Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 19, 2026

Author Spotlight: Functionalizing Metal-Organic Frameworks: Advancements, Challenges, and the Power of Post-Synthetic Ligand Exchange
Published on: June 23, 2023
A novel tetrazolate- and cyanide-bridged three-dimensional heterometallic coordination polymer: crystal structure,
Ying Lian Qin1, Jian Fang Qin1, Hong Sun1
1Department of Applied Chemistry, Yuncheng University, Yuncheng 044000, People's Republic of China.
Abstract:
By using environmentally friendly K3[Co(CN)6] as a cyanide source, the solvothermal reaction of CuCl2 and tetrazole (Htta) led to a novel tetrazolate- and cyanide-bridged three-dimensional heterometallic CuII-CoIII complex, namely poly[[hexa-μ2-cyanido-κ12C:N-pentakis(μ3-tetrazolato-κ3N1:N2:N4)cobalt(III)tetracopper(II)] monohydrate], {[CoIIICuII4(CHN4)5(CN)6]·H2O}n, (I). The crystal structure analysis reveals that it is the first example of a (6,8,8)-connected three-dimensional framework with a unique topology, constructed from anionic [Co(CN)6]3- and cationic [(Cu1)2(tta)2]2+ and [(Cu2Cu3)(tta)3]+ units through μ2-cyanide and μ3-tetrazolate linkers. The compound was further characterized by thermal analysis, vibrational spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and magnetic measurements. The magnetic investigation indicates that the complex exhibits antiferromagnetic coupling between adjacent CuII cations.
Related Concept Videos
Valence Bond Theory
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than the dxy,...
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human...
Coordination Number and Geometry
Structural Isomerism
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can...
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...

