Co-ordination polymers containing square grids of dimension 15 x 15 angstrom

Open and interpenetrated two-dimensional networks containing square grids o f dimension ca. 15x15 Angstrom and two one-dimensional networks, linear and zigzag, were synthesized using Ni(NO3)(2)/Cu(NO3)(2) and two linear bifunc tional ligands of length 11.4 Angstrom. The formation of these materials wa s characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Interestingly, some of these structures were found to form continuous channels across the packing of grids. The channels formed were occupied by 1-D columns of gues t molecules. The electron rich ligand containing an anthracene moiety was f ound to form open square grid networks only in the presence of electron def icient guest molecules such as nitrobenzene and cyanobenzene, whereas in th e presence of benzene it formed inclined interpenetrated grids with Ni(NO3) (2) and two types of 1-D complexes with Cu(NO3)(2).