1D and 2D network of ReO4− bonded azoimidazoles

1-Alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazoles are π-acidic, bidentate chelating molecules. In acid medium imidazole-N centers are protonated and can extract heavy anions. One such example is the binding with ReO4− in acidic medium. 1-Alkyl-2-(arylazo)imidazolium-perrehenate shows hydrogen bonded 1D network. Inclusion of H2O into the molecular frame of 1D increases the dimensionality to 2D network.