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para-Aminobenzoic acid (p-ABA) is a pharmaceutical compound with a challenging polymorph nucleation behavior. It has 4 polymorphs and multiple solvates. Among these forms, the α and the β form are subjects of interest for research in many studies. The α form nucleates predominantly in many solvents. The β form is known to nucleate in only 2 solvents. The reasoning for this was that the solvents, having a strong interaction with the COOH group, inhibit the dimerization of the COOH group leading to the nucleation of the β form. Following this reasoning, in this work, DMSO and DMF, which have strong interaction with the COOH group, were tested as solvents for anti-solvent crystallization experiments. Water was used as anti-solvent. The goal was to investigate the resultant polymorph nucleation under such specific solvent–solute interaction. Results showed that with DMSO as solvent at higher anti-solvent volume fraction the α form nucleated predominantly. At lower volume fractions there was no nucleation normally but addition of some seeds quickly led to β form nucleation. With DMF, a special result was seen where a new solvate between p-ABA and DMF was discovered. Single crystal XRD results confirmed that the formation of the solvate was a result of hydrogen bonding between the solute and the solvent. Overall, the results do confirm that solvents having strong interaction with the COOH group can lead to nucleation of forms other than the persistent form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interactions between the protein Hen Egg White Lysozyme (HEWL) and three different hybrid Anderson–Evans polyoxometalate clusters – AE-NH2 (δ-[MnMo6O18{(OCH2)3CNH2}2]3−), AE-CH3 (δ-[MnMo6O18{(OCH2)3CCH3}2]3−) and AE-Biot (δ-[MnMo6O18{(OCH2)3CNHCOC9H15N2OS}2]3−) – were studied via tryptophan fluorescence spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Quenching of tryptophan fluorescence was observed in the presence of all three hybrid polyoxometalate clusters (HPOMs), but the extent of quenching and the binding affinity were greatly dependent on the nature of the organic groups attached to the cluster. Control experiments further revealed the synergistic effect of the anionic polyoxometalate core and organic ligands towards enhanced protein interactions. Furthermore, the protein was co-crystallised with each of the three HPOMs, resulting in four different crystal structures, thus allowing for the binding modes of HPOM–protein interactions to be investigated with near-atomic precision. All crystal structures displayed a unique mode of binding of the HPOMs to the protein, with both functionalisation and the pH of the crystallisation conditions influencing the interactions. From the crystal structures, it was determined that HPOM–protein non-covalent complexes formed through a combination of electrostatic attraction between the polyoxometalate cluster and positively charged surface regions of HEWL, and direct and water-mediated hydrogen bonds with both the metal-oxo inorganic core and the functional groups of the ligand, where possible. Hence, functionalisation of metal-oxo clusters shows great potential in tuning their interactions with proteins, which is of interest for several biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green multicomponent synthesis of previously unreported octahydropyrimido[4,5-g]quinazoline-5,6-diones was developed from simple building blocks. These highly symmetrical compounds show strong propensity to self-assembled molecular network (SAMN) formation on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. The SAMN type is easily tunable by changing molecular characteristics. The redox behavior was studied by cyclic voltammetery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Lewis acid mediated Nenitzescu reaction with piperazinone enaminoesters surprisingly afforded rearranged 2-imidazolidinone 5-hydroxybenzofurans. The reaction was optimised and a scope study was performed. A one-pot two-step procedure was realised starting directly from 1,2-diaminoethane, diethyl acetylene dicarboxylate and 1,4-benzoquinone. A plausible reaction mechanism is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new Ag(I) complexes with 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)benzene (L1) and 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-5-methylbenzene (L2), namely {[AgL1]CF3SO3}n (1) and {[AgL2]CF3SO3}n (2), were synthesised and characterised by SCXRD to uncover the effect that introducing a methyl group to the benzene core of the ligand has on the molecular/crystal structure of the metal complex. The studies revealed a high level of isostructurality of the formed Ag(I) complexes, consisting of 1D cationic chains with the charge neutralised by the counterions applied. These results triggered structural investigations of the parent ligands, which, as revealed by SCXRD, crystallise as dihydrates in different space groups of a monoclinic system. Further analyses revealed that the motifs in their molecular packing in general stay the same. However, some morphotropic/positional adjustments are taking place in L2 to accommodate the presence of the methyl substituent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel bioinorganic hybrid materials based on proteins and inorganic clusters have enormous potential for the development of hybrid catalysts that synergistically combine properties of both materials. Here we report the creation of hybrid assemblies between a computationally