The zinc(II) and cadmium(II) complexes [Zn(4,4'-bipy)(SCN)(2)](infinity), 1
and [Cd(4,4'-bipy)-(SCN)(2)](n), 2 have been synthesized and their crystal
structures determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is monoclinic, s
pace group C2/c, with a = 18.076(5), b = 5.190(1), c = 17.315(4) Angstrom;
beta = 115.54(2), V = 1465.8(8) Angstrom(3), calculated density 1.530 g cm(
-3), Z = 4. In this compound, the rod-like ligand 4,4'-bipy bridges Zn(II)
centres, and the NCS groups are terminally coordinated. (N-Zn-N) is 108.5 d
egrees, resulting in the formation of a zigzag Zn-bipy-Zn chain. These chai
ns are arranged in parallel fashion. The 4,4'-bipy ligands of adjacent laye
rs are separated by 3.95 (Angstrom). Complex 2 is monoclinic, space group C
2/c, a = 11.902(2); b = 11.745(2), c = 10.500(2) Angstrom; beta = 109.71(3)
, V = 1381.8(4)Angstrom(3), calculated density 1.849 gem, Z = 4. In this st
ructure, the cadmium(II) ion is slightly distorted octahedral and the SCN g
roups act as doubly bridging ligands connecting cadmium atoms to form zigza
g chains, separated by 4,4'-bipy to create two-dimensional planes.