Synthesis,crystal structure and magnetic properties of a nickel(II) complex containing a 2-pyridyl-substituted nitronyl nitroxide

A new complex of formula [Ni(NIT2Py)₂Cl(H₂O)]Cl·2CH₃OH, where NIT2Py is 2-(2′-pyridyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide, was synthesized and characterized structurally and magnetically. The structure consists of a [Ni(NIT2Py)₂Cl(H₂O)]⁺ ion, a chloride anion and two methanol molecules. The nickel(II) ion lies in a distorted octahedral environment; two nitrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms from NIT2Py ligands from the basal plane; one oxygen atom from a water molecule and one chloride anion occupy axial positions. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility data show that there is strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the nickel(II) ion and nitronyl nitroxide radicals. The results suggest that the sign of the magnetic interaction depends on structural and ligand effects.