A series of three-dimensional coordination polymers with general formula [{Ln(H2O)n}{Re6Te8(CN)6}] · xH2O (Ln = Eu,Gd, Tb,Dy, Ho,Er, Tm,Yb; n = 3, 4, x = 0, 2.5)

A series of new compounds containing rare earth cations (Eu to Yb) and paramagnetic cluster anion [Re₆Te₈(CN)₆]³⁻ was prepared and investigated. The X-ray structural analyses have revealed that the compounds [{Ln(H₂O)₄}{Re₆Te₈(CN)₆}] · 2.5H₂O; Ln = Eu (1), Tb (3), Dy (4), Ho (5), Er (6), Tm (7), [{Gd(H₂O)₃}{Re₆Te₈(CN)₆}] · 2.5H₂O (2) and [{Yb(H₂O)₄}{Re₆Te₈(CN)₆}] (8) are three-dimensional polymers based on Re–CN–Ln interactions. Measurements of magnetic susceptibility for 2 and 5 showed that effective magnetic moment (at 300 K) was 8.13 μ_B for compound 2 and 10.79 μ_B for compound 5 with weak antiferromagnetic ordering appeared at low temperatures.     

Mixed-metal single-molecule magnets: Syntheses, structure, and magnetic properties of [Mn8Fe4O12(O2CR)16(H2O)4] (R = CH2Cl, CH2Br, CHCl2)

Three mixed-metal single-molecule magnets containing [Mn₈Fe₄O₁₂]¹⁶⁺ cores are synthesized and characterized. The reaction of FeCl₂·4H₂O with KMnO₄ and RCOOH (R = CH₂Cl, CH₂Br) in H₂O gives [Mn₈Fe₄O₁₂(O₂CR)₁₆(H₂O)₄] (R = CH₂Cl (1), CH₂Br (2)) in yields of 43% and 40%, respectively. Treatment of complex 1 with an excess of CHCl₂COOH in CH₂Cl₂ gives [Mn₈Fe₄O₁₂(O₂CCHCl₂)₁₆(H₂O)₄]·CH₂Cl₂·10H₂O (3·CH₂Cl₂·10H₂O) in a yield of 83%. The X-ray structure analysis reveals that all three complexes consist of a trapped-valence dodecanuclear core comprising 4Mn^III, 4Fe^III, and 4Mn^IV ions. DC magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements indicate that all three complexes exhibit intramolecular antiferromagnetic interaction, resulting in an S = 4 ground state. In addition, frequency-dependent out-of-phase AC magnetic susceptibility signals at low temperature for complexes 1, 2, and 3 are indicative of their single-molecule magnetism behavior.     

Reactivity of M(en)Cl2 (M = Pd/Pt,en = 1,2-diaminoethane) with N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine: Binding with hexafluorobenzene

Schiff base N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-p-phenylenediamine (LH₂) complexed with Pt(en)Cl₂ and Pd(en)Cl₂ provided [Pt(en)L]₂ · 4PF₆ (1) and Pd(Salen) (2) (Salen = N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-ethylenediamine), respectively, which were characterized by their elemental analysis, spectroscopic data and X-ray data. A solid complex obtained by the reaction of hexafluorobenzene (hfb) with the representative complex 1 has been isolated and characterized as 3 (1 · hfb) using UV–Vis, NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹F) data. A solid complex of hfb with a reported Zn-cyclophane 4 has also been prepared and characterized 5 (4 · hfb) for comparison with complex 3. The association of hfb with 1 and 4 has also been monitored using UV–Vis and luminescence data.     

Syntheses and study on nickel and copper complexes with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid. Crystal and molecular structure of [Cu3(mdpta)3(btc)](ClO4)3 · 4H2O

Nickel and copper complexes containing 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, with a combination of selected N-donor ligands and Schiff bases, of the composition Ni₃(bimz)₆(btc)₂ · 12H₂O (1), Ni₃(btz)₉(btc)₂ · 12H₂O (2), Ni₂(L₁)(btc) · 7H₂O (3), Ni₃(L₂)₂(Hbtc) · 9H₂O (4), Ni₂(L₃)(btc) · 4H₂O (5), Cu₂(L₄)(btc) · 7H₂O (6), [Cu₃(pmdien)₃(btc)](ClO₄)₃ · 6H₂O (7) and [Cu₃(mdpta)₃(btc)](ClO₄)₃ · 4H₂O (8); H₃btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid, bimz = benzimidazole, btz = 1,2,3-benztriazole, L₁ = 2-[(phenylimino)methyl]phenol, L₂ = N,N′-bis-(salicylidene)propylenediamine, L₃ = 2-{[(2-nitrophenyl)methylene]amino}phenol, L₄ = 2-[(4-methoxy-phenylimino)methyl]phenol, pmdien = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, mdpta = N,N-bis-(3-aminopropyl)methylamine, have been synthesized. The complexes have been studied by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis spectroscopies, magnetochemical and conductivity measurements and selected compounds also by thermal analysis. The crystal and molecular structure of complex 8 was solved. The complex is trinuclear with btc³⁻-bridge. The coordination polyhedron around each copper atom can be described as a distorted square with a CuON₃ chromophore formed by one oxygen atom of carboxylate and three nitrogen atoms of mdpta. The magnetic properties of 8 have been studied in the 1.8–300 K temperature range revealing a very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction with J = −0.56 cm⁻¹ for g = 2.13(9). The antimicrobial activities against selected strains of bacteria were evaluated. It was found that only complex 5 is able to inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus strains.     

Oxime-substituted NCN-pincer palladium and platinum halide polymers through non-covalent hydrogen bonding (NCN = [C6H2(CH2NMe2)2-2,6])

The oxime-substituted NCN-pincer molecules HONCH-1-C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)₂-3,5 (2a) and HONCH-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6-Br-1 (2b) were accessible by treatment of the benzaldehydes H(O)C-4-C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)₂-3,5 (1a) and H(O)C-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6-Br-1 (1b) with an excess of hydroxylamine. In the solid state both compounds are forming polymers with intermolecular O-H?N connectivities between the Me₂NCH₂ substituents and the oxime entity of further molecules of 2a and 2b, respectively. Characteristic for 2a and 2b is a helically arrangement involving a crystallographic 2₁ screw axis of the HONCH-1-C₆H₃(CH₂NMe₂)₂-3,5 and HONCH-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6-Br-1 building blocks.The reaction of 2b with equimolar amounts of [Pd₂(dba)₃ · CHCl₃] (3) (dba = dibenzylidene acetone) or [Pt(tol)₂(SEt₂)]₂ (4) (tol = 4-tolyl) gave by an oxidative addition of the C-Br unit to M coordination polymers with a [(HONCH-4-C₆H₂(CH₂NMe₂)₂-2,6)MBr] repeating unit (5: M = Pd, 6: M = Pt). Complexes 5 and 6 are in the solid state linear hydrogen-bridged polymers with O-H?Br contacts between the oxime entities and the metal-bonded bromide.     

Two-stage formation of chloro (N-o-chlorobenzamido-meso-tetraphenylporphyrinato) zinc(II) methylene chloride solvate: Zn(N-NHCO(o-Cl)C6H4-tpp)Cl · CH2Cl2

The coordinating properties of N-o-chlorobenzamido-meso-tetraphenylporphyrin (N-NHCO(o-Cl)C₆H₄-Htpp; 11) have been investigated for the Zn²⁺ ion. Insertion of Zn results in the formation of the zinc complex Zn(N-NCO(o-Cl)C₆H₄-tpp)(MeOH) · MeOH (12 · MeOH). The diamagnetic 12 · MeOH can be transformed into the diamagnetic Zn(N-NHCO(o-Cl)C₆H₄-tpp)Cl · CH₂Cl₂ (13 · CH₂Cl₂) in a reaction with aqueous hydrogen chloride (2%). X-ray structures for 12 · MeOH and 13 · CH₂Cl₂ have been determined. The coordination sphere around the Zn²⁺ ion in 12 · MeOH is a distorted trigonal bipyramid with N(2), N(4) and O(2) lying in the equatorial plane, whereas for the Zn²⁺ ion in 13 · CH₂Cl₂, it is a square-based pyramid in which the apical site is occupied by the Cl(1) atom.     

