Complexing properties of α-nitroketones. Part II. Complexes of 2-nitroacetophenone and nitroacetone with chromium(III), iron(III), and aluminium(III)

Abstract

Neutral complexes of 2-nitroacetophenone (napH) and nitroacetone (naH), [ML₃](M = Cr^III, Fe^III. and Al^III), have been isolated. Visible spectra of the Cr^IIIspecies and X-ray powder measurements establish a six-co-ordinate structure for all the complexes, as indicated by the stoicheiometry and bidentate O-donor behaviour of the α-nitroketonic group. Two crystalline forms of the complex tris(2-nitroacetophenonato) chromium (III) have been obtained. These are probably cis–trans-isomers arising from the unsymmetrical nature of the chelating ligands. Only one form could be obtained for the other ML₃ species described, and all have been tentatively assigned a trans-structure.