Cation-pi interactions in [Na(dibenzo-18-crown-6)](2)-[Pd(SCN)(4)]

The crystal structure of the title compound, bis[(dibenzo-18-crown-6)sodium ] tetrathiocyanatopalladium(II), [Na(C20H24O6)](2) [Pd(SCN)(4)], features a n ion-pair-type species consisting of two [Na(dibenzo-18-crown-6)](+) catio ns and a [Pd(SCN)(4)](2-) dianion which occupies a special position on the inversion centre. The Pd atom has a square-planar coordination formed by fo ur S atoms [Pd-S 2.3241 (9) and 2.3319 (8) Angstrom, S-Pd-S 90.15 (3)degree s]; the ion pairs are held together through Na . . .N interactions [2.423 ( 3) Angstrom] involving the N atoms of two (out of four) thiocyanate groups. The Na+. . . pi interactions reaching out to the aromatic nucleus of the n eighbouring ion pair [Na . . .C 3.077 (4) and 3.082 (4) Angstrom] are respo nsible for the formation of infinite chains stretching along the [1 (1) ove r bar0] direction of the crystal.