Complexing properties of α-nitroketones. Part II. Complexes of 2-nitroacetophenone and nitroacetone with chromium(III), iron(III), and aluminium(III)

Abstract

Neutral complexes of 2-nitroacetophenone (napH) and nitroacetone (naH), [ML3](M = CrIII, FeIII. and AlIII), have been isolated. Visible spectra of the CrIIIspecies and X-ray powder measurements establish a six-co-ordinate structure for all the complexes, as indicated by the stoicheiometry and bidentate O-donor behaviour of the α-nitroketonic group. Two crystalline forms of the complex tris(2-nitroacetophenonato) chromium (III) have been obtained. These are probably cis–trans-isomers arising from the unsymmetrical nature of the chelating ligands. Only one form could be obtained for the other ML3 species described, and all have been tentatively assigned a trans-structure.