∞2[Co{1,4-C6H4(CN)2}2{NTf2}2][SnI{Co(CO)4}3]2 - a 2D coordination network with an intercalated carbonyl cluster

Dark red transparent crystals of [Co{1,4-C6H4(CN)(2)}(2){NTf2}(2)][SnI{Co(CO)(4)}(3)](2) are obtained by reacting SnI4, Co-2(CO)(8) and 1,4-C6H4(CN)(2) in the ionic liquid [EMIm][NTf2] (EMIm: 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium; NTf2: bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide). According to X-ray structure analysis based on single crystals, the title compound crystallizes in a triclinic manner and contains the novel (2)(infinity)[Co{1,4-C6H4(CN)(2)}(2){NTf2}(2)] coordination network. This infinite 2D network is composed of Co2+ ions that are planarily interlinked by four 1,4-dicyanobenzene ligands. As a non-charged 2D network, Co2+ is furthermore coordinated by two [NTf2](-) anions. The (2)(infinity)[Co{1,4-C6H4(CN)(2)}(2){NTf2}(2)] layers are stacked on top of each other with SnI[Co(CO)(4)](3) molecules intercalated in distorted cubic gaps between the layers. The title compound is furthermore characterized by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, thermogravimetry (TG), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and optical spectroscopy (UV-Vis).