Determining the Crystal and Magnetic Structures of [Li(oxalate)]2[Co5(OH)8]

Dense corrdination frameworks that contain inorganic centres connected into extended lattices by polyatomic anions often adopt highly anisotropic structures. Thus they often have strong magnetic interactions in only one or two dimensions and, in the latter case, can also be designed so they have strongly competing interaction that give rise to magnetic frustration. Recently discovered [Li(oxalate)]2[Co5(OH)8] appears likely to be one such two dimensional magnet. We will determine the structure of its antiferromagnetic state, which emerges around 50 K, as well as probing for any further transitions at lower temperature and indications of magnetic frustration. We will also determine the positions adopted by deuteriums in its structure, as required to confirm its chemical composition. We will use GEM diffractometer to do its ability to collect high quality data over a wide range of d-space.