Bonds and lone pairs in the flexible coordination sphere of lead(II)

Abstract

The single crystal XRD characterisation of a 'mixed anion' complex of Pb(II) with 1,10-phenanthroline, [Pb(phen)(O₂CCH₃)(O₂ClO₂)], shows the complex to be polymeric as a result of acetate ligand bridging, the Pb atom being in an unsymmetrical eight-coordinate, N₂O₆, environment and the crystal array reflecting a strong influence of π?π stacking of the heteroaromatic chelate ligands. The structure is used to raise issues concerning the coordination sphere of lead(II) which are of relevance to the rational design of solid state arrays