1-D Selenidoindates {[In2Se5]}∞ Directed by Chiral Metal Complex Cations of 1,10-Phenanthroline

Abstract

Two 1-D selenidoindates {[M(phen)₃]In₂Se₅·H₂O}_n (M = Ni, Fe) were synthesized by a solvothermal method. The 1-D {[In₂Se₅]^2–}_n anion is a new type of single 1-D structure constituted by an alternately fused four-membered In₂Se₂ ring and five-membered In₂Se₃ ring. The chalcogenoindates were separated as mechanical racemic mixtures of single enantiomer crystals, in which the R-helix of 1-D InSe anion is directed by the related clockwise (Δ) cations of [M(phen)₃]²⁺ or the L-helix of 1-D anion is directed by the related anticlockwise (Λ) cation. The π···π, C···Se, and C–H···Se oriented interactions of metal complex cations with selenidoindate anions play an important role in the formation of the chiral crystals. The embedded [M(phen)₃]²⁺ cations improve the optical absorption of the 1-D semiconductor materials.