Solvothermal syntheses and structures of three clusters based on (1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-methanethiol

Abstract

Two hexanuclear cobalt clusters [Co₆(bms)₁₂]·(X)₆·yH₂O (1, X = , y = 12; 2, X = , y = 8) and one new trinuclear nickel cluster [Ni₃S(bms)₃]·NO₃·C₂H₅OH (3) (Hbms = (1H-benzoimidazol-2-yl)-methanethiol) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrum, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. Compound 1 crystallizes in the trigonal system, R space group, and consists of hexanuclear Co^III units, which are bridged by μ ₂-S-benzimidazoles in a square arrangement around cobalt. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic system, P2₁/n space group, and also consists of hexanuclear Co^III units containing the same kind of μ ₂-S-benzimidazole bridges like 1, but contains different counter anions and lattice waters. Compound 3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, Pbca space group, and is composed of trinuclear Ni^II units. These results show that geometries and sizes of the corresponding anions as well as their coordinating mode and hydrogen-bonding properties are important in determining the final structures of the assemblies.

Keywords:

• Crystal structure
• Water cluster
• Polynuclear cluster

Acknowledgments

This research was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 21161006), Innovation Project of Guangxi Graduate Education (2010105960817M03), Startup foundation for Dr Zhang of Guilin University of Technology and Program for Excellent Talents in Guangxi Higher Education Institutions (Gui Jiao Ren [2012]41).