π-Coordination as a structure determining principle: structural characterization of [K(Odpp)]_∞, and {[K₂(Odpp)₂H₂O]₂}_∞

Abstract

A novel group of potassium-containing 1-D coordination polymers demonstrates the importance and role of K[sbnd]Cπ interactions. [K(Odpp)]_∞, 1, (Odpp = 2,6-diphenylphenolate) forms a ladder-type polymer where extensive K[sbnd]Cπ interactions provide additional coordinative saturation. {[K₂(Odpp)₂H₂O]₂}_∞, 2, consists of tetrameric cores of K₄O₆ polyhedra linked via a network of K[sbnd]Cπ interactions. Compound 2 displays not only inter- and intramolecular K[sbnd]Cπ contacts, but also several K[sbnd]H agostic interactions that provide further coordinative saturation.

Keywords:

• potassium
• aryloxide
• metal-π
• coordination
• agostic interactions
• structural characterization

Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge funds from the National Science Foundation (CHE 0753807), the NSF REU (CHE 0552753) program, and Syracuse University's Reneé-Crown University Honors program.