Different topologies in heterometallic frameworks of copper(II) with bridging ligand: Syntheses, crystal structures, thermal and magnetic properties

Four cyano bridged Cu(II)–Ni(II) heterometallic complexes of general formula, [{Cu<SUB>2</SUB>(L)<SUB>2</SUB>Ni(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>}(ClO<SUB>4</SUB>)<SUB>2</SUB> · xH<SUB>2</SUB>O]<SUB>n</SUB> (for 1, L = bis(3-aminopropyl) methylamine = medpt and x = 2.5; for 2, L = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine = aepn and x = 2; for 3, L = diethylenetriamine = dien and x = 1), [Cu(medien)Ni(CN)<SUB>4</SUB>]<SUB>n</SUB> (4) (medien = bis(2-aminoethyl)methylamine) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and low temperature magnetic study. In complexes 1–3, all the cyanide ligands of tetracyanonickelate(II) take part in bonding, connecting four adjacent copper(II) ions whereas in 4 trans-dicoordinated cyanide of Ni(CN)<SUP>2-</SUP><SUB>4</SUB> links two Cu(II) ions only. We have already reported, as communication, the structural features of complex 1 and of its dehydrated species 1a. A different chain stereochemistry is detected in the related polymeric frameworks 1–3, mainly dictated by the orientation assumed by the ancillary tridentate L ligand. Thermogravimetric analyses and X-ray powder diffraction of complexes 1–3 reveal that the complexes retain their crystallinity upon removal of lattice water molecules. The magnetic studies of complexes 1–4 were performed in the 2–300 K temperature range. For all the complexes, the χMT values from 300 to 60 K are very close and correspond to isolated Cu(II) ions with different average g values (>2.00). From 60 to 2 K, χMT values decrease indicating weak antiferromagnetic coupling