[H2en]2{La2M(SO4)6(H2O)2} (M=Co, Ni): First organically templated 3d–4f mixed metal sulfates

The first organically templated 3d–4f mixed metal sulfates, [H2en]2{La2M(SO4)6(H2O)2} (M=Co 1, Ni 2) have been synthesized and structurally determined from non-merohedrally twinned crystals. The two compounds are isostructural and their structures feature a three-dimensional anionic network formed by the lanthanum(III) and nickel(II) ions bridged by sulfate anions. The La(III) ions in both compounds are 10-coordinated by four sulfate anions in bidentate chelating fashion, and two sulfate anions in a unidentate fashion. The transition metal(II) ion is octahedrally coordinated by six oxygens from four sulfate anions and two aqua ligands. The doubly protonated enthylenediamine cations are located at the tunnels formed by 8-membered rings (four La and four sulfate anions).