Monomeric complexes of 1,8- bis (isonicotinyloxy)anthracene-9,10-dione

Condensation of two equivalents of isonicotinic acid with 1,8-dihydroxyanthraquinone forms 1,8-bis(isonicotinyloxy)anthracene-9,10-dione (1), a potential bridging diester ligand. Complexation reactions between 1 and Co(II) and Ni(II) perchlorate hexahydrate salts produce 2 : 1 ligand : metal monomeric complexes. One nicotinic nitrogen is bonded to a metal center while the second ‘free’ isonicotinic nitrogen is hydrogen bonded to water molecules, present from the hydrated salts used in the synthesis, ligated to the same metal center.