Abstract
Addition of a 2M solution of NH3 in ethanol to solid tetraaquabis(propynoato)zinc 1 leads directly to the title complex 2. Formation of hydroxides is eliminated using this procedure. The structure of 2 differs markedly from the octahedral structure observed for the analogous octahedral aqua complex 1. The structure of 2 is monomeric and tetrahedral, with monodentate carboxylate ligands. The crystal structure consists of isolated molecules interconnected by two strong N-H…O hydrogen bonds and one C-H…O hydrogen bond. Infinite sets of short-C≡C-…-C≡C-contacts are also present in the crystal structure. Accordingly. 60Co γ-irradiation of 2 leads to the analogous dark brown polypropynoate complex.