Silver(i) pyridylphosphonates - synthesis, structure, stability and light-insensitivity investigation

Two silver(i) complexes, {[Ag₇(2-pypo)₃(NO₃)]} (1) and [Ag(3-pypoH)(3-pypoH₂)] (2) (pypoH₂ - pyridylphosphonic acid) were prepared and characterized by relevant methods in the solid state (elemental, spectral, thermal and structural analysis). Typical argentophilic interactions were observed in complex 1. The synthesized Ag(i) complexes were tested toward reduction to silver(0) using short wavelength UV-radiation and they revealed remarkable light-insensitivity in comparison to silver nitrate. SEM experiments were performed to observe the reduction of silver after the UV-light exposure of the samples. Light-insensitivity with the examined thermal stability and insolubility of the new complexes demonstrates their high potential to be used as light-insensitive materials in medical devices.