designed symmetrical protein Pizza6-S and different polyoxometalates with matching symmetry: the tellurotungstic Anderson-Evans (Na6[TeW6O24]·22H2O) (TEW); Keggin (H4[SiW12O40]·6H2O) (STA); and 1 : 2 CeIII-substituted Keggin (K11[CeIII[PW11O39]2]·20H2O) (Ce-K). This results in the formation of complexes with clearly defined stoichiometries in solution. Crystal structures validate the complexes as building blocks for the formation of larger assemblies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New easily functionalisable and highly fluorescent BOPAHY chromophores are synthesised via a one-pot two-step reaction starting from commercially available pyrrole-2-carbaldehydes and respective acyl hydrazides in the presence of BF3·OEt2. Most importantly, all BOPAHY dyes show excellent photophysical properties with quantum yields up to 0.92. Steady-state spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations provide a first insight into these promising properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt(ii)-containing ionic liquids were synthesized using N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), pyridine-N-oxide (py-O), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), ethylenediamine (en) and dimethylimidazolidinone (DMI) as ligands. The weakly coordinating bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Tf2N−) was used as a counter anion. Several compounds had a melting temperature below 100 °C, and the compound [Co(DMAc)6][Tf2N]2 was liquid at room temperature, with a viscosity of only 18 mPa s at 80 °C. Several compounds were recrystallized to give high quality single crystals and their crystal structures were determined. EXAFS measurements were performed on [Co(DMAc)6][Tf2N]2 at different temperatures and it was observed that the [Co(DMAc)6]2+ ion partially dissociated at higher temperatures, which explains the temperature-dependent color change (thermochromism). The electrochemical properties of the compounds with the lowest melting points were also investigated. Adherent, crack-free metallic cobalt layers could be electrodeposited from [Co(DMAc)6][Tf2N]2, [Co(DMI)6][Tf2N]2 and [Co(NMP)6][Tf2N]2. From the first two, black deposits consisting of micrometer-sized needles were obtained, whereas the latter resulted in a dull grey cobalt layer consisting of micrometer-sized cobalt spheres. The Co(iii)/Co(ii) redox couple was not found to occur in any compound with an O-donor ligand, but the Co(iii)/Co(ii) redox couple was found to be quasi-reversible for [Co(phen)3][Tf2N]2 dissolved in [BMP][Tf2N]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cobalt(ii)-containing liquid metal salts (LMS) with N-alkylimidazole ligands and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (bistriflimide, Tf2N−) or methanesulfonate (mesylate, OMs−) anions were synthesized and characterized. The chain length of the alkyl side chain on the imidazole ligand was varied. All compounds were characterized using CHN analysis, DSC and FTIR measurements. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on six of the compounds for which single crystals of good quality could be obtained. All cobalt(ii) centers are six-coordinate with the N-alkylimidazole ligands in an octahedral configuration and the anions are non-coordinating. The same coordination environment was observed by EXAFS measurements on cobalt(ii) liquid metal salts in the liquid state. The electrochemical properties of the compounds with the lowest melting temperatures were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. It was found that part of the current was consumed in the electrodeposition of cobalt, whereas the other part of the current was consumed in the electrochemical formation of cobalt(0) nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and diversity-oriented access to complex tetracyclic benzo[e]pyrrolo[2,3-c]indole-2,4,7(5H)-triones through a post-Ugi gold(i)-catalyzed domino dearomatization/ipso-cyclization/aza-Michael sequence is elaborated. This process furnishes tetracyclic scaffolds in good yields from readily available precursors with unique diastereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Manganese(ii)-containing ionic liquids were synthesized, in which the manganese atoms are coordinated by glymes (diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme), pyridine-N-oxide, dimethylsulfoxide or N-alkylimidazoles (N-methylimidazole, N-butylimidazole and N-hexylimidazole). As anion, bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (bistriflimide, Tf2N−), trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate, OTf−) or methanesulfonate (mesylate, OMs−) were used. The compounds were characterized by CHN analysis, FTIR, DSC and single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements. All manganese atoms were six-coordinate. It was found that the glyme-type ligands were replaced by atmospheric water upon leaving the crystals open to the air for several days. The crystal structures of seven compounds were described in detail and the compounds with the lowest melting temperatures were tested as electrolytes for the electrodeposition of manganese (thin) films. An irreversible reduction wave from Mn(ii) to Mn(0) and granular manganese deposits were observed for all compounds, except for liquid manganese salts with N-alkylimidazole ligands and bistriflimide anions, where the electrochemical formation of manganese nanoparticles was observed instead of the deposition of a manganese layer. However, for compounds with the same