Nanocrystals are fundamental to modern science and technology. Mastery over the shape of a nanocrystal enables control of its properties and enhancement of its usefulness for a given application. Our aim is to present a comprehensive review of current research activities that center on the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals. We begin with a brief introduction to nucleation and growth within the context of metal nanocrystal synthesis, followed by a discussion of the possible shapes that a metal nanocrystal might take under different conditions. We then focus on a variety of experimental parameters that have been explored to manipulate the nucleation and growth of metal nanocrystals in solution-phase syntheses in an effort to generate specific shapes. We then elaborate on these approaches by selecting examples in which there is already reasonable understanding for the observed shape control or at least the protocols have proven to be reproducible and controllable. Finally, we highlight a number of applications that have been enabled and/or enhanced by the shape-controlled synthesis of metal nanocrystals. We conclude this article with personal perspectives on the directions toward which future research in this field might take.

Shape‐Controlled Synthesis of Metal Nanocrystals: Simple Chemistry Meets Complex Physics?

Strong Closed-Shell Interactions in Inorganic Chemistry.

Advances in copper complexes as anticancer agents.

Polymeric materials with antimicrobial activity

The challenge of cyclic and acyclic schiff bases and related derivatives

The crystal structure of [Zn2(benzoato)4(caffeine)2]·(caffeine)2 was determined by direct method and Fourier technique. The structure was refined by full-matrix least-squares method to a weighted R factor of 0.0582. The structure consists of centrosymmetric dimeric units where the two zinc(II) atoms are coordinated by four bridging benzoates in a syn–syn arrangement and two caffeine ligands at the apices of a bicapped square prism. Remaining two caffeines are bound only by hydrogen bonds. The Zn–Zn distance is 2.961(1) A. The Zn(II) atoms are displaced by 0.365 A from the basal plane containing four oxygen atoms towards the apical caffeine molecules. The dimeric structure of the complex is consistent with spectrum and thermal data. The structural data are compared with those found in similar [Zn2(RCOO)4(NL)2] complexes. The crystal structure of [Zn2(benzoato)4(caffeine)2]·(caffeine)2 consist of centrosymmetric dimeric units where the two zinc(II) atoms are coordinated by four bridging benzoates in a syn-syn arrangement and two caffeine ligands at the apices of a bicapped square prism. The dimeric structure of the complex is consistent with spectrum and thermal data.

Crystal Structure and Physical Characterisation of [Zn2(Benzoato)4(Caffeine)2]·2 Caffeine

The bonding properties of thiocyanate groups of over one hundred copper species, studied by X-ray analysis were analysed. It is shown that the bonding properties of thiocyanate groups in heterogeneous copper thiocyanate complexes depend on the size of the positive charge on the copper atom.

Bonding Properties of Thiocyanate Groups in Copper(II) and Copper(I) Complexes

Monomeric and dimeric copper(II) compounds with the 2-fluoro-6-chlorobenzoate ligand

Abstract This review covers over 110 monomeric Pt(0) organometallics and 220 monomeric Pt(II) organometallics. The predominant geometry for Pt(0) is square planar, with some examples of two-, five-, and six-coordinated. The monomeric Pt(II) organometallics in the review covers only those with the chromophores PtC4, PtA3B and PtC2A2. The most common ligand, besides C donor ligands, which are of a wide variety, is PPh3. At least two types of isomerism occur in the platinum organometallics analysed in this review: cis-trans and distortion. Relations between Pt-ligand bond distances, bond angles and transeffect are discussed regarding steric and electronic influence.

Platinum organometallic compounds: classification and analysis of crystallographic and structural data. Part I. Monomeric Pt(0) and partly of Pt(II) with PtC4, PtA3B and PtC2A2 chromophores

Abstract This review includes more than 100 monomeric derivatives in which the Pt(II) atom is in a distorted square planar environment with inner coordination spheres of PtP2X2 (X=Br, I, Se, Si or Te). The P-donor ligands are organomonophosphanes. These complexes crystallize in three crystal systems: orthorhombic (5.7%), triclinic (37.5%) and monoclinic (56.8%). The X-donor ligands are mono- Br, Se, Si, I or Te or bi- Se, Si, Te, dentate. The chelating ligands form a wide variety of three-, four-, five-, six-, and even seven-membered metallocycles. There are at least two types of isomerism: cis-trans and distortion. Several relationships were found and are discussed.

Milan Melnik

Papers

Crystal Structure and Physical Characterisation of [Zn2(Benzoato)4(Caffeine)2]·2 Caffeine

Bonding Properties of Thiocyanate Groups in Copper(II) and Copper(I) Complexes

Monomeric and dimeric copper(II) compounds with the 2-fluoro-6-chlorobenzoate ligand

Platinum organometallic compounds: classification and analysis of crystallographic and structural data. Part I. Monomeric Pt(0) and partly of Pt(II) with PtC4, PtA3B and PtC2A2 chromophores

Organomonophosphanes in PtP2X2 (X=Br, I, SeL, SiL or TeL): structural aspects