Structural transformations of layered structures constructed from Cu(ii)-chloranilate monomer compounds

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Crystallography

Background:

• Two-dimensional layered materials offer unique platforms for guest molecule intercalation.
• Hydrogen bonding plays a crucial role in stabilizing guest-host interactions within layered structures.
• Metal-organic frameworks with adaptable structures are of interest for gas storage and separation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize novel hydrogen-bond supported intercalation compounds.
• To investigate the role of hydrogen bonding in guest-host interactions.
• To explore the guest adsorption/desorption properties and structural flexibility of these materials.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of three novel coordination compounds: {(Hha)2[Cu(CA)2(EtOH)2]}n (1), {(Hha)2[Cu(CA)2(EtOH)]}n (2), and {(Hha)2[Cu(CA)2]}n (3).
• Characterization using X-ray diffraction and other spectroscopic techniques.
• Adsorption/desorption studies of ethanol (EtOH).

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and structural elucidation of three distinct intercalation compounds.
• Demonstration of reversible ethanol adsorption and desorption.
• Observation of structural transformations driven by guest molecule interactions.
• Evidence of flexibility in both inter- and intra-layer arrangements due to mobile hexylaminium cations.

Conclusions:

• Hydrogen-bond supported intercalation compounds exhibit dynamic structural behavior.
• The mobility of guest cations influences the host layer's structural integrity.
• These materials show potential for applications requiring reversible guest uptake and structural adaptability.