Heteronuclear M(II)-Ln(III) (M = Co, Mn; Ln = La, Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy and Er) coordination polymers: Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties

Thirteen novel 3d-4f heteronuclear coordination polymers based on the pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H₂pda) and imidazole ligands, HIm[(pda)₃MLn(Im)₂(H₂O)₂]·3H₂O (Im = imidazole; M = Co, Ln = Pr (1), Gd (2), Dy (3), Er (4); M = Mn, Ln = Pr (5), Sm (6), Gd (7), Dy (8), Er (9)), HIm[(pda)₃CoSm(Im)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (10), [(Im)₄M(H₂O)₂][(pda)₄La₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (M = Co (11), Mn (12)), and [(pda)₆Co₃Pr₂(H₂O)₆]·6H₂O (13), have been prepared and structurally characterized. X-ray crystallographic analyses revealed that these complexes display four different types of structures. Complexes 1-9 are isostructural, and possess 1-D chain structures constructed by alternately arrayed nine-coordinated Ln(III) (Ln = Pr, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er) and six-coordinated M(II) (M = Mn, Co) ions. Complex 10 exhibits a unique one-dimensional structure, in which two independent chains are parallel viewed down the a-axis and anti-parallel viewed down the c-axis. Complexes 11 and 12 are isostructural and display 1-D homometallic chain structures. Complex 13 is a 3D framework fabricated through PrN₃O₆ and CoO₆ polyhedrons as building blocks. The variable-temperature solid-state dc magnetic susceptibilities of complexes 2, 3, 4, 9 and 13 have been investigated. Antiferromagnetic exchange interactions were determined for these five complexes.     

Redistribution reactions of heteroleptic barium iodide derivatives: Synthesis and structures of trans-BaI2(DME)(triglyme), cis-BaI2(DME)(tetraglyme) and [Ba(tetraglyme)2]I2 · C7H8

The reaction between BaI₂ · 2H₂O and NaHFIP [HFIP = OCH(CF₃)₂] in a 1:1 stoichiometry gave the heterometallic compound NaBaI₂(HFIP)(H₂O)(THF)_0.5 (1). Attempts to recrystallize 1 in the presence of N- or O-donor ligands lead to redistribution reactions. Barium iodide adducts such as BaI₂(DME)₃ (2), trans-BaI₂(DME)(triglyme) (3) and cis-BaI₂(DME)(tetraglyme) (4) were isolated with DME as solvent. A similar behavior was observed for the reaction between BaI₂ · 2H₂O and NaTFA (TFA = O₂CCF₃) in a 1:1 stoichiometry in THF, and [Ba(tetraglyme)₂]I₂ · C₇H₈ (6) was isolated in the presence of excess tetraglyme. All compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR and ¹H NMR as well as single crystal X-ray studies for 3, 4 and 6. Compounds 3 and 4 are covalent adducts with eight- and nine-coordinate barium, respectively. Compound 6 is an ionic compound where two tetraglyme ligands wrap the 10-coordinate barium cation in a helical fashion. The presence of DME actually allows the coordination number of barium in the mixed-ligand adducts 3 and 4 to be tuned. The average Ba–O bond lengths (2.80 for 3 to 2.87 Å for 6) reflect the coordination number of the metal. The same observation is valid for the average Ba–I bond distance, 3.442 for 3 vs. 3.536 Å for 4.     

Assembly molecular architectures based on structural variation of metalloligand [Cu(PySal)2] (PySal = 3-pyridylmethylsalicylideneimino)

A versatile neutral metalloligand [Cu(PySal)₂] (1) (PySal = 3-pyridylmethylsalicylidene-imino) was exploited as a building unit to construct five complexes {Cu[Cu(PySal)₂]₂}(ClO₄)₂ (2), {Cd[Cu(PySal)₂]₂(H₂O)₂]} (NO₃)₂ · 2H₂O · 4CH₃OH (3), {Zn[μ₂-Cu(PySal)₂]Cl₂}_n · nCH₃OH (4), {Hg[μ₂-Cu(PySal)₂]I₂}_n (5) and {Cd[μ₂-Cu(PySal)₂]Cl₂}_n · nCH₂Cl₂ (6). [Cu(PySal)₂] acts as a chelating ligand in discrete complexes 2 and 3 with unbound anions, but as a bis-monodentate bridging ligand in polymers 4, 5 and 6 when halogen anions coordinated cooperatively to metal cations. The coordination geometry of Cu²⁺ is well-defined square planar in bridging [Cu(PySal)₂], analogous to that in free metalloligand (1), but it is distorted square planar in chelating [Cu(PySal)₂].     

