X-Ray study of zinc(II) di-n-alkylphosphinate copolymers

Abstract

The mixed-ligand species Zn[(R¹₂PO₂)_{2 – 2x}(R²₂PO₂)_2x](R¹= Buⁿ; R²= n-C₆H₁₃ or n-C₁₀H₂₁) are linear coordination copolymers with a random distribution of two different bridging phosphinate groups along the molecular chains. Single crystals of the copolymer {Zn[Buⁿ₂PO₂(n-C₆H₁₃)₂PO₂]}_n are disordered. A three-dimensional X-ray analysis has been attempted. The crystals contain chains characterised by a backbone structure with alternate single and triple bridging phosphinate groups between tetrahedral metal atoms. The structural features common to those of the β-form of zinc(II) di-n-butylphosphinate polymer are discussed.