Self-assembly of copper(II) complexes with ladder, bi-rack, rack-ladder-rack and layer structures by the directional-bonding approach using a T-shaped ligand

Six copper(II) complexes of trans-1,2,3-propenetricarboxylic acid (H3L) with novel ladder, bi-rack, rack-ladder-rack and layer structures were obtained by the combination of the diverse coordination symmetries and the Jahn-Teller effect of the Cu2+ ion and the T-shaped coordination mode of the L3- or HL2- ligand together with the introduction of an inert directing ligand. Solid-state photoluminescent analyses of the present compounds show that they display blue emissions.