Abstract
The two silver(I) complexes [Ag(3CNPy)2(CF3COO)]n (1) and [Ag(4BzPy)2]2(CF3COO)2 (2) where 3CNPy and 4BzPy are 3-cyanopyridine and 4-benzoylpyridine, respectively, were synthesized and characterized using elemental analysis, FTIR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a 1D coordination polymer through the bridging and the highly symmetric CF3COO¯ group while 2 is a dinuclear complex through strong argentophilic interaction connecting the two [Ag(4BzPy)2] cationic units. In both complexes, the pyridine ligands are acting as monodentate N-donor. Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed the importance of the polar N···H (29.9%) and H···F (10.3%) hydrogen bonds in the molecular packing of 1. For 2, the nonpolar C···H (26.2%) and the polar O···H (15.6%) interactions dominate the crystal packing. Furthermore, both complexes showed π-π stacking interactions. Antimicrobial screening revealed that 3CNPy has no activity against all tested pathogens, while 1 has good antibacterial activity. Both Ag(I) complexes and 4BzPy showed remarkable antifungal activities against A. fumigatus and C. albicans compared to Ketoconazole as control.