Synthesis and characterization of [M(en)₃] [GeF₆] (M=Ni, Co) with H-bonded pseudo-channel structure

Two interesting H-bonded pseudo-channel structures [Ni(en)₃] [GeF₆] [JLG-1(Ni)] and [Co(en)₃] [GeF₆] [JLG-1(Co)] were describes in this work. The [GeF₆]^2- anions interact with the chiral complex cations [M(en)₃]²⁺ (M=Ni, Co) in such a way that pseudo-channels were formed along the 6₃ screw axis in a hexagonal, honeycomb array are created based on weak H-bonding of F⋯N atoms. It is believed that the chiral [M(en)₃]²⁺ cations paired with [GeF₆]^2- anions in a D₃ point symmetry is responsible for the fascinating arrangement in JLG-1(Ni) and JLG-1(Co). This work will be useful for the design of H-bonded pseudo-channel system.