrocycles aggregate into nanospheres and show emission-enhancement characteristics upon increasing water content in acetone medium. These aggregates (3a^a and 3b^a ) serve as energy donors when mixed with the hydrophobic dye Eosin-Y (ESY). In the presence of a second dye, Nile Red (NiR), an unusual sequential two-step energy transfer takes place from the macrocycles to NiR. In this case, ESY acts as a bridge in the relay mode. Additionally, a unique strategy to control such an energy transfer process by tuning the chain length of the alkyl group attached to the periphery of the macrocycles is demonstrated.

Porosity regulation of metal-organic frameworks for high proton conductivity by rational ligand design: mono- versus disulfonyl-4,4′-biphenyldicarboxylic acid

Porous crystalline metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) bearing sulfonic groups (–SO3H) are receiving increasing attention as solid-state proton-conductors because the –SO3H group can not only enhance the proton concentration but also form...

Self-Assembled Fluorescent Pt(II) Metallacycles as Artificial Light-Harvesting Systems

Light-harvesting is one of the key steps in photosynthesis, but developing artificial light-harvesting systems (LHSs) with high energy transfer efficiencies has been a challenging task. Here we report fluorescent hexagonal Pt(II) metallacycles as a new platform to fabricate artificial LHSs. The metallacycles (4 and 5) are easily accessible by coordination-driven self-assembly of a triphenylamine-based ditopic ligand 1 with di-platinum acceptors 2 and 3, respectively. They possess good fluorescence properties both in solution and in the solid state. Notably, the metallacycles show aggregation-induced emission enhancement (AIEE) characteristics in a DMSO-H₂O solvent system. In the presence of the fluorescent dye Eosin Y (ESY), the emission intensities of the metallacycles decrease but the emission intensity of ESY increases. The absorption spectrum of ESY and the emission spectra of the metallacycles show a considerable overlap, suggesting the possibility of energy transfer from the metallacycles to ESY, with an energy transfer efficiency as high as 65% in the 4^a+ESY system.

Palladium(II)-Based Self-Assembled Heteroleptic Coordination Architectures: A Growing Family

Metal-driven self-assembly is one of the most effective approaches to lucidly design a large range of discrete 2D and 3D coordination architectures/complexes. Palladium(II)-based self-assembled coordination architectures are usually prepared by using suitable metal components, in either a partially protected form (PdL') or typical form (Pd; charges are not shown), and designed ligand components. The self-assembled molecules prepared by using a metal component and only one type of bi- or polydentate ligand (L) can be classified in the homoleptic series of complexes. On the other hand, the less explored heteroleptic series of complexes are obtained by using a metal component and at least two different types of non-chelating bi- or polydentate ligands (such as L^a and L^b ). Methods that allow the controlled generation of single, discrete heteroleptic complexes are less understood. A survey of palladium(II)-based self-assembled coordination cages that are heteroleptic has been made. This review article illustrates a systematic collection of such architectures and credible justification of their formation, along with reported functional aspects of the complexes. The collected heteroleptic assemblies are classified here into three sections: 1) [(PdL')_m (L^a )_x (L^b )_y ]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is equal; 2) [(PdL')_m (L^a )_x (L^b )_y ]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is different; and 3) [Pd_m (L^a )_x (L^b )_y ]-type complexes, in which the denticity of L^a and L^b is equal. Representative examples of some important homoleptic architectures are also provided, wherever possible, to set a background for a better understanding of the related heteroleptic versions. The purpose of this review is to pave the way for the construction of several unique heteroleptic coordination assemblies that might exhibit emergent supramolecular functions.

Truncated Sierpiński Triangular Assembly from a Molecular Mortise-Tenon Joint

The amalgamation of different components into a giant and intricate structure that makes quantitative and spontaneous assembly through molecular design is indispensable but challenging. To construct novel metallo-supramolecular architectures, here we present an architectural design principle based on multicomponent self-assembly. Using a carefully designed hexatopic terpyridine-based metallo-organic ligand (MOL), [Ru₂T₂K], we report on the formation of supramolecular trapezoid Zn₅[Ru₂T₂K]V₂, hollow hexagon Zn₁₅[Ru₂T₂K]₃K₃, and giant star-shaped supramolecule Zn₁₈[Ru₂T₂K]₃[Ru₂X₂V]₃, all of which were assembled by one-pot, nearly quantitative assembly of [Ru₂T₂K] with the ditopic 60°-directed bisterpyridine V, tetrakisterpyridine K, and MOL [Ru₂X₂V], respectively. The complementary ligands were selected on the basis of the size- and shape-fit principles, actually similar to the mortise-tenon joint that aligns and locks the two complementary wood components. This strategy is expected to open the door to sophisticated designer supramolecules and nonbiological materials. The multivalent connections within the mutual ligands give rise to the formation of stable assemblies, which are unambiguously characterized by NMR, ESI-MS, TWIM-MS, and TEM analyses.

Water mediated proton conductance in a hydrogen-bonded Ni(ii)-bipyridine-glycoluril chloride self-assembled framework

Proton conducting properties have been investigated in a new Ni(ii)-based hydrogen-bonded porous framework synthesized using bipyridine-glycoluril (BPG) tecton.

Set of Multifunctional Azo Functionalized Semiconducting Cd(II)-MOFs Showing Photoswitching Property and Selective CO2 Adsorption

Syntheses, structural characterizations, photoluminescence, and adsorption properties of three new azo-functionalized Cd(II)-MOFs, namely, {[Cd(azbpy)(msuc)]·2.5(H₂O)}_n (2), {[Cd(azbpy)(mglu)]·5(H₂O)}_n (3), and {[Cd_1.5(azbpy)₂(glu)]·(NO₃)·MeOH}_n (4) [where msuc^2- = methylsuccinate; mglut^2- = methylglutarate; glut^2- = glutarate; azbpy = 4,4'-azobispyridine] have been reported. The compounds show different structures only with the variation of aliphatic dicarboxylates. The photoswitching behavior for the above-mentioned newly synthesized Cd(II)-MOFs along with one of our previously reported other azo-functionalized Cd(II)-MOF, namely, {[Cd(azbpy)(suc)]·2(H₂O)}_n (1), has been studied extensively. At photoilluminated condition, the conductivity values can draw a clear structure-property relationship among the structures of compounds 1-4. Single crystal structural analysis reveals that all the compounds exhibit a three-dimensional (3D) framework connected by azbpy linker and respective aliphatic dicarboxylate through their bis-chelating mono/bis oxo-bridging fashion. Compounds 1-3 exhibit an iso-structural honeycomb like 3D framework showing the same coordination environments, where the metal-carboxylate 2D sheets of compounds 1-3 are pillared by N,N'-donor azbpy linkers. On the other hand, compound 4 exhibits a 2-fold interpenetrated 3D framework with a little difference in its coordination environment and the pillaring of 1D metal-carboxylate ladder by azbpy linkers. All the compounds significantly demonstrate their enhanced sensitivity under light rather than the dark condition. The gas and solvent vapor sorption studies have been performed for the synthesized compounds 2-4. Moreover, compound 2 exhibits an enhanced type IV selective CO₂ adsorption isotherm over N₂ along with the appearance of gate opening phenomena in that.

A "Molecular Water Pipe": A Giant Tubular Cluster {Dy72 } Exhibits Fast Proton Transport and Slow Magnetic Relaxation

A lanthanide cluster, PCC-72, which is the second largest, with 72 Dy(III) ions assembled into an unprecedented tubular structure, is synthesized. Remarkably, PCC-72 exhibits superionic proton conductivity (>10^-4 S cm^-1 ) under both ambient (with relative humidity RH < 75%) and hot (T > 90 °C, RH = 95%) conditions. Moreover, slow magnetic relaxation is observed, making PCC-72 the largest Dy(III) cluster that is a single-molecule magnet.

Self-assembly of a redox active water soluble Pd6L8 ‘molecular dice’

Self-assembly of a water soluble redox active Pd(ii) “molecular dice” was achieved employing a tri-cationic donor. The Pd₆ dice is quite stable in water in a wide range of temperatures despite the expected weaker donor ability of the cationic pyridyl donor.

A Porphyrin Coordination Cage Assembled from Four Silver(I) Triazolyl-Pyridine Complexes

The synthesis of a zinc(II) porphyrin 1 with four appended triazolyl-pyridine chelates is reported. Complexation of the porphyrin peripheral ligands with Ag(I) ions in a 1:2 binding stoichiometry afforded quantitatively the coordination cage [Ag4 (1)2 ](4+) . The assembly and disassembly processes of the cage were investigated in solution using UV/Vis spectroscopy. The mathematical analysis of the data obtained in the UV/Vis titration of 1 with Ag(I) confirmed the assembly in CH2 Cl2 /MeOH (90:10) solution of a species having a 1:2 porphyrin/silver stoichiometry and assigned to it an overall stability constant of 5.0×10(26)  M(-5) . The use of a model system allowed an independent assessment of a microscopic binding constant value (Km ) for the interaction between the triazolyl-pyridine ligand and Ag(I) . The coincidence that existed between the Km values extracted from the model system and the titration of 1 provided an indication of the quality and fit of the data analysis. It also allowed the calculation of the average effective molarity (EM) value for the three intramolecular processes that led to the cage assembly as 2.6 mM. Simulated speciation profiles supported the conclusion that at millimolar concentration and working under strict stoichiometric control of the silver/porphyrin ratio, the cage [Ag4 (1)2 ](4+) was the species exclusively assembled in solution. On the other hand, when the concentration of added Ag(I) was approximately 2.6 mM, 50 % of the coordination cage disassembled into open aggregates.

Assembly of three coordination polymers based on a sulfonic–carboxylic ligand showing high proton conductivity

Three MOFs with different structures all exhibit proton conduction behavior, especially for the Cu compound with a proton conductivity of 3.46 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 368 K and 95% RH.

Unprecedented ferrocene–quinoline conjugates: facile proton conduction via 1D helical water chains and a selective chemosensor for Zn(ii) ions in water

Absorption of water by a ferrocene–quinoline conjugate shows H-bonded 3D-networks of water in the molecular pockets and it acts as an efficient proton conductor.

Coordination-driven self-assembly of an iridium-cornered prismatic cage and encapsulation of three heteroguests in its large cavity

An iridium-cornered nanometer-sized prismatic cage has been synthesized and characterized which allows three planar heteroguest molecules inside its cavity.