Two new lead(II) nitrite complexes,crystal structure of [Pb(phen)2(NO2)2] an eight-coordinate lead(II) complex

Two new lead(II) complexes containing nitrite, [Pb(L)₂(NO₂)₂], L?=?1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy), have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of [Pb(phen)₂(NO₂)₂] shows monomeric units. The coordination number is eight (four from “phen” ligands and four nitrite anions), weak interaction of lead(II) with oxygen atoms of adjacent molecules produce dimer units in the solid state. The arrangement of ligands exhibits a coordination hole around the lead(II), occupied possibly by a stereoactive lone pair of electrons on lead(II), and the coordination around lead is hemidirected. There is a π–π stacking interaction between the parallel aromatic rings that may help to increase the “gap” around lead(II).