Synthesis and Biological Activity of Novel (E,E)-vic-dioximes

A novel vic-dioxime ligand containing the thiourea group, (4E,5E)-1,3-bis{4-[(4-methylphenylamino)methyl] phenyl}- 2-thiooxaimidazoline-4,5-dione dioxime, (4) mmdH₂ has been prepared from N,N′-bis{4-[(4-methylphenylamino)methyl]phenyl}thiourea, (3) mft and cyanogen di-N-oxide. Mononuclear [M(mmdH)₂], where M = Ni^II, Co^II and Cu^II complexes of the (4) mmdH₂ bidentate ligand have been obtained with a 1:2 metal:ligand ratio, as do most the vic-dioximes. The complexes are formed by coordination of N, N atoms of the ligand. The vic-dioxime ligand and its some transition metal complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance data, magnetic susceptibility, i.r., ¹H-n.m.r and u.v.–vis. spectroscopy. Conductivity measurements have shown that mononuclear complexes are non-electrolytes. In addition, the ligands and metal complexes were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities by agar well diffusion techniques using DMF as solvent.     

Tricarbonylrhenium(I) bromide complexes with N,N′-bis[1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylidene]ethane-1,2-diamine and N,N′-bis[1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethylidene]ethane-1,2-diamine–syntheses,structures, electrochemical and spectroscopic studies

Two rhenium(I) complexes, [Re(CO)₃Br(L ⁿ )] (n = 1, 2), (L¹= N,N′-bis[1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylidene]ethane-1,2-diamine and L² = N,N′-bis[1-(4-nitrophenyl)ethylidene]ethane-1,2-diamine) have been synthesized and characterized by CHN analyses, ¹H NMR, IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The molecular structure of [Re(CO)₃Br(L¹)] is a distorted octahedron around rhenium with one Br, facial arrangement of three CO's, and one diimine. The UV-Vis spectra of the complexes have metal-to-ligand charge transfer bands increasing in wavelength when the L² ligand is replaced by L¹, in agreement with the oxidation potential of the complexes.     

Synthesis,structure and bioactivity of Ni2+ and Cu2+ acylhydrazone complexes

Two acylhydrazone complexes, bis{6‐methyl‐N′‐[1‐(pyrazin‐2‐yl‐κN¹)ethylidene]nicotinohydrazidato‐κ²N′,O}nickel(II), [Ni(C₁₃H₁₂N₅O)₂], (I), and di‐μ‐azido‐κ⁴N¹:N¹‐bis({6‐methyl‐N′‐[1‐(pyrazin‐2‐yl‐κN¹)ethylidene]nicotinohydrazidato‐κ²N′,O}nickel(II)), [Cu₂(C₁₃H₁₂N₅O)₂(N₃)₂], (II), derived from 6‐methyl‐N′‐[1‐(pyrazin‐2‐yl)ethylidene]nicotinohydrazide (HL) and azide salts, have been synthesized. HL acts as an N,N′,O‐tridentate ligand in both complexes. Complex (I) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn and has a mononuclear structure, the azide co‐ligand is not involved in crystallization and the Ni²⁺ centre lies in a distorted {N₄O₂} octahedral coordination environment. Complex (II) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P and is a centrosymmetric binuclear complex with a crystallographically independent Cu²⁺ centre coordinating to three donor atoms from the deprotonated L^? ligand and to two N atoms belonging to two bridging azide anions. The two‐ and one‐dimensional supramolecular structures are constructed by hydrogen‐bonding interactions in (I) and (II), respectively. The in vitro urease inhibitory evaluation revealed that complex (II) showed a better inhibitory activity, with the IC₅₀ value being 1.32±0.4 µM. Both complexes can effectively bind to bovine serum albumin (BSA) by 1:1 binding, which was assessed via tryptophan emission–quenching measurements. The bioactivities of the two complexes towards jack bean urease were also studied by molecular docking. The effects of the metal ions and the coordination environments in the two complexes on in vitro urease inhibitory activity are preliminarily discussed.     

