Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of [Fe(bpe)(4)(H2O)(2)](TCNQ)(2) (bpe = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane and TCNQ = tetracyanoquinodimethane)

The synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of [Fe(bpe)(4)(H2O)(2)](TCNQ)(2) (1) are reported. I crystallizes in the triclinic P $$(l) over bar space group, a = 13.481(5), b = 14.887(3), c 16.663(4) angstrom, alpha = 101.048(18), beta = 112.84(2), gamma = 90.92(2)degrees, V 3009.6(14) angstrom(3), Z = 2. The iron atom defines a compressed octahedron with the equatorial positions occupied by the bpe molecules which act as monodentate ligands and the two axial positions occupied by water molecules. The TCNQ(-) radical counterions are uncoordinated and interact by pairs defining (TCNQ)(2)(2-) units strongly coupled antiferromagnetically. The iron(II) atoms are in the high spin state and its magnetic behaviour indicates the occurrence of zero-field splitting of the S = 2 ground state.