Synthesis and structural characterization of isothiocyanato-4-methoxypyridine-cobalt(II) complexes with diverse geometries and a bridged 1D coordination polymer showing metamagnetic transition

Syntheses and crystal structures of the five- and sixfold coordinated complexes diiso-seleno-cyanato-tris-(2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II) and diiso-seleno-cyanato-tetra-kis-(2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II)

The reaction of CoBr2, KNCSe and 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide (C6H7NO) in ethanol leads to the formation of crystals of [Co(NCSe)2(C6H7NO)3] (1) and [Co(NCSe)2(C6H7NO)4] (2) from the same reaction mixture. The asymmetric unit of 1 is built up of one CoII cation, two NCSe- iso-seleno-cyanate anions and three 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands, with all atoms located on general positions. The asymmetric unit of 2 consists of two cobalt cations, four iso-seleno-canate anions and eight 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands in general positions, because two crystallographically independent complexes are present. In compound 1, the CoII cations are fivefold coordinated to two terminally N-bonded anionic ligands and three 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands within a slightly distorted trigonal-bipyramidal coordination, forming discrete complexes with the O atoms occupying the equatorial sites. In compound 2, each of the two complexes is coordinated to two terminally N-bonded iso-seleno-cyanate anions and four 2-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands within a slightly distorted cis-CoN2O4 octa-hedral coordination geometry. In the crystal structures of 1 and 2, the complexes are linked by weak C-H⋯Se and C-H⋯O contacts. Powder X-ray diffraction reveals that neither of the two compounds were obtained as a pure crystalline phase.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of a new polymorphic modification of diiso-thio-cyanato-tetra-kis-(4-methyl-pyridine)cobalt(II)

The title compound, [Co(NCS)2(C6H7N)4] or Co(NCS)2(4-methyl-pyridine)4, was prepared by the reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 4-methyl-pyridine in water and is isotypic to one of the polymorphs of Ni(NCS)2(4-methyl-pyridine)4 [Kerr & Williams (1977 ▸). Acta Cryst. B33, 3589-3592 and Soldatov et al. (2004 ▸). Cryst. Growth Des. 4, 1185-1194]. Comparison of the experimental X-ray powder pattern with that calculated from the single-crystal data proves that a pure phase has been obtained. The asymmetric unit consists of one CoII cation, two crystallographically independent thio-cyanate anions and four independent 4-meth-yl-pyridine ligands, all located in general positions. The CoII cations are sixfold coordinated to two terminally N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and four 4-methyl-pyridine coligands within slightly distorted octa-hedra. Between the complexes, a number of weak C-H⋯N and C-H⋯S contacts are found. This structure represent a polymorphic modification of Co(NCS)2(4-methyl-pyridine)4 already reported in the CCD [Harris et al. (2003 ▸). NASA Technical Reports, 211890]. In contrast to this form, the crystal structure of the new polymorph shows a denser packing, indicating that it is thermodynamically stable at least at low temperatures. Thermogravimetric and differential thermoanalysis reveal that the title compound starts to decomposes at about 100°C and that the coligands are removed in separate steps without any sign of a polymorphic transition before decomposition.

Synthesis and crystal structure of diiso-thio-cyanato-tetra-kis-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II) and diiso-thio-cyanato-tris-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide)cobalt(II) showing two different metal coordination polyhedra

The reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide (C6H7NO) leads to the formation of two compounds, namely, tetra-kis-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)4] (1), and tris-(4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H7NO)3] (2). The asymmetric unit of 1 consists of one CoII cation located on a centre of inversion, as well as one thio-cyanate anion and two 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide coligands in general positions. The CoII cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonding thio-cyanate anions in trans positions and four 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide ligands. In the extended structure, these complexes are linked by C-H⋯O and C-H⋯S inter-actions. In compound 2, two crystallographically independent complexes are present, which occupy general positions. In each of these complexes, the CoII cations are coordinated in a trigonal-bipyramidal manner by two terminal N-bonding thio-cyanate anions in axial positions and by three 4-methyl-pyridine N-oxide ligands in equatorial positions. In the crystal, these complex mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯S inter-actions. For compound 2, a nonmerohedral twin refinement was performed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) reveals that 2 was nearly obtained as a pure phase, which is not possible for compound 1. Differential thermoanalysis and thermogravimetry data (DTA-TG) show that compound 2 start to decompose at about 518 K.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of chlorido-tetra-kis-(pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile)-thio-cyanato-iron(II)

Reaction of FeCl2·4H2O with KSCN and 3-cyano-pyridine (pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile) in ethanol accidentally leads to the formation of single crystals of Fe(NCS)(Cl)(3-cyano-pyridine)4 or [FeCl(NCS)(C6H4N2)4]. The asymmetric unit of this compound consists of one FeII cation, one chloride and one thio-cyanate anion that are located on a fourfold rotation axis as well as of one 3-cyano-pyridine coligand in a general position. The FeII cations are sixfold coordinated by one chloride anion and one terminally N-bonding thio-cyanate anion in trans-positions and four 3-cyano-pyridine coligands that coordinate via the pyridine N atom to the FeII cations. The complexes are arranged in columns with the chloride anions, with the thio-cyanate anions always oriented in the same direction, which shows the non-centrosymmetry of this structure. No pronounced inter-molecular inter-actions are observed between the complexes. Initially, FeCl2 and KSCN were reacted in a 1:2 ratio, which lead to a sample that contains the title compound as the major phase together with a small amount of an unknown crystalline phase, as proven by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). If FeCl2 and KSCN is reacted in a 1:1 ratio, the title compound is obtained as a nearly pure phase. IR investigations reveal that the CN stretching vibration for the thio-cyanate anion is observed at 2074 cm-1, and that of the cyano group at 2238 cm-1, which also proves that the anionic ligands are only terminally bonded and that the cyano group is not involved in the metal coordination. Measurements with thermogravimetry and differential thermoanalysis reveal that the title compound decomposes at 169°C when heated at a rate of 4°C min-1 and that the 3-cyano-pyridine ligands are emitted in two separate poorly resolved steps. After the first step, an inter-mediate compound with the composition Fe(NCS)(Cl)(3-cyano-pyridine)2 of unknown structure is formed, for which the CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate anion is observed at 2025 cm-1, whereas the CN stretching vibration of the cyano group remain constant. This strongly indicates that the FeII cations are linked by μ-1,3-bridg-ing thio-cyanate anions into chains or layers.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of tetra-kis-(pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile)-dithio-cyanatoiron(II) and of diaqua-bis-(pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile)-di-thio-cyanatoiron(II) pyridine-3-carbo-nitrile monosolvate

