Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a three-dimensional cyano-bridged heterometallic complex of manganese(II) and molybdenum(IV)

A bimetallic cyano-bridged complex {[Mn(ImH)(H2O)(2)](2)[Mo(CN)(8)] center dot 4H(2)O}(n) (ImH = imidazole) has been prepared and characterized. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that the complex crystallizes in space group C2/c with a 15.665( 2), b = 14.616( 2), c = 12.307( 2) angstrom, alpha = 90, beta = 108.31( 1), gamma = 90 degrees. The structure of the complex demonstrates a three-dimensional network through cyano-bridges. Each Mo(IV) atom has six - CN - Mn linkages and two terminal cyano ligands arranged in a square antiprismatic arrangement. The Mn(II) atom is in a distorted octahedral environment formed by three MoCN --> Mn linkages along with one imidazole and two water molecules in cis configuration. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility shows an antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn2+ ions through the NC - Mo-IV - CN diamagnetic bridges within the three-dimensional network. The IR spectra have also been investigated.