Synthesis, spectroscopy, thermal studies and supramolecular structures of two new alkali-earth 4-nitrobenzoate complexes containing coordinated imidazole

The reaction of hydrated magnesium or calcium 4-nitrobenzoate (4-nba) generated in situ, with imidazole (Im) results in the formation of the complexes [Mg(H2O)2(Im)2(4-nba)2] 1 and [Ca(H2O)3(Im)(4-nba)2]·Im 2, which exhibit the same metal:4-nba:Im ratio but different degrees of hydration. Complex 1 crystallizes in the triclinic Pī space group and the Mg atom is located on an inversion centre, while 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic P21/c space group and all atoms are located in general positions. In 1 the Im ligands, which are trans to each other, are coordinated to Mg, while 2 contains coordinated as well as free Im. The monodentate 4-nba ligands are disposed trans to each other in 1, while they adopt a cis orientation in 2 resulting in different supramolecular structures. Complex 1 exhibits two types of H-bonding interactions namely O-H···O and N-H···O, while in 2 three varieties of H-bond, viz. O-H···O, N-H···O and O-H···N are observed. The Im ligand ligand functions as a bifurcated H-bond donor in 1 while the O atom of the nitro group functions as a H-bond acceptor. In contrast, the nitro group in 2 is not involved in any H-bonding interactions. The free Im in 2 functions as a bifurcated acceptor and forms an extended chain linking adjacent complex molecules. The chains thus formed are further cross-linked with the aid of H-donor bonds from both the free as well as the coordinated Im. Both 1 and 2 exhibit π-π stacking interactions. Complex 1 is thermally more stable as compared to 2, and both complexes can be dehydrated to the corresponding anhydrous complexes by heating at 140 and 100°C respectively. At elevated temperatures, both the complexes can be pyrolysed to the corresponding oxide. The anhydrous complexes can be rehydrated to obtain the starting hydrated materials.