Coordination Networks Based on Multitopic Ligands and Silver(I) Salts:  A Study of Network Connectivity and Topology as a Function of Counterion

We show that much like hydrogen bonding, Ag−N coordination bonds can be reliably used for the construction of supramolecular networks. From a solid-state structural study of silver(I) complexes of multitopic ligands, we describe coordination networks formed in the presence of the weakly coordinating triflate (CF₃SO₃^-) counterion and the noncoordinating hexafluorophosphate (PF₆^-) species. For complexes prepared with silver(I) triflate, counterion coordination is characteristic. Also, for the triflate complexes presented, ditopic ligands form one-dimensional, chainlike structures and tritopic ligands form 3-connected nets. A tetratopic ligand also forms a 3-connected net due to the triflate-capped silver(I) coordination. In contrast, more varied network topology is seen in complexes of ditopic ligands prepared with silver(I) hexafluorophosphate.