Effects of counter-ion size on solid state structures of M2+(Nitrilotriacetate) complexes

The structure of Na[Co(NTA)] is described and the packing arrangement in the unit cell is compared to other M2+(NTA) complexes with alkali counter ions. Although the inner sphere coordination of the metal complexes are all very similar, the number and arrangements of outer-sphere waters of hydration and crystal packing are dependant on the identity of the counter ion.