Coordination of iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2 to Co(II): Simultaneous formation of octahedral and tetrahedral complexes

The reaction of iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2 with CoCl2 ∙ 6H2O affords simultaneously the neutral tetrahedral [Co[iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2-O,O′]Cl2] and the ionic octahedral [Co[iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2-O,O′]3][CoCl4] complexes. These Co(II) complexes, which are stable towards oxidation to Co(III) species, self-assemble via N-H···Cl hydrogen bonds into a “honeycomb” (6,3) network. The structural flexibility of iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2 that can accommodate both tetrahedral and octahedral geometries is discussed.

Graphical abstractThe reaction of iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2 with CoCl2∙6H2O affords both tetrahedral [Co{iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2-O,O′}Cl2] and octahedral [Co{iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2-O,O′}3][CoCl4], which self-assemble into a “honeycomb” (6,3) network via N-H···Cl hydrogen bonds.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► iPr2P(O)NHP(O)iPr2 affords tetrahedral and octahedral geometries with Co(II). ► This ligand exhibits remarkable structural flexibility. ► A (6,3) network via N-H···Cl hydrogen bonds is self-assembled.