Cr(en)(2)SbS3: the first example of a single SbS3 ligand in a transition-metal-complex, and the crystal structure of Cr(en)(3)SbS4

Application of mild solvothermal conditions in the reaction of CrCl3. 8H(2) O, Sb2S3 and S in an aqueous solution of ethylenediamine (en) yielded the t wo novel thioantimonate compounds Cr(en)(2)SbS3 (1) and [Cr(en)(3)]SbS4 (2) . The crystal structure of 1 consists of neutral chromium centered complexe s, where chromium is chelated by two ethylendiamine molecules and one biden tate SbS33- group giving a distorted octahedral coordination. Compound 1 is the first example of a transition metal complex with a SbS33- ligand. Slig htly different synthetic conditions lead to the formation of 2, which consi sts of isolated octahedral coordinated Cr(en)(3)(3+) cations and tetrahedra l SbS43- anions. The crystal structures were determined and the thermal dec omposition was investigated. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.