Thermal, structural and electrical studies of the chloro complexes of cobalt, nickel and copper with 4,7-phenanthroline

Abstract

The chloro compounds of 4,7-phenanthroline with cobalt, nickel and copper have been prepared in ethanolic solution and have stoichiometry MLCl 2. Solid compounds were isolated and characterised by elemental analyses, magnetic moments, vibrational and electronic spectra. The cobalt and nickel compounds have tetrahedral structures, whereas the copper compound has an octahedral structure. The thermal behaviour of the compounds has been studied using thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. An intermediate compound is observed in the decomposition of the cobalt complex. Electrical conductivities at room temperature are reported and all compounds display ohmic behaviour. The ligand molecules make a major contribution to the conduction process.