Three ion-pair complexes containing bis(maleonitriledithiolate)copper(II) anion and substituted 4-dimethylaminopyridinium: Syntheses, crystal structures, and magnetic properties

Three new ion-pair complexes, [4RBzDMAP]2[Cu(mnt)2] (mnt2− = maleonitriledithiolate; [4RBzDMAP]+ = 1-(4′-R-benzyl)-4-dimethylaminopyridinium, R = F(1), Cl(2) and Br(3)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV, single crystal X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. The [Cu(mnt)2]2− anions and the cations stack alternately and form a 1D column via C–H···S, C–H···π or C–H···Cu interactions for 1 and 2. While the cations stack into a column though π···π or C–H···π interactions between pyridine and phenyl rings for 1 and 3. The change of the molecular topology of the counteraction when the 4-substituted group in the benzyl ring have been changed from F or Cl to Br atom, results in the difference in the crystal system, space group and the stacking mode of the cations and anions of 1, 2 and 3. Some weak hydrogen bonds between the adjacent columns further generate a 3D network structure. It is interesting that 1 and 2 exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling with θ = −2.372 K and θ = −14.732 K, while 3 shows weak ferromagnetic coupling feature with θ = 0.381 K.