Formation of 1D Infinite Chains Directed by Metal-Metal and/or π-π Stacking Interactions of Water-Soluble Platinum(II) 2,6-Bis(benzimidazol-2′-yl)pyridine Double Complex Salts

A new class of water-soluble double complex salts (DCSs), [Pt{bzimpy(TEG)(2)}Cl][Pt{bzimpy(PrSO3)(2)}Cl] and its alkylplatinum(II) bzimpy derivatives (bzimpy = 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2'-yl)pyridine, has been demonstrated to exhibit strong aggregation in water through Pt center dot center dot center dot Pt and pi-pi stacking interactions to give a variety of distinctive nanostructures based on the formation of one-dimensional (1D) infinite chains. The self-association process can be systemically controlled by varying the solvent composition and temperature and has been studied by H-1 NMR, 2D NOESY NMR, mass spectrometry, electron and confocal fluorescence microscopy, UV-vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy.