Synthesis and characterization of a soluble bimetallic oxalate-based bidimensional magnet: [K(18-crown-6)]3[Mn3(H2O)4{Cr(ox)3}3

The "templating" K crown ether cation allows for the preparation of soluble layered oxalate-based bimetallic magnets, as in [K(18-crown-6]3{Mn3(H2O)4[Cr(ox)3]3}, with an unprecedented bidimensional polymeric anionic network that involves both oxalato bridges and H bonds. As in other 2D oxalate-bridged compounds, the compound behaves as a soft ferromagnet, with the onset of magnetic ordering occurring at 3.3 K.