Synthesis, structures and urease inhibitory activities of three silver(I) complexes derived from 2,6-dichlorophenylacetic acid

Abstract

Three new silver complexes based on 2,6-dichlorophenylacetate (dcpa), namely [Ag2(dcpa)2]n (1), [Ag(NH3)2](dcpa) (2), and [Ag3(N,N-eten)(dcpa)3]2 (3) (N,N-eten = N,N-diethylethylenediamine), were synthesized and structurally characterized. The dcpa ligand adopts a µ2-η1:η1 bridging coordination mode in silver complexes 1 and 3, whereas it is a non-coordinating counter anion in silver complex 2. Complex 1 shows a two-dimensional sheet polymer in which the dimeric [Ag(dcpa)]2 units with a short Ag···Ag separation of 2.783 Å are linked to each other by weak Ag···O and Ag···Cl interactions. Complex 2 contains a linear [Ag(NH3)2]+ cation and a dcpa anion, which constructs a two-dimensional sheet structure via intermolecular N–H···O interactions. Complex 3 features an unusual discrete hexanuclear silver(I) dimer, [Ag3(N,N-eten)(dcpa)3]2, formed by Ag···O and argentophilic interactions (Ag3···Ag3# = 3.335 Å), which are further connected by intermolecular N–H···O interactions to offer a one-dimensional ladder-like chain. The urease inhibitory activities of the obtained silver complexes 1, 2 and 3 were investigated and complex 3 was proven to be a potent inhibitor against jack bean urease.