Steric control over polymer formation and topology in adducts of zinc dithiophosphates formed with bridging bipyridineligands

Abstract

A series of Zn(S₂P(OR)₂)₂, R = iPr and Cy, adducts with bridging bipyridine ligands, i.e. 4,4′-bipyridine, trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene and 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane have been investigated. The topology of the polymeric structures, i.e. zig-zag versus straight chain, can be controlled by the nature of the bridging bipyridine ligand in the case of adducts formed by Zn(S₂P(OCy)₂)₂, an effect that can be traced to the steric bulk of the cyclohexyl groups. Polymer formation is precluded in the case of the adduct formed between Zn(S₂P(OCy)₂)₂ and 4,4′bipyridine, again a result that is directly ascribed to the steric bulk of the thiolate residue.