The reaction of iron thio-cyanate with 3-cyano-pyridine (C6H4N2) leads to the formation of two compounds with the composition [Fe(NCS)2(C6H4N2)4] (1) and [Fe(NCS)2(C6H4N2)2(H2O)2]·2C6H4N2 (2). The asymmetric unit of 1 consists of one iron cation, two thio-cyanate anions and four 3-cyano-pyridine ligands in general positions. The iron cation is octa-hedrally coordinated by two N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and four 3-cyano-pyridine ligands. The complexes are arranged in columns along the crystallographic c-axis direction and are linked by weak C-H⋯N inter-actions. In 2, the asymmetric unit consists of one iron cation on a center of inversion as well as one thio-cyanate anion, one 3-cyano-pyridine ligand, one water ligand and one 3-cyano-pyridine solvate mol-ecule in general positions. The iron cation is octa-hedrally coordinated by two N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, two cyano-pyridine ligands and two water ligands. O-H⋯N and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonding is observed between the water ligands and the solvent 3-cyano-pyridine mol-ecules. In the crystal structure, alternating layers of the iron complexes and the solvated 3-cyano-pyridine mol-ecules are observed. Powder X-ray (PXRD) investigations reveal that both compounds were obtained as pure phases and from IR spectroscopic measurements conclusions on the coordination mode of the thio-canate anions and the cyano-group were made. Thermogravimetric (TG) and differential thermoanalysis (DTA) of 1 indicate the formation of a compound with the composition {[Fe(NCS)2]3(C6H4N2)4}n that is isotypic to the corresponding Cd compound already reported in the literature. TG/DTA of 2 show several mass losses. The first mass loss corresponds to the removal of the two water ligands leading to the formation of 1, which transforms into {[Fe(NCS)2]3(C6H4N2)4}n, upon further heating.

Weakening the Interchain Interactions in One Dimensional Cobalt(II) Coordination Polymers by Preventing Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonding

The reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with N-methylaniline leads to the formation of [Co(NCS)₂(N-methylaniline)₂]_n (1), in which the cobalt(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated and linked into linear chains by pairs of thiocyanate anions. In contrast to [Co(NCS)₂(aniline)₂]_n (2) reported recently, in which the Co(NCS)₂ chains are linked by strong interchain N-H···S hydrogen bonding, such interactions are absent in 1. Computational studies reveal that the cobalt(II) ions in compound 1 show an easy-axis anisotropy that is lower than in 2, but with the direction of the easy axis being similar in both compounds. The high magnetic anisotropy is also confirmed by magnetic and FD-FT THz-EPR spectroscopy, which yield a consistent g_z value. These investigations prove that the intrachain interactions in 1 are slightly higher than in 2. Magnetic measurements reveal that the critical temperature for magnetic ordering in 1 is significantly lower than in 2, which indicates that the elimination of the hydrogen bonds leads to a weakening of the interchain interactions. This is finally proven by FD-FT THz-EPR experiments, which show that the interchain interaction energy in the N-methylaniline compound 1 is nine-fold smaller than in the aniline compound 2.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal decomposition pathway of bis-(iso-seleno-cyanato-κN)tetra-kis-(pyridine-κN)manganese(II)

The reaction of MnCl₂·2H₂O with KSeCN and pyridine in water leads to the formation of the title complex, [Mn(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₄], which is isotypic to its Fe, Co, Ni, Zn and Cd analogues. In its crystal structure, discrete complexes are observed that are located on centres of inversion. The Mn cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by four pyridine coligands and two seleno-cyanate anions that coordinate via the N atom to the metal centres to generate trans-MnN(s)₂N(p)₄ octa-hedra (s = seleno-cyanate and p = pyridine). In the extended structure, weak C-H⋯Se contacts are observed. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) investigations prove that a pure sample was obtained and in the IR and Raman spectra, the C-N stretching vibrations are observed at 2058 and 2060 cm^-1, respectively, in agreement with the terminal coordination of the seleno-cyanate anions. Thermogravimetric investigations reveal that the pyridine coligands are removed in two separate steps. In the first mass loss, a compound with the composition Mn(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂ is formed, whereas in the second mass loss, the remaining pyridine ligands are removed, which is superimposed with the decomposition of Mn(NCSe)₂ formed after ligand removal. In the inter-mediate compound Mn(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂, the CN stretching vibration is observed at 2090 cm^-1 in the Raman and at 2099 cm^-1 in the IR spectra, indicating that the Mn cations are linked by μ-1,3-bridging anionic ligands. PXRD measurements show that a compound has formed that is of poor crystallinity. A comparison of the powder pattern with that calculated for the previously reported Cd(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂ indicates that these compounds are isotypic, which was proven by a Pawley fit.

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of bis-(iso-seleno-cyanato-κN)tetra-kis-(pyridine-κN)nickel(II)

The reaction of nickel chloride hexa-hydrate with potassium seleno-cyanate and pyridine in water leads to the formation of crystals of the title complex, [Ni(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₄], which were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Its crystal structure consists of discrete complexes, located on centers of inversion, in which the Ni cations are sixfold coordinated by two terminal N-bonded seleno-cyanate anions and four pyridine ligands within a slightly distorted octa-hedral coordination. In the crystal, the complexes are connected by weak C-H⋯Se inter-actions. PXRD investigations revealed that a pure crystalline phase has formed. In the IR and Raman spectra, the C-N stretching vibrations are observed at 2083 and 2079 cm^-1, respectively, in agreement with the presence of only terminally bonded anionic ligands. Upon heating, one well-resolved mass loss is observed, in which two of the four pyridine ligands are removed, leading to a compound with the composition Ni(NCSe)₂(C₅H₅N)₂. In this compound, the C-N stretching vibration is shifted to 2108 cm^-1 (Raman) and 2115 cm^-1 (IR), indicating the presence of μ-1,3-bridging anionic ligands. In its PXRD pattern, very broad reflections are observed, indicating for poor crystallinity and/or very small particle size. This crystalline phase is not isotypic to its Co and Fe analogs.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of tetra-kis-(3-methyl-pyridine-κN)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)nickel(II)

Reaction of Ni(NCS)₂ with 3-methyl-pyridine in water leads to the formation of crystals of the title compound, [Ni(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄]. All of them are of poor quality and non-merohedrally twinned but a refinement using data in HKLF-5 format leads to a reasonable structure model and reliability factors. The crystal structure of the title compound consists of discrete complexes, in which the nickel cations are sixfold coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and four 3-methyl-pyridine ligands within slightly distorted octa-hedra. One of the 3-methyl-pyridine ligands is disordered and was refined using a split model. The discrete complexes are arranged into layers. X-ray powder diffraction proves that pure samples have been obtained, and in the IR spectrum, the CN stretching vibration is observed at 2072 cm^-1, in agreement with the presence of only terminally coordinated thio-cyanate anions. Comparing the calculated powder pattern with those of the residues obtained by solvent removal from several solvates already reported in the literature proves that, in each case, this crystalline phase is formed. Assessing the crystal structures of the solvates in comparison with that of the ansolvate reveals some similarities.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of bis-(aceto-nitrile-κN)bis-(3-bromo-pyridine-κN)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)

Single crystals of the title compound, [Co(NCS)₂(C₅H₄BrN)₂(C₂H₃N)₂], were obtained by the reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with 3-bromo-pyridine in aceto-nitrile. The Co^II cations lie on crystallographic inversion centers and are coordinated by two N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, two 3-bromo-pyridine and two aceto-nitrile ligands thereby forming slightly distorted CoN₆ octa-hedra. In the crystal, these complexes are linked by C-H⋯S and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. In the direction of the crystallographic b-axis, the complexes are arranged into columns with neighboring 3-bromo-pyridine ligands stacked onto each other, indicating π-π inter-actions. The CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate anions is observed at 2066 cm^-1, in agreement with the presence of only N-bonded anionic ligands. TG-DTA measurements reveal that in the first mass loss the aceto-nitrile ligands are removed and that in the second step, half of a 3-bromo-pyridine ligand is lost, leading to the formation of a polymeric compound with the composition [(Co(NCS)₂)₂(C₅H₄BrN)₃] _n already reported in the literature.

Co(NCS)2 Chain Compound with Alternating 5- and 6-Fold Coordination: Influence of Metal Coordination on the Magnetic Properties

The reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with 3-bromopyridine leads to the formation of discrete complexes [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₄] (1), [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), and [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₂(MeOH)₂] (3) depending on the solvent. Thermogravimetric measurements on 2 and 3 show a transformation into [Co(NCS)₂(3-bromopyridine)₂]_n (4), which upon further heating is converted to [{Co(NCS)₂}₂(3-bromopyridine)₃]_n (5), whereas 1 transforms directly into 5 upon heating. Compound 5 can also be obtained from solution, which is not possible for 4. In 4 and 5, the cobalt(II) cations are linked by pairs of μ-1,3-bridging thiocyanate anions into chains. In compound 4, all cobalt(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated (OC-6), as is usually observed in such compounds, whereas in 5, a previously unkown alternating 5- and 6-fold coordination is observed, leading to vacant octahedral (vOC-5) and octahedral (OC-6) environments, respectively. In contrast to 4, the chains in 5 are very efficiently packed and linked by π···π stacking of the pyridine rings and interchain Co···Br interactions, which is the basis for the formation of this unusual chain. The spin chains in 4 demonstrate ferromagnetic intrachain exchange and much weaker interchain interactions, as is usually observed for such linear chain compounds. In contrast, compound 5 shows almost single-ion-like magnetic susceptibility, but the magnetic ordering temperature deduced from specific heat measurements is twice as high as that in 4, which might originate from π···π stacking and Co···Br interactions between neighboring chains. More importantly, unlike all linear Co(NCS)₂ chain compounds, a dominant antiferromagnetic exchange is observed for 5, which is explained by density functional theory calculations predicting an alternating ferro- and aniferromagnetic exchange within the chains. Theoretical calculations on the two different cobalt(II) ions present in 5 predict an easy-axis anisotropy that is much stronger for the octahedral cobalt(II) ion than for the one with the vacant octahedral coordination, with the magnetic axes of the two ions being canted by an angle of 84°. This almost orthogonal orientation of the easy axis of magnetization for the two cobalt(II) ions is the rationale for the observed non-Ising behavior of 5.

Relaxation processes in a single crystal of Co(NCS)2(4-methoxypyridine)2 spin chain

A single crystal of [Co(NCS)₂(4-methoxypyridine)₂]_n was obtained and investigated. The magnetic measurements performed along three perpendicular crystallographic directions are compared to the results obtained previously for a powder sample. The magnetic inter- and intrachain interactions do not differ, however, a change of the energy barrier of magnetic relaxations is obtained. For the single crystal sample the relaxation is much slower, which is attributed to the presence of longer chains, and show that below the ordering temperature the spin chains relax by the process that involves a single domain wall. Above the ordering temperature, a second relaxation process is observed, for which the relaxation time is temperature independent, indicating a negligible energy barrier. Such phenomenon was previously not observed for any of the powder samples of compounds from the [Co(NCS)₂(ligand)₂]_n family.

Syntheses, crystal structures and properties of tetrakis(3-methylpyridine-κN)bis(isothiocyanato-κN)manganese(II) and tetrakis(3-methylpyridine-κN)bis(isothiocyanato-κN)iron(II)

The crystal structures of the title compounds consist of discrete complexes, in which the metal cations are octa­hedrally coordinated.

The reaction of Mn(NCS)₂ or Fe(NCS)₂ with 3-methyl­pyridine (C₆H₇N) leads to the formation of two isostructural compounds with compositions [Mn(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄] (1) and [Fe(NCS)₂(C₆H₇N)₄] (2). IR spectroscopic investigations indicate that only terminally coordinated thio­cyanate anions are present. This is confirmed by single-crystal structure analysis, which shows that their crystal structures consist of discrete centrosymmetric complexes, in which the metal cations are octa­hedrally coordinated by two N-bonded thio­cyanate anions and four 3-methyl­pyridine ligands. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) proves that pure samples have been obtained. Thermogravimetric measurements show that decomposition starts at about 90°C and that the two coligands are removed in one step for 1 whereas for 2 no clearly resolved steps are visible. XRPD measurements of the residue obtained after the first mass loss of 1 show that a new and unknown crystalline compound has been formed.

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of coordination compounds of Mn(NCS)2 with the 3-bromopyridine ligand

Reactions of Mn(NCS)2 with 3-bromopyridine in acetonitrile lead to the formation of Mn(NCS)2(3-bromopyridine)4 (1) and Mn(NCS)2(3-bromopyridine)2(MeCN)2 (2) that were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 consist of discrete complexes, in which the Mn(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated by two trans-N-bonding thiocyanate anions and four pyridine (1) or two pyridine and two acetonitrile ligands (2). Thermoanalytical measurements on 1 and 2 have shown that upon heating half of the 3-bromopyridine co-ligands from 1 or both acetonitrile ligands from 2 are removed leading to a crystalline phase with the composition [Mn(NCS)2(3-bromopyridine)2] n (3-II). From dry n-butanol a phase with the same composition was obtained (3-I) that corresponds to a polymorphic or isomeric form of 3-II. Crystal structure analysis of 3-I shows that in this form the Mn cations are linked by pairs of anionic ligands into linear chains. The results of magnetic measurements on 3-I show antiferromagnetic interactions along the chains and the analysis of the magnetic susceptibility using the Fisher model for chains gave a J value of −5.76(5) K.

Crystal structures of two Co(NCS)2 urotropine coordination compounds with different Co coordinations

In the crystal structure of the title compounds, discrete complexes with different Co coordinations are observed, which are linked by inter­molecular hydrogen bonding into three-dimensional networks.

The reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with urotropine in ethanol leads to the formation of two different compounds, namely, bis­(ethanol-κO)bis­(hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine-κN)bis­(thio­cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)–di­aqua-κ²O-bis­(hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine-κN)bis­(thio­cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)–ethanol–hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine (1.2/0.8/1.6/4), [Co(NCS)₂(C₆H₁₂N₄)₂(C₂H₆O)₂]_1.2·[Co(NCS)₂(C₆H₁₂N₄)₂(H₂O)₂]_0.8·1.6C₂H₆O·4C₆H₁₂N₄, 1, and tris­(ethanol-κO)(hexa­methyl­ene­tetra­mine-κN)bis(thio­cyanato-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)₂(C₆H₁₂N₄)(C₂H₆O)₃], 2. In the crystal structure of compound 1, two crystallographically independent discrete complexes are observed that are located on centres of inversion. In one of them, the Co cation is octa­hedrally coordinated to two terminal N-bonded thio­cyanate anions, two urotropine ligands and two ethanol mol­ecules, whereas in the second complex 80% of the coordinating ethanol is exchanged by water. Formally, compound 1 is a mixture of two different complexes, i.e. di­aqua­dithio­cyanato­bis­(urotropine)cobalt(II) and di­ethano­ldi­thio­cyanato­bis­(uro­trop­ine)cobalt(II), that contain additional ethanol and urotropine solvate mol­ecules leading to an overall composition of [Co(NCS)₂(urotropine)₂(ethanol)_1.2(H₂O)_0.8·0.8ethanol·4urotropine. Both discrete complexes are linked by inter­molecular O—H⋯O and O—H⋯N hydrogen bonding and additional urotropine solvate mol­ecules into chains, which are further connected into layers. These layers combine into a three-dimensional network by pairs of centrosymmetric inter­molecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bonds. In the crystal structure of compound 2, di­thio­cyanato­(urotropine)tri­ethano­lcobalt(II), the cobalt cation is octa­hedrally coordinated to two terminal N-bonded thio­cyanate anions, one urotropine ligand and three ethanol mol­ecules into discrete complexes, which are located in general positions. These complexes are linked by inter­molecular O—H⋯N hydrogen bonding into layers, which are further connected into a three-dimensional network by inter­molecular C—H⋯S hydrogen bonding.

Crystal structure of di-ethano-lbis(thio-cyanato)-bis(urotropine)cobalt(II) and tetra-ethano-lbis(thio-cyanato)-cobalt(II)-urotropine (1/2)

The reaction of one equivalent Co(NCS)2 with four equivalents of urotropine (hexa-methyl-ene-tetra-mine) in ethanol leads to the formation of two compounds, namely, bis-(ethanol-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)bis-(urotropine-κN)cobalt(II), [Co(NCS)2(C6H12N4)2(C2H6O)2] (1), and tetra-kis-(ethanol-κO)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)-urotropine (1/2), [Co(NCS)2(C2H6O)4]·2C6H12N4 (2). In 1, the Co cations are located on centers of inversion and are sixfold coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, two ethanol and two urotropine ligands whereas in 2 the cobalt cations occupy position Wyckoff position c and are sixfold coordinated by two anionic ligands and four ethanol ligands. Compound 2 contains two additional urotropine solvate mol-ecules per formula unit, which are hydrogen bonded to the complexes. In both compounds, the building blocks are connected via inter-molecular O-H⋯N (1 and 2) and C-H⋯S (1) hydrogen bonding to form three-dimensional networks.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of bis-(1,3-di-cyclo-hexyl-thio-urea-κS)bis(iso-thiocyanato-κN)cobalt(II)

Crystals of the title compound, [Co(NCS)2(C13H24N2S)2], were obtained by the reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 1,3-di-cyclo-hexyl-thio-urea in ethanol. Its crystal structure consists of discrete complexes that are located on twofold rotation axes, in which the CoII cations are tetra-hedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and two 1,3-di-cyclo-hexyl-thio-urea ligands. These complexes are linked via inter-molecular N-H⋯S and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonding into chains, which elongate in the b-axis direction. These chains are closely packed in a pseudo-hexa-gonal manner. The CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate anions located at 2038 cm-1 is in agreement with only terminal bonded anionic ligands linked to metal cations in a tetra-hedral coordination. TG-DTA measurements prove the decomposition of the compound at about 227°C. DSC measurements reveal a small endothermic signal before decomposition at about 174°C, which might correspond to melting.

Comparison of the crystal structures of the low- and high-temperature forms of bis-[4-(di-methyl-amino)-pyridine]-dithio-cyanato-cobalt(II)

Single crystals of the high-temperature form I of [Co(NCS)2(DMAP)2] (DMAP = 4-di-methyl-amino-pyridine, C7H10N2) were obtained accidentally by the reaction of Co(NCS)2 with DMAP at slightly elevated temperatures under kinetic control. This modification crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/m and is isotypic with the corresponding Zn compound. The asymmetric unit consists of one crystallographically independent Co cation and two crystallographically independent thio-cyanate anions that are located on a crystallographic mirror plane and one DMAP ligand (general position). In its crystal structure the discrete complexes are linked by C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. For comparison, the crystal structure of the known low-temperature form II, which is already thermodynamically stable at room temperature, was redetermined at the same temperature. In this polymorph the complexes are connected by C-H⋯S and C-H⋯N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. At 100 K the density of the high-temperature form I (ρ = 1.462 g cm-3) is higher than that of the low-temperature form II (ρ = 1.457 g cm-3), which is in contrast to the values determined by XRPD at room temperature. Therefore, these two forms represent an exception to the Kitaigorodskii density rule, for which extensive inter-molecular hydrogen bonding in form II might be responsible.

Synthesis and crystal structure of di-aqua-bis-(hexa-methyl-enetramine-κN)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)-hexa-methyl-ene-tetra-mine-aceto-nitrile (1/2/2)

The crystal structure of the title solvated coordination compound, [Co(NCS)2(C6H12N4)2(H2O)2]·2C6H12N4·2C2H3N, consists of discrete complexes in which the Co2+ cations (site symmetry ) are sixfold coordinated by two N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, two water mol-ecules and two hexa-methyl-ene-tetra-mine (HMT) mol-ecules to generate distorted trans-CoN4O2 octa-hedra. The discrete complexes are each connected by two HMT solvate mol-ecules into chains via strong O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds. These chains are further linked by additional O-H⋯N and C-H⋯N and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. Within this network, channels are formed that propagate along the c-axis direction and in which additional aceto-nitrile solvent mol-ecules are embedded, which are hydrogen bonded to the network. The CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate ion occurs at 2062 cm-1, which is in agreement with the presence of N-bonded anionic ligands. XRPD investigations prove the formation of the title compound as the major phase accompanied by a small amount of a second unknown phase.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of poly[bis-[μ-3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine-κ2 N:N']bis(thio-cyanato-κN)manganese(II)]

The reaction of Mn(NCS)2 with a stoichiometric amount of 3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine in ethanol led to the formation of the title compound, [Mn(NCS)2(C6H8N2)2] n , which is isotypic to its Zn, Co and Cd analogues. The manganese cation is located on a centre of inversion and is octa-hedrally coordinated in an all-trans configuration by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions as well as four 3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine co-ligands, of which two coordinate with the pyridine N atom and two with the amino N atom. The 3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine co-ligands connect the MnII cations into layers extending parallel to (10). These layers are further connected into a three-dimensional network by relatively strong inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonding. Comparison of the experimental X-ray powder diffraction pattern with the calculated pattern on the basis of single-crystal data proves the formation of a pure crystalline phase. IR measurements showed the CN stretching vibration of the thio-cyanate anions at 2067 cm-1, which is in agreement with the presence of terminally N-bonded anionic ligands. TG-DTA measurements revealed that the title compound decomposes at about 500 K.

Synthesis, crystal structure and thermal properties of poly[bis-[μ2-3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine]-bis-(thio-cyanato)-cobalt(II)]

The reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine as coligand leads to the formation of crystals of the title compound, [Co(NCS)2(C6H8N2)2] n , that were characterized by single-crystal X-ray analysis. In the crystal structure, the CoII cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by two terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anions as well as two pyridine and two amino N atoms of four symmetry-equivalent 3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine coligands with all pairs of equivalent atoms in a trans position. The CoII cations are linked by the 3-(amino-meth-yl)pyridine coligands into layers parallel to the ac plane. These layers are further linked by inter-molecular N-H⋯S hydrogen bonding into a three-dimensional network. The purity of the title compound was determined by X-ray powder diffraction and its thermal behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetry.

Thermodynamically metastable chain and stable layered Co(NCS)2 coordination polymers: thermodynamic relations and magnetic properties

Reaction of Co(NCS)2 with 4-bromopyridine leads to the formation of discrete complexes with the composition Co(NCS)2(4-bromopyridine)4·(CH3CN)0.67 (1), Co(NCS)2(4-bromopyridine)2(H2O)2 (2), Co(NCS)2(4-bromopyridine)2(CH3OH)2 (3) and Co(NCS)2(4-bromopyridine)2(CH3CN)2 (4). Upon heating compounds 2 and 4 transform into a crystalline product with the composition Co(NCS)2(4-bromopyridine)2 (5-I) that also can easily be obtained from solution. In this compound, the Co cations are linked by single μ-1,3-bridging thiocyanate anions into layers. Thermal decomposition of 3 leads to a second isomer (5-II), which is thermodynamically metastable and can also be synthesized from solution under kinetic control. In contrast to 5-I, the Co cations are linked by pairs of anionic ligands into linear chains. The magnetic exchange is very weak in 5-I, but much stronger and ferromagnetic along the linear chains in 5-II. AF ordering in 5-II is reached at 3.05 K, and magnetic relaxation is observed at the metamagnetic transition with an Arrhenius barrier of 17.1(3) cm-1. Ab initio computational studies reveal a different type of magnetic anisotropy to be present in the two crystallographically - independent Co centers in 5-II.

Crystal structure of bis-(N,N'-di-methyl-thio-urea-κS)bis-(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)

During systematic investigations on the synthesis of coordination polymers with Co(NCS)2 involving different thio-urea derivatives as coligands, crystals of the title compound Co(NCS)2(N,N'-di-methyl-thio-urea)2, or [Co(C3H8N2S)2(NCS)2], were obtained. These crystals were non-merohedric twins and therefore, a twin refinement using data in HKLF-5 format was performed. In the crystal structure of this compound, the CoII cations are coordinated by two N-terminally bonded thio-cyanate anions as well as two S-bonding N,N'-di-methyl-thio-urea mol-ecules, forming two crystallographically independent discrete complexes each with a strongly distorted tetra-hedral geometry. An intricate network of inter-molecular N-H⋯S and C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds can be found between the complexes. The thermogravimetric curve of the title compound shows two discrete steps in which all coligand mol-ecules have been emitted, which is also accompanied by partial decomposition of the cobalt thio-cyanate. If the measurement is stopped after the first mass loss, only broad reflections of CoS can be found in the XRPD pattern of the residue, which proves that this compound decomposes completely upon heating. However, at lower temperatures an endothermic signal can be found in the DTA and DSC curve, which corresponds to melting, as proven by thermomicroscopy.

Crystal structure of bis-(tetra-methyl-thio-urea-κS)bis(thio-cyanato-κN)cobalt(II)

In the course of systematic investigations on the synthesis of Co(NCS)2 coordination compounds with different thio-urea ligands, the title compound, [Co(NCS)2(C5H12N2S)2], was obtained. In this compound the CoII cations are coordinated by two crystallographically independent N-bonded thio-cyanate anions and two tetra-methyl-thio-urea ligands into discrete complexes that are located in general positions and show a strongly distorted tetra-hedral geometry. Inter-molecular C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds of different strength can be observed between the discrete complexes, which are connected by pairs of hydrogen bonds into zigzag-like chains that elongate in the b-axis direction. These chains are additionally linked by strong C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds along the a-axis direction, resulting in the formation of layers that are parallel to the ab plane. There is also one weak intra-molecular C-H⋯S hydrogen bond between two neighbouring thio-urea ligands within the complexes. Comparison of the experimental PXRD pattern with that calculated from the single-crystal data prove that a pure phase has been obtained. Thermoanalytical investigations reveal that this compound melts at 364 K and decomposes upon further heating.

Influence of the Coligand onto the Magnetic Anisotropy and the Magnetic Behavior of One-Dimensional Coordination Polymers

Reaction of Co(NCS)₂ with different coligands leads to the formation of three compounds with the general composition [Co(NCS)₂(L)₂]_n (L = aniline (1), morpholine (2), and ethylenethiourea (3)). In all of these compounds the cobalt(II) cations are octahedrally coordinated by two trans thiocyanate N and S atoms and the apical donor atoms of the coligands and are linked into linear chains by pairs of anionic ligands. The magnetic behavior was investigated by a combination of static and dynamic susceptibility as well as specific-heat measurements, computational studies, and THz-EPR spectroscopy. All compounds show antiferromagnetic ordering as observed for similar compounds with pyridine derivatives as coligands. In contrast to the latter, for 1-3 significantly higher critical temperatures and no magnetic single-chain relaxations are observed, which can be traced back to stronger interchain interactions and a drastic change in the magnetic anisotropy of the metal centers. These results are discussed and compared with those of the pyridine-based compounds, which provides important insights into the parameters that govern the magnetic behavior of such one-dimensional coordination polymers.

Variation of the Chain Geometry in Isomeric 1D Co(NCS)2 Coordination Polymers and Their Influence on the Magnetic Properties

Two different isomers of [Co(NCS)₂(4-chloropyridine)₂]_n (3C and 3L) were synthesized from solution and by thermal decomposition of Co(NCS)₂(4-chloropyridine)₂(H₂O)₂ (2), which show a different metal coordination leading to corrugated chains in 3C and to linear chains in 3L. Solvent mediated conversion experiments prove that 3C is thermodynamically stable at room temperature where 3L is metastable. Magnetic measurements reveal that the magnetic exchange in 3L is comparable to that observed for previously reported related chain compounds, whereas in 3C with corrugated chains, the ferromagnetic interaction within the chains is strongly suppressed. The magnetic ordering takes place at 2.85 and 0.89 K, for 3L and 3C, respectively, based on specific heat measurements. For 3L the field dependence of magnetic relaxations in antiferromagnetically ordered ferromagnetic chains is presented. In addition, 3L is investigated by FD-FT THz-EPR spectroscopy, revealing a ground to first excited state energy gap of 14.0 cm^-1. Broken-symmetry DFT calculations for 3C and 3L indicate a ferromagnetic intrachain interaction. Ab initio CASSCF/CASPT2/RASSI-SO computational studies reveal significantly different single-ion anisotropies for the crystallographically independent cobalt(II) centers in 3C and 3L. Together with the geometry of the chains this explains the magnetic properties of 3C and 3L. The ab initio results also explain the weaker exchange interaction in 3C and 3L as compared to previously reported [Co(NCS)₂(L)₂]_n compounds with linear chains.

Single-Chain Magnet Based on Cobalt(II) Thiocyanate as XXZ Spin Chain

The cobalt(II) in [Co(NCS)₂ (4-methoxypyridine)₂ ]_n are linked by pairs of thiocyanate anions into linear chains. In contrast to a previous structure determination, two crystallographically independent cobalt(II) centers have been found to be present. In the antiferromagnetic state, below the critical temperature (T_c =3.94 K) and critical field (H_c =290 Oe), slow relaxations of the ferromagnetic chains are observed. They originate mainly from defects in the magnetic structure, which has been elucidated by micromagnetic Monte Carlo simulations and ac measurements using pristine and defect samples. The energy barriers of the relaxations are Δ_τ1 =44.9(5) K and Δ_τ2 =26.0(7) K for long and short spin chains, respectively. The spin excitation energy, measured by using frequency-domain EPR spectroscopy, is 19.1 cm^-1 and shifts 0.1 cm^-1 due to the magnetic ordering. Ab initio calculations revealed easy-axis anisotropy for both Co^II centers, and also an exchange anisotropy J_xx /J_zz of 0.21. The XXZ anisotropic Heisenberg model (solved by using the density renormalization matrix group technique) was used to reconcile the specific heat, susceptibility, and EPR data.

Crystal structure, synthesis and thermal properties of bis-(4-benzoyl-pyridine-κN)bis-(iso-thio-cyanato-κN)bis-(methanol-κN)iron(II)

In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Fe(NCS)2(C12H9NO)2(CH4O)2], the FeII cations are octa-hedrally coordinated by two N atoms of 4-benzoyl-pyridine ligands, two N atoms of two terminal iso-thio-cyanate anions and two methanol mol-ecules into discrete complexes that are located on centres of inversion. These complexes are linked via inter-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the methanol O-H H atoms and the carbonyl O atoms of the 4-benzoyl-pyridine ligands, forming layers parallel to (101). Powder X-ray diffraction proved that a pure sample was obtained but that this compound is unstable and transforms into an unknown crystalline phase within several weeks. However, the solvent mol-ecules can be removed by heating in a thermobalance, which for the aged sample as well as the title compound leads to the formation of a compound with the composition Fe(NCS)2(4-benzoyl-pyridine)2, which exhibits a powder pattern that is similar to that of Mn(NCS)2(4-benzoyl-pyridine)2.

Impact of the synthetic approach on the magnetic properties and homogeneity of mixed crystals of tunable layered ferromagnetic coordination polymers

Different synthetic routes were applied to synthesize mixed crystals of [Co_xNi_1−x(NCS)₂(4-tert-butylpyridine)₂]_n that finally results in homogeneous samples for which the critical temperature can be tuned as function of the Co : Ni ratio.

Thermodynamically stable and metastable coordination polymers synthesized from solution and the solid state

Different Fe(ii) and Cd(ii) thiocyanate coordination compounds with unusual topology including isomeric modifications were synthesized with 4-picoline and investigated in regard to their thermodynamic relations.

New isomeric Ni(NCS)2 coordination compounds: crystal structures, magnetic properties as well as ex situ and in situ investigations on their synthesis and transition behaviour

Some stable and metastable isomeric Ni(NCS)₂ chain compounds were synthesized and structurally characterized and investigated for their transformation behavior and their magnetic properties using a variety of methods.

Structural diversity in Cd(NCS)2-3-cyanopyridine coordination compounds: synthesis, crystal structures and thermal properties

Five new compounds with the compositions [Cd(NCS)2(3-cyanopyridine)2] n  · 3-cyanopyridine (1), [Cd(NCS)2(3-cyanopyridine)2] n  · 1/3 3-cyanopyridine (2), [Cd(NCS)2(3-cyanopyridine)2] n (3), {[Cd(NCS)2]2(3-cyanopyridine)3} n (4), and {[Cd(NCS)2]3(3-cyanopyridine)4} n (5) have been obtained by the reaction of Cd(NCS)2 with 3-cyanopyridine in different solvents. While large amounts of compounds 1–4 could be prepared as powders, only a few single crystals of 5 were accidently obtained. Thermoanalytical investigations have shown that 4 could also be obtained by annealing of 1 or 2 and that under slightly different conditions 5 could be obtained as part of a mixture with 4. The crystal structures of all compounds can be divided in two sets of compounds. Compounds 1, 2 and 3 consist of chains in which the Cd cations show three different coordination environments and in which the coligands are only terminally bonded. In the structures of 4 and 5 similar chains are observed, which are connected into layers via some of the 3-cyanopyridine coligands.

Crystal structure of pyridinium tetra-iso-thio-cyanato-dipyridine-chromium(III) pyridine monosolvate

In the crystal structure of the title compound, (C5H6N)[Cr(NCS)4(C5H5N)2]·C5H5N, the CrIII ions are octa-hedrally coordinated by four N-bonding thio-cyanate anions and two pyridine ligands into discrete negatively charged complexes, with the CrIII ion, as well as the two pyridine ligands, located on crystallographic mirror planes. The mean planes of the two pyridine ligands are rotated with respect to each other by 90°. Charge balance is achieved by one protonated pyridine mol-ecule that is hydrogen bonded to one additional pyridine solvent mol-ecule, with both located on crystallographic mirror planes and again rotated by exactly 90°. The pyridinium H atom was refined as disordered between both pyridine N atoms in a 70:30 ratio, leading to a linear N-H⋯N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, discrete complexes are linked by weak C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds into chains that are connected by additional C-H⋯S hydrogen bonding via the pyridinium cations and solvent mol-ecules into layers and finally into a three-dimensional network.

Band gap, sorption properties and fluorescence sensing behaviour of a novel 1D→2D cathenane-like cobalt(II)–organic framework

A novel hydrolytic stable CoII–organic framework, namely poly[[bis(2-amino-4-sulfonatobenzoato-κO 1)tetraaquatris{μ-1,4-bis[(imidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzene-κ2 N 3:N 3′}dicobalt(II)] tetrahydrate], {[Co(C7H5NO5S)(C14H14N4)1.5(H2O)2]·2H2O} n , (1), based on multifunctional 2-amino-5-sulfobenzoic acid (H2asba) and the auxiliary flexible ligand 1,4-bis[(imidazol-1-yl)methyl]benzene (bix), was prepared using the solution evaporation method. The purity of (1) was confirmed by elemental analysis and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis. Complex (1) shows a novel 1D→2D interpenetrating network, which is further extended into a 3D supramolecular framework with channels occupied by the lattice water molecules. The 2-amino-4-sulfonatobenzoate (asba2−) ligand adopts a monodentate coordination mode. The bix ligands exhibit gauche–gauche (GG) and trans–trans (TT) conformations. A detailed analysis of the solid-state diffuse-reflectance UV–Vis spectrum reveals that an indirect band gap exists in the complex. The band structure, the total density of states (TDOS) and the partial density of states (PDOS) were calculated using the CASTEP program. The calculated band gap (E g) matches well with the experimental one. The complex exhibits a reversible dehydration–rehydration behaviour. Interestingly, gas sorption experiments demonstrate that the new fully anhydrous compound obtained by activating complex (1) at 400 K shows selective adsorption of CO2 over N2. Complex (1) retains excellent framework stability in a variety of solvents and manifests distinct solvent-dependent fluorescence properties. Moreover, the complex shows multiresponsive fluorescence sensing for some nitroaromatics in aqueous medium.

Structure, DFT Calculations, and Magnetic Characterization of Coordination Polymers of Bridged Dicyanamido-Metal(II) Complexes

Three coordination polymers of metal(II)-dicyanamido (dca) complexes with 4-methoxypyridine-N-oxide (4-MOP-NO); namely, catena-[Co(µ1,5-dca)2(4-MOP-NO)2] (1), catena-[Mn(µ1,5-dca)2(4-MOP-NO)2] (2), catena-[Cd(µ1,5-dca)2(4-MOP-NO)2] (3), and the mononuclear [Cu(κ1dca)2(4-MOP-NO)2] (4), were synthesized in this research. The complexes were analyzed by single crystal X-ray diffraction as well as spectroscopic methods (UV/vis, IR). The polymeric 1-D chains in complexes 1–3 were achieved by the doubly µ1,5-bridging dca ligands and the O-donor atoms of two axial 4-MOP-NO molecules in trans configuration around the distorted M(II) octahedral. On the other hand, the two “trans-axial” pyridine-N-oxide molecules in complexes 2 and 3 display opposite orientation (s-trans). The DFT (density functional theory) computational studies on the complexes 1–3 were consistent with the experimentally observed crystal structures. Compounds 1 and 2 display weak antiferromagnetic coupling between metal ions (J = −10.8 for 1 and −0.35 for 2).

Crystal structure of bis(4-benzoyl-pyridine-κN)bis(methanol-κO)bis(thio-cyanato-κN)nickel(II) methanol monosolvate

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Ni(NCS)2(C12H9NO)2(CH3OH)2]·CH3OH, comprises one NiII cation, two thio-cyanate anions, two 4-benzoyl-pyridine coligands, two coordinating, as well as one non-coordinating methanol mol-ecule. The NiII cation is coordinated by two terminally N-bonded thio-cyanate anions, the N atoms of two 4-benzoyl-pyridine coligands and the O atoms of two methanol ligands within a slightly distorted octa-hedron. Individual complexes are linked by inter-molecular O-H⋯S hydrogen bonding into chains parallel to [010] that are further connected into layers parallel to (10) by C-H⋯S hydrogen bonds. Additional C-H⋯O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions lead to the formation of a three-dimensional network that limits channels extending parallel to [010] in which the non-coordinating methanol mol-ecules are located. They are hydrogen-bonded to the coordinating methanol mol-ecules. X-ray powder diffraction revealed that the compound could not be prepared as a pure phase.