A Two-dimensional Supramolecular Network Built through Unique π-πStacking: Synthesis and Characterization of [Cu(phen)₂(μ-ID A)Cu(phen)·(NO₃)](NO₃)·4(H₂O)

A novel supramolecular network containing binuclear copper unit $[Cu(phen)_{2}({\mu}-ID\;A)Cu(phen){\cdot}(NO_{3})](NO_{3}){\cdot}4(H_{2}O)$ (1) was synthesized through the self-assembly of iminodiacetic acid ($H_2IDA$) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in the condition of pH = 6. It has been characterized by the infrared (IR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single crystal X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). 1 shows a 2-D supramolecular structure assembled through strong and unique $\pi-\pi$ packing interactions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that theoretical optimized structures can well reproduce the experimental structure. The TGA and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) curves indicate that the complex 1 can maintain the structural integrity even at the loss of free water molecules. The magnetic property is also reported in this paper.