Homoleptic manganese(II)–azide layer: Synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic properties

A host–guest compound {(MV)[Mn(N3)4]}n (1), where MV2+ (methylviologen dication) is generated in situ through the decarboxylation of 4,4′-dipyridinio-N,N′-diacetate, has been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography and magnetic measurements. This is the first homoleptic two-dimensional Mn–azide compound, which contains single μ1,3-azide bridged Mn(II) square layers with the organic MV2+ cations intercalated between the inorganic layers. Magnetic studies show antiferromagnetic interactions between adjacent metal ions (J = −4.4 cm−1), and the symmetric feature of the structure precludes the possibility of spin canting in this compound.