Supramolecular Isomerism, Framework Flexibility, Unsaturated Metal Center, and Porous Property of Ag(I)/Cu(I) 3,3‘,5,5‘-Tetrametyl-4,4‘-Bipyrazolate

Template-controlled reactions of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethyl-4,4'-bipyrazole (H2bpz) with [Ag(NH3)2]+ or [Cu(NH3)2]+ give binary metal bipyrazolates [M2(bpz)] (M = Ag, Cu) as two supramolecular isomers (1 and 2). Isomer 1 possesses four-fold interpenetrated (10,3)-a coordination networks, two-fold interpenetrated (10,3)-a channel networks, and guest-accessible coordinatively unsaturated metal clusters. Isomer 2 possesses eight-fold interpenetrated (6(2) x 10)(6 x 10(2)) coordination networks and isolated, small pores. These metal bipyrazolates are chemically stable and thermally stable up to 300-500 degrees C. Their exceptional framework flexibilities have been demonstrated by adsorption measurements and single-crystal diffraction analyses. The guest-accessible Ag(I)/Cu(I) UMC clusters have also been demonstrated to facilitate the accommodation of unsaturated hydrocarbons such as benzene, toluene, mesitylene, and acetylene via weak metal...pi interactions.