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.

Six copper(ii) complexes of trans-1,2,3-propenetricarboxylic acid (H(3)L) 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 Cu(2+) ion and the T-shaped coordination mode of the L(3-) or HL(2-) ligand together with the introduction of an inert directing ligand. Solid-state photoluminescent analyses of the present compounds show that they display blue emissions.