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

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. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2004.