A cyclic supramolecular (H < inf > 2 < /inf > O) < inf > 4 < /inf > cluster in an unusual Fe < inf > 3 < /inf > complex that aggregates to {Fe < inf > 3 < /inf > } < inf > n < /inf > with a zig-zag chainlike structure

Abstract

An aqueous solution containing ferric chloride, acetic acid and 2-hydroxypyridine results in the solid-state isolation of an unusual mixed-ligand trinuclear iron(III) complex [Fe3(μ3-O)-(μ2-CH3COO) 6(C5H5NO)2(H2O)]ClO 4·4H2O, 1, where the iron-coordinated water ligand forms a hydrogen-bonded water tetramer with three other solvent water molecules; the Fe3 clusters aggregate to {Fe3}n via N-H⋯O type hydrogen bonds, forming a zig-zag chainlike structure.