Supramolecular π–π assembly of a neutral [Cu(salen)] complex via the templating effect of an ionic inorganic complex Na2[Cu(mnt)2] forming a framework type material having well-defined channels

A classical ionic inorganic complex Na2[Cu(mnt)2] (mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate = 1,2-dicyanoethylenedithiolate), that acts as a template in assembling neutral [Cu(salen)] (salen = bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine) complexes forming a framework type arrangement, is accommodated in the channel formed in the crystal structure of a new type of host–guest compound [Cu(salen)]4 · Na2[Cu(mnt)2] (1). The non-covalent supramolecular interactions among [Cu(salen)] complexes and between [Cu(salen)] and [Cu(mnt)2]2− complexes in the crystal lattice of 1 result in weak antiferromagnetic coupling.