Synthesis and characterization of two linear trinuclear complexes [M3(CH3COO)6(H2O)(phen)2] · H2O (M = Co, Mn)

Two linear trinuclear compounds [Co3(CH3COO)6(H2O)(phen)2] · H2O 1 and [Mn3(CH3COO)6(H2O)(phen)2] · H2O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) 2 have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and magnetic measurements. The X-ray analyses of 1 and 2 show that the two compounds have the same coordination environment but different central metal ions (Co(II) and Mn(II), respectively). The structures of 1 and 2 both consist of a trinuclear cobalt/manganese unit coordinated by two terminal phen groups, one H2O on the central Co(II)/ Mn(II) and six CH3COO− groups featuring four kinds of bonding mode. The magnetic measurements of the two complexes reveal overall antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the metal ions.