Preparation, crystal structures, EPR and reflectance spectra of two new charge-transfer salts, [CpFeCpCH2N(CH3)3]4[XMo12O40] · nCH3CN (n = 0 for X = P or n = 1 for X = Ge)

Two new charge-transfer salts, [CpFeCpCH₂N(CH₃)₃]₄[PMo₁₂O₄₀] · CH₃CN (1) and [CpFeCpCH₂N(CH₃)₃]₄[GeMo₁₂O₄₀] (2), were synthesized by the traditional solution synthetic method and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Salt 1 belongs to the triclinic space group P1, and salt 2 belongs to the triclinic space group . There exist the complex interactions of the cationic ferrocenyl donor and Keggin polyanion in the solid state. The solid state UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectra indicate the presence of a charge-transfer band climbing from 450 nm to well beyond 900 nm for 1, a charge-transfer band from 460 to 850 nm with λ_max = 630 nm for 2.The EPR spectra of salts 1 and 2 at 77 K show a signal at g = 2.0048 and 1.9501, respectively, ascribed to the delocalization of one electron in reduced Keggin ion in salt 1 and the Mo^VI in [GeMo₁₂O₄₀]⁴⁻ is partly reduced to Mo^V owing to the charge-transfer transitions taking place between the ferrocenyl donors and the POM acceptors. The two compounds were also characterized by IR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry.     

Intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in [Ag(PPh3)3(HL)] complexes [H2L: H2xspa = 3(aryl)-2-sulfanylpropenoic acids; H2cpa = 2-cyclopentylidene-2-sulfanylacetic acid]

Compounds of the type [Ag(PPh₃)₃(HL)] {H₂xspa=3(aryl)-2-sulfanylpropenoic acids: x = Clp [3-(2-chlorophenyl)-], -o-mp [3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-], -p-mp [3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-], -o-hp [3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-], -p-hp [3-(4-hydroxyphenyl-); H₂cpa = 2-cyclopentylidene-2-sulfanylacetic acid} were synthesized and characterised by IR and NMR (¹H ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopy and by FAB mass spectrometry. The crystal structures of [Ag(PPh₃)₃(HClpspa)], [Ag(PPh₃)₃(H-o-mpspa)], [Ag(PPh₃)₃(H-p-mpspa)] and [Ag(PPh₃)₃(Hcpa)] reveal the presence of discrete molecular units containing an intramolecular O-H···S hydrogen bond between the S atom and one of the O atoms of the COOH group. This intramolecular hydrogen bond remains in [Ag(PPh₃)₃(H-o-hpspa)]·EtOH and [Ag(PPh₃)₃(H-p-hpspa)] but in both cases polymeric structures are built on the basis of O-H···O interactions that involve the -OH substituent of the phenyl group of the sulfanylpropenoate fragment.     

Supramolecular 2D structures in [M(NCS)2(bpe)2(H2O)2] (M = Mn, Fe) systems connected by hydrogen bonds

Here we report the synthesis and characterization by X-ray diffraction, FTIR, UV-Vis and EPR spectroscopies, and the magnetic measurements of two new compounds: [Mn(NCS)₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)₂] (1) and [Fe(NCS)₂(bpe)₂(H₂O)₂] (2) (bpe = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene). Single-crystal structure analyses reveals discrete octahedral metal units that are assembled into 2D sheets through O-Hw?N(bpe) and O-Hw?S(thiocyanate) hydrogen bonds. The intermetallic M?M distances are 6.90 and 6.87 Å for 1 and 2, respectively. Supramolecular architectures are obtained by connections through H-bonds. Slight interactions are observed for compound 2.     

Novel octahedral nickel(II) dithiocarbamates with bi- or tetradentate N-donor ligands: X-ray structures of [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)2]ClO4 · CHCl3 and [Ni(Bz2dtc)2(cyclam)]

