Hydrogenmaleato bridged supramolecular double chains via π–π stacking interactions: syntheses, crystal structures and magnetic properties of ∞[Cu(phen)X(HL)2/2] with X=Cl (1), NO3 (2) and H2L=maleic acid

Two novel hydrogen maleato (HL) bridged Cu(II) complexes _∞¹[Cu(phen)Cl(HL)_2/2] 1 and _∞¹[Cu(phen)(NO₃)(HL)_2/2] 2 were obtained from reactions of 1,10-phenanthroline, maleic acid with CuCl₂·2H₂O and Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, respectively, in CH₃OH/H₂O (1:1 v/v) at pH=2.0 and the crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. Both complexes crystallize isostructurally in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with cell dimensions: 1 a=8.639(2) Å, b=15.614(3) Å, c=11.326(2) Å, β=94.67(3)°, Z=4, D_calc=1.720 g/cm³ and 2 a=8.544(1) Å, b=15.517(2) Å, c=12.160(1) Å, β=90.84(8)°, Z=4, D_calc=1.734 g/cm³. In both complexes, the square pyramidally coordinated Cu atoms are bridged by hydrogen maleato ligands into 1D chains with the coordinating phen ligands parallel on one side. Interdigitation of the chelating phen ligands of two neighbouring chains via π–π stacking interactions forms supramolecular double chains, which are then arranged in the crystal structures according to pseudo 1D close packing patterns. Both complexes exhibit similar paramagnetic behavior obeying Curie–Weiss laws χ_m(T−θ)=0.414 cm³ mol⁻¹ K with the Weiss constants θ=−1.45, −1.0 K for 1 and 2, respectively.     

Constructions of a set of novel hydrogen-bonded supramolecules from reactions of cobalt(II) salt with bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane and different carboxylic acids

Reactions of CoX₂·6H₂O (X = Cl⁻, ClO₄⁻) with bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane (dmpzm) and formic acid, acetic acid, benzoic acid, salicylic acid, maleic acid, or fumaric acid under the presence of KOH solution produced a new family of Co(II)/dmpzm complexes, [Co(dmpzm)₂L]X·nH₂O (1: L = O₂CH, X = Cl, n = 2; 2: L = OAc, X = Cl, n = 3; 3: L = benzoate, X = ClO₄, n = 1/3; 4: L = salicylate, X = ClO₄, n = 1/3) and [Co₂(dmpzm)₄L](ClO₄)₂·nSolv (5: L = maleate, n = 3, Solv = H₂O; 6: L = fumarate, n = 2, Solv = MeOH). These compounds were structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1–4 are mononuclear while 5–6 are binuclear. Each cobalt atom of 1–6 is hexacoordinate, with a distorted octahedral CoN₄O₂ coordination geometry incorporating two N,N′-bidentate dmpzm ligands and one O,O′-bidentate carboxylate ligand. There are rich intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the crystals of 1–6, thereby forming either 2D hydrogen-bonded networks (1 and 2) or 3D hydrogen-bonded networks (3–6). In addition, the thermal behaviors of 1–6 were also investigated.     

Dinuclear transition metal compounds of a decadentate pyrazole-containing chelating ligand. X-ray crystal structure of Co2(tthd)(ClO4)4(H2O)2(MeOH)1.75

A potentially decadentate ligand, 1,1,4,7,10,10-hexakis(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazadecane (tthd), has been synthesized from the reaction of tri-ethylenetetramine with six equivalents of N-hydroxymethyl-3,5-dimethylpyrazole. The tthd ligand forms coordination compounds, M₂(tthd)(ClO₄)₄(H₂O)_x, when M is Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd and x = 4–8; and M₂(tthd)(A)₂(ClO₄)₂(H₂O)_x when M is Co and Ni, A is NCS or Cl, and x = 4–8. The cobalt compound, Co₂(tthd)(ClO₄)₂(H₂O)₂(MeOH)_1.75, crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1, a = 1.959(2), b = 1.5657(3), c = 2.1244(3) nm, = 105.5(1), β = 96.9(1), γ = 112.1(1). Due to severe disorder of the anions the structure could only be refined to an R_w, value of 0.099. The ligand acts as a decadentate, dinucleating ligand. The cobalt ions are distorted octahedrally surrounded by five N-atoms of the tthd ligand and an O-atom of water occupying the sixth coordination place. The other perchlorate compounds have very similar structures, as can be concluded from spectroscopic data.

