Isomeric Tetracyanoethylene Adducts of N,N'-Ethylenebis(acetylacetoniminato)cobalt(II)

The reaction of tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) with N,N'-ethylenebis(acetylacetoniminato)cobalt(II), Co(acacen), in various solvents is described. A microcrystalline air-sensitive reaction product has been isolated in the presence of pyridine (py), in a green and a purple form, either of which can be converted to the other. Elemental analysis, molecular weight data, magnetic moment measurement, solution and powder electronic absorption spectra, and mull ir spectra are used to characterize both species as being isomers of identical composition, [Co(acacen)py]2TCNE. Possible structures for both the green and purple isomers in solution and in the solid state are discussed and structures involving coordination through the N atoms of TCNE are tentatively assigned to both isomers in the solid state. A reaction product isolated in the absence of pyridine is characterized as a Co(acacen)-TCNE polymer. © 1971, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.

Duke Scholars

Author Alvin L. Crumbliss Chemistry