Novel heterometallic Cu/Cd complex containing a unique polymeric ladder-like anion [Cd2(O2CMe)6]2−n derived from elemental copper and cadmium oxide

Copper powder reacts with cadmium oxide and ammonia acetate in methanol solution of ethylenediamine affording {[Cu(en)2][Cd2(O2CMe)6]}n in which seven-coordinated cadmium atoms are ligated by three bonding modes of acetate groups forming ladder-like anions [Cd2(O2CMe)6]2−n. The cations [Cu(en)2]2+ are located in the lattice and serve as bridges to connect separate anionic polymer chains into a two- dimensional network via hydrogen bonds.