Spectro-thermal characterization of chromium(III) and manganese(II) complexes with carboxyamide

Complexes of Cr(III) and Mn(II) with N′,N″-bis(3-carboxy-1-oxopropanyl) 2-amino-N-arylbenzamidine (H₂L¹) and N′,N″-bis(3-carboxy-1-oxophenelenyl) 2-amino-N-arylbenzamidine (H₂L²) have been synthesized and characterized by various physico-chemical techniques. The vibrational spectral data are in agreement with coordination of amide and carboxylate oxygen of the ligands with the metal ions. The electronic spectra indicate octahedral geometry around the metal ions, supported by magnetic susceptibility measurements. The thermal behavior of chromium(III) complexes shows that uncoordinated nitrate is removed in the first step, followed by two water molecules and then decomposition of the ligand; manganese(II) complexes show two waters removed in the first step, followed by removal of the ligand in subsequent steps. Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were computed from the thermal data using Coats and Redfern method, which confirm first order kinetics. The thermal stability of metal complexes has been compared. X-ray powder diffraction determines the cell parameters of the complexes.     

Novel bidentate ruthenium(III) Schiff base complexes: synthetic,spectral, electrochemical,catalytic and antimicrobial studies

Ru^III complexes of the type [RuX(L)₂(E)] (X = Cl or Br; L = novel bidentate Schiff base ligand; E = PPh₃ or AsPh₃) have been prepared by reacting [RuX₃(E)₃] or [RuBr₃(PPh₃)₂(MeOH)] with two novel bidentate Schiff base ligands derived from 4-(1-methyl-1-mesitylcyclobutane-3-yl)-2-aminothiazole, in a 1:2 molar ratio in benzene, and characterised by analytical, spectral (i.r., electronic, ¹H-, ¹³C- n.m.r., and e.p.r.) and electrochemical data. An octahedral structure has been tentatively proposed for all the new complexes. The thermal properties of the ligands and their complexes have been studied by t.g.a. The new Ru^III complexes are effective catalysts for the oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds but are unable to oxidise alkenes in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) as co-oxidant. The antimicrobial activity of the ligands and complexes have also been tested against six microorganisms.     

Studies on mononuclear transition metal chelates derived from a novel ( E,E )-dioxime: synthesis,characterization and biological activity

A novel vic-dioxime ligand with a thiourea moiety, (4E,5E)-1,3-bis{4-[(4-bromophenylamino)methylene]phenyl}-2-thiooxaimidazoline-4,5-dione dioxime (4) (bmdH₂) has been synthesized from N,N′-bis{4-[(4-bromophenylamino)methylene]phenyl}thiourea and (E,E)-dichloroglyoxime. The bmdH₂ ligand (4) forms transition metal complexes [M(bmdH)₂] with a metal?:?ligand ratio of 1?:?2 with M?=?Ni(II), Co(II), and Cu(II). The mononuclear Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes, [Ni(bmdH)₂] (5), [Co(bmdH)₂] (6) and [Cu(bmdH)₂] (7) have the metal ions coordinated through the two N,N atoms, as do most vic-dioximes. Elemental analyses, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, IR, ¹H NMR spectra, and UV-Visible spectroscopy were used to elucidate the structures of the ligand and its complexes. Conductivity measurements have shown that the mononuclear complexes are non-electrolytes. In addition, the ligands and metal complexes were screened for antibacterial and antifungal activities by agar well diffusion techniques using DMF as solvent.     

