Structural analysis and magnetic properties of the 2-D compounds [M(N3)2(bpa)]n (M = Mn, Co or Ni; bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) †

Isomorphous compounds exhibiting the general formula [M(N3)2(bpa)]n (M = MnII1, CoII2 or NiII3; bpa = 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane) have been prepared and magnetostructurally characterised. X-Ray diffraction analysis revealed a 2-D arrangement of octahedrally co-ordinated metal cations where di-μ-(1,3)-N3-bridged metallic chains are connected through bpa ligands. IR and UV-VIS spectra were consistent with this structural characterisation. Magnetic analysis carried out by means of ESR spectroscopy and susceptibility measurements indicated that the three compounds are antiferromagnetic, J values being −5.7, −14.0 and −80 cm−1 for 1, 2 and 3, respectively.