Two- and three-dimensional CuSCN co-ordination networks including new CuSCN structural motifs

The reaction of CuSCN with linear bridging N-donor ligands afforded two- and three-dimensional networks depending on the ligand used. Reaction of two equivalents of CuSCN with one equivalent of pyrazine in ethanol and aqueous ammonia afforded the three-dimensional network [Cu-2(SCN)(2)(pyz)](infinity). Replacing pyrazine with 4,4'-bipyridyl under the same conditions gave a different three-dimensional network [Cu-2(SCN)(2)(4,4'-bipy)](infinity). In contrast two-dimensional sheets of [Cu-2(SCN)(2)(bpe)](infinity) (bpe = 1,2-trans-(4-pyridyl)ethene) were isolated from the reaction of CuSCN with bpe in a 2:1 ratio. The structures of both [Cu-2(SCN)(2)(pyz)](infinity) and [Cu-2(SCN)(2)(4,4'-bipy)](infinity) are constructed from (CuSCN)(infinity) layers linked in a herringbone fashion by the bridging N-donor ligands to afford three-dimensional networks. The complex [Cu-2(SCN)(2)(bpe)](infinity), however, shows two-dimensional sheets which are formed from (CuSCN)(infinity) stair-polymers bridged by bpe ligands.