Bis(triethanolamine)bis(μ2-trimesato)dicobalt(II): a Co(II) dimer with an unreported two-dimensional supramolecular topology formed from triethanolamine and trimesic acid ligands.

Abstract

Supramolecular networks are an important subset in the field of coordination polymer (CP) frameworks and are widely encountered in crystal engineering research. The search for novel topologies continues to be a significant goal in CP chemistry. The dimeric compound bis(μ-5-carboxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylato-κ(2)O(1):O(3))bis[(triethanolamine-κ(4)N,O,O',O'')cobalt(II)], [Co2(C9H4O6)2(C6H15NO3)2], formed from the coligands 5-carboxybenzene-1,3-dicarboxylate (tmaH(2-)) and triethanolamine (teaH3), namely [Co(μ2-tmaH)(teaH3)]2, was synthesized and characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analyses, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and magnetic measurements. The crystal structure features a zero-dimensional molecular structure consisting of centrosymmetric macrocyclic dinuclear complexes. Four classical hydrogen bonds between carboxylate groups and hydroxyethyl arms stabilize and extend the molecules into a two-dimensional supramolecular network. The topological analysis indicates that an unreported (3,5)-binodal supramolecular topology with a short Schläfli symbol of (4.5.6)(4.5(5).6(3).7) can be achieved by means of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure accounts for the potential to obtain unique topological types from two excellent hydrogen-bonding candidates, i.e. tmaH3 and teaH3. A variable-temperature magnetic study shows the existence of antiferromagnetic behaviour in the complex.