A novel chiral framework constructed through three-fold interpenetration of (4,4) nets of Ni(II)-muconate-4,4′-bipyridine

The assembly of Ni(II) ions with linear spacers trans,trans-muconic acid (H,L) and 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy) has afforded a compound, [Ni(L)(4,4'-bpy)(H2O)(2)](n) (1). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that both 4,4'-bpy and deprotonated H2L act as linear bridges to bind square-planar Ni(II) nodes. Achiral ligands 4,4'-bpy induced in a chiral configuration link metal nodes into chiral chains, which are further bound into homochiral sheets by rigid L. Finally, a novel 3D chiral framework forms through three-fold slantwise interpenetration of those chiral (4,4) nets. The magnetic studies in the range 2-300 K show that magnetic behavior of I possesses a large zero-field splitting of Ni(II) ions and an anti-ferromagnetic interaction between metal centers. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.