The novel ligand 4 '-phenyl-3,2 ':6 ',3 ''-terpyridine (L) and the supramolecular structure of the dinuclear complex [Zn-2(mu-L)(acac)(4)] center dot H2O (acac = acetylacetonato)

Abstract

The new terpyridyl ligand 4'-phenyl-3,2':6',3 ''-terpyridine (L) reacts with Zn(acac)(2) to produce the dizinc complex [Zn-2(mu-L)(acac)(4)] center dot H2O (1) (acac = acetylacetonato). The analysis of the crystal structure of this zero-dimensional (0D) complex shows the existence of two Zn(acac)(2) centers bridged symmetrically by one mu-L ligand. The key role played by the acac and L ligands and the guest water molecule allows the generation of a series of intermolecular hydrogen bonds of the O-H/O, C-H/O and C-H/pi type which give raise to a 3D supramolecular array. The observed C-H/pi interactions are so widespread that all the pi-rings present in the structure, viz., those belonging to the L ligand as well as the acetylacetonato chelate rings, participate as hydrogen bond acceptors.