Mixed ligand complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II) with methionine and 2,4-disubstituted pyrimidines

Summary Mixed ligand complexes ofcis-[M(MetH)Cl₂] (M=Pd²⁺ and Pt²⁺; MetH=methionine) with 2,4-disubstituted pyrimidines were prepared and characterised. Thecis-[Pd(MetH)Cl₂] complex reacted with cytosine (2-hydroxy-4-aminopyrimidine), isocytosine (2-amino-4-hydroxypyrimidine) and thiocytosine (2-thio-4-amino-pyrimidine) to form ternary complexes.cis-[Pt(MetH)Cl₂] however reacted with cytosine, uracil (2,4-pyrimidine dione or 2,4-dihydroxypyrimidine) to yield the corresponding mixed ligand complexes. The primary ligand, methionine, binds to the metal ion through sulphur and amino nitrogenvia a six membered chelate ring. The secondary ligands (substituted pyrimidines) bind to the Pd²⁺ or Pt²⁺ metal ion through the ring nitrogen (N₃), as monodentate ligand. Thiocytosine however acts as a bidentate ligand, coordinating to the metal ion through-SH and ring nitrogen (N₃). All complexes are 11 electrolytes, except the thiocytosine complex, which is a 12 electrolyte.     

The synthesis,characterization and spectral studies of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes with N,N-bis(2-{[(2-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl) methyl]amino}butyl) N′,N′-dihydroxyethanediimidamide

Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II complexes of N,N-bis(2-{[(2-methyl-2-phenyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methyl]amino}butyl)N′,N′-dihydroxyethanediimidamide (LH₂) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR spectra, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility measurements, conductivity measurements and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II complexes of LH₂ were synthesized with 1?:?2 metal ligand stoichiometry. Zn^II and Cd^II complexes with LH₂ have a metal ligand ratio of 1?:?1. The reaction of LH₂ with Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, Zn^II and Cd^II chloride give complexes Ni(LH)₂, Cu(LH)₂, Zn(LH₂)(Cl)₂, Cd(LH₂)(Cl)₂, respectively.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic, antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleavage studies of some metal complexes involving symmetrical bidentate N, N donor Schiff base ligand

The Schiff base ligand, N,N′-bis-(4-isopropylbenzaldimine)-1,2-diaminoethane (L), obtained by the condensation of 4-isopropylbenzaldehyde and 1,2-diaminoethane, has been used to synthesize the complexes of the type [ML₂X₂] [M = Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II); X = Cl and OAc]. The newly synthesized ligand (L) and its complexes have been characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, mass, ¹H and ¹³C-NMR, molar conductance, IR, UV–vis, magnetic moment, CV and thermal analyses, powder XRD and SEM. IR spectral data show that the ligand is coordinated to the metal ions in a bidentate manner. The geometrical structures of these complexes are found to be octahedral. Interestingly, reaction with Cu(II) ion with this ligand undergoes hydrolytic cleavage to form ethylenediamine copper(II) complex and the corresponding aldehyde. The antimicrobial results indicate that the chloro complexes exhibit more activity than the acetato complexes. The complexes bind to CT–DNA by intercalation modes. Novel chloroform soluble ZnL₂Cl₂ complex exhibits tremendous antimicrobial, DNA binding and cleaving properties.     

The Synthesis,Characterization and Conductance Studies of New Cu(II), Ni(Ii) And Zn(II) Complexes with the Schiff Base Derived from 1,2-Bis-(o-Aminophenoxy)Ethane and Salicylaldehyde

Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes with the Schiff base derived from 1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane with salicylaldehyde have been prepared. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV, visible and IR spectra as well as conductance measurements. The ligand is coordinated to the central metal as a tetradentate ONNO ligand. The four bonding sites are the central azomethine nitrogen and aldehydic OH groups. The ligand was used for complexation studies. Stability constants were measured by a conductometric method. Furthermore, the stability constants for complexation between ZnCl₂ and Cu(NO₃)₂ salts and N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane (H₂L) in 80% dioxane/water and pure methanol were determined from conductance measurements. The magnitudes of these ion association constants are related to the nature of the solvation of the cation and the complexed cation. The mobilities of the complexes are also dependent, in part, upon solvation effects.     

Chromium(III), manganese(II), iron(III), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with a pentadentate, 15-membered new macrocyclic ligand

Complexes of Cr^III, Mn^II, Fe^III, Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II containing a macrocyclic pentadentate nitrogen–sulphur donor ligand have been prepared via reaction of a pentadentate ligand (N₃S₂) with transition metal ions. The N₃S₂ ligand was prepared by [1 + 1] condensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine with 1,2-di(o-aminophenylthio(ethane. The structures of the complexes have been elucidated by elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility measurements, i.r., electronic and e.p.r. spectral studies. The complexes are of the high spin type and are six-coordinate.     

Synthesis and complexation of a novel soluble vic-dioxime with hydroxyethyl pendant arms

A new soluble vic-dioxime ligand namely 1,4-bis(2′-hydroxyethyl)-2,3-bis(hydroxyimino)-5,6-diphenylpiperazine, (LH₂) containing optically active centers has been prepared as a mixture of isomers from (CNO)₂ and N,N-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)stilbendiamine (1) which has been made by the reduction of the condensation of the product of benzaldehyde and 2-aminoethanol in the presence of aluminum amalgam. N,N-coordinated planar metal complexes of this ligand have been synthesized with Ni^II, Cu^II, Co^II, Pd^II and U^VIO₂. Oxidation of (LH)₂Co in the presence of a base, such as pyridine, leads to an octahedral complex (LH)₂CopyCl containing pyridine and chloride as axial ligands in addition to vic-dioxime ligands. The structures of the ligand and its complexes are proposed on the basis of elemental analysis, ¹H-n.m.r., mass, i.r. and u.v.–vis. spectral data. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Transition metal ion complexes of thiosemicarbazones derived from 2-acetylpyridineN-oxide. I. The 4-methyl derivative

Summary TheN-methyl-2-[1-(2-pyridinyl-1-oxide)ethylidene]hydrazinecarbothioamide, HLO4M, has been used to prepare a series of Co^III, Ni^II and Cu^II complexes. Species with two deprotonated LO4M ligands, one LO4M and one HLO4M ligand, two HLO4M ligands and one HLO4M ligand with two small anionic ligands have been isolated. The deprotonated LO4M bonds as a tridentate ligandvia theN-oxide oxygen, the imine nitrogen (N¹ and the sulphur while the HLO4M ligand coordinates primarily as a bidentate ligandvia only the first two atoms listed above. I.r., electronic, mass and e.s.r. spectra have been used to determine the nature of these complexes. One of the more striking differences between these compounds and those prepared with other thiosemicarbazones of 2-acetylpyridine and 2-acetylpyridineN-oxide is that tetrahedral yellow [Ni(HL)X₂] rather than planar brown [NiLX] (X=Cl or Br) solids have been isolated with this ligand. Other differences in the nature of the coordination spheres of the various metal ions occur with this particular ligand when compared to previously studied thiosemicarbazone complexes.NATO Fellow, on leave from Medical Faculty, Istanbul University.     

In vitro antifungal and antibacterial properties of thiodiamine transition metal complexes

Synthesis, characterization and biological studies of some thiodiamine metal complexes are described. Cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes of type [Cu(L)₂Cl₂] and [Co(L)₂SO₄], where L = (cyclohexyl-N-thio)-1,2-ethylenediamine (L¹) and (cyclohexyl-N-thio)-1,3-propanediamine (L²), were synthesized. The synthesized copper and cobalt thiodiamine complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, mass, UV-VIS and ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies. Thiodiamines coordinate as a bidentate N-S ligand. The binding sites are azomethine nitrogen and thioamide sulfur. Molar conductance values in dimethylsulfoxide indicate non-electrolyte nature of the complexes. In vitro-antimicrobial screening shows promising results against both bacterial and fungal strains.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, biological,and theoretical studies of new complexes from (E)-3-(2-(5, 6- diphenyl-1,2,4- triazin-3- yl)hydrazono)butan-2- one oxime

