A novel mixed-ligand molecular bilayer generated by self-assembly of T-shaped moieties, displaying an unusual entanglement

The reaction of silver nitrate with 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxylate and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethane under hydrothermal conditions gives an interesting 2D bilayer containing a new kind of T-shaped unit. Each of these 2D frames is interlocked with the neighboring layers to form an overall three-dimensional architecture, displaying an unprecedented entanglement.