Magnetostructural characterisation of two M-NCO-bpa polymers (M = Co, Mn and bpa=1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane)

The combination of bpa with the pseudohalide cyanate (NCO-) leads to the preparation of two new isomorphous compounds exhibiting the formula [M(NCO)(2)(bpa)(2)](n). bpa where M = Co (1), Mn (2). Both of them have been magnetostructurally characterised by means of X-ray diffraction analysis, TG measurements, IR and ESR spectroscopies and measurements of the magnetic susceptibility. Both compounds consist of M-(gauche-bpa)(2)-M chains connected through H-bonds. The resulting network shows pseudo-channels (8.5 Angstrom x 9.3 Angstrom). The structure also exhibits anti-bpa groups performing as crystallisation molecules that are perpendicularly disposed to the pseudo-channels. Both compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions through metallic centres.