Synthesis, properties, and X-ray crystal structures of two Ag(I) complexes with 2-(pyridin-4-yl)-1<i>H</i>-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid

<div><p>Two 1-D and 3-D Ag(I) complexes involving 2-(pyridin-4-yl)-1<i>H</i>-imidazole-4,5-dicarboxylic acid (H₃PIDC) have been characterized by infrared spectrum, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. [Ag₂(HPIDC)]_<i>n</i> (<b>1</b>), synthesized under hydrothermal conditions, gave a 3-D framework; [Ag₂(HPIDC)(MBI)]_<i>n</i> (<b>2</b>) (MBI = 2-methyl-1<i>H</i>-benzo[<i>d</i>]imidazole), with MBI as the second ligand, gave a 1-D zigzag chain and further formed a 3-D supramolecular structure through <i>π</i>···<i>π</i> interactions. The most interesting structural features of these complexes are the presence of C–H···Ag hydrogen bonding interactions and Ag···C weak interactions between the Ag centers and H₃PIDC. Luminescence indicates that <b>2</b> has significantly stronger fluorescent emissions than <b>1</b> in the solid state at room temperature.</p>