Metal dependent dimensionality in sulfate coordination polymers containing 3-pyridylisonicotinamide

Hydrothermal synthesis has afforded divalent metal sulfate coordination polymers containing 3-pyridylisonicotinamide (3-pina), whose dimensionalities depend crucially on the specific metal used and sulfate binding mode. {[Co(H2O)4(3-pina)]SO4·5H2O}n (1) shows a 1D chain structure with unligated sulfate ions. {[Cu(SO4)(3-pina)(H2O)]·H2O}n (2) possesses a (4,4) grid structure formed by the linkage of copper sulfate 1D chains through 3-pina tethers. [Cd(SO4)(3-pina)(H2O)]n (3) has exotridentate sulfate ions and a 2-fold interpenetrated 3,5-connected binodal 3D network with a very uncommon (426)(426583) binodal topology. The topology of 3 differs greatly from those seen in analogous 4,4′-bpy phases, including a previously unidentified self-penetrated network. The sulfate linkages in 2 promote weak ferromagnetic coupling between copper ions along 1D [Cu(SO4)]n zig-zag chains, with g = 2.10(3) and J = 0.66(11) cm−1. The cadmium derivative 3 undergoes luminescence upon exposure to ultraviolet light (λmax ∼430 nm).