π-Coordination as a structure determining principle: structural characterization of [K(Odpp)] ∞,and {[K2(Odpp) 2 H 2 O] 2 } ∞ }

A novel group of potassium-containing 1-D coordination polymers demonstrates the importance and role of K—Cπ interactions. [K(Odpp)]_∞, 1, (Odpp = 2,6-diphenylphenolate) forms a ladder-type polymer where extensive K—Cπ interactions provide additional coordinative saturation. {[K₂(Odpp)₂H₂O]₂}_∞, 2, consists of tetrameric cores of K₄O₆ polyhedra linked via a network of K—Cπ interactions. Compound 2 displays not only inter- and intramolecular K—Cπ contacts, but also several K—H agostic interactions that provide further coordinative saturation.