Synthesis and description of the first helical chain of Cu–Pb bimetallic atoms and Cu(I)–Cu(II) mixed-valence

An unprecedented Cu(I)/Cu(II)/Pb(II)-containing coordination polymer, image 1(ip = isophthalate, Hobpy = 6-hydroxy-2,2-bipyridine), which comprises two single-stranded helical chains recognizing each other to generate molecular zipper structure and parallel double-stranded helices under the direction of supramolecular interaction, is synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by IR, ICP, TG–DTA, and so on.