Synthesis, spectral and structural characterization of three zinc(II) azide complexes with aminopyrazine

The reaction between zinc(II) azide, Zn(N₃)₂ and aminopyrazine (ampyz) afforded the complexes: [Zn(N₃)₂(ampyz)₂] (1), [Zn(N₃)₂(ampyz)]_n (2) and [Zn₃(N₃)₆(ampyz)₂]_n (3). These complexes are characterized by spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. The IR spectra of these compounds are measured and discussed. The structure of 1 consists of isolated tetrahedral zinc atom surrounded by two mono-dentate N-ampyz and two terminal azido ligands. Complex 2 features a zigzag chain of zinc centers in which each zinc is surrounded by alternate di-EO (end-on) and di-EE (end-to-end) azide bridges, the chain thus contains alternate four-membered Zn₂N₂ and eight-membered Zn₂(NNN)₂ rings. The two ampyz ligands are located in cis-arrangement and each of them further binds another zinc atom giving rise to a 3D network. Complex 3 contains two structurally different zinc atoms; the six-coordinate Zn(1) center links two di-EO azido bridges and two trans ampyz, thus having ZnN₆ chromophore. The five-coordinate Zn(2) center binds two di-EO bridging azido groups and the fifth position is occupied by an N atom from a bridging ampyz molecule. Both zinc centers, therefore participate in the formation of a 1D chain of cyclic Zn₂N₂ units. Each ampyz ligand binds another zinc atom via the second pyrazinic N atom giving another cross-chain and thus the structure consists of 2D sheets. In these three complexes the azido ligands of all types are asymmetric and linear within the experimental error.