Synthesis, reaction and structure of a series of chromium(III) complexes containing oxalate ligand

A series of chromium(III) complexes [Cr(bipy)(HC2O4)2]Cl·3H2O (1), [Cr(phen)(HC2O4)2]Cl·3H2O (2), [Cr(phen)2(C2O4)]ClO4 (3), [Cr2(bipy)4(C2O4)](SO4)·(bipy)0.5·H2O (4) and [Mn(phen)2(H2O)2]2[Cr(phen)(C2O4)2]3ClO4·14H2O (5) were synthesized (bipy=4,4′-bipyridine, phen=1,10-phenanthroline), while the crystal structures of 1 and 3-5 have been determined by X-ray analysis. 1 and 3 are mononuclear complexes, 4 contains binuclear chromium(III) ions and 5 is a 3D supromolecule formed by complicated hydrogen bonding. 1-3 are potential molecular bricks of chromium(III) building blocks for synthesis heterometallic complexes. When we use these molecular bricks as ligands to react with other metal salts, unexpected complexes 4 and 5 are isolated in water solution. The synthesis conditions and reaction results are also discussed.