3D network structure and magnetic behaviour of a new Ni(III) maleonitriledithiolate complex with C–H • • • π and π • • • π interactions using 4-dimethylaminopyridinium cation

Abstract

A new ion-pair complex, [DMAPH][Ni(mnt)2] ([DMAPH]+ = 4-dimethylaminopyridinium and mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate), was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, electrospray mass spectra and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. In the solid state, the anions and [DMAPH]+ cations are alternately stacked and form 1D column via π ··· π and C–H ··· π interactions between the anion and neighboring [DMAPH]+ cations. The anion–anion C ··· N interactions, and the anion–cation hydrogen bonds between adjacent columns further generate a 3D network structure. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurement in the temperature range 1.8–300 K shows that the complex exhibits an antiferromagnetic behavior with a Neel temperature (T N) of 7.0 K.