The Structural Role of the Triflate Anion in the Non‐Covalent Silver Polymer [Ag(LOH) 2 (CF 3 SO 3 )(CH 3 CN)] {LOH = α‐(4‐Pyridyl)benzhydrol}

Ag(CF 3 SO 3 ) 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 (CF 3 SO 3 )(CH 3 CN)] 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, CH 3 ··· π, CH 3 ··· CF 3 and Ag ··· F tectons also direct the crystal assembly. A new synthon originating from the combination of the S−O ··· HO−, the π ··· CH 3 and the CH 3 ··· CF 3 individual tectons is identified. The structural roles of the anion and of the solvent are discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)