New binuclear MnII and FeII complexes supported by 1,4,8-triazacycloundecane

Two new binuclear metal complexes supported by 1,4,8-triazacycloundecane (tacud) are reported. [Fe2(tacud)2(μ-Cl)2Cl2] (1) and [Mn2(tacud)2(μ-Cl)2Cl2] (2) are isomorphs consisting of bis(μ-chloro) bridged metal centers along with terminal chloro groups and tacud ligands. Both compounds 1 and 2 crystallize in the P space group. For 1, a = 7.7321(12) A, b = 7.8896(12) A, c = 11.4945(17) A, α = 107.832(2)°, β = 107.827(2)°, γ = 92.642(2)°, V = 627.85(17) A3 and Z = 1. For 2, a = 7.7607(12) A, b = 7.9068(12) A, c = 11.6111(18) A, α = 108.201(2)°, β = 108.041(2)°, γ = 92.118(3)°, V = 636.47(17) A3 and Z = 1. Variable-temperature and variable-field magnetic susceptibility studies on 1 indicate the presence of weak ferromagnetic interactions between the high-spin iron(II) centers in the dimer (J = + 1.6 cm−1) and the crystalline field anisotropy of the ferrous ion (D = − 2.8, E = − 0.1 cm−1). Variable temperature magnetic susceptometry studies on 2 indicate that weak antiferromagnetic coupling exists between the manganese(II) centers (J = − 1.8 cm−1). Compounds 1 and 2 retain their dinuclearity in weakly coordinating or low polarity solvents, while both become mononuclear in solvents such as methanol.