LAUSR

Abstract An exploration of reactions of 1,1′,1″-(benzene-1,3,5-triyltris(methylene))tris(4-carboxypyridinium)-tribromide (H 3 LBr 3 ) with Cu(II) salt under different pH conditions has led to the formation of three complexes, [Cu(HL) 2 (H 2 O) 3 ]·4(ClO 4 )·3H 2 O ( 1 ), [Cu 2 (HL)( μ 3 -OH)( μ 2 -H 2 O)(H 2 O) 2 ]·4(ClO 4 )·6H 2 O ( 2 ), and [Cu 3 (L) 2 Cl 6 (H 2 O) 4 ]·4H 2 O ( 3 ). Single-crystal X-ray analyses revealed that complex 1 displays a discrete mononuclear structure with the ligand in a bowl-shaped configuration. Complex 2 possesses a tetranuclear 1D beaded chain structure. While complex 3 features a discrete trinuclear ‘H-type’ structure with the ligand in a chair-like configuration. The distinct compositions and structures of 1 – 3 are mainly ascribed to the different pH values of the reaction solution, the influences of anions, as well as the configurations which the zwitterion ligands adopt. The magnetic properties of 2 , and the photoluminescence properties of 2 , and 3 have been investigated. Moreover, powder X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis were also performed.