Tetracyanometallates with Complex Dien Cations: [Ni(dien)2][Ni(CN)4]·2H2O and [Ni(dien)2][Pd(CN)4]
Abstract
The crystal structures of two square tetracyanocomplexes were determined. [Ni(dien)2][Ni(CN)4]·2H2O (NDNCH) and [Ni-(dien)2][Pd(CN)4] (NDPC) (dien = diethylene triamine) exhibit ionic structures consisting of mer-[Ni(dien)2]2+ cations and [Ni(CN)4]2- or [Pd(CN)4]2- anions, respectively. Moreover, the structure of NDNCH is completed by two water molecules of crystallisation. In both compounds hydrogen bonds contribute to the stabilisation of the structure. NDNCH dehydrates on air quickly yielding anhydrous [Ni(dien)2][Ni(CN)4] (NDNC). Its thermal decomposition proceeds in a complicated process followed by aerial oxidation of metallic nickel to NiO.