cation but with a triflate or methanesulfonate anion, manganese metal deposits were obtained, indicating that the nature of the anion has an important effect on the electrochemical properties of liquid metal salts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cu2ZnSnSe4-based solar cells with 5.5% power conversion efficiency were fabricated from Cu/Sn/Zn stacks electrodeposited from liquid metal salts. These electrolytes allow metal deposition rates one order of magnitude higher than those of other deposition methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel diversity-oriented access to (spiro)polyheterocycles possessing two adjacent quaternary carbon stereocenters is described. By combining an Ugi 4-CR with Pd-catalysis, the possible mode of cyclization is controlled by the appropriate choice of ligands. Using XantPhos, spirooxindoles are selectively generated, while with BINAP fused polycyclic cis-dihydrobenzofurans are obtained with high diastereoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of a range of solvents on non-porous single crystals of a cyclic, dinuclear silver(i) complex with 1,3-bis(imidazol-1-ylmethyl)-2,4,6-trimethylbenzene (bitmb) with the formula [Ag2(bitmb)2](BF4)2 (1) was investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. It allowed us to get a few snapshots of the process of solvent diffusion through the crystal, connected with a series of reversible transformations. We have isolated disolvated 2a and monosolvated 2b forms with acetonitrile, monosolvated 3b and 4b forms with acetone and ethanol, respectively, and monosolvated 4c form with ethanol which is an intermediate between 1 and 4b. Longer exposure of the crystals to solvent vapours leads to the formation of a polymeric 1D Ag(i) complex with the general formula [Agbitmb(BF4)]n (5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new azide functionalized Anderson polyoxometalate was synthesized, fully characterized and subsequently used as a building block for further POM post-functionalization with organic compounds through a copper catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. Optimization of the reaction conditions led to an efficient, fast, convenient and versatile POM coupling method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystals of hydrated bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Tf2N) salts of the naturally occurring trivalent rare-earth ions were grown from aqueous solution and analysed by X-ray diffraction. Their structures can be classified into three main groups. The lighter lanthanides La–Gd (except Sm) have a cubic crystal structure with the formula Ln(H2O)3(Tf2N)3, which has Tf2N anions coordinating in a bidentate fashion. The middle and heavy lanthanides (Sm, Tb, Dy, Er, Yb) have a monoclinic crystal structure with formula Ln(H2O)5(Tf2N)3, where the Tf2N anions are coordinating in a monodentate fashion. The heavy lanthanides Gd–Lu (except Tb, Tm) crystallise with very large unit cells making structural identification difficult. Partial structure solution of one of these compounds indicates that the structures contain fully hydrated Ln3+ ions and very disorderd Tf2N anions. Y was found to behave as the heavy lanthanides and Sc was found in a crystal structure of formula [Sc(H2O)7][Tf2N]3·H2O. In addition, La was found in a hexagonal crystal structure of formula La(H2O)3(Tf2N)3·2.5H2O, when a small amount of residual HTf2N was present during crystallisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the utilization of a novel catalyst for cycloisomerizations. The novel catalyst system contains gold nanoparticles supported on Al-SBA15, which was prepared by the ball-milling process. We developed a greener methodology for synthesizing spiroindolines under heterogeneous conditions, using this novel class of supported gold nanoparticles in combination with microwave irradiation. The catalyst is highly reusable and selective. Cycloisomerization reaction yields ranged from good to excellent leading to the formation of two novel classes of six- and seven-membered heterocycles, which have been unprecedented so far. The selectivity of the catalyst towards the desired products is high and the reaction can be performed in ethanol as the solvent. A one-pot cascade reaction could be established commencing with the Ugi-reaction to ensure diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ionic liquid choline bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, [Chol][Tf2N], was used for the extraction of neodymium(III), in combination with choline hexafluoroacetylacetonate, [Chol][hfac], as the extractant. The binary mixture of [Chol][Tf2N] and water shows temperature-dependent phase behavior, with an upper critical solution temperature of 72 °C. A novel extraction technique, homogeneous liquid-liquid extraction (HLLE), was applied to this solvent system. HLLE is based on the use of thermomorphic solvent mixtures and has the advantage of forming a homogeneous phase during mixing. Extraction is not kinetically hindered by an interface and the extraction equilibrium is reached faster than in the case of heterogeneous mixing in conventional solvent extraction. Several extraction parameters were studied for the extraction of neodymium(III) with [Chol][hfac]: temperature, pH, extractant concentration and loading of the ionic liquid phase. A speciation study was performed to determine the stoichiometry of the extracted neodymium(III) complex and a plausible extraction mechanism is proposed. Neodymium is extracted as