Embracing [XY3]m- and [XY4]m- Anions in Salts of [M(bpy)3]q+

[M(bpy)(3)](q)(+) cations (bpy = 2,2 '-bipyridine) are archetypical coordination entities containing chelating bidentate N,N '-donor ligands. Each propeller-shaped cation is chiral, existing as a delta or lambda enantiomer. The supramolecular chemistry of [M(bpy)(3)](q)(+) cations in the crystal is dominated by cation-anion interactions and, to a lesser extent, weaker non-covalent interactions. Analysis of the data for [M(bpy)(3)](q)(+) salts in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) reveals a ubiquitous motif in which homochiral sheets of cations generate cavities for the accommodation of anions. A series of related and common motifs in the solid-state structures of [M(bpy)(3)](q)(+) salts has been identified. One of the commonest motifs comprises a hexagon of six cations with anions either in the center or lying above and/or below the centroid.

Automated summary

[M(bpy)(3)](q)(+) cations are coordination entities with chelating bidentate N,N'-donor ligands, exhibiting delta or lambda enantiomers. The crystal supramolecular chemistry of [M(bpy)(3)](q)(+) cations is mainly controlled by cation-anion interactions and weaker non-covalent interactions. Analysis of [M(bpy)(3)](q)(+) salts in the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) reveals a common motif of homochiral cation sheets forming cavities for anion accommodation. A common motif identified is a hexagon of six cations with anions either in the center or lying above and/or below the centroid.