Supramolecular architecture constructed by p-carboxycinnamic acid and d-block metal ions

Abstract: Four new complexes, [Zn(cca)(phen)] n (1), [Co(cca)0.5(Hcca)(phen)(H2O)] (2), [Cu(cca)(phen)] n · nH2O (3), and [Mn(cca)(phen)(H2O)] n ·0.25nH2O (4) (H2cca= p-carboxycinnamic acid, phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is of 3D structure constructed by coordination bonds, while complexes 2–4 consist of 3D supramolecular networks, which are assembled by coordination bonds, hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. In these complexes, p-carboxycinnamate anions (Hcca− and cca2−) adopt tetradentate, bidentate and monodentate modes to coordinate to metal ions, resulting in variety of supramolecular structures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]