Two- and three-dimensional CuSCN co-ordination networks including new CuSCN structural motifs

The reaction of CuSCN with linear bridging N-donor ligands afforded two- and three-dimensional networks depending on the ligand used. Reaction of two equivalents of CuSCN with one equivalent of pyrazine in ethanol and aqueous ammonia afforded the three-dimensional network [Cu2(SCN)2(pyz)]∞. Replacing pyrazine with 4,4′-bipyridyl under the same conditions gave a different three-dimensional network [Cu2(SCN)2(4,4′-bipy)]∞. In contrast two-dimensional sheets of [Cu2(SCN)2(bpe)]∞ (bpe = 1,2-trans-(4-pyridyl)ethene) were isolated from the reaction of CuSCN with bpe in a 2∶1 ratio. The structures of both [Cu2(SCN)2(pyz)]∞ and [Cu2(SCN)2(4,4′-bipy)]∞ are constructed from (CuSCN)∞ layers linked in a herringbone fashion by the bridging N-donor ligands to afford three-dimensional networks. The complex [Cu2(SCN)2(bpe)]∞, however, shows two-dimensional sheets which are formed from (CuSCN)∞ stair-polymers bridged by bpe ligands.