Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Properties of Two Macrocyclic Dinuclear Complexes

Two macrocyclic dinuclear complexes, [Cu₂L¹](PF₆)₂ and [Cu₂L²](ClO₄)₂, were synthesized by cyclo-condensation between N,N′-bis(3-formyl-5-methylsalicylidene)ethylenediimine or N,N′- bis(3-formyl-5-n-butylsalicylidene)ethylenediimine and ethylenediamine in the presence of Cu²⁺ ions. The crystal structures of the complexes were studied. The variable-temperature magnetic susceptibilities and cyclic voltammograms of the complexes were measured. The magnetic and electrochemical properties of the complexes were discussed. The results show that the complexes display very strong antiferromagnetic exchanges and that all copper(II) complexes undergo a one-electron transfer process.     

Copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes ofN,N′, N″, N‴-tetra(2-cyanoethyl)-1,4,8, 12-tetra-azacyclopentadecane

Summary Reaction of 1,4,8, 12-tetra-azacyclopentadecance ([15])-aneN₄) with an excess of acrylonitrile gives theN-tetracyanoethylated ligand (L). Several new complexes of this ligand with nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) have been prepared and characterised. The complexes can be formulated [NiL]_n(ClO₄)_2n, [ML](ClO₄)₂ (M=Cu^II and Zn^II), [NiL(NCS)₂], [NiLCl₂], [CuL](NO₃)₂ and [NiL]_n(NO₃)_2n·2H₂O. Spectral, magnetic and conductivity data are reported and possible structures are considered.     

Novel heterodinuclear transition metal macrocyclic complexes: syntheses,characterization and crystal structures

Two unsymmetrical, macrocyclic, heterodinuclear complexes, [Cu^IIM^II(L)]?(ClO₄)₂·nH₂O (n?=?3; M?=?Zn, Cd) have been obtained by cyclocondensation of N,N′-bis(3-formyl-5-n-butylsalicylidene)ethylenediimine and 1,3-diaminopropane in the presence of M²⁺. The structures of both complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction techniques. In each complex, two metals are located in the tetraimine macrocyclic cavity, and a water molecule and a perchlorate group are separately coordinated to the metal ions on the same side of the ring. Coordination geometry around each metal is approximately square pyramidal. ESMS spectra were used to characterize the complexes and isotopic distributions were investigated.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and DNA-binding properties of dinuclear complexes with macrocyclic ligands

Two symmetrical macrocyclic dinuclear complexes, [Cu₂L¹(ClO₄)₂(H₂O)₂][Cu₂L¹(H₂O)₂] (ClO₄)₂ (1) and [Cu₂L²(ClO₄)₂] (2), (where H₂L¹ and H₂L² are the [2?+?2] condensation products of 1,3-diaminopropane with 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol and 2,6-diformyl-4-flurophenol, respectively), have been synthesized and characterized. The electronic and magnetic properties of the complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry and magnetic susceptibility. There are strong antiferromagnetic couplings between the two copper(II) centers in both complexes. The strongly electron-withdrawing fluorine groups in H₂L² weaken the antiferromagnetic exchange, but make the metal centers more easily reduced than its analog H₂L¹. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were studied by UV?CVis and CD spectroscopic techniques.     

Two Novel Oxamidato-bridged Tetranuclear Complexes M[Cu(PMoxd)]3(ClO4)2 (M=Mn, Ni, Cu(PMoxd)=N,N′-bis(pyridyl-methyl)-oxamidatocopper(II)): Syntheses, Spectra, Magnetic and Electrochemical Properties

Two novel oxamidato-bridged Mn[Cu(PMoxd)]₃(ClO₄)₂ (1) Ni[Cu(PMoxd)]₃(ClO₄)₂ (2) tetranuclear complexes were prepared and characterized by i.r., e.p.r., electronic spectra, cyclic voltammograms, and magnetic properties. The magnetic analysis was carried out by means of the theoretical expression of the magnetic susceptibility deduced from the spin Hamiltonian H=−2JS_M(S_Cu1+ S_Cu2 + S_Cu3) (M=Mn, Ni), leading to J=−20.4 cm⁻¹; −121.1 cm⁻¹ for complexes (1) and (2) respectively. Magnetic measurements indicate that the overall magnetic behavior of the tetranuclear species are antiferromagnetic.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of Mn(II) complexes with novel macrocyclic Schiff-base ligands containing piperazine moiety

