Charge-transfer salts of methylferrocenes with DCNQI derivatives (DCNQI = N,N′-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinonediimine): Crystal structures and magnetic properties

Organometallic charge-transfer salts composed of decamethyl-, octamethyl-, and dimethylferrocene with N,N′-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinonediimine (DCNQI) derivatives were prepared. [Fe(C5Me5)2][(MeO)2DCNQI] (1) and [Fe(C5Me4H)2][Me2DCNQI] (2) were 1:1 DA salts with mixed-stack structures, whereas [Fe(C5Me4H)2][(MeO)2DCNQI]2 (3) and [Fe(C5MeH4)2][DCNQI]2 (4) were 1:2 DA salts. 3 exhibited a segregated-stack structure, in which charge separation was observed in the acceptor column. 1 became a metamagnet below TN = 5.0 K, whereas the other salts were paramagnets. Valence states and charge-transfer (CT) transitions in these complexes are discussed based on the neutral–ionic (NI) phase diagram.

Graphical abstractOrganometallic charge-transfer salts composed of decamethyl-, octamethyl-, and dimethylferrocene with DCNQI derivatives were prepared. [Fe(C5Me5)2][(MeO)2DCNQI] and [Fe(C5Me4H)2][Me2DCNQI] were 1:1 DA salts with mixed-stack structures, whereas [Fe(C5Me4H)2][(MeO)2DCNQI]2 and [Fe(C5MeH4)2][DCNQI]2 were 1:2 DA salts. [Fe(C5Me5)2][(MeO)2DCNQI] became a metamagnet below TN = 5.0 K, whereas the other salts were paramagnets. Valence states and charge-transfer transitions in these complexes are discussed based on the neutral–ionic phase diagram.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Four CT salts of ferrocenium cations and DCNQI derivatives synthesized. ► Two 1:1 mixed-stack salts and one 1:2 segregated-stack salt. ► [FeCp∗2][dimethoxy-DCNQI] exhibited metamagnetism below TN = 5.0 K.