Synthesis, structure and magnetic behaviour of a two-dimensional cyano-bridged complex [{Cu(ept)}(3)Fe(CN)(6)] (ClO4)(2)center dot 5H(2)O [ept = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane]

The bimetallic compound [{Cu(ept)}(3)Fe(CN)(6)](ClO4)(2). 5H(2)O [ept = N-( 2-aminoethyl)-1,3-diaminopropane] has been prepared from the reaction of Cu (ClO4)(2). 6H(2)O, ept and K-4[Fe(CN)(6)]. 3H(2)O in water and its crystal and molecular structure has been determined. The structure consists of a tw o-dimensional network formed by [{Cu(ept)}(3)Fe(CN)(6)](2+) moieties, perch lorate anions and water molecules. Every [Fe(CN)(6)](4-) anion is coordinat ed by six [Cu(ept)](2+) cations through six cyano nitrogens, providing a 2D sheet structure extended by Fe-(CN)-Cu linkages. All the copper(II) ions a re five-coordinated by three ept nitrogen and two cyanide nitrogen atoms in a distorted square-pyramidal arrangement. The EPR spectrum of the compound at room temperature also confirms the coordination environment of the copp er(II) atoms. A magnetic susceptibility measurement of the complex was perf ormed down to 4 K but no coupling was found among the copper atoms via the -(NC)-Fe-(CN)- bridges.