Self-assembly of three Cd(II) complexes: From 0-D to 1-D and 2-D structures based on 1-((benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl)-1-H-1,3-imidazole ligand and different anions

Three new complexes with the formulas [Cd(bmi)2I2] (1), [Cd(bmi)2(Cl)2]n (2) and [Cd(bmi)2(SCN)2]n (3) have been obtained through the self-assembly of an unsymmetrical ligand 1-((benzotriazol-1-yl)methyl)-1-H-1,3-imidazole (bmi) with Cd(II) salts at room temperature. Single crystal X-ray diffraction determination shows that complex 1 possesses mononuclear structure, complex 2 displays 1-D chain structure constructed by chloride bridging Cd(II) ions, and complex 3 exhibits 2-D grid network structure. In complexes 1 and 2, the unsymmetrical bmi ligands coordinate to metal ions as monodentate mode with the N atom from imidazole ring in preference to the N atom from benzotriazol ring. While in complex 3, bmi ligands coordinate to metal ions as μ2-bridging mode with N atoms from imidazole and benzotriazol rings simultaneously. Additionally, their fluorescent properties also have been determined.