Synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of heterometallic ion-pair Ni/Mn and Ni/Zn complexes

Abstract

Two new heterometallic compounds, [Ni(bpy)₃][Mn(NCO)₄]·H₂O (1) and [Ni(phen)₃]₂[Zn(NCO)₄]₂·4DMSO·H₂O (2) [bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline], have been synthesized and characterized. The structures of 1 and 2 were solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The cationic moieties of [Ni(bpy)₃]²⁺ in 1 and [Ni(phen)₃]²⁺ in 2 show octahedral environments around Ni(II), whereas the anionic groups of [Mn(NCO)₄]²⁻ in 1 and [Zn(NCO)₄]²⁻ in 2 exhibit tetrahedral geometry around the Mn(II) and Zn(II), respectively. Both compounds are catalysts in the H/D exchange of salicylaldehyde in DMSO-d₆ which takes place under mild conditions and short reaction time.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• H/D exchange reaction
• Catalysis
• Heterometallic complex
• Ion pair
• Cyanate

Acknowledgements

This work was financially supported by Khon Kaen University under Incubation Researcher Project and the Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry (PERCH-CIC). We are grateful to Miss Tan Geok Kheng and Hong Yimian (National University of Singapore) for the solution of the crystal structure. We wish to acknowledge the support of the Khon Kaen University Publication Clinic, Research and Technology Transfer Affairs, Khon Kaen University, for their assistance.