Solvent-induced syntheses of three heterothiometallic W/S/Cu cluster-based coordination polymers with isomeric architectures and effective photocatalytic properties

Abstract

Reactions of (NH4)WS4, CuCN and pyridine (Py) in different reaction solvents, namely DMF, DMSO and aniline, generated three isomeric heterothiometallic W/S/Cu cluster-based coordination polymers [WS4Cu4(CN)2(Py)4]n (1 and 2) and {[WS4Cu4(CN)2(Py)4]2·4CH3CN}n 3. All three complexes are constructed from planar ‘open’ [W(µ3-S)4Cu4]2+ clusters, CN− bridges and terminal Py ligands, but exhibit distinct architectures, consisting of a unique 1-D serrated chain for 1, a 2-D (4,4) network for 2 and a 1-D linear chain for 3. The photocatalytic activities of complex 1 were explored by monitoring the photodegradation of methylene blue, revealing that this complex exhibits effective photocatalytic properties under visible light irradiation.