Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Discovery and Synthesis Optimization of Isoreticular Al(III) Phosphonate-Based Metal-Organic Framework Compounds Using High-Throughput Methods
Published on: October 6, 2023
The use of aurophilic and other metal-metal interactions as crystal engineering design elements to increase
Michael J Katz1, Ken Sakai, Daniel B Leznoff
1Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6.
Abstract:
Research in the field of supramolecular chemistry has rapidly grown in recent years due to the generation of fascinating structural topologies and their associated physical properties. In order to rationally synthesize such high-dimensionality systems, several different classes of non-covalent intermolecular interactions in the crystal engineering toolbox can be utilized. Among these, attractive metallophilic interactions, such as those observed for d10 gold(I), have been increasingly harnessed as a design element to synthesize functional high-dimensional systems. This tutorial review will explore the methods by which gold(I) and other d10 and d8 metal centres have been employed to increase structural dimensionality via the formation of metal-metal interactions. Physical and optical properties associated with metallophilicity-based supramolecular structures will also be highlighted.
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Metallic Solids
All metallic solids exhibit high thermal and electrical conductivity, metallic luster, and malleability. Many...
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Crystal Growth: Principles of Crystallization
Initiating crystallization involves manipulating the concentration of the solute and the temperature of the solution. Since crystal growth occurs when the ratio of concentration and solubility of the solute in the solvent – the...

