Synthesis,spectra and X-ray crystal structure of a new type of macrocyclic hexanuclear iron(III) cluster

A macrocyclic iron(III) 18-azametallacrown-6 compound, [Fe₆(5-Brashz)₆(H₂O)₆]?·?20H₂O(5-Brashz?=?N-acetyl-(5-bromosalicylhydrazide)), where the pentadentate ligands bridge the metal ions, was synthesized and characterized. Due to the meridional coordination of the ligand to the metal ion, the ligand is not only bridging the ring metal ions using a hydrazide N–N group, but also enforcing the stereochemistry of the metal ions as a propeller shape with alternating Λ/Δ configuration. The disc-shaped hexanuclear cluster is about 14.5?Å in diameter, 16.8?Å in thickness and has a vacant cavity in the center of the cluster.