Octadecanuclear Cluster or 1D Polymer with [{ML}2Nb(CN)8]n Motifs as a Function of {ML} (M = Ni(II), n = 6; M = Mn(II), n = (infinity); L = Macrocycle)

A nanosized octadecaheteronuclear aggregate, [{NiL2}12{Nb(CN)8}6(H2O)6], and a 1-D coordination polymer, [{MnL1}2{Nb(CN)8}(H2O)](infinity), have been obtained by self-assembly between the octacyanometalate {Nb(CN)8}^4- and {ML}^2+ complexes. The dimensionality of the supramolecular architectures was found to be controlled by the {ML} module for which the equatorial coordination sites are blocked by a macrocyclic ligand. The crystal structures and magnetic properties for both the compounds are described.