Crystal structure and magnetic properties of ((Ni2(dpt)2(mu-ox)(mu-N3))n)(PF6)n: a new strategy to obtain S = 1 alternating chains

X-ray crystallographic studies of an alternating magnetic chain system with local spin S=1, with the formula ((Ni2(dpt)2(mu-ox)(mu-N3))n)(PF6)n (dpt = bis-(3-aminopropyl)amine) reveal that in the system one oxalato and one azido bridges alternatively join the Ni(dpt)2+ units. Magnetic susceptibility studies between 4 and 300 K reveal the antiferromagnetic coupling of the system.