Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of [N(C4H9)4][Ni(diod)2]: a potential precursor for new materials

Abstract

The complex [N(C₄H₉)][Ni(diod)₂] where diod = 1,4-dithia-6-oxa-2,3-dithiolate, has been prepared and structurally characterised. The complex crystallises in the space group l2/a with a= 16.890 Å, b= 11.448 Å, c= 18.382 Å and β= 104.53°. The compound contains one unpaired electron per molecular unit and obeys the Curie–Weirs law over the temperature range 5–290 K with θ≈ 0. A charge-transfer salt of approximate composition [BEDT–TTF][Ni(diod)₂]₆ was prepared by electrocrystallisation and a compressed pellet of this salt had a room temperature conductivity of 10^–2 S cm^–1 and semiconducting behaviour over the temperature range 150–300 K.