Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Light-Insensitive Silver(I) Cyanoximates

The reaction between AgNO3 and ML [M = K+, Na+; L = anion of the deprotonated cyanoxime - 39 of these anions are known, but only twelve form light-stable silver(I) complexes] at room temperature in aqueous solutions leads to sparingly soluble, colored AgL in high yield. All twelve of the known Ag complexes were characterized by using a variety of spectroscopic methods and single-crystal X-ray analysis, which revealed the formation of coordination polymers of various complexities. The silver(I) compounds demonstrate a very significant (for multiple years!) stability towards visible light. There are three areas of potential practical applications of these unusual complexes: (1) detectors of UV radiation that do not require electric feed, (2) non-electrical indicators for gases of industrial importance, (3) antimicrobial additives to light-curable acrylate polymeric glues, fillers, and adhesives used during the introduction of indwelling medical devices. The chemical, structural, technological, and biological aspects of the application of coordination polymers based on Ag-I cyanoximates are reviewed.