Structure and Properties of One-Dimensional Heterobimetallic Polymers Containing Dicyanoaurate and Dirhodium(II) Fragments

The synthesis and characterization of compound [Rh2(O2CEt)4(H2O)2] (1) and one-dimensional heterobimetallic polymers Kn{Rh2(O2CEt)4[Au­(CN)2]}n (2) and Kn{Rh2(O2CMe)4[Au­(CN)2]}n·4nH2O (3), constructed from dirhodiumtetracarboxylato units, [Rh2(O2CR)4]+, and dicyanoaurate, [Au­(CN)2]−, fragments are described. In both compounds 2 and 3 the resulting polymeric chains are nonlinear and have in common similar structural parameters, although the solid state supramolecular arrangement is very different. These structural differences explain the fact that complex 2 displays aurophilic interactions while this type of interactions are absent in complex 3. As a result, compound 2 shows rich blue luminescent properties whereas compound 3 is not luminescent. The electrical conductivity in solid state of compounds 2 and 3 is also studied.