In inorganic chemistry, Hofmann clathrates refers to materials with the formula Ni(CN)2(NH3)(C6H6). These materials are a type of coordination polymer that have properties of inclusion compounds.[1][2] They have attracted attention because they can be used to separate xylenes. On a conceptual level, Hofmann clathrates can be viewed as forerunners to metal-organic frameworks (MOFs).[3]
Structures
editThe empirical formula Ni(CN)2(NH3)(C6H6) reflects the presence of two types of nickel(II) centers, one of which is the square-planar tetracyanonickelate, [Ni(CN)4]2-. The second kind of nickel site consists of [Ni(NH3)2]2+ groups that are connected to the Ni-CN nitrogens. Thus cyanide serves as a bridging ligand. The linking of the [Ni(CN)4]2- and trans-[Ni(NH3)2]2+ subunits results in a sheet-like polymer. Voids between these sheets, defined by the ammonia ligands, are occupied by benzene molecules.
Variations
editMany variations of Hofmann clathrates have been reported. The ammonia ligands can be replaced by diamines. Tetracyanonickelate can be replaced by tetracyanopalladate. A wide range of arenes can occupy the benzene site.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Greenwood, Norman N.; Earnshaw, Alan (1997). Chemistry of the Elements (2nd ed.). Butterworth-Heinemann. p. 1161. ISBN 978-0-08-037941-8.
- ^ Atwood, Jerry L. (2000). "Inclusion Compounds". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. doi:10.1002/14356007.a14_119. ISBN 978-3-527-30385-4.
- ^ O. M. Yaghi; M. J. Kalmutzki; C. S. Diercks (2019). Introduction to Reticular Chemistry: Metal-Organic Frameworks and Covalent Organic Frameworks. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH.
- ^ Büttner, H. G.; Kearley, G. J.; Howard, C. J.; Fillaux, F. (1994). "Structure of the Hofmann Clathrates Ni(NH3)2Ni(CN)4.2C6D6 and Zn(NH3)2Ni(CN)4.2C6H6". Acta Crystallographica Section B: Structural Science. 50 (4): 431–435. Bibcode:1994AcCrB..50..431B. doi:10.1107/S0108768193013539.