The Threading of [(CuCN)2(μ‐4, 4′‐bpy)] Sheets by CuCN Chains

Yellow (CuCN)2[(CuCN)2(μ‐4, 4′‐bpy)], formed in the hydrothermal reaction of CuCN with 4, 4′‐bipyridine at 453 K, contains two types of infinite CuCN chains. One set of CuCN chains is linked by 4, 4′‐bpy ligands to form almost flat sheets of composition [(CuCN)2(μ‐4, 4′‐bpy)]. Holes in these sheets are aligned to allow pairs of approximately linear, infinite ‐(CuCN)‐ chains to thread through them. The closest interatomic approach between copper atoms in the threading chains and host sheets (∼2.74Å) does not appear to represent a significant covalent bond as it leads to only a small distortion of the ‐(CuCN)‐ chains from linearity. The relationship of this material to the previously determined structures of the host [(CuCN)2(μ‐4, 4′‐bpy)] sheets and (CuCN)3[(CuCN)2(μ‐4, 4′‐bpy)]2, in which these sheets are threaded by single ‐(CuCN)‐ chains, is discussed.