Formation of 1D Infinite Chains Directed by Metal-Metal and/or π-π Stacking Interactions of Water-Soluble Platinum(II) 2,6-Bis(benzimidazol-2'-yl)pyridine Double Complex Salts.

A new class of water-soluble double complex salts (DCSs), [Pt{bzimpy(TEG)2}Cl][Pt{bzimpy(PrSO3)2}Cl] and its alkylplatinum(II) bzimpy derivatives (bzimpy = 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2'-yl)pyridine, has been demonstrated to exhibit strong aggregation in water through Pt···Pt and π-π stacking interactions to give a variety of distinctive nanostructures based on the formation of one-dimensional (1D) infinite chains. The self-association process can be systemically controlled by varying the solvent composition and temperature and has been studied by 1H NMR, 2D NOESY NMR, mass spectrometry, electron and confocal fluorescence microscopy, UV-vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy.