SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF A COBALT(III) COMPLEX OF 2,2'-DIHYDROXYAZOBENZENE

The aerial reaction of Co(CH3CO2)(2).4H(2)O with H(2)azp (where H(2)az p = 2,2'-dihydroxyazobenzene) and KOH affords a red coloured salt whos e structure determination shows the formula [K(H2O)(4)(Me(2)CO)(2)](H5 O2][Co(azp)(2)](2). The [K(H2O)(4)(MeCO)(2)](+) cation has an axially elongated centrosymmetric octahedral KO6 coordination sphere in which acetone oxygen occupies axial positions. The cobalt(III) coordination sphere in [Co(azp)(2)](-) is trans CoO4N2. The [H5O2](+) ion is centro symmetric, O...O 2.488 Angstrom. Hydrogen bonded contacts between wate r and phenolic oxygens are also present.