A new hydrated phase of cobalt(II) oxalate: crystal structure, thermal behavior and magnetic properties of {[Co(μ-ox)(H2O)2] · 2H2O}n

A cobalt-oxalato complex of formula {[Co(μ-ox)(H2O)2] · 2H2O}n (1) (ox=oxalate dianion) has been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis, thermoanalytical techniques and variable temperature susceptibility measurements. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group with cell parameters: a=6.627(1), b=8.715(2), c=11.106(2) Å, α=69.86(1), β=83.45(1), γ=72.33(1)°. Its crystal structure consists of crystallization water molecules and one-dimensional linear chains of [Co(H2O)2]2+ units linked by bis-bidentate oxalato ligands. These structural units are held together by an extensive network of hydrogen bonds. The magnetic properties show the occurrence of antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers.