Synthesis,characterization and crystal structure of a novel 2D Ni(II) complex with malate

An exploration of the nickel‐ malate‐bpa system under hydrothermal conditions, has led to the isolation of a novel framework {[Ni(Hmal)(bpa)]·2.5H₂O}_n ( 1 ) (Hmal = malate dianion, bpa = 1,2‐bi(4‐pyridyl)ethane). Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal that it crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Fdd2. a = 21.9944(13) Å, b =33.3369(19) Å, c = 10.3969(5) Å, β = 90°. The Ni^II ions are linked into an extended helical chain via Hmal molecules. Further these chains are united together through the bridging bpa to form a 2D grid layer, which exhibits a typical (6,3) topological network. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)