Synthesis and characterization of the open-framework cobalt borophosphate: (C4N2H12)Co[B2P3O12(OH)]

A high yield hydrothermal synthesis of the open-framework cobalt borophosphate (C₄N₂H₁₂)Co[B₂P₃O₁₂(OH)], has been developed. The compound was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy and magnetic measurements. In the structure Co(II)O₆ octahedra, BO₄ and PO₄ tetrahedra form nine-member rings which in turn are linked to form CoBPO layers parallel to the bc plane. The layers are joined together by another set of PO₄ tetrahedra and the (piperazinium)²⁺ cations occupy the channels running along [1 0 0]. The structure is compared with that of (C₂N₂H₁₀)Co[B₂P₃O₁₂(OH)].