TCNE dimer dianion coordination complexes, [Mn(TPA)(TCNE)]2[micro2-(TCNE)2] and [Mn(TPA)(micro4-C4(CN)8)0.5].ClO4, TPA=tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine: synthesis, structure and magnetic properties.

The structures and magnetic properties of two products that result from the reactions of Mn(TPA)(CH3CN)22, TPA=tris(2-pyridylmethyl)amine and potassium tetracyanoethylenide, KTCNE, are reported. [Mn(TPA)(TCNE)]2[mu2-(TCNE)2] (1) and [Mn(TPA)(micro4-C4(CN)8)0.5].ClO4 (2) are obtained by using two different ratios of the initial reactants. Each was intended to possess two or more cis-TCNE radical anions (TCNE*/-) as ligands. 1 is a dinuclear species that crystallizes in the triclinic system in the space group P, with a=10.4432(17), b=12.2726(16), and c=13.708(2) A; alpha=88.505(12), beta=75.560(14), and gamma=87.077(12) degrees; V=1698.9(4) A3; and Z=1 and features two metal centers each with three nearly orthogonal TCNE*/- ligands. However, the three TCNE*/- ligands are all dimerized via the formation of four-center, two-electron bonds: two bridge the two Mn(II) centers, and a third TCNE*/- ligand forms an intermolecular bond to another equivalent TCNE*/-. 2 crystallizes in the tetragonal system in the space group P42212, with a=17.170(3), b=17.170(3), and c=17.1837(6) A; V=5065.9(13) A3; and Z=8. It consists of a ribbon-like coordination polymer containing the previously observed but still relatively rare octacyanobutyl dianion. The [C4(CN)8]2- anion is derived from the dimerization of two TCNE radical anions via the formation of a new sigma bond, and each anion bridges four Mn(II) centers. Both 1 and 2 display magnetic behavior consistent with only weak antiferromagnetic coupling between the high-spin d5 Mn(II) in which the TCNE*/- are rendered diamagnetic through dimerization.