a tetrakis hexafluoroacetylacetonate complex with one choline cation as counter ion. The crystal structure of the extracted complex showed the presence of a coordination bond between the choline counter ion and the neodymium(III) center, resulting in a coordination number of nine. The stripping of the loaded neodymium and the influence of acid and extractant concentrations on the phase behavior of the [Chol][Tf2N]-H2O system were investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal oxides were found to dissolve in different imidazolium ionic liquids with a hydrogen atom in the C2 position of the imidazolium ring, but not if a methyl substituent was present in the C2 position. The crystal structure of the product that crystallised from an ionic liquid containing dissolved silver(I) oxide showed that this was a silver(I) carbene complex. The presence of carbenes in solution was proven by 13C NMR spectroscopy and the reactions were also monitored by Raman spectroscopy. The dissolution of other metal oxides, namely copper(II) oxide, zinc(II) oxide and nickel(II) oxide, was also studied in imidazolium ionic liquids and it was found that stable zinc(II) carbenes were formed in solution, but these did not crystallise under the given experimental conditions. A crystalline nickel(II) carbene complex could be obtained from a solution of nickel(II) chloride dissolved in a mixture of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis, structural, thermal and electrochemical properties of fluorine-free silver-containing ionic liquids are presented. The ionic liquid cations are formed by a silver(i) ion surrounded by two 1-alkylimidazole ligands, with the counter anions being nitrate ions. Depending on the alkyl chain length, the complexes were found to be liquids at room temperature or melting slightly above this. For the solid compounds it was possible to elucidate the structure by single crystal X-ray analysis. The ionic liquids are electroactive, have good mass transport properties and can be used for the electrodeposition of silver at high current densities. The thermal properties and stability of these compounds were tested by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The viscosity of the ionic liquids follows a Vogel–Tamman–Fulcher relationship as a function of temperature. The electrochemical properties of the complexes were tested by cyclic voltammetry and the resulting electrodeposits were examined using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In view of preparing Cu polynuclear complexes with dipyrromethene ligands, the mononuclear complexes [Cu(ii)(dipy)2] (dipyH = 5-phenyldipyrromethene) and [Cu(ii)(dpdipy)2] (dpdipyH = 1,5,9-triphenyldipyrromethene) have been prepared and characterized by X-ray crystallography, mass spectrometry and EPR spectroscopy. Their peculiar redox and spectroscopic (absorption/emission) behaviours are discussed. In contrast to CuII complexes of 1,1′-bidypyrrin, the reduction electrolysis of [Cu(ii)(dpdipy)2] leads to decomposition products on a time scale of a few hours. Moreover in relation to this observation, [Cu(i)(dpdipy)2]− could not be synthesized in spite of the CuI core protection by the phenyl substituents in ortho position of the nitrogen atoms. Theoretical calculations provide some explanations for this instability. Interestingly [Cu(ii)(dipy)2] and [Cu(ii)(dpdipy)2] display weak luminescence at room temperature, attributed to a ligand centered emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first palladium-containing Liquid Metal Salts (LMS) are presented and shown to be suitable electrolytes for the electrodeposition of palladium. The homoleptic LMS of formula [Pd(MeIm)4][Tf2N]2 or [Pd(EtIm)4][Tf2N]2 (MeIm = N-methylimidazole, EtIm = N-ethylimidazole) have higher melting points than the heteroleptic [Pd(MeIm)2(EtIm)2][Tf2N]2, which is proved to be the most promising electrolyte. The deposition reaction in these LMS was found to be irreversible but smooth and dense palladium layers can be deposited that are crack-free up to a thickness of 10 microns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A gold-catalyzed regioselective tandem cyclization of N-propynylbutynamide via Csp3–H functionalization has been described, providing a distinctive methodology for the architecture of cyclopentapyridinones as well as spirocyclopentapyridinones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disulfide bridged pillararene-like macrocycles were synthesized starting from 1,4-dialkoxybenzene and sulfur monochloride. The structure was determined using X-ray diffraction analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids containing the hexafluoroacetylacetonate anion are immiscible with water and they exhibit strong metal-complexing ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isothiazolo[4,3- b ]pyridines have been extensively explored as inhibitors of cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK). In order to expand the structure-activity relationship study and to discover other chemotypes that act as GAK inhibitors, the closely related isothiazolo[4,5- b ]pyridine scaffold was explored. An easy and efficient synthetic procedure to access 3,5- and 3,6-dihalogenated isothiazolo[4,5- b ]pyridines as key building blocks was developed. Regioselective functionalization with various substituents was performed. None of the newly synthesized isothiazolo[4,5- b ]pyridines were active as GAK inhibitors. Molecular modeling was applied to rationalise their inactivity as GAK binders.