In the thiocyanate and chloride compounds the anions have replaced the coordinated water molecules, resulting in octahedral Ni compounds. With Co thiocyanate, however, tthd acts as an octadentate ligand, resulting only in five-coordinated compounds.     

Thermochemical properties of Ln(Gly)4Im(ClO4)3·nH2O (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Y)

The enthalpies of dissolution in water of new ternary complexes of four late trivalent lanthanide ions Ln(Gly)₄Im(ClO₄)₃·nH₂O (Ln=Gd, Tb, Dy, Y; Gly: glycine; Im: imidazole and n=1 or 2) were measured by means of a Calvet microcalorimeter. Empirical formulae for the calculation of the enthalpies of dissolution (Δ_dissH), relative apparent molar enthalpies (Δ_dissH (app)), relative partial molar enthalpies (Δ_dissH (partial)) and enthalpies of dilution (Δ_dilH_1,2) were obtained from the experimental data of the enthalpies of dissolution of these complexes. The plot of Δ_dissH_m^Θ, Δ_dissH (app) and Δ_dissH (partial) versus the values of the ionic radius of the lanthanide element (r) showed a grouping effect of the lanthanide elements, indicating that the coordinated bond between the lanthanide ions and the ligands has some covalent character. The unknown value of the standard enthalpy of dissolution for the similar complex: Ho(Gly)₄Im(ClO₄)₃·H₂O was estimated according to the plot of Δ_dissH_m^Θ versus r.     

Large heteropolymetalate complexes formed from lanthanide (Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd), nickel cations and cryptate [As4W40O140]: synthesis and structure characterization

A new family of heteropolytungstate complexes (NH₄)₂₁[Ln(H₂O)₅{Ni(H₂O)}₂As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]·xH₂O(Ln=Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) were prepared by the reaction of Na₂₇[NaAs₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]·60H₂O with NiCl₂·6H₂O and Ln(NO₃)₃·xH₂O at pH≈4.5. The crystal structures of (NH₄)₂₁[Gd(H₂O)₅{Ni(H₂O)}₂As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]·51H₂O was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis and element analysis. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n with a=19.754(3), b=24.298(4), c=39.350(6) Å, β=100.612(3)°, V=18564(5) ų, Z=2, R1(wR₂)=0.0544(0.0691). The central site S1 and two opposite sites S2 of the big cyclic ligand [As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]²⁸⁻ are occupied by one Ln³⁺and two Ni²⁺, respectively, each site supply four O_d coordinating to metal ion, another one water molecule and other five water molecules coordinate, respectively, to Ni²⁺and Ln³⁺. Polyanion [Ln(H₂O)₅{Ni(H₂O)}₂As₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]²¹⁻ has C_2v symmetry. IR and UV–vis spectra of [NaAs₄W₄₀O₁₄₀]²⁷⁻ of the title compounds are discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of two Ni(II) complexes with furfural s-methylthiosemicarbazone

Synthesis of two Ni(II) complexes with furfural S-methylthiosemicarbazone (HL) of the formula [Ni(HL)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ (A) and [Ni(HL)₂(ClO₄)₂] (B) are reported. Compound A was obtained from an ethanolic solution of Ni(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O and HL, whilst compound B was produced by heating compound A to 378 K. An X-ray analysis of the complex A showed that it has a trans(H₂O)-trans(HL) octahedral configuration in which HL behaves as a bidentate (NN) ligand. On the basis of the IR and electronic spectra as well as the magnetism, it was found that the compound B has also an octahedral configuration in which, HL and ClO₄ groups, are coordinated.     

