Synthesis and crystal structure of a novel three-dimensional supramolecular network containing one-dimensional honeycomb-like channels

A novel supramolecular assembly containing honeycomb-like channels [Cu(mal)(bpy)] · 3H2O (mal = malate, bpy = 2,2′-bipy) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, EPR, TG, UV–Vis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 is constructed from spiral-shaped chains via O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. To our knowledge, compound 1 represents the first supramolecular network constructed from the mixed malate and pyridine ligand.