catena-Poly[[bis(pyridine-κN)nickel(II)]-di-μ-azido-κ4N1:N3-[bis(pyridine-κN)-nickel(II)]-di-μ-azido-κ4N1:N1].

In the structure of the title compound, [Ni2(N3)4(C5H5N)4]n, neutral chains of NiII atoms are bridged alternately by double end-on and double end-to-end azide bridges. Each NiII center is located on a crystallographic general position and in a slightly distorted octahedral coordination environment with two pyridine ligands in the trans positions. Both end-on and end-to-end double azide bridges become equivalent because of the inversion centers lying between each pair of adjacent NiII atoms. In the chain, the Ni⋯Ni separations across the end-on and end-to-end azide bridges are 3.236 (4) and 4.975 (4) Å, respectively, and the end-on azide bridging NiNNi angle is 100.8 (2)°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]