Cation Templation of Anionic Metal Dicyanamide Networks

The dimensionality and topology of anionic M(dca)3- networks (dca = dicyanamide, N(CN)2-) are templated by the countercations included in the network. 2D structures result with Ph4E+, E = P, As cations (see picture), while 3D structures result from use of MePh3P+ cations. Magnetic measurements on M = MnII show that very weak antiferromagnetic coupling occurs in the 2D and 3D systems resulting in J values of ca. −0.1 cm-1.