Novel supramolecular organizations in melamine complexes with 4,4′-bipyridyl and silver nitrate

Complexes of melamine with 4,4′-bipyridyl and AgNO3 having compositions, C10H8N2:0.5(C3H6N6):H2O and [Ag(C3H6N6)]NO3, respectively, have been prepared for the first time. A crystallographic investigation has shown unique hydrogen bonding patterns in the two systems. The melamine–4,4′-bipyridyl complex shows a supramolecular organization wherein hydrogen bonding between melamine and water molecules results in tapes. The tapes are connected by hydrogen bonding to 4,4′-bipyridyl giving rise to a rectangular box. In the melamine–AgNO3 complex, the melamine molecules are bound to Ag+ ions forming N–Ag–N chains, giving rise to a helix. The helices are held together by interchain hydrogen bonds.