Octadecanuclear Cluster or 1D Polymer with [{ML} 2 Nb(CN) 8 ] n Motifs as a Function of {ML} (M = Ni(II), n = 6; M = Mn(II), n = ∞; L = Macrocycle)

A nanosized octadecaheteronuclear aggregate, [[NiL(2)](12)[Nb(CN)(8)](6)(H(2)O)(6)], and a 1-D coordination polymer, [[MnL(1)](2)[Nb(CN)(8)](H(2)O)]( infinity ), have been obtained by self-assembly between the octacyanometalate [Nb(CN)(8)](4)(-) and [ML](2+) complexes. The dimensionality of the supramolecular architectures was found to be controlled by the [ML] module for which the equatorial coordination sites are blocked by a macrocyclic ligand. The crystal structures and magnetic properties for both the compounds are described.