Complexation of silver(I) cation by a series of heterosubstituted dipyridyl ligands

The synthesis of a series of dipyridyl ligands based on 1,2-bis(2′-pyridylethynyl)benzene and their complexation of silver cation is described. NMR binding studies confirm that the incorporation of thioether appendages results in an increased binding constant while ether appendages result in similar or lower binding constants as compared to the unsubstituted ligand. X-ray crystallographic analysis confirms that steric hinderance is critical.