Photodynamic action of bis(tertiary arsine (diars)) metal(III) complexes trans-[M(diars)2X2] (X = Cl, Br, I); M = Co, Cr, Rh: Optical and EPR spin-trapping studies

Photodynamic properties of series of metal complexes having the general formula [M(diars)₂X₂]ClO₄ or BF₄ where M = Co³⁺, Cr³⁺, Rh³⁺; X = Cl, Br, I, diars = o-phenylene bis(dimethylarsine) are studied. Photogeneration of singlet oxygen is monitored by both optical and EPR methods. In comparison with rose bengal ((¹O₂) for RB = 0.76), singlet oxygen generating efficiencies of these complexes are determined. Rate of N,N-dimethyl-4-nitrosoaniline (RNO) bleaching is found to be retarded by specific ¹O₂ quencher NaN₃, confirming the involvement of ¹O₂ as an active intermediate. Photolysis of these complexes in the presence of spin trap 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO) generates 12-line EPR spectra, characteristic of O₂⁻ adduct. Photogeneration of O₂⁻ is also monitored by optical spectroscopy using superoxide dismutase (SOD) inhibitable cytochrome c reduction assay. The results indicate that the [Co(diars)₂Br₂]ClO₄ complex possesses high ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Both Type I and II paths are involved in the photosensitisation of the metal complexes. The antimicrobial activity of the complexes against selected bacteria is estimated. The relationship between the enzymatic production of ROS and antimicrobial activity of the complexes is examined and a good correlation between two factors is found. The [CoBr₂(diars)₂]ClO₄ complex investigated in this study effect photo cleavage of the plasmid DNA (pUC18).     

Syntheses and X-ray crystal structures of [Co(η-CO3)(NH3)4](NO3)·0.5H2O and [(NH3)3Co(μ-OH)2(μ-CO3)Co(NH3)3][NO3]2·H2O

[Co(η²-CO₃)(NH₃)₄](NO₃)·0.5H₂O and [(NH₃)₃Co(μ-OH)₂(μ-CO₃)Co(NH₃)₃][NO₃]₂·H₂O were prepared by prolonged aerial oxidation of a solution of Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and ammonium carbonate in aqueous ammonia. The formation of these side products highlights the richness of the chemistry of these systems and the possibility of by products if methods are not strictly adhered to. The X-ray crystal structures of [Co(η²-CO₃)(NH₃)₄][NO₃]·0.5H₂O and [(NH₃)₃Co(μ-OH)₂(μ-CO₃)Co(NH₃)₃][NO₃]₂·H₂O reveal a monomeric octahedral cobalt center with η²-bound CO₃²⁻ in the former, while the latter consists of a dimeric array where the two cobalt centers are bridged by two OH⁻ and one μ₂-CO₃²⁻ groups with three terminal NH₃ ligands for each Co center. In both complexes extensive hydrogen bonding interactions are evident.     

Complex of trivalent lanthanum ion with galactitol in the solid state: the crystal structure and an FT-IR study of LaCl3·galactitol·6H2O

The crystal structure of LaCl₃·galactitol·6H₂O has been determined. It is monoclinic. The space group is P2₁/n with unit cell dimensions a=10.5091(7), b=12.5366(7), c=14.4420(10) Å, β=90.974(2)°, V=1902.4(2) ų and Z=4. Each La³⁺ ion in the unit cell is coordinated to 10 oxygen atoms, three from O1, O2 and O3 of one alditol, three from O4, O5 and O6 of another alditol and four from water molecules, with La–O distances from 2.5099 to 2.6916 Å. The other two water molecules are hydrogen-bonded. FT-IR spectrum of LaCl₃·galactitol·6H₂O is apparently different from that of other lanthanide–galactitol complexes. It is consistent with the differences between their crystal structures. Both the IR result and the crystal structure of LaCl₃·galactitol·6H₂O complex show that it has the different coordination mode compared with other lanthanide complexes.     

Synthesis, spectral properties, crystal structures and antimicrobial effects of copper(II) pyridinecarboxylate adducts with chelating ligands

