Suprachannels via a Molecular Array of 2D Networks: Solvent Effects, Anion Exchange, and Physicochemical Properties of Silver(I) Complexes Bearing <i>N</i>,<i>N</i>′,<i>N</i>″‑Tris(2-pyridinylethyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide

The solvent effects on suprachannel formation via a molecular array of 2D networks were studied. The basic structure of the [Ag3L2]­(X)3 (X– = NO2–, NO3–) 2D network consists of hexagonal (Ag6L6) motifs formed via self-assembly of Ag­(I) with C3-tridentate N-donors. The 2D networks are arranged in an eclipsed mode in aqueous solution, thus forming suprachannels (5.2 × 7.3 Å2, 6.2 × 7.7 Å2) of [Ag3L2(H2O)2]­(X)3, whereas they are arranged in a staggered abab... mode in nonaqueous solution, thus forming semisuprachannels (3.1 × 5.1 Å2) of [Ag3(NO3)2L2]­(NO3). The suprachannel structure of [Ag3L2(H2O)2]­(NO3)3 is soluble in methanol; contrastingly, the semisuprachannel structure of [Ag3(NO3)2L2]­(NO3) is insoluble in that solvent. In the present study, significant differences in molecular recognition and anion exchangeability between [Ag3L2(H2O)2]­(NO3)3 and [Ag3(NO3)2L2]­(NO3) were found.