Synthesis, structure, fluorescence, electrochemical, and antioxidant studies of a new silver(I) complex with 2,6-bis(N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine

Abstract

A new silver(I) complex of the type [Ag2(mbbp)2](pic)2·DMF·CH3OH [mbbp = 2,6-bis( N-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine] is synthesized and analyzed using a range of spectroscopic and crystallographic techniques. This compound contains cationic Ag2(mbbp)2 dimers, in which the crossed eight-shaped structure is formed by two mbbp ligands bridging two silver(I) centers and Ag–Ag bonds. Two-dimensional supramolecular networks of the silver(I) complex are connected by π···π interactions and hydrogen bonds. Hirshfeld analyses are performed to support the aforementioned intermolecular interactions. The effect of π···π stacking interactions on the fluorescence properties of the complex is investigated. Cyclic voltammetry indicates two irreversible redox processes. In addition, an antioxidant assay in vitro demonstrates that the silver(I) complex displays excellent scavenging activity toward hydroxyl radicals.