The reaction of an ethanolic solution of copper(II) pyridinecarboxylates CuX₂·nH₂O (where X is nicotinate (nic) (n=0) or isonicotinate (isonic) (n=4)) with ethylenediamine (en) in a molar ratio of 1:2 lead to the isolation of solid tetragonally distorted octahedral complexes of the type [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)₂]X₂·nH₂O (n=1 for nic; n=0 for isonic). The analogous reaction of CuX₂·nH₂O with diethylenetriamine (dien) in a molar ratio of 1:1 leads to the formation of square-pyramidal pentacoordinated complexes of the type [CuX(dien)(H₂O)]X. On the other hand, the reaction of equimolar quantities of copper(II) nitrate and dien with nicotinate anions (equimolar quantities of pyridinecarboxylic acid and NaOH) in ethanolic solutions gives a solid monomeric complex [Cu(nic)(NO₃)dien)(H₂O)]·H₂O in which the coordination polyhedron around the Cu(II) atom is a (4+1+1) distorted tetragonal bipyramid. Based on the molecular structure the electronic and IR spectra are discussed. Moreover, the results of the quantitative determination of antimicrobial activity of the isonic complexes [Cu(isonic)₂(H₂O)₄], [Cu(en)₂(H₂O)₂](isonic)₂, [Cu(isonic)(dien)(H₂O)](isonic), as well as isonicotinic acid, ethylenediamine and diethylenetriamine alone are discussed.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structure of one-dimensional Co(dien)2(VO3)3·(H2O) (dien=diethylenetriamine)

One-dimensional Co(dien)₂(VO₃)₃·(H₂O) was prepared from the hydrothermal reaction of NH₄VO₃, Co₂O₃, diethylenetriamine (dien) and H₂O at 130 °C. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c with a=16.1581(6) Å, b=8.7006(3) Å, c=13.9893(4) Å, β=103.1483(11)°, V=1915.13(11) Å³, Z=4, and R₁=0.0268 for 3060 observed reflections. Single crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that the structure is composed of infinite one-dimensional chains formed by corner-sharing VO₄ tetrahedra with Co(dien)³⁺ complex cations and crystallization water molecules occupying the interchain positions, which are held together to a three-dimensional network via extensive hydrogen-bonding interactions. The compound, with a new zig-zag conformation of metavanadate chains, is the first example of vanadium oxides incorporating trivalent transition metal coordination groups. Other characterizations by elemental analysis, IR and thermal analysis are also described.     

The ternary system H2O–Fe(NO3)3–Co(NO3)2 isotherms 0 and 15 °C

The solid–liquid equilibria of the ternary system H₂O–Fe(NO₃)₃–Co(NO₃)₂ were studied by using a synthetic method based on conductivity measurements.

Two isotherms were established at 0 and 15 °C, and the stable solid phases which appear are the iron nitrate nonahydrate (Fe(NO₃)₃·9H₂O), the iron nitrate hexahydrate (Fe(NO₃)₃·6H₂O), the cobalt nitrate hexahydrate (Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O) and the cobalt nitrate trihydrate (Co(NO₃)₂·3H₂O).     

Electronic absorption spectrum of Ba(MnO4)2·3H2O/Ba(ClO4)2·3H2O

Polarized absorption spectra of Ba(MnO₄)₂·3H₂O/Ba(ClO₄)₂·3H₂O mixed single crystals are reported at 4.2°K. Previous ¹T₂ → ¹A₁ assignments for the 5200 Å and 3000 Å absorption bands of MnO₄⁻ are substantiated; further support is provided for the ¹T₁ → ¹A₁ assignment of the 3600 Å absorption band of MnO₄⁻. The site-splitting of the 5200 Å ¹T₂ state is E(¹E)−E(¹A) ≈ −150 cm⁻¹; that of the 3000 Å ¹T₂ state is E(¹E)−E(¹A) ≈ 300 cm⁻¹. A significant e vibronic intensity component is observed in the 5200 Å ¹T₂ state.     

Cyano-bridged bimetallic complexes of copper(II) with tetracyanonickelate(II). Crystal structure of [Cu(dpt)Ni(CN)4]