A series of Mn(II) macrocyclic Schiff-base complexes [MnLⁿCl]⁺ (n = 1–4) have been prepared via the Mn(II) templated [1+1] cyclocondensation of 2,6-diacetylpyridine or 2,6-pyridinedicarbaldehyde with the symmetrical 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine or the novel asymmetrical N,N′(2-aminoethyl)(3-aminopropyl)piperazine linear amines containing piperazine moiety. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, FAB-MS, magnetic studies and conductivity measurements. The crystal structure of [MnL²(CH₃OH)Cl](ClO₄) and [MnL⁴Cl](PF₆) complexes have also been determined showing the metal ion in a N₄OCl pentagonal bipyramidal or N₄Cl highly distorted octahedral geometry, respectively.     

Heterodinuclear Ruthenium(II) Complexes of the Bridging Ligand 1,6,7,12‐Tetraazaperylene with Iron(II), Cobalt(II), Nickel(II), as well as Palladium(II) and Platinum(II)

The first heterodinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes of the 1,6,7,12‐tetraazaperylene (tape) bridging ligand with iron(II), cobalt(II), and nickel(II) were synthesized and characterized. The metal coordination sphere in this complexes is filled by the tetradentate N,N′‐dimethyl‐2,11‐diaza[3.3](2,6)‐pyridinophane (L‐N₄Me₂) ligand, yielding complexes of the general formula [(L‐N₄Me₂)Ru(µ‐tape)M(L‐N₄Me₂)](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂ with M = Fe {[ 2 ](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂}, Co {[ 3 ](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂}, and Ni {[ 4 ](ClO₄)₂(PF₆)₂}. Furthermore, the heterodinuclear tape ruthenium(II) complexes with palladium(II)‐ and platinum(II)‐dichloride [(bpy)₂Ru(μ‐tape)PdCl₂](PF₆)₂ {[ 5 ](PF₆)₂} and [(dmbpy)₂Ru(μ‐tape)PtCl₂](PF₆)₂ {[ 6 ](PF₆)₂}, respectively were also prepared. The molecular structures of the complex cations [ 2 ]⁴⁺ and [ 4 ]⁴⁺ were discussed on the basis of the X‐ray structures of [ 2 ](ClO₄)₄ · MeCN and [ 4 ](ClO₄)₄ · MeCN. The electrochemical behavior and the UV/Vis absorption spectra of the heterodinuclear tape ruthenium(II) complexes were explored and compared with the data of the analogous mono‐ and homodinuclear ruthenium(II) complexes of the tape bridging ligand.     

Synthesis,spectral and magnetic studies of novel μ-oxamido heterotinuclear complexes

Summary Three novel heterotrinuclear complexes have been prepared, [Cu₂(oxdn)₂Zn](ClO₄)₂ (1) and [Cu₂(oxdn)₂-M(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ with M=Mn (2) and Co (3) [oxdn-oxamidobis (propionato)], and characterized by spectral data. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibilities of (2) and (3) has been studied in the 4–300K range, and the exchange integrals J=–20.90cm^–1 for (2) and J=–62.36cm^–1 for (3) calculated. These results are commensurate with antiferromagnetic interactions between the adjacent metal ions.     

Cyano‐Bridged ‘Oximato’ Complexes: Synthesis,Structure, and Catalase‐Like Activities