New mononuclear Fe (III), Cu (II), Ag (I), ZrO ( IV) and UO₂(VI) complexes were synthesized by the reaction of metal ions with (E)-3-(2-(5, 6- diphenyl-1,2,4- triazin-3- yl)hydrazono)butan-2- one oxime. The structures of the metal complexes were characterized using analytical, spectral (infrared, electronic, ¹H NMR, electron spin resonance (ESR), and mass), magnetic moment, molar conductance, thermal gravimetric analysis, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. All complexes have octahedral geometries except the Cu (II) complex, which has square planar geometry, and the UO₂(VI) complex, in which the coordination number is seven. The ligand acts as a (neutral, monoanionic or dianionic) tridentate with N₂O coordinating sites: N-azomethine, N-triazine, and O-oxime. Fluorescence spectral studies were carried out in solid state and in dimethylformamide (DMF). The kinetic parameters of the thermal decomposition stages were calculated using Coats–Redfern equations. The morphological structures of the ligand and some complexes were determined using XRD. The molecular orbital calculations were carried out for the ligand and metal complexes using the Hyperchem 7.52 program on the basis of the PM3 level. The antimicrobial activities of the ligand and its complexes were investigated towards the microorganisms S. aureus and B. subtilis as Gram-positive bacteria, S. typhimurium and E. coli as Gram-negative bacteria, C. albicans, and A. fumigatus. The ligand and its complexes showed antitumor activity against Hep G-2 cell lines, where Cu (II) and Ag (I) complexes seem to be promising as they showed IC₅₀ values that are lower than and comparable to that of the antitumor drug doxorubicin.     

Coumarin-derivatized fluorescent <Emphasis Type="Italic">vic</Emphasis>-dioxime-type ligand and its complexes; the preparation,spectroscopy, and electrochemistry

A new vic-dioxime bearing coumarin functionality, N′¹,N′²-Dihydroxy-N ¹,N ²-bis(4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxalimidamid (LH₂), N,N-bis-[4-methylcoumarinyl]-diamino glyoxime (LH₂), and its mono- and dinuclear complexes {copper^II, cobalt^II, nickel^II and uranyl^II} have been reported. The fluorescence excitation and emission spectra of LH₂ and its complexes with metal ions were examined. It was observed that fluorescence and excitation emission intensity of LH₂ was quenched depending on complex formation with metal ions. The characterizations of all newly synthesized compounds were made by elemental analysis, ¹H-n.m.r, i.r., u.v.–vis., and l.c-m.s./m.s. data. Electrochemical behaviour of the ligand involving oxime and coumarine moieties, and its complexes with Ni^II, Cu^II, Co^II and UO ₂ ^II were investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The comparison of the electrochemical behaviour of the ligand with its complexes enabled us to identify metal-, oxime- and coumarine-based signals.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Two vic-Dioximes Containing the 1,3-Dioxolane Ring and 1,4-Diaminobutane and Their Cobalt(II), Nickel(II), Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Metal Complexes

Two new vic-dioxime ligands, (E,E)-N-{4-[(1,4-dioxaspiro[4.4]non-2-ylmethyl)amino]butyl}-N-hydroxy-2-(hydroxyimino)ethanimidamide (L¹H₂) and (E,E)-N-{4-[(1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]dec-2-ylmethyl)amino]butyl}-N-hydroxy-2-(hydroxyimino)ethanimidamide (L²H₂) containing two different heteroatoms (N,O) have been prepared from anti-chloroglyoxime, N-(1,4-dioxaspiro[4.4]non-2-ylmethyl)butane-1,4-diamine (3) and N-(1,4-dioxaspiro[4.5]dec-2-ylmethyl)butane-1,4-diamine (4). Co^II, Ni^II and Cu^II complexes of the ligands have a metal:ligand ratio of 1:2 and the ligands coordinate through the two N atoms, as do most of the vic-dioximes. However, Zn^II complexes of the ligands have a metal:ligand ratio of 1:1 and the ligands are coordinated only by the N, O atoms of the vic-dioximes. In the Co^II complexes two water molecules, and in the Zn^II complexes a chloride ion and a water molecule, are also coordinated to the metal ion. The structures of the compounds were determined by a combination of elemental analysis, magnetic moments, molar conductances, thermogravimetric analysis (t.g.a.) and spectroscopic (u.v.–vis., i.r., ¹H- and ¹³C-n.m.r.) data.     