Five new complexes of composition [Cu(dpt)Ni(CN)₄] (1) (dpt=dipropylenetriamine), [Cu(dien)Ni(CN)₄]·2H₂O (2) (dien=diethylenetriamine), [Cu(N,N′-dimeen)Ni(CN)₄]·H₂O (3) (N,N′-dimeen=N,N′-dimethylethylenediamine), [Cu(N,N-dimeen)Ni(CN)₄]·H₂O (4) (N,N-dimeen=N,N-dimethylethylenediamine) and [Cu(trimeen)Ni(CN)₄] (5) (trimeen=N,N,N′-trimethylethylenediamine) have been obtained by the reactions of the mixture of Cu(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O, appropriate amine and K₂[Ni(CN)₄] in water and have been characterized by IR and UV–Vis spectroscopies and magnetic measurements. The crystal structure of [Cu(dpt)Ni(CN)₄] (1) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The structure of 1 consists of a one-dimensional polymeric chain ---Cu(dpt)---NC---Ni(CN)₂---CN---Cu(dpt)--- in which the Cu(II) and Ni(II) atoms are linked by CN groups. The nickel atom is four coordinate with four cyanide-carbon atoms (two cyano groups are terminal and two cyano groups (in cis fashion) are bridged) in a square-planar arrangement and the copper atom is five coordinate with two cyanide-nitrogen and three dpt-nitrogen atoms, in a distorted square-pyramidal arrangement. The temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility (2–300 K) was measured for compound 1. The magnetic investigation showed the presence of a very weak antiferromagnetic interaction (J=−0.16 cm⁻¹) between the copper atoms within each chain through the diamagnetic Ni(CN)₄ ²⁻ ions.     

Polarized absorption spectra and polarized Raman spectra of single crystals of trans(Cl2)-[CoCl2(NH3)n(H2O)4−n]Cl complexes (n = 2, 3, 4)

The title cobalt(III) complexes have been investigated by polarized absorption and Raman spectroscopies of the single crystals. The symmetry properties of the d-electron orbitals and of the vibrational modes attributable to the Raman bands of trans(Cl₂)-[CoCl₂(NH₃)_n(H₂O)_4−n]Cl complexes (n = 2, 3, or 4) were examined to elucidated the peculiar observation that ligand substitution causes no splitting of the 15 200-cm⁻¹ absorption band and the 250-cm⁻¹ Raman band. Effects of replacing the NH₃ ligand with H₂O on the electronic structure, atom–atom force constants and vibrational modes of these complex ions are briefly described.     

Mercury(II) halide adducts of an olefinic double betaine: [{Hg2L2X4·6HgX2}n] [X = Cl, Br; L = cis-(p-Me2NC5H4N)2C2(COO)2]

Two polymeric mercury(II) halide adducts of an olefinic double betaine, cis-(p-Me₂NC₅H₄N⁺)₂C₂(COO⁻)₂ (L), have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography. [{Hg₂L₂Cl₄·6HgCl₂}_n] (1) crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c with Z = 4, and [{Hg₂L₂Br₄·HgBr₂}_n] (2) in the triclinic space group P with Z = 1. Complexes 1 and 2 are structurally similar, being composed of centrosymmetric fourteen-membered rings and nearly linear HgX₂ (X = Cl, Br) moieties that are further inter-linked by weak HgX [HgCl = 2.930–3.136(9) Å, HgBr = 3.057–3.310(6) Å] and HgO [2.64, 2.75(3) Å] bonds to generate a two-dimensional polymeric network.     

Tetrakis(triphenylphosphine oxide) complexes of the lanthanide nitrates; synthesis, characterisation and crystal structures of [La(Ph3PO)4(NO3)3]·Me2CO and [Lu(Ph3PO)4(NO3)2]NO3

The reaction of Ln(NO₃)₃·6H₂O (Ln=La, Ce, Pr or Nd) with a sixfold excess of Ph₃PO in acetone formed [Ln(Ph₃PO)₄(NO₃)₃]·Me₂CO. The crystal structure of the La complex shows a nine-coordinate metal centre with four phosphine oxides, two bidentate and one monodentate nitrate groups, and PXRD studies show the same structure is present in the other three complexes. In CH₂Cl₂ or Me₂CO solutions, ³¹P NMR studies show that the complexes are essentially completely decomposed into [Ln(Ph₃PO)₃(NO₃)₃] and Ph₃PO. Similar reactions in ethanol gave [Ln(Ph₃PO)₃(NO₃)₃] only. In contrast for Ln=Sm, Eu or Gd, only the [Ln(Ph₃PO)₃(NO₃)₃] are formed from either acetone or ethanol solutions. For the later lanthanides Ln=Tb–Lu, acetone solutions of Ln(NO₃)₃·6H₂O and Ph₃PO gave [Ln(Ph₃PO)₃(NO₃)₃] only, even with a large excess of Ph₃PO, but from cold ethanol [Ln(Ph₃PO)₄(NO₃)₂]NO₃ (Ln=Tb, Ho–Lu) were obtained. The structure of [Lu(Ph₃PO)₄(NO₃)₂]NO₃ shows an eight-coordinate metal centre with four phosphine oxides and two bidentate nitrate groups. In solution in CH₂Cl₂ or Me₂CO the tetrakis-complexes show varying amounts of decomposition into mixtures of [Ln(Ph₃PO)₃(NO₃)₃], [Ln(Ph₃PO)₄(NO₃)₂]NO₃ and Ph₃PO as judged by ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. The [Ln(Ph₃PO)₃(NO₃)₃] also partially decompose in solution for Ln=Dy–Lu, forming some tetrakis(phosphine oxide) species.     

