Solvation, Hydration, and Counterion Effect on the Formation of Ag(I) Complexes with the Dipodal Ligand 2,6-Bis[(imidazol-2-yl)thiomethyl]naphthalene

Abstract

A series of new Ag(I) complexes with 2,6-bis[(imidazol-2-yl)thiomethyl]naphthalene (L) and a range of counterions (X−) such as PF6− (1, 2), SbF6− (3), and CF3SO3− (4) was prepared. As shown by SCXRD studies, all of these are 1D coordination polymers with a waved chain motive and general formula {[AgL]X}n. Two methanol solvates containing PF6− (1) and SbF6− (3) counterions are isostructural. The triflate counterion leads to the formation of a topologically equivalent structural motive, with a different conformation of the ligand in the 1D chain and a different crystal packing as a result of the presence of another set of intermolecular interactions. The presence of water in 2 leads to a significant change in the conformation of the ligand. The naphthalene rings show a different orientation towards the imidazole rings, which is energetically less favorable but is stabilized by an extended net of intermolecular interactions with the counterion, which leads to an efficient crystal packing.