THE STRUCTURE OF THE CRYSTAL SOLVATE OF MAGNESIUM METHOXIDE WITH METHANOL, MG(OME)(2)CENTER-DOT-3.5MEOH

The X-ray diffraction study of the crystals deposited from the solutio n obtained by the reaction of magnesium with methanol allowed the form ulation of the product as Mg(OMe)(2) . 3.5MeOH (I). Its structure is b uilt of the residues of four types, namely cubane [Mg-4(mu(3)-OR)(4)(O R)(4)(ROH)(8)] neutral molecules, [Mg-4(mu(3)-OR)(4)(OR)(2)(ROH)(10)]( 2+) cations, [(RO)(2)H](-) anions (R = Me) and eight crystallographica lly independent noncoordinated solvating methanol molecules. All resid ues are linked into a three-dimensional framework by means of a compli cated hydrogen-bonding system. The crystal structure provides the basi s for discussion of the possible mechanism of desolvation of I. Copyri ght (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd