Complexes of nitrilotrimethylphosphonic acid with cobalt, nickel, copper and zinc

Substances of the types MH₄ntmp, Mg₃[M(Hntmp)]₂, M₂H₂ntmp and Mg[M₂(Hntmp)]₂, where M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and H₆ntmp = N[CH₂PO(OH)₂]₃ were prepared. The sodium and cesium salts of the [Co(Hntmp)]³⁻ complexes were also prepared. The IR and electronic spectra and the experimental magnetic susceptibilities indicate that these are high-spin complexes. The coordination surroundings of the central atom consist of a highly distorted octahedron of the ligand oxygen atoms. The nitrogen atom is not coordinated to the central atom.