Solid state synthesis of coordination compounds from basic metal salts

The preparation of the complex salts [H2im]2[MCl4] (H2im = imidazolium, M = Co, 1; Zn, 2; Cu, 3) and coordination compounds [MCl2(Him)2] (M = Co, 4; Zn, 5; Cu, 6) by a range of solid-state and solid-gas reactions is reported. Compounds 4–6 and the related [{MCl2(4,4′-bipy)}n] (M = Co, 7; Zn, 8) were prepared by the solid state reactions of metal hydroxide or carbonate salts (or their equivalent) with the hydrochloride salt of the appropriate ligand (imidazole or 4,4′-bipy).