Variation of [AgCN]∞ chain configuration in silver(I) double salts: crystal structures of AgCN·2AgNO3 and AgCN·2AgClO4·2H2O

AgCN·2AgNO3 (1) contains a linear [AgCN]∞ chain that essentially retains the characteristics of neat silver cyanide, with two Ag–ONO2 fragments weakly bound to each head-turned-tail disordered cyanide group (Ag2–C1=2.598(4) Å). In AgCN·2AgClO4·2H2O (2), the [AgCN]∞ chain takes a zigzag configuration with Ag(H2O) fragments attached to both sides, resulting in a μ4-η1κC:η1κN coordination mode for each ordered cyanide ion. The zigzag chains are cross-linked by O–H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form a close-packing of elongated hexagonal channels, with ordered perchlorate anions accommodated in double columns inside each channel.