Hybrid open-framework iron phosphate--oxalates demonstrating a dual role of the oxalate unit

New inorganic-organic hybrid open-framework materials of the phosphate-oxalate family, [Fe2(H2O)2-(HPO4)2(C2O4)].H2O (I), [Fe2(H2O)2-(HPO4)2(C2O4)].2H2O (II), [C3N2H12]-[Fe2(HPO4)2(C2O4)1.5]2 (III), and [C3N2OH12][Fe2(HPO4)2(C2O4)1.5]2 (IV) have been synthesized hydrothermally in the presence of structure-directing amines. The amine molecules are incorporated in III and IV, whereas I and II are devoid of them. The oxalate units act as a bridge between the layers in all the compounds. The layers in I and II are entirely inorganic, being formed by FeO6 and PO4 units, whereas in III and IV oxalate units constitute the inorganic layers and act as the bridge between these layers. Such a dual role of the oxalate unit is unique and noteworthy. The formation of two types of inorganic layers in I and II consisting of four-, six-, and eight-membered rings, indicates the interconversions between the various rings in the phosphate--oxalates to be facile. All the phosphate--oxalates show antiferromagnetic ordering at low temperatures.