Spectral, thermal, structural and microhardness studies of tetraaquabis(malonato)cadmium(II)copper(II): A new three-dimensional heterobimetallic framework system

A new three-dimensional heterobimetallic metal-organic framework system tetraaaquabis(malonato)cadmium(II)copper(II) (TMCC) containing Cd(II) and Cu(II) as metal centers, was grown successfully by single gel diffusion technique at room temperature. Blue colored rectangle shaped crystals have been obtained within 15 days. The crystalline nature and reflection planes of the sample were confirmed by the powder X-ray diffraction studies and bulk purity of the crystal was also checked. The crystal structure was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. By removing the coordinated water molecules the framework would have a channel with open window about 6.7 x 6.2 angstrom along the c axis. FT-IR spectral studies were used to confirm the presence of various functional groups and the bidendate coordination of the ligand to the metal ions. The electronic transitions in the compound were analyzed by UV-Vis spectral studies. The thermal behavior of the crystal was studied by TG in nitrogen atmosphere. The mechanical strength of the grown crystal was estimated by Vickers microhardness test. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.