Preparation and structural characterisation of the compound [MeC5H4NCOOH][ZnCl3(H2O)] · [MeC5H4NCOO]H2O

The reaction of the ZnCl₂ with 6-methyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid, with a 1:2 metal-to-ligand molar ratio, affords optimum yields for the synthesis of [MeC₅H₄NCOOH][ZnCl₃(H₂O)] · [MeC₅H₄NCOO]H₂O. The new complex has been characterised by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR, and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The X-ray structure analysis revealed that this structure consists of [ZnCl₃(H₂O)]⁻ anions, [MeC₅H₄NCOOH]⁺ cations, [MeC₅H₄NCOO] zwitterions, and solvent molecules (H₂O) by means of hydrogen bonds.     

Protonation and Zn(II) complexation with versatile valine and glycylglycine N-pyrimidines derivatives: crystal structures of layered {[Zn(HL1)2] · 2H2O}n and [Zn(HL2)2(H2O)4]

Protonation and Zn(II) complexation of N-substituted amino acids, valine (H₂L1) and glycylglycine (H₂L2), with 4-amino-1,6-dihydro-1-methyl-5-nitroso-6-oxopyrimidin-2-yl as substituent, were studied by potentiometric and UV-Vis measurements. Bianions L1 and L2 suffer three protonation steps in aqueous medium corresponding to the amide and carboxylate groups of the amino acidic moiety, and the nitrogen atom of the nitroso group of the pyrimidine fragment. Both ligands form mononuclear Zn(II) complexes in aqueous solutions. The binding donor groups are the nitroso and/or the oxo groups of the pyrimidinic moiety or the carboxylate group, depending on whether the ligands are neutral or anionic, respectively. Weak metal-to-ligand interactions were observed independently of the functionality used by the corresponding ligand on bonding to Zn(II). The reaction of ZnCl₂ with the monodeprotonated ligands (1:1) yields a polynuclear 2D {[Zn(HL1)₂] · 2H₂O}_n and a mononuclear [Zn(HL2)₂(H₂O)₄] complexes, showing the influence of the susbtituent on the amino acids fragment as well as the versatility of this class of compounds when acting as ligands.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the low-spin iron(II) complex [Fe(bpz)3](ClO4)2 · H2O (bpz=2,2-bipyrazine)

The crystal structure of the title compound [Fe(bpz)₃](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O (bpz=2,2^′-bipyrazine) has been determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study at 293(2) K. The complex is monoclinic, P2₁/c, a=17.263(3), b=9.983(2), c=17.921(4) Å, β=107.94(3)°, V=2938.3(10) ų, Z=4, R=0.073 and R_w=0.118. The structure is made up of tris-chelated [Fe(bpz)₃]²⁺ cations, uncoordinated perchlorate anions and crystallization water molecules. The iron atom exhibits a FeN₆ distorted octahedral geometry with average Fe-N bond length and N-Fe-N bidentate angle of 1.962(5) Å and 81.6(2)°. The value of the Fe-N bond distance and that of the room temperature magnetic moment are in agreement with a singlet ¹A₁ ground state. The structure of 1 is compared to those of other tris-chelated iron(II) complexes with bidentate nitrogen heterocycles.     

Square-planar copper(II) complexes with tetradentate amido-carboxylate ligands. Crystal structure of Na2[Cu(obap)]2 · 2H2O. Strain analysis and spectral assignments of complexes

Novel N-N-N-O-type of tetradentate ligands H₃obap (H₃obap = oxamido-N-aminopropyl-N′-benzoic acid) and H₃maeb (H₃maeb = malamido-N-aminoethyl-N′-benzoic acid) and the corresponding square-planar copper(II) complexes have been prepared and characterized. The obap³⁻ and maeb³⁻ ligands coordinate to the copper(II) ion via four ligating atoms (three deprotonated atoms: one carboxylate oxygen and two deprotonated amide nitrogens; one amine nitrogen) with in-plane square chelation. A four coordinate, square-planar geometry has been established crystallographically for the binuclear Na₂[Cu(obap)]₂ · 2H₂O complex. Structural data correlating the square-planar geometry of the [Cu(obap)]⁻ unit and an extensive strain analysis are discussed in relation to the information obtained for similar complexes. The infrared and electronic absorption spectra of the complexes are discussed in comparison to the related complexes of known geometries. Antibacterial activity of ligands and copper(II) complexes towards common Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria are reported as well.     

