The [Co(4-pyrimidinolate)2(H2O)n] species, which can be easily and selectively prepared by simple addition of aqueous solutions of the 4-pyrimidinolate organic ligand to Co(II) acetate (or nitrate) aqueous solutions (n = 4, 6) or by controlled heating of the hydrated phases (n = 0), proved to be versatile materials to introduce and discuss a number of different topics and analytical techniques. An integrated set of laboratory experiments, including synthesis, analytical characterization by conventional titration and colorimetric methods, thermal, spectroscopic and structural characterization, as well as advanced analytical techniques (XRF, XRD), are presented in a sequential manner. A modular approach is proposed, allowing this set of experiments to be adapted even at a high-school level, depending on the local availability of analytical instrumentation and on the specific interest (and curiosity) of both the students and their instructors.
Supplement
Student handouts; Instructor notes; Fractional atomic coordinates for compounds 1a, 1b, and 3 in CIF and Quanto formats
Masciocchi, Norberto; Galli, Simona; Sironi, Angelo; Dal Monte, Gabriella; Barea, Elisa; Salas, Juan Manuel; Navarro, Jorge A. R. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 422.
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