From simple ligands to complex structures: Structural diversity of silver(I) complexes bearing tetradentate (^alkylenebimpy) NHC ligands

The synthesis of five new silver(I) NHC complexes, bearing ^alkylenebimpy ligands with bridge lengths ranging from ethylene to hexylene is described. Their solid-state structures exhibit an unforeseen variety, including infinite strands of Ag₃ units within a helically wound ligand environment. The very first infinite chain of almost linear Ag₃ units within a cage of helically wound ligand molecules is described. All complexes are spectroscopically characterized and emit polychromatic blue light (420 nm ≤ λ ≤ 510 nm) after laser excitation at λ = 337 nm. This latter behavior might lead to applications in the field of organic light-emitting diodes.