Preparation and crystal structure of two novel cadmium (II)-trimesates, Cd(HTMA)(NC5H5)2 · 0.5CH3OH · 0.5DMF and Cd(HTMA) · 2H2O

Two novel complexes, Cd(HTMA)(NC₅H₅)₂ · 0.5CH₃OH · 0.5DMF (1) and Cd(HTMA) · 2H₂O (2), of cadmium (II)-trimesates are obtained from slow vapor diffusion and urea hydrolysis, respectively. The Cd(II) centers in the two complexes are bridged by three separate HTMA³⁻ ligands using a same coordination fashion, which contains one monodentate and two chelating bidentate carboxyl groups to form the herringbone-like motif. The herringbone-like motif is further interlinked to construct the two-dimensional Cd(II)-HTMA layer, which is stacked by mutual π-stacking of pyridines for 1 and by hydrogen bond of waters for 2. Thermal stabilities of the two complexes were investigated and the results indicated that Cd(II)-TMA layers in the two complexes are stable still upon 190 °C.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and structural investigation of silver magnesium complex of benzenehexacarboxylic acid (mellitic acid), Ag2Mg2[C6(COO)6] · 8H2O with two-dimensional layered structure

Crystal and molecular structure of silver magnesium mellitate, Ag₂Mg₂[C₆(COO)₆] · 8H₂O, was synthesized hydrothermally and characterized by X-ray structure analysis. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2/n, with unit cell dimensions of a=7.4347(2), b=9.9858(2), c=14.4248(3) Å, β=99.2429(5)°, V=1055.01(4) ų, and Z=2. The structure was solved and refined to R=0.036 (R_w=0.045) for 1707 independent reflections [I_o>2σ(I_o)]. The Ag cations are coordinated by six carboxylic oxygen atoms of mellitate anions with composition of [C₆(COO)₆]⁶⁻ on the (1 0 1) plane; each mellitate anion linking three neighboring Ag distorted trigonal prisms produces a two-dimensional layered structure parallel to (1 0 1). The Mg cations, which are coordinated by four water molecules and two carboxylic oxygen atoms, are intercalated between the two-dimensional layer stacks. The carboxylate group coordinated to Mg and Ag cations serve as a tridentate ligand in that structure. The number of water molecules incorporated into the mellitate compound is controlled mainly by ionic radii of metal cation in the structure. Furthermore, the ionic radii of metal cations in the mellitate compound play an essential role in arrangement of mellitate anions in the structure, whether as a one-dimensional infinite chain, a two-dimensional layered structure, or a three-dimensional framework structure.     

A trinuclear copper(II) complex with 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges - [Cu3(2,5-pydc)2(Me5dien)2(H2O)2(BF4)2] · H2O: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

A trinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu₃(2,5-pydc)₂(Me₅dien)₂(BF₄)₂(H₂O)₂] · H₂O 1, has been constructed from 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges (2,5-pydc²⁻) and N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine (Me₅dien) acting as a blocking ligand. The copper ions, within the centrosymmetric trinuclear cations, are connected by two 2,5-pydc²⁻ bridges, with an intramolecular Cu···Cu separation of 8.432 Å. The central copper ion exhibits an elongated octahedral geometry, with semicoordinated ions, while the terminal ones are pentacoordinated (distorted square-pyramidal geometry). The cryomagnetic investigation of 1 reveals an antiferromagnetic coupling of the copper(II) ions (J = −5.9 cm⁻¹, H = −JS_Cu1S_Cu2 − JS_Cu2S_Cu1a).     

3D hydrogen bonded metal-organic frameworks constructed from [M(H2O)6][M′(dipicolinate)2] · mH2O (M/M′ = Zn/Ni or Ni/Ni). Identification of intercalated acyclic (H2O)6/(H2O)10 clusters

New heterodinuclear Zn^II/Ni^II (1) and homodinuclear Ni^II/Ni^II (2) water-soluble and air stable compounds of general formula [M(H₂O)₆][M′(dipic)₂] · mH₂O have been easily prepared by self-assembly of the corresponding metal(II) nitrates with dipicolinic acid (H₂dipic) in water solution at room temperature.  The compounds have been characterized by IR, UV/Vis and atomic absorption spectroscopies, elemental and X-ray single crystal diffraction (for 1 · 4H₂O and 2 · 5H₂O) analyses.  3D infinite polymeric networks are formed via extensive hydrogen bonding interactions involving all coordinated and crystallization water molecules, and all dipicolinate oxygens, thus contributing to additional stabilization of dimeric units, metal-organic chains and 2D layers.  In 1 · 4H₂O, the latter represent a rectangular-grid 2D framework with multiple channels if viewed along the c crystallographic axis, while in 2 · 5H₂O intercalated crystallization water molecules are associated to form acyclic nonplanar hexameric water clusters and water dimers which occupy voids in the host metal-organic matrix, with a structure stabilizing effect via host-guest interactions.  The hexameric cluster extends to the larger (H₂O)₁₀ one with an unusual geometry (acyclic helical octamer with two pendent water molecules) by taking into account the hydrogen bonds to water ligands in [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺.  The obtained Zn/Ni compound 1 relates to the recently reported family of heterodimetallic complexes [M(H₂O)₅M′(dipic)₂] · mH₂O (M/M′ = Cu/Co, Cu/Ni, Cu/Zn, Zn/Co, Ni/Co, m = 2, 3), what now allows to establish the orders of the metal affinity towards the formation of chelates with dipicolinic acid (Co^II > Ni^II > Zn^II > Cu^II) or aqua species (Co^II < Ni^II < Zn^II < Cu^II).     

Synthesis and structure of two polymeric barium-oxydiacetates: [Ba(oda) · H2O]n and [Ba(Hoda)2]n (H2oda: oxydiacetic acid)

The reaction of barium carbonate or hydroxide with oxydiacetic acid leads to the self-assembly of two barium oxydiacetate polymers in good yield: [Ba(oda) · H₂O]_n (1) and [Ba(Hoda)₂]_n (2). The products have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TGA and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The central barium atom in each mononuclear fragment is nine-coordinate in 1 and 10-coordinate in 2. These fragments are bridged by carboxylato groups in anti-anti conformation and through H-bonds bonding interactions forming complex 3D networks.     

Synthesis, characterization, crystal structures and magnetic properties of dissymmetrical double schiff base heterotrinuclear complexes: [CuL(H2O)CoCuL] · H2O · CH3OH and [(CuL)2Ni] · 2H2O

A dissymmetrical double Schiff base Cu(II) mononuclear complex: CuHL (1) (where H₃L is N-3-carboxylsalicylidene-N^′-salicylaldehyde-1,2-diaminoethane) and two trinuclear complexes: [CuL(H₂O)CoCuL] · H₂O · CH₃OH (2) and [(CuL)₂Ni] · 2H₂O (3) have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analyses, IR and electronic spectra. The crystal structures of two heterotrinucler complexes were determined by X-ray analysis. Each dissymmetrical cell unit of the complex 2 contains two heterotrinucler neutral molecules. In each neutral molecule, the central Co²⁺ ion is located at the site of O₆ with a distorted octahedral geometry and one terminal Cu²⁺ ion at the four-coordination site of N₂O₂, but the other one at the square-pyramidal environment of N₂O₃. Each dissymmetrical unit of the complex 3 contains a heterotrinucler neutral molecule, whose structure is similar to that of 2 except two terminal Cu²⁺ ions both at the inner site of N₂O₂. The magnetic properties of two heterotrinucler complexes have been determined in the temperature range of 5-300 K, which indicate that the interaction between the central Co²⁺ ion or Ni²⁺ ion and the outer Cu²⁺ ions is antiferromagnetic. The exchange integrals are equal to −26.2 cm⁻¹ for 2 and −50.6 cm⁻¹ for 3.     

Two new supermolecular structures of organic-inorganic hybrid compounds: [Zn(phen)(SO4)(H2O)2]n and [Cu(phen)(H2O)2] · SO4 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline)

Two new organic-inorganic hybrid compounds [Zn(phen)(SO₄)(H₂O)₂]_n (1) and [Cu(phen)(H₂O)₂] · SO₄ (2) have been prepared by conventional aqueous solution synthesis and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and fluorescent spectroscopy. In compound 1, the sulfate group adopts bidentate mode to coordinate with two Zn(II) ions to form one-dimensional polymer. The one-dimensional polymers are further linked together via the intermolecular hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions to form a 3D supramolecular framework. Compound 2 is build up of discrete [Cu(phen)(H₂O]²⁺ cations and SO₄²⁻ anions to form a three-dimensional framework via hydrogen-bonding and π-π stacking interactions. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of both 1 and 2 were studied. The complexes 1 and 2 excited at 280 nm wavelength produced characteristic luminescence features, arising maybe due to the π-π transitions.     

Syntheses, characterizations and crystal structures of two lead(II) diphosphonates: Pb2[NH(CH2PO3)2] · 2H2O and Pb3[HO2C(CH2)3NH(CH2PO3)2]2 · 2H2O

Hydrothermal reactions of lead(II) acetate and HO₂C(CH₂)₃N(CH₂PO₃H₂)₂ at 170 and 140 °C, respectively, resulted in two different lead diphosphonates, namely, Pb₂[NH(CH₂PO₃)₂] · 2H₂O (1), in which the butyric acid moiety of the HO₂C(CH₂)₃N(CH₂PO₃H₂)₂ has been cleaved and a novel layered compound, Pb₃[HO₂C(CH₂)₃NH(CH₂PO₃)₂]₂ · 2H₂O (2). Their crystal structures have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. In compound 1, the interconnection of the lead(II) ions by bridging amino-diphosphonate ligands leads to the formation of a 3D network. Compound 2 features an unusual triple-layer structure with the non-coordinated butyric acid moieties as pendant groups between the layers.     

Synthesis and characterization of two novel cobalt (II) phosphine complexes: crystal structures of [CoCl3(Cy2PCH2PCy2H)] and [Co(NO3)2(Cy2PCH2PCy2O)]. Cy = cyclohexyl, C6H11

The complexes [(Cy₂PCH₂PCy₂H)CoCl₃] (1) and [(Cy₂PCH₂PCy₂O)Co(NO₃)₂] (2), Cy = cyclohexyl (C₆H₁₁), have been prepared and characterized by EPR, UV-Vis, microanalysis and X-ray crystallography. The reaction CoCl₂ · 6H₂O and dcpm, dcpm = bis(dicyclohexylphosphino)methane, was found to form the monomeric, four coordinate, thermochromic and paramagnetic complex [(Cy₂PCH₂PCy₂H)CoCl₃] (1). Of particular interest is the formation of a zwitterion, or inner salt, in which the dangling phosphine adds a hydrogen atom, giving the phosphorus a +1 formal charge. The molecule adopts a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry around the central cobalt atom to which the cyclohexyl groups bind in an equatorial fashion to the phosphine. The reaction of Co(NO₃)₂ · 6H₂O and dcpm in a toluene/methanol/methylene chloride mixture yields the pseudo-octahedral complex [(Cy₂PCH₂PCy₂O)Co(NO₃)₂] (2). The cobalt is in the +2 oxidation state with one of the phosphorus atoms again having a +1 formal charge. The complex adopts a pseudo-octahedral geometry around the central cobalt atom with the cyclohexyl groups binding in an equatorial fashion to the phosphine similar to [(Cy₂PCH₂PCy₂H)CoCl₃].     

Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of a chain coordination polymer {[Cu4L2(H2O)] · H2O}n

A chain coordination polymer with the chemical formula {[Cu₄L₂(H₂O)] · H₂O}_n, has been synthesized by the assembly reaction of K₂CuL · 1.5H₂O and Cu(OAC)₂ · H₂O with a 1:1 mole ratio in methanol, where H₄L = 2-hydroxy-3-[(E)-({2-[(2-hydroxybenzoyl)imino]ethyl}imino)methyl] benzoic acid, OAC⁻ = CH₃COO⁻. The crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the compound has chain molecular structure formed by dissymmetrical tetranuclear units. The magnetic measurements showed that Cu-Cu of the complex exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions, and satisfactory fittings to the observed magnetic susceptibility data were obtained by assuming a binuclear system, and further using molecular field approximation to deal with magnetic exchange interactions between binuclear systems.     

Cyano-bridged cluster-metal coordination compound: synthesis and crystal structure of [Cu(NH3)3][Cu(NH3)4][Cu(NH3)5][W4Te4(CN)12]·5H2O

Dark-brown single crystals of the title compound 1 were obtained in high yield by layering a CuCl₂ solution in 25% aqueous ammonia on a glycerol solution of K₆[W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]·5H₂O. The complex 1 was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and IR spectroscopy. The X-ray structure of 1 reveals a polymeric chain cyano-bridged cluster-metal coordination compound. The [W₄Te₄(CN)₁₂]⁶⁻ cluster anions are linked one to another by Cu²⁺ cations through coordination by nitrogen atoms of the CN groups.     

Mn(II) complexes of monoanionic bidentate chelators: X-ray crystal structures of Mn(dha)2(CH3OH)2 (Hdha = dehydroacetic acid) and [Mn(ema)2(H2O)]2 · 2H2O (Hema = 2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone)

This report describes synthesis and characterization of bis-ligand Mn(II) complexes of bidentate chelators: maltol (3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-pyrone), ethylmaltol (2-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyrone), 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-4-pyridinone (DMHP) and dehydroacetic acid. All four Mn(II) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV/Vis, EPR, cyclic voltammetry, and X-ray crystallography in cases of Mn(dha)₂(CH₃OH)₂ and [Mn(ema)₂(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O. The bidentate chelator plays a significant role in the solid state structure of its Mn(II) complex. For example, dha forms the monomeric complex Mn(dha)₂(CH₃OH)₂ while ethylmaltol forms the dimeric complex [Mn(ema)₂(H₂O)]₂. Because of smaller size, maltol ligands in Mn(ma)₂ are able to bridge adjacent Mn(II) centers to give a polymeric structure in solid state. Despite of the difference in their solid state structures, both Mn(ema)₂ and Mn(ma)₂ exist in solution as monomeric Mn(II) species, Mn(ema)₂(H₂O)₂ and Mn(ma)₂(H₂O)₂. This assumption is supported by the similarity in their UV/Vis spectra, EPR data and electrochemical properties. Replacing maltol with DMHP results in a decrease (by ∼100 mV) in the redox potential for the Mn(II)/Mn(III) couple, suggesting that DMHP stabilizes Mn(III) better than maltol. Since Mn(DMHP)₂(H₂O)₂ is readily oxidized to form the more stable Mn(III) complex Mn(DMHP)₃, DMHP has the potential as a chelator for removal of excess Mn(II) from patients with chronic Mn toxicity.     

Synthesis, characterization and bioactivity of a novel 18-metallacrown-6: [Mn(pcshz)(CH3OH)]6 · 4CH3OH · 4H2O

The reaction of N-propionyl-5-chlorosalicylhydrazide (H₃pcshz) with Mn(OAc)₂ · 4H₂O in methanol solution gives a novel 18-metallacrown-6 [Mn(pcshz)(CH₃OH)]₆ · 4CH₃OH · 4H₂O (1). The structure of 1 has been determined by X-ray diffraction and it crystallizes in the monoclinic system and space group P2(1)/n. The ring of the metallacrown is consisted of six interlink [Mn-N-N] repeated units through hydrazide N-N group bridging the ring manganese ions. And the ligand enforces the metal ions to form the stereochemistry as a propeller configuration with alternation Λ/Δ form. The largest diameters of the disc-shaped hexanuclear ring are about 8.82 Å at entrance, 9.83 Å at the central of the cavity, respectively. The solution integrity and stability of the metallacrown was studied by electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The results show it is soluble and stable in methanol. Antibacterial screening data indicate the forming of the complex weakens dramatically the antibacterial activity of the ligand H₃pcshz except for Eschericha coli.     

Crystal growth in aqueous hydrofluoric acid and (HF)x · pyridine solutions: syntheses and crystal structures of [Ni(H2O)6][MF6] (M = Ti, Zr, Hf) and Ni3(py)12F6 · 7H2O

The syntheses and structures of [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺[MF₆]²⁻ (M = Ti,Zr,Hf) and Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O are reported. The former three compounds are isostructural, crystallizing in the trigonal space group (No. 148) with Z = 3. The lattice parameters are a = 9.489(4), C = 9.764(7) Å, with V = 761(1) ų for Ti; a = 9.727(2), C = 10.051(3) Å, with V = 823.6(6) ų for Zr; and a = 9.724(3), C = 10.028(4)Å, with V = 821.2(8)ų for Hf. The structures consist of discrete [Ni(H₂O)₆]²⁺ and [MF₆]²⁻ octahedra joined by O---HF hydrogen bond Large single crystals were grown in an aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution. Ni₃(py)₁₂F₆·7H₂O crystallizes in the monoclinic space group I2/a (No. 15) with Z = 4. The lattice parameters are a = 16.117(4), B = 8.529(3), C = 46.220(7) Å, β = 92.46(2)°, and V = 6348(5) ų. The structure consists of discrete Ni(py)₄F₂ octahedra linked through H---O---HF and H---O---HO hydrogen bonding interactions. Single c were grown from a (HF)_x·pyridine/pyridine/water solution.     

Hydrothermal synthesis and crystal structure of a novel one-dimensional arsenic vanadate decorated with organonitrogen ligand: [H3V3O26(AsO4)4(phen)8(H2O)2] · 2H2O (phen=phenanthroline)

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid vanadium arsenate [H₃V₃O₂₆(AsO₄)₄(phen)₈(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O 1 (phen=phenanthroline) was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of V₂O₅, VOSO₄, Na₂HAsO₄ · 7H₂O, phen and water. Its structure was determined by elemental analyses, XPS spectra, EPR spectrum, TG analysis, IR spectrum and single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis and structure of a lead(II)-citrate: {Na(H2O)3}[Pb5(C6H5O7)3(C6H6O7)(H2O)3]·9.5H2O

The reaction of lead(II) nitrate with trisodium citrate Na₃(C₆H₅O₇) in a 1:22.5 ratio at pH 4.8 provides crystals of {Na(H₂O)₃}[Pb₅(H₂O)₃(C₆H₅O₇)₃(C₆H₆O₇)]·9.5H₂O (1). The structure of 1 is two-dimensional and exhibits five distinct Pb(II) sites and four different modes of citrate bonding. The five lead sites all display hemidirected coordination geometries, that is, irregular distribution of neighboring oxygen atoms resulting in obvious gaps in the coordination spheres. Consequently, the lead coordination geometries exhibit proximal bonding to a number of oxygen donors, as well as distal interactions with nearest neighbors. The coordination numbers vary from 8 to 10, with ‘5+3’, ‘5+4’, ‘6+4’ and ‘7+3’ coordination modes where the first number refers to the proximal ligands and the second to the distal set. The four crystallographically distinct citrate groups include three with deprotonated carboxylate groups (C₆H₅O₇)³⁻ and one with a single protonated carboxyl group (C₆H₆O₇)². The citrate ligands bridge 3, 5, 7 and 7 lead sites. Three of the citrate groups exhibit tridentate chelation coordination to a lead site through two carboxylate oxygen donors and the hydroxyl groups. One citrate group projects an uncoordinated -OH group and a pendant protonated carboxyl group into the interlamellar domain. This latter carboxyl group coordinates to a sodium cation, which exhibits five coordinate geometry defined by three aqua ligands and the carbonyl oxygen of the -CO₂H groups in the basal plane and a citrate -OH donor in the apical position.