1D Water cages in a double-walled framework based on cubic [Ni4(µ3-OH)4] units: Synthesis, structure, and magnetism

Highlights: • One novel double-walled 3D framework based on cubic [Ni₄(µ₃-OH)₄] units has been synthesized and structurally characterized. • Complex 1 contains 1D channels occupied by 1D water cages with a repeat of vase-like water cluster. • Magnetic studies reveal ferromagnetic behavior for complex 1. -- Abstract: The hydrothermal reaction of NiSO₄·6H₂O and 4,4′-bis(1-imidazolyl)bipheny (bibp) has afforded a new nickel complex, {[Ni₄(µ₃-OH)₄(µ₄-SO₄)(bibp)₄](OH)₂·12H₂O}_n (1). The Ni(II) centers are bridged by µ₃-OH^- anions into cubic [Ni₄(µ₃-OH)₄] units, which are connected by bibp ligands and µ₄-SO₄^2- anions into a double-walled 3D framework with channels along c direction. Unusual 1D water cages with a repeat of vase-like water cluster are trapped in the channels. Magnetic studies reveal ferromagnetic behavior for complex 1, and the thermal property of 1 was also studied.