Aliphatic Amine Mediated Assembly of [M6(mna)6] (M = Cu/Ag) into Extended Two-dimensional Structures: Synthesis, Structure and Lewis Acid Catalytic Studies

Two new two-dimensional layered compounds, [{Ag6(2-mna)6Cd(Hen)2}{Cd(en)22H2O}(H2O)8], I, and [{M6(2-mna)6Cd(Hen)2}(H2en)(H2O)10], II, (M = Cu and Ag) were prepared employing a [M6-(Hmna)6]-cluster as the starting metalloligand. The metalloligand was prepared and characterized before use. Ethylenediamine (en) was also employed as a possible ligand/structure directing agent. The prepared compounds have the metalloligand as part of the extended structure. The compounds containing the Ag6-cluster (I and II) were isolated from the same reaction mixture but at different time intervals. The structures of the prepared compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The compounds were investigated for possible Lewis acid catalytic behavior by carrying out cyanation of imine, which indicated good yield and selectivity. The compounds were also found to be a good proton conductor at room temperature (98% RH).