Structural influence of counter-ions in lead(II) complexes: [Pb(phen)n(NO2)X], X = CH3COO−, NCS− and ClO4−, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline

Lead(II) nitrite complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) containing three different anions, [Pb(phen)(NO2)X] (X = CH3COO−, NCS− and ClO4−), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR-, 1H NMR-, 13C NMR-, 207Pb NMR-, UV-Vis spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The results show the influence of different counter-ions to form monomeric, dimeric and polymeric compounds. The self-assembly of [Pb(phen)2(O2N)(O2ClO2)]2 complex is likely to be caused by both lone pair activity and the π-π stacking interactions.