Directed supramolecular assembly of infinite 1-D M(II)-containing chains (M = Cu, Co, Ni) using structurally bifunctional ligands.

The directed assembly of six different M(II) complexes (M = Cu, Co, and Ni) into infinite chains has been achieved by combining anionic chelating ligands (for controlling the coordination geometry) with bifunctional ligands containing a metal-coordinating pyridyl moiety and a self-complementary hydrogen-bonding moiety. Six crystal structures are presented, and in each case, the chelating acac ligand occupies the four equatorial coordination sites leaving room for the bifunctional ligand to coordinate in the axial positions. The supramolecular chemistry, which organizes the coordination complexes into the desired infinite 1-D chains, is driven by a combination of N-H...N and N-H...O hydrogen bonds.