Amine-templated metal squarates

Two layered amine-templated cobalt squarates, [C6N2H14]2[Co2(C4O4)3(H2O)4], I, and [C3N2H5]2[Co2(C4O4)3(H2O)4], II, have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions. Both I and II contain chains formed by dimers comprising two cobalt atoms bound to the squarate units, the chains being connected through hydrogen bond interactions. An amine-templated cobalt squarate of the formula [C4N2H12][Co(C4O4)2(H2O)4][H2O]2, III, as well as its Ni, Zn and Cd analogues have been prepared by room temperature reactions. III has a layered architecture wherein the cobalt-squarate monomers are linked by the amine molecules. Co and Zn analogues of [Ni(C4O4)(H2O)2(C3N2H4)] with ligating imidazole units have also been prepared and characterized.