Pyrrolo[2,3- b ]quinoxaline derivatives are known to possess antioxidant, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. Here we report the successful synthesis of five derivatives of 3-hydroxy-3-pyrroline-2-one through substitution. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was employed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the compounds. Out of these, ethyl 1,2-diphenyl-1 H -pyrrolo[2,3- b ]quinoxaline-3-carboxylate (3a) demonstrated the greatest potential as a radical scavenger. Thermodynamic and kinetic calculations of the radical scavenging activity indicated that 3a exhibited HO˙ radical scavenging activity with the overall rate constant of 8.56 × 10 8 M -1 s -1 in pentyl ethanoate; however, it was incapable of scavenging hydroperoxyl radicals in nonpolar media. In non-polar environments, the hydroxyl radical scavenging capability of 3a is fairly similar to that of reference antioxidants such as Trolox, melatonin, indole-3-carbinol, and gallic acid. Hence, in the physiological lipid environment, 3a holds promise as a scavenger of HO˙ radicals., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Inductive heating swing adsorption (IHSA) using hybrid adsorbents incorporating a porous material and ferrite nanoparticles holds promise to be a performant, electrified alternative for conventional gas separation. Successful implementation of hybrid adsorbents in IHSA depends on achieving a maximal specific absorption rate (SAR) in the conditions and at the frequency of the induction setup. This paper outlines and demonstrates successful strategies for optimization of the particle composition, tailoring the coercivity and susceptibility of the ferrite particles to optimal performance in a given alternating magnetic field.

A green multicomponent synthesis of previously unreported octahydropyrimido[4,5- g ]quinazoline-5,6-diones was developed from simple building blocks. These highly symmetrical compounds show strong propensity to self-assembled molecular network (SAMN) formation on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. The SAMN type is easily tunable by changing molecular characteristics. The redox behavior was studied by cyclic voltammetery.

New easily functionalisable and highly fluorescent BOPAHY chromophores are synthesised via a one-pot two-step reaction starting from commercially available pyrrole-2-carbaldehydes and respective acyl hydrazides in the presence of BF 3 ·OEt 2 . Most importantly, all BOPAHY dyes show excellent photophysical properties with quantum yields up to 0.92. Steady-state spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations provide a first insight into these promising properties.

Cobalt(ii)-containing ionic liquids were synthesized using N,N-dimethylformamide, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc), pyridine-N-oxide (py-O), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), ethylenediamine (en) and dimethylimidazolidinone (DMI) as ligands. The weakly coordinating bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (Tf2N-) was used as a counter anion. Several compounds had a melting temperature below 100 °C, and the compound [Co(DMAc)6][Tf2N]2 was liquid at room temperature, with a viscosity of only 18 mPa s at 80 °C. Several compounds were recrystallized to give high quality single crystals and their crystal structures were determined. EXAFS measurements were performed on [Co(DMAc)6][Tf2N]2 at different temperatures and it was observed that the [Co(DMAc)6]2+ ion partially dissociated at higher temperatures, which explains the temperature-dependent color change (thermochromism). The electrochemical properties of the compounds with the lowest melting points were also investigated. Adherent, crack-free metallic cobalt layers could be electrodeposited from [Co(DMAc)6][Tf2N]2, [Co(DMI)6][Tf2N]2 and [Co(NMP)6][Tf2N]2. From the first two, black deposits consisting of micrometer-sized needles were obtained, whereas the latter resulted in a dull grey cobalt layer consisting of micrometer-sized cobalt spheres. The Co(iii)/Co(ii) redox couple was not found to occur in any compound with an O-donor ligand, but the Co(iii)/Co(ii) redox couple was found to be quasi-reversible for [Co(phen)3][Tf2N]2 dissolved in [BMP][Tf2N].

Cobalt(ii)-containing liquid metal salts (LMS) with N-alkylimidazole ligands and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (bistriflimide, Tf 2 N - ) or methanesulfonate (mesylate, OMs - ) anions were synthesized and characterized. The chain length of the alkyl side chain on the imidazole ligand was varied. All compounds were characterized using CHN analysis, DSC and FTIR measurements. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements were performed on six of the compounds for which single crystals of good quality could be obtained. All cobalt(ii) centers are six-coordinate with the N-alkylimidazole ligands in an octahedral configuration and the anions are non-coordinating. The same coordination environment was observed by EXAFS measurements on cobalt(ii) liquid metal salts in the liquid state. The electrochemical properties of the compounds with the lowest melting temperatures were investigated using cyclic voltammetry. It was found that part of the current was consumed in the electrodeposition of cobalt, whereas the other part of the current was consumed in the electrochemical formation of cobalt(0) nanoparticles.