Unprecedented 3D Host-Framework Based on a Ni5 Cluster with Helical Chains as Guest: Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Property

The hydrothermal reaction of NiCl2·6H2O, azelaic acid (H2aze), and 1,4-bis­(1-imidazolyl)­benzene (L) has afforded a new 3D polynuclear nickel complex, {[Ni5(aze)3(H2aze)0.5(μ3-OH)2(L)4]­[Ni­(aze)­(L)­(H2O)2]2Cl2}·4H2O (1). The cationic [Ni5(aze)3(H2aze)0.5(μ3-OH)2(L)4]2+ forms the 3D host-framework, representing as an α-Po net, and neutral [Ni­(aze)­(L)­(H2O)2] displays as left- and right-handed chiral helical chains and acts as guest, penetrating the 1D channels of the host-framework alternately along the b direction. Magnetic studies reveal spin-canting behavior for complex 1.