Synthesis, spectroscopic, magnetic and thermal properties of bimetallic salts, [Ni(L)][MCl4] {where M = Co(II), Zn(II), Hg(II) and L = 3,7-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane}. X-ray structure of [Ni(L)][CoCl4]

New bimetallic complex salts corresponding to the formulation [Ni(L)][MCl4] have been synthesized by the facile reaction between [Ni(L)](ClO4)2 and [MCl2(PPh3)2] in high yields {where M = Co(II), Zn(II), Hg(II) and L = 3,7-bis(2-aminoethyl)-1,3,5,7-tetraazabicyclo(3.3.1)nonane}. The complexes were characterized by IR, electronic spectra, TGA/DSC, magnetic moment and conductivity measurements. The X-ray crystal structure for [Ni(L)][CoCl4] clearly establishes the cationic–anionic interaction. It crystallizes in the space group P1 with unit cell dimensions a = 7.1740(15) Å, b = 8.1583(16) Å and c = 8.3102(16) Å. A square-planar geometry is evident for the [Ni(L)]2+ cation while the anion is found to be tetrahedral. A two-step thermolytic pattern is observed in the pyrolysis of the bimetallic complex salts.