The reaction of the ‘oximato’‐ligand precursor A (Fig. 1) and metal salts with KCN gave two mononuclear complexes [ML(CN)(H₂O)_n](ClO₄) ( 1 and 2 ; L={N‐(hydroxy‐κO)‐α‐oxo‐N′‐[(pyridin‐2‐yl‐κN)methyl[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐4‐ethanimidamidato‐κN′}; M=Co^II ( 1 ), Cu^II ( 2 ); n=2 for Co^II, n=0 for Cu^II; Figs. 2 and 3). The new cyano‐bridged pentanuclear ‘oximato’ complexes [{ML(H₂O)_n(NC)}₄M¹(H₂O)_x](ClO₄)₂ ( 3 – 6 ) and trinuclear complexes [{ML(H₂O)_n(NC)}₂M¹L](ClO₄) ( 7 – 10 ) ([M¹=Mn^II, Cu^II; x=2 for Mn^II, x=0 for Cu^II] were synthesized from mononuclear complexes and characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductance, and IR and thermal analysis. The four [ML(CN)(H₂O)_n]⁺ moieties are connected by a metal(II) ion in the pentanuclear complexe 3 – 6 , each one involving four cyano bridging ligands (Fig. 4). The central metal ion displays a square‐planar or octahedral geometry, with the cyano bridging ligands forming the equatorial plane. The axial positions are occupied by two aqua ligands in the case of the central Mn‐atom. The two [ML(CN)(H₂O)_n]⁺ moieties and an ‘oximato’ ligand are connected by a metal(II) ion in the trinuclear complexes 7 – 10 , each one involving two cyano bridging ligands (Fig. 5). The central metal ions display a distorted square‐pyramidal geometry, with two cyano bridging ligands and the donor atoms of the tridentate ‘oximato’ ligand. Moreover catalytic activities of the complexes for the disproportionation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were also investigated in the presence of 1H‐imidazole. The synthesized homopolynuclear Cu^II complexes 6 and 10 displayed eficiency in disproportion reactions of H₂O₂ producing H₂O and dioxygen thus showing catalase‐like activity.     

Synthesis of unsymmetrical compartmental oxime nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes: spectral, electrochemical and magnetic studies

A new series of binuclear unsymmetrical compartmental oxime complexes (1–5) [M₂L] [M=Cu(II), Ni(II)] have been synthesized using mononuclear complex [ML] (L=1,4-bis[2-hydroxy-3-(formyl)-5-methylbenzyl]piperazine), hydroxylamine hydrochloride and triethylamine. In this system there are two different compartments, one has piperazinyl nitrogens and phenolic oxygens and the other compartment has two oxime nitrogens and phenolic oxygens as coordinating sites. The complexes were characterized by elemental and spectral analysis. Electrochemical studies of the complexes show two step single electron quasi-reversible redox processes at cathodic potential region. For copper complexes E¹ _pc=−0.18 to −0.62 and E² _pc=−1.18 to −1.25 V, for nickel complexes E¹ _pc=−0.40 to −0.63 and E² _pc=−1.08 to −1.10 V and reduction potentials are sensitive towards the chemical environment around the copper and nickel atoms. The nickel(II) complexes undergo two electrons oxidation. The first one electron oxidation is observed around +0.75 V and the second around +1.13 V. ESR Spectra of the binuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu₂L](ClO₄), [Cu₂L(Cl)], [Cu₂L(NO₃)] shows a broad signal at g=2.1 indicating the presence of coupling between the two copper centers. Copper(II) complexes show a magnetic moment value of μ_eff around 1.59 B.M at 298 K and variable temperature magnetic measurements show a −2J value of 172 cm⁻¹ indicating presence of antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between copper(II) centres.     

Cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes of (2-thiophene)-(5,6-diphenyl-[1,2,4]-triazin-3-yl)hydrazone

New complexes having the formulae [L₂CoX₂] and [LCuCl₂], [LCuCl] and [LCu](ClO₄)₂ where L?=?(2-thiophene)-(5,6-diphenyl-[1,2,4]-triazin-3-yl)hydrazone TDPTH; X?=?Cl, OAc or ClO₄ have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, conductance, magnetic moments and infrared, electronic and ESR spectral data. The IR spectra indicate that TDPTH is a neutral bidentate ligand, coordinating via a triazine-N and azomethine-N in [L₂CoX₂] and [LCuCl₂] with the thiophene-S not coordinated but is tridentate in [LCuCl] and [LCu](ClO₄)₂ through the same two nitrogen atoms and thiophene-S. The magnetic moment and electronic spectral data suggest a distorted octahedral structure for Co(II) complexes, a dimeric square pyramidal geometry for [LCuCl₂] through chloride bridges and a dimeric diamagnetic, four-coordinate copper in [LCu](ClO₄)₂ through thiophene-S bridges. The X-band ESR spectra of Co(II) complexes, in the solid state, are rhombic with three g values consistent with a high-spin distorted octahedral structure. The X-band ESR spectrum of the powdered sample of both [LCuCl₂]·2H₂O and [LCu](ClO₄)₂ at room temperature and at 77?K showed only one broad signal due to?ΔM _s?=?±?1 transition and a weak signal due to the forbidden?ΔM _s?=?±?2 transition, indicating an antiferromagnetic interaction between copper(II) centers whereas [LCuCl] is ESR silent, indicating a monovalent copper ion in this complex.     

Zinc(II) Complexes with 1H‐Imidazol‐4‐yl‐Containing Polyamine Ligand

The protonation and Zn^II/Cu^II complexation constants of tripodal polyamine ligand N¹‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐N¹‐(1H‐imidazol‐4‐ylmethyl)‐ethane‐1,2‐diamine (HL) were determined by potentiometric titration. Three new compounds, i.e. [H₃(HL)](ClO₄)₃ ( 5 ), [Zn(HL)Cl](ClO₄) ( 6 ) and {[Zn(L)](ClO₄)}_n ( 7 ) were obtained by reactions of HL · 4HCl with Zn(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O under different reaction pH, and they were compared with the corresponding Cu^II complexes reported previously. The results indicate that the reaction pH and metal ions have remarkable influence on the formation and structure of the complexes.     

Synthesis,characterization, structure and magnetic properties of azido-bridged nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with a pyridylpyrazole-based ligand

A new pyridylpyrazole-containing tetradentate ligand, namely N,N-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)aminomethylpyridine (L), and two of its binuclear azido-bridged complexes, [Ni₂(L)₂(N₃)₂](ClO₄)₂·2EtOH (1) and [Cu₂(L)₂(N₃)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), have been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. The crystal structures of both complexes are reported. Each metal atom in the complexes has a MN₆ coordination environment with distorted octahedral geometry. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements for complex (1) show typical antiferromagnetic behavior with J value −84.5 ± 1.3 cm⁻¹, whereas complex (2) has no magnetic interactions.     

Macrocyclic effects upon isomeric CuIIMII and MIICuII cores. Formation with unsymmetric phenol-based macrocyclic ligands

This paper discusses coordination-position isomeric M^IICu^II and Cu^IIM^II complexes, using unsymmetric dinucleating macrocycles (L^m;n)²⁻ ((L^2;2)²⁻, (L^2;3)²⁻ and (L^2;4)²⁻) that comprise two 2-(N-methyl)-aminomethyl-6-iminomethyl-4-bromo-phenonate entities, combined through the ethylene chain (m = 2) between the two amine nitrogens and through the ethylene, trimethylene or tetramethylene chain(n = 2, 3 or 4) between the two imine nitrogens. The macrocycles have dissimilar N(amine)₂O₂ and N(imine)₂O₂ metal-binding sites sharing the phenolic oxygens. The reaction of the mononuclear Cu^II precursors, [Cu(L^2;2)], [Cu(L^2;2)] and [Cu(L^2;2)], with a M^II perchlorate and a M^II acetate salt formed (acetato)M^IICu^II complexes: [CoCu(L^2;2)(AcO)]ClO⁴·0.5H₂O] (1), [NiCu(L^2;2) (AcO)]ClO₄ (2), [ZnCu(L^2;2) (AcO)]ClO₄ (3), [CoCu(L^2;3)(AcO)]ClO₄·0.5H₂O (4), [NiCu(L^2;3)(AcO)]ClO₄ (5), [ZnCu(L^2;3)(AcO)]ClO₄·0.5H₂O (6), [CoCu(L^2;4)(AcO)(DMF)]ClO₄ (7), [NiCu(L^2;4) (AcO)]ClO₄·2DMF (8) and [ZnCu(L^2;4)(AcO)]ClO₄ (9) (the formulation [M_aM_b (L^m;n)]²⁺ means that M_a resides in the aminic site and M_b in the iminic site). The site selectivity of the metal ions is demonstrated by X-ray crystallographic studies for 2·MeOH,3,5,7, and9. An (acetato)Cu^IIZn^II complex, [CuZn(L^2;3)(AcO)]ClO₄ (10), was obtained by the reaction of [PbCu(L^2;3)]-(ClO₄)₂ with ZnSO₄·4H₂O, in the presence of sodium acetate. