Synthesis and spectral characterization of trinuclear, oxo-centered, carboxylate-bridged, mixed-valence iron complexes with Schiff bases

Abstract

Some novel trinuclear, oxo-centered, carboxylate-bridged, mixed-valence iron complexes of the general formula [Fe3O(OOCR)3(SB)3L3] (where R=C13H27, C15H31 or C17H35, HSB=Schiff bases and L=Ethanol) have been synthesized by the stepwise substitutions of acetate ions from μ3-oxo-hexa(acetato)tri(aqua)iron(II)diiron(III), first with straight chain carboxylic acids and then with Schiff bases. The complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, molecular weight determinations and spectral (electronic, infrared, FAB mass, Mössbauer and powder XRD) studies. Molar conductance measurements indicated the complexes to be non-electrolytes in nitrobenzene. Bridging nature of carboxylate and Schiff base anions in the complexes was established by their infrared spectra. Mössbauer spectroscopic studies indicated two quadrupole-split doublets due to Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions at 80, 200 and 295K, confirming the complexes are mixed-valence species. This was also supported by the observed electronic spectra of the complexes. Magnetic susceptibility measurements displayed octahedral geometry around iron in mixed-valence state and a net antiferromagnetic exchange coupling via μ-oxo atom. Trinuclear nature of the complexes was confirmed by their molecular weight determination and FAB mass spectra. A plausible structure for these complexes has been established on the basis of spectral and magnetic moment data.