2D Sheet-like architectures constructed from main-group metal ions, 4,4′-bpno and 1,2-alternate p-sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene

Two novel 2D sheet-like complexes 1 and 2 have been prepared by reaction of p-sulfonatothiacalix[4] arene (TC4AS) with main-group metal ions (lead(II) or barium(II)) and 4,4'-bipyridine-N, N'-dioxide (4,4'-bpno). In both complexes 1 and 2, TC4AS molecules prefer 1,2-alternate conformation, forming 2D sheet-like layers in the presence of divalent ions and 4,4'-bpno ligand. The layers extend to 3D architectures via strong hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition, complexes 1 and 2 are thermally stable up to ca. 335 and 305 degrees C, respectively. It seems that the strong hydrogen bonds between the sheet-like layers impart the extraordinarily high degrees of stability to the structures. Further analysis indicates that complexes 1 and 2 are significantly different: (a) the divalent ions have different coordination environments due to the nature of the different ions; (b) TC4AS within complexes 1 and 2 connects to four Pb(II) or six Ba(II) ions, respectively; (c) 4,4'-bpno shows different connection modes; (d) in the solid state, complex 1 exhibits intense orange luminescence with triexponential decays, while complex 2 does not exhibit any obvious luminescence at cryogenic temperatures.