An unusual axial–axial combination of alternating cyclic rings in the chair conformations of hexameric water and chlorine-water clusters

An alternating hexameric water (H2O)6 cluster and a chlorine-water cluster [Cl2(H2O)4]2- in the chair forms combine axially to each other to form a 1D chain [{Cl2(H2O)6}2−]n in complex [FeL2]Cl·(H2O)3 (L = 2-[(2-methylaminoethylimino)-methyl]-phenol)]. The water molecules display extensive H-bonding interactions with monomeric iron–organic units to form a hydrogen-bonded 2D supramolecular assembly.

Graphical abstractA 1D water-chloro anionic layer [{Cl2(H2O)6}2−]n in which alternating chair conformations of hexameric cyclic water clusters (H2O)6 and chlorinated water clusters [Cl2(H2O)4]2– are connected axially which is unprecedented as presumed to be energetically unfavourable.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthetic, structural and spectral study of the complex [FeL2]Cl•(H2O)3. ► An unusual water-chloro anionic chain, [{Cl2(H2O)6}2−]n is stabilized. ► The chain contains alternating (H2O)6 and [Cl2(H2O)4]2– in chair conformations. ► Two alternating chair conformations are connected axially.