A cyclic supramolecular (H2O)4 cluster in an unusual Fe3 complex that aggregates to {Fe3}n with a zig-zag chainlike structure

Abstract

An aqueous solution containing ferric chloride, acetic acid and 2-hydroxypyridine results in the solid-state isolation of an unusual mixed-ligand trinuclear iron(III) complex [Fe₃(μ₃-O)(μ₂-CH₃COO)₆(C₅H₅NO)₂(H₂O)]ClO₄·4H₂O, 1, where the iron-coordinated water ligand forms a hydrogen-bonded water tetramer with three other solvent water molecules; the Fe₃ clusters aggregate to {Fe₃}_nvia N–H⋯O type hydrogen bonds, forming a zig-zag chainlike structure.