Beadwork and Network: Strings of Silver Ions Stitch Large-pi Pyrazolate Patches into a Two-dimensional Sheet

Breaking the cycle of silver pyrazolates: instead of the common loops (e.g., the Ag3N6 ring), we report an infinite array in which the equispaced Ag(I) ions form a zigzag chain, with the associated anthracene bis(pyrazolate) linkers cofacially aligned one to another. In addition to the strong Ag(I)-N bonds and the distinct argentophilic interactions, the Ag(I) ions also form interlayer, metal-pi contacts with the anthracene cores. The resultant two-dimensional network exhibits significant electronic interaction between the Ag(I) centers and the large aromatic linker molecule, as revealed by the red shift of photoemission spectra and the significant reduction of the electronic band edge as determined by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The solid sample is stable in air and water.