Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a 3D anionic framework based on butterfly Ni4 clusters

• A complex containing butterfly-like tetranuclear nickel units and [Ni(H2O)6]2 + cations is constructed.
• Such an inorganic cationic motif and anionic net combination is the first example for Ni4 cluster complexes.
• Weak antiferromagnetic interactions are exist within Ni4 clusters.

A 3D MOF {[Ni(H2O)6][Ni4L2(μ3-OH)2(H2O)2]}n (1) with a (4,8)-connected flu net is constructed by a butterfly-like tetranuclear [Ni4(μ3-OH)2(COO)8]2 − anionic cluster and organic linker 2,3′,5,5′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid (H4L). The disordered [Ni(H2O)6]2 + cations fill in the free voids of anionic framework in 1. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that complex 1 shows weak antiferromagnetic interactions.

Hydrothermal reactions of NiII salt with 2,3′,5,5′-biphenyl tetracarboxylic acid afford a (4,8)-connected 3D flu net, which contains butterfly-like tetranuclear [Ni4(μ3-OH)2(COO)8]2 − anionic clusters and disordered [Ni(H2O)6]2 + cations fill in the voids of anionic framework.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide