A Supramolecular Framework Structure of a Novel Heterometallic Sn–Zn Dinuclear Cluster Constructed by a Sulfur-Contained Complex Unit

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Abstract

A racemic heterometallic dinuclear compound, rac-[Sn(C₂H₄O₂S)₃Zn(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂], conventionally abbreviated rac-[SnL₃Zn(Phen)₂] (1), where L is mercaptoacetato and Phen is 1,10-phenanthroline, is described. It contains one main group metal center of Sn(IV) and one transition metal center of Zn(II), and by design, links the Zn(II) center to the building unit of the sulfur-contained (Δ/Λ) SnL₃^2- complex anion. In this cluster, the Sn(IV) center is coordinated by three O atoms and three S atoms from three meraptoacetato ligands to form a [SnO₃S₃] octahedral coordination sphere. The Zn(II) center is found in a very distorted [ZnON₄] triangle bipyramid coordination sphere, four N atoms from two chelated Phen ligands and one O atom from the μ₂-mercaptoacetato ligand of the (Δ/Λ) SnL₃² unit. By virtue of three sets of strong π···π stacking interactions, all of clusters fuse together to give out a wavelike supramolecular layer structure along the bc plane. These layers are further connected by two sets of weak hydrogen bonding interactions, thus form a three-dimensional supramolecular framework structure. The photoluminescence property of complex (1) has also been studied on the as-synthesized powder sample.

Keywords:

• Heterometallic cluster
• supramolecular framework
• sulfur contained complex building unit
• luminescence