Tetra(μ3-hydroxo)hexa(μ2-carboxylato-O,O′)-bridged tetranuclear terbium(III) cubane complex

A novel tetranuclear terbium(III) complex [Tb₄(OH)₄(pybet)₆(H₂O)₈][Tb₄(OH)₄(pybet)₆(H₂O)₇ (NO₃)](ClO₄)₁₄·6H₂O has been synthesized and shown by X-ray crystallography to have a cubane-like Tb₄(μ₃-OH)₄(μ₂-carboxylato-O,O′)₆ core. The ligand pybet is pyridinoacetate, C₅H₅⁺N-CH₂CO₂⁻. Magnetic susceptibility data were measured for this Tb₄ complex in the range of 2.0–320 K and in fields of 1.0 G to 50.0 kG. It is concluded that either there is very weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction (J = −0.015 cm⁻¹) or there is a small crystal-field splitting of the ⁷F₆ Tb^III ground state.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a complex bearing interesting structural motifs: [Cu (C4H7N3) H2O (4,4′-Hbpy)]·SO4·NO3

A new complex [Cu (C₄H₇N₃) H₂O (4,4′-Hbpy)]·SO₄·NO₃ was synthesized and X-ray characterized. Elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy of the complex were performed. The crystal system is orthorhombic. Crystal data: Fw=498.98, spacegroup: P212121. Z=4, a=14.952(3), b=20.491(4), c=6.713 Å. V=2056.7(9) Å. λ(Mo-K)=0.71070 Å. μ=12.18 cm⁻¹, D_calc=1.66 g/cm³, F₀₀₀=1032.00, R=0.062, Rw=0.087. X-ray analysis illustrated that 4,4′-bpy is mono-protonated and that there are two kinds of anions in one molecule, which give rise to the hydrogen interaction between the molecules in the crystal. Then an extended three-dimensional network is formed along the hydrogen bonds and π–π bonds between the pyridine rings.     

Dimethylchalkogenide als liganden in kationischen cyclopentadienyleisen-bis(phosphin)-komplexen: synthese, reaktivität und kristallstruktur von [C5H5Fe(P(OCH3)3)2(S(CH3)2)]PF6

Thermal displacement of coordinated nitriles RCN (R = CH₃, C₂H₅ or n-C₃H₇) in [C₅H₅Fe(L₂)(NCR)]X complexes (L₂ = P(OCH₃)₃)₂, (P(OC₆H₅)₃)₂ or (C₆H₅)₂PC₂H₄P(C₆H₅)₂ (DPPE)) by E(CH₃)₂ affords high yields of [C₅H₅Fe(L₂)(E(CH₃)₂)]X compounds (E = S, Se and Te; X = BF₄ or PF₆). Spectroscopic data and ligand displacement reactions are presented and discussed together with related observations on [C₅H₅Fe(CO)₂(E(CH₃)₂)]BF₄ compounds. The molecular structure of [C₅H₅Fe(P(OCH₃)₃)₂(S(CH₃)₂)]PF₆ was determined by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study: monoclinic, space group P2₁/n-C⁵_2h (No. 14) with a = 8.4064(12), b = 11.183(2), c = 50.726(8) Å, β = 90.672(13)° and Z = 8 molecules per unit cell. The coordination sphere of the iron atom is pseudo-tetrahedral with an Fe---S bond distance of 2.238 Å.