Polyrotaxaned versus Interdigitated Super‐Arrays of Loop‐and‐Chain Strands: Role of the Anion in Formation of Silver(0) Particles

Abstract

AbstractSelf‐assembly of AgX (X– = BF4–, ClO4–, and NO3–) with C3‐symmetric 1,3,5‐tris(isonicotinoyloxyethyl)cyanurate (L) yields 1D loop‐and‐chain strands. However, the formation of a super‐array of strands depends on the nature of the polyatomic anions: BF4– and ClO4– anions induce 1D polyrotaxaned loop‐and‐chain strands, whereas NO3– anion leads to the formation of 2D‐like interdigitated loop‐and‐chain strands in the crystalline state. Calcination of [Ag3(L)2]3X (X– = BF4– and NO3–) crystals at 500 °C produces silver(0) particles, whereas the same treatment of [Ag3(L)2]3ClO4 crystals affords a mixture of silver(0) and silver(I) chloride. The rates of formation of Ag0 nanoparticles by reduction of crystalline products using ascorbic acid are in the order X– = ClO4– > BF4– > NO3–, and their crystalline morphologies are dependent on the nature of the polyatomic anions.