The structural role of the triflate anion in the non covalent silver polymer [Ag(LOH)2(CF3SO3)(CH3CN)] (LOH = a-(4-pyridyl)benzhydrol)

Ag(CF3SO3) was reacted with the ligand α-(4-pyridyl)benzhydrol(LOH) in order to build a mixed organic/inorganic analogue of wheel-and-axle diols. In the resulting [Ag-(LOH)2(CF3SO3)(CH3CN)] complex, the metal is four-coordinate, with two pyridines trans each other and a triflate and an acetonitrile group completing a sawhorse geometry. The main structural motif is based on the strongest and most directional tectons, the coordination bond Ag-O and the hydrogen bonds -OH···O-S-O·· ·HO-. Secondly, the sixfold phenyl embrace, CH3···π, CH3···CF3 and Ag·· ·F tectons also direct the crystal assembly. A new synthon originating from the combination of the S-O· ··HO-, the π·· ·CH3 and the CH3· ··CF3 individual tectons is identified. The structural roles of the anion and of the solvent are discussed.