Unusual dual role of the organic amine in an open-framework structure

Abstract

The hydrothermal synthesis and single crystal structure determination of a new open-framework zinc phosphate, [NH₃(CH₂)₃NH₃]₂[NH₃(CH₂)₃NH₂]₂[Zn₁₂(OH₂)₂(PO₄)₁₀]·H₂O, is reported. Crystal data: monoclinic, space group Pn (no. 7), a = 13.092(2), b = 14.272(2), c = 14.220(1) Å, β = 90.3(2)°, V = 2656.9(1) Å³, Z = 2, M = 1927.6, R = 0.04. The structure is made up of tetrahedral linkages between ZnO₄, ZnO₃N and PO₄ moieties forming distinct channels. The structure-directing amine is present in two distinct forms, in the free state and as a ligand to zinc, the two species occurring in distinct channels.