Synthesis,Spectral, Modeling,Docking and Cytotoxicity Studies on 2-(2-aminobenzoyl)-N-ethylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide and its divalent metal complexes

2-(2-aminobenzoyl)-N-ethylhydrazine-1-carbothioamide (H₃L) and its Cu (II), Co (II), Ni (II) and Zn (II) complexes have been synthesized. The structures of the isolated compounds were suggested based on elemental analyses, spectral analyses (FTIR, ¹H and ¹³CNMR, MS, ESR and UV–Visible) and magnetic moments measurements. The free ligand exists in the keto-thione form, while in the metal complexes; it exists in the enol form and coordinates as mononegative bidentate via deprotonated enolic oxygen and N²H nitrogen. Both Co (II) and Ni (II) complexes have an octahedral, while Cu (II) complex has a square planar geometry. The compounds have direct electronic transitions with optical band gap (E_g) values in the range 3.14–3.40 eV. The ligand and its complexes were optimized using DFT/B3LYP methodology. The ligand optimization results supported the involvement of the carbonyl oxygen, thione sulfur and N²H hydrogen atoms in hydrogen bonding formation. Furthermore, the obtained structures of the ligand and its complexes were subjected to molecular docking study to predict interactions cause their cytotoxicity. Finally, the in vitro cytotoxicity activities of the ligand and its complexes were investigated against Hela and WISH cell lines where the Zn (II) complex exhibited higher activity than the other compounds against the two cell lines in accordance with molecular docking suggestion.     

Synthesis, characterization and electrochemical investigation of a novel vic-dioxime ligand and its some transition metal complexes

4-(Chloroacetyl)diphenyl ether was synthesized from chloroacetyl chloride and diphenyl ether in the presence of AlCl₃ as catalyst in a Friedel-Crafts reaction. Then, its keto oxime and dioxime derivatives were prepared. 4-phenoxy-(N-4-chlorophenylamino)phenylglyoxime (H₂L) was synthesized from 4-(phenoxy)chlorophenylglyoxime and 4-chloroaniline. Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes of H₂L were obtained. The mononuclear Ni(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes of H₂L have a metal–ligand ratio of 1:2 and the ligand coordinates through the two N atoms, as do most of the vic-dioximes. The structure of the ligand was identified by FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹³C NMR (APT) spectroscopy and elemental analysis data. The structures of the complexes were characterized on the basis of FT-IR, ICP-AES, UV-Vis, elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements, and cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemical measurements were obtained by using cyclic voltammetry in DMF solution at room temperature. The electrochemical behaviors of H₂L and its complexes showed that the redox process of H₂L has one irreversible oxidation wave, whereas the redox processes of the complexes have both oxidation and reduction waves with metal centered.     

Non-Heme FeII Diastereomeric Complexes Bearing a Hexadentate Ligand: Unexpected Consequences for the Spin State and Catalytic Oxidation Properties

The reactivity and selectivity of non-heme Fe^II complexes as oxidation catalysts can be substantially modified by alteration of the ligand backbone or introduction of various substituents. In comparison with the hexadentate ligand N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (TPEN), N,N′-bis[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethyl]-N,N′-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)ethane-1,2-diamine (_2MeL₆²) has a methyl group on two of the four picolyl positions. Fe^II complexation by _2MeL₆² yields two diastereomeric complexes with very similar structures, which only differ in the axial/equatorial positions occupied by the methylated pyridyl groups. In solution, these two isomers exhibit different magnetic behaviors. Whereas one isomer exhibits temperature-dependent spin-state conversion between the S=0 and S=2 states, the other is more reluctant towards this spin-state equilibrium and is essentially diamagnetic at room temperature. Their catalytic properties for the oxidation of anisole by H₂O₂ are very different and correlate with their magnetic properties, which reflect their lability/inertness. These different properties most likely depend on the different steric constraints of the methylated pyridyl groups in the two complexes.