Cationic cobalt(III) complex as anion receptor: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, single-crystal X-ray structure determination and packing analyses of [Co(phen)2CO3](4-aminobenzenesulphonate).6H2O

To explore the potential of [Co(phen)2CO3]+ as anion receptor, the complex salt [Co(phen)2CO3](4-aminobenzenesulphonate).6H2O was synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, elemental analyses, spectroscopic studies (IR, UV/Visible, 1H, 13C and 59Co NMR), solubility product and conductance measurements. The complex salt crystallizes in the triclinic space group P1¯ with unit cell constants: a = 10.803(2), b = 11.758(2), c = 15.190(3) Å, α = 99.66(3)°, β = 103.53(3)°, γ = 113.54(3)°. X-ray structure determination revealed the presence of one [Co(phen)2CO3]+, one 4-aminobenzenesulphonate ion and six lattice water molecules per asymmetric unit. Two 1,10-phenanthroline and one carbonato ligands (each bidentate) showed distorted octahedral geometry around the central Co(III) metal ion. Supramolecular hydrogen bonding networks formed by C–H···O, O–H···O and N–H···O interactions besides electrostatic forces of attraction stabilize crystal lattice. The structural studies suggest that [Co(phen)2CO3]+ is a potential anion receptor for the 4-aminobenzenesulphonate ion in aqueous medium.