Lead(ii): Lewis acid and occasional base, as illustrated by its complex with 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonate and 5-methyl-1,10-phenanthroline

Abstract

A crystal structure determination of the Pb(II) coordination polymer [Pb(Mephen)(1,5-nds)(H₂O)]_n provides not only evidence of the common action of Pb(II) as a Lewis acid but also clear proof of its ability, in the solid state at least, to act as a Lewis base. This action as a base is attributed to the presence of a valence shell lone pair and its identification here is further evidence for the occasional but not universally detectable influence of the lone pair on the metal ion stereochemistry.