Solvent directs the dimensionality of Cu-dicyanoimidazoles

Abstract

In this paper, we report one-pot reactions of the same reactants 4,5-dicyanoimidazole and CuI in different solvents. In pure MeCN, the reaction resulted in previously reported MOF structure [Cu(4,5-dicyanoimidazole)]n.(MeCN)0.5n (1). On the other hand, when MeCN/MeOH solvent mixture was used, a new coordination polymer [Cu(4,5-dicyanoimidazole)(MeCN)(CuI)]n (2) was formed. The crystallization yielded very different structures as determined by X-ray crystallography. In 1, the solvent molecule acetonitrile occupies the MOF pores via weak interactions, but in 2 it is coordinated to the metal center. Computational DFT calculations and topological charge density analysis were utilized to explore the different crystal structures with the focus on the role of the methanol solvent.