X-ray diffraction study of the clathrate [MnPy4(NO3)2)]·2Py and complex [MnPy3(NO3)2] formed in the pyridine (Py)-manganese nitrate system

A clathrate compound MnPy₄(NO₃)₂]·2Py was synthesized and studied by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis (KM-4 diffractometer, CuK_α,ω/2? scan mode,? _max=78°). The unit cell is base-centered orthorhombic, space group Ccca, a=12.097(4), b=15.197(4), c=17.213(4) Å, V=3164(2) ų, Z=4, R=0.072, for 632 reflections and 107 parameters in the least-squares analysis. The host molecule has 222 symmetry. Two monodentate nitrato groups and four pyridine ligands are coordinated to Mn(II) along the symmetry axes (the former via O). The pyridine guest molecules lie in the cavities of the crystal framework. For MnPy₃(NO₃)₂)], only unit cell parameters were determined: a=12.467(5), b=9.514(2), c=16.383(5) Å,β=108.93(4), V=1838(1) ų space group C2/c or Cc (according to extinctions). The pyridine-manganese nitrate system is shown to be analogous to the previously investigated Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Cd systems.