Electron spin resonance spectra of cobaltocene intercalated CdPS₃ layered host lattices

The ESR spectrum of cobaltocene intercalated CdPS₃ single crystals has been examined at 113 K. The spectrum observed is characteristic of a Co²⁺ ion with a 3d⁷ configuration and one unpaired electron in an antibonding e_1g molecular orbital. No ESR signal from unpaired electrons donated to the host CdPS₃ lattice could be observed. It is concluded that a substantial portion of the cobaltocene intercalant is not oxidized upon intercalation. Examination of the angular dependence of the ESR spectrum established the orientation of the cobaltocene intercalate with the fivefold molecular symmetry axis perpendicular to the basal planes of the host lattice.