Construction of two- and three-dimensional supramolecular networks with an encapsulated lanthanide(III) complex as building block and hydrogen-bonded 4,4′-bipyridyl as spacer

Reaction of the tripodal ligand tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine (ntb) with hydrated lanthanide(III) perchlorates in methanol affords the complexes [Ln(ntb)2]3+ (Ln = Pr, Eu and Tb) in which the central Ln3+ ion is well encapsulated in a cubic coordination environment; in situ co-crystallization of the complexes in the presence of 4,4′-bipyridyl produces either a double salt containing the bipyridinium(1+) cation or adducts with two to three bipyridyl molecules, the latter adducts forming doubly interpenetrating two- or three-dimensional cationic networks.