Liquid reagents are not enough for liquid assisted grinding in the synthesis of [(AgBr)( n -pica)] n

This study investigates the mechanochemical reactions between AgBr 3-picolylamine and 4-picolylamine. The use of different stoichiometry ratios of the reagents allows [(AgBr)( -pica)] and [(AgBr) ( -pica)] to be obtained, and we report the new structures of [(AgBr) (3-pica)] and [(AgBr) (4-pica)] which are characterized by the presence of the following: (a) infinite inorganic chains, (b) silver atom coordinated only by bromide atoms and (c) argentophilic interactions. Furthermore, we studied the interconversion of [(AgBr)( -pica)] /[(AgBr) ( -pica)] by mechanochemical and thermal properties. The experiments suggest that [(AgBr)(3-pica)] is kinetically favoured while [(AgBr) (3-pica)] is converted into [(AgBr)(3-pica)] only with a high excess of the ligand. Finally, the liquid nature of the ligands is not sufficient to assist the grinding process, and the complete reaction is observed with the addition of a small quantity of acetonitrile.