A metal-containing synthon for crystal engineering: synthesis of the hydrogen bond ribbon polymer [4,4′-H2bipy][MCl4] (M = Pd, Pt)

The utility of the cis-MCl2···HN+ chelated hydrogen bond as a synthon in preparation of crystalline [4,4′-H2bipy][MCl4] (M = Pd 1, Pt 2) is demonstrated; the structure of 2 contains anions and cations linked by hydrogen bonds to form a ribbon polymer.