A series of novel octahedral nickel(II) dithiocarbamate complexes involving bidentate nitrogen-donor ligands (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) or a tetradentate ligand (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacycloteradecane) of the composition [Ni(BzMetdtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ (1), [Ni(Pe₂dtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ (2), [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)₂]ClO₄ · CHCl₃ (3), [Ni(Bzppzdtc)(phen)₂](SCN) (4), [Ni(BzMetdtc)(bpy)₂]ClO₄ · 2H₂O (5), [Ni(Pe₂dtc)(cyclam)]ClO₄ (6), [Ni(BzMetdtc)₂(cyclam)] (7), [Ni(Bz₂dtc)₂(cyclam)] (8) and [Ni(Bz₂dtc)₂(phen)] (9) (BzMetdtc = N,N-benzyl-methyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Pe₂dtc = N,N-dipentyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Bz₂dtc = N,N-dibenzyldithiocarbamate(1-) anion, Bzppzdtc = 4-benzylpiperazinedithiocarbamate(1-) anion), have been synthesized. Spectroscopic (electronic and infrared), magnetic moment and molar conductivity data, and thermal behaviour of the complexes are discussed. Single crystal X-ray analysis of 3 and 8 confirmed a distorted octahedral arrangement in the vicinity of the nickel atom with a N₄S₂ donor set. They represent the first X-ray structures of such type complexes. The catalytic influence of complexes 2, 3, 6, and 7 on graphite oxidation was studied and discussed.     

Group 12 metal aryl selenolates. Crystal and molecular structure of [2-(Et2NCH2)C6H4]2Se2 and [2-(Me2NCH2)C6H4Se]2M (M = Zn, Cd)

Diorganodiselenide [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]₂Se₂ (1) was obtained by hydrolysis/oxidation of the corresponding [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]SeLi derivative. The treatment of [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]₂Se₂ with elemental sodium in THF resulted in [2-(Et₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]SeNa (2). Reactions between alkali metal selenolates [2-(R₂NCH₂)C₆H₄]SeM′ (R = Me, Et; M′ = Li, Na) and MCl₂ (M = Zn, Cd) in a 2:1 molar ratio resulted in the [2-(R₂NCH₂)C₆H₄Se]₂M species [R = Me, M = Zn (3), Cd (4); R = Et, M = Zn (5), Cd (6)]. The new compounds were characterized by multinuclear NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ⁷⁷Se, ¹¹³Cd) and mass spectrometry. The crystal and molecular structures of 1, 3 and 4 revealed monomeric species stabilized by N → Se (for 1) and N → M (for 3 and 4) intramolecular interactions.     

X-ray and multinuclear NMR study of the mixed aggregate [(Ph2P(O)N(CH2Ph)CH3) · LiOC6H2-2,6-{C(CH3)3}2-4-CH3) · C7H8]2: a model for the directed metalation of phosphinamides

The addition of LiBuⁿ to a toluene solution of Ph₂P(O)N(CH₂Ph)CH₃1 and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol 5 leads to the formation of the mixed dimer [(Ph₂P(O)N(CH₂Ph)CH₃) · LiOC₆H₂-2,6-{C(CH₃)₃}₂-4-CH₃) · C₇H₈]₂6. The single crystal X-ray structure shows that two lithium aryloxide moieties dimerize giving rise to a Li₂O₂ core in which each lithium atom is additionally coordinated to a phosphinamide 1 ligand. The multinuclear magnetic resonance study (¹H, ⁷Li, ¹³C, ³¹P) indicates that the solid-state structure is preserved in toluene solution. Complex 6 may be considered as a model for the pre-complexation step preceding the metalation of phosphinamides by an organolithium base.     

Some complexes containing carbon chains end-capped by M(CO)2Tp′ [M = Mo, W; Tp′ = HB(pz)3, HB(dmpz)3] groups

Complexes M(CCCSiMe₃)(CO)₂Tp′ (Tp′ = Tp [HB(pz)₃], M = Mo 2, W 4; Tp′ = Tp^∗ [HB(dmpz)₃], M = Mo 3) are obtained from M(CCCSiMe₃)(O₂CCF₃)(CO)₂(tmeda) (1) and K[Tp′].Reactions of 2 or 4 with AuCl(PPh₃)/K₂CO₃ in MeOH afforded M{CCCAu(PPh₃)}(CO)₂Tp′ (M = Mo 5, W 6) containing C₃ chains linking the Group 6 metal and gold centres.In turn, the gold complexes react with Co₃(μ₃-CBr)(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ to give the C₄-bridged {Tp(OC)₂M}CCCC{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (M = Mo 7, W 8), while Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Co₃{μ₃-C(CC)₂Au(PPh₃)}(μ-dppm)(CO)₇ give {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)₂C{Co₃(μ-dppm)(CO)₇} (9) via a phosphine-gold(I) halide elimination reaction. The C₃ complexes Tp′(OC)₂MCCCRu(dppe)Cp^∗ (Tp′ = Tp, M = Mo 10, W 11; Tp′ = Tp^∗, M = Mo 12) were obtained from 2-4 and RuCl(dppe)Cp^∗ via KF-induced metalla-desilylation reactions. Reactions between Mo(CBr)(CO)₂Tp^∗ and Ru{(CC)_nAu(PPh₃)}(dppe)Cp^∗ (n = 2, 3) afforded {Tp^∗(OC)₂Mo}C(CC)_n{Ru(dppe)Cp^∗} (n = 2 13, 3 14), containing C₅ and C₇ chains, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray structure determinations of 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 and 12 are reported.     

Synthesis, structural characterization and reactivity of new tin bridged ansa-bis(cyclopentadiene) compounds: X-ray crystal structures of Me2Sn(C5Me4R-1)2 (R = H, SiMe3)

The organo-tin compounds, Me₂Sn(C₅H₄R-1)₂ (R = Me (1), Prⁱ (2), Bu^t (3), SiMe₃ (4)) and Me₂Sn(C₅Me₄R-1)₂ (R = H (5), SiMe₃ (6)), were prepared by the reaction of Me₂SnCl₂ with the lithium or sodium derivative of the corresponding cyclopentadiene. Compounds 1-6 have been characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy (¹H, ¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn). In addition the molecular structures of 5 and 6 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The transmetalation reaction of 1-6 with ZrCl₄ or [NbCl₄(THF)₂] gave the corresponding metallocene complexes in high yields.     

Jahn-Teller-distorted dimeric anions in (cat)[Mn2F8(H2O)2]·2H2O (cat = pipzH2, dabcoH2) and (dabcoH2)2[Mn2F8(H2PO4)2]

Using biprotonated dabco (1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane) or pipz (piperazine) as counter cations, mixed-ligand fluoromanganates(III) with dimeric anions could be prepared from hydrofluoric acid solutions. The crystal structures were determined by X-ray diffraction on single crystals: dabcoH₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (1), space group P2₁, Z = 2, a = 6.944(1), b = 14.689(3), c = 7.307(1) Å, β = 93.75(3)°, R₁ = 0.0240; pipzH₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (2), space group , Z = 2, a = 6.977(1), b = 8.760(2), c = 12.584(3) Å, α = 83.79(3), β = 74.25(3), γ = 71.20(3)°, R₁ = 0.0451; (dabcoH₂)₂[Mn₂F₈(H₂PO₄)₂] (3), space group P2₁/n, Z = 4, a = 9.3447(4), b = 12.5208(4), c = 9.7591(6) Å, β = 94.392(8)°, R₁ = 0.0280. All three compounds show dimeric anions formed by [MnF₅O] octahedra (O from oxo ligands) sharing a common edge, with strongly asymmetric double fluorine bridges. In contrast to analogous dimeric anions of Al or Fe(III), the oxo ligands (H₂O (1,2) or phosphate (3)) are in equatorial trans-positions within the bridging plane. The strong pseudo-Jahn-Teller effect of octahedral Mn(III) complexes is documented in a huge elongation of an octahedral axis, namely that including the long bridging Mn-F bond and the Mn-O bond. In spite of different charge of the anion in the fluoride phosphate, the octahedral geometry is almost the same as in the aqua-fluoro compounds. The strong distortion is reflected also in the ligand field spectra.     

Reactivity studies of phenylcalcium iodide towards THF yielding phenyl-free cage compounds - Crystal structures of [{(thf)Ca(O-CHCH2)2}4 · CaO · CaI2] and [(CaO)4 · 4 (thf)3CaI2]

THF proved to be the favoured solvent for the direct synthesis of phenylcalcium iodide. However, ether degradation is the major side reaction in this solvent. Zinc-mediated degradation of THF leads to the formation of the cage compound [{(thf)Ca(O-CHCH₂)₂}₄ · CaO · CaI₂] (1) besides the zincate [(thf)₆Ca] [ZnEt₂Ph₂]. The structure of 1 shows an oxygen-centered Ca₆ octahedron with iodine atoms bound to two opposite corners. Heating of phenylcalcium iodide in THF solution for several hours yields [(CaO)₄ · 4 (thf)₃CaI₂] (2) with a central Ca₄O₄ heterocubane unit. NMR monitoring of the reaction shows that the phenyl groups are converted to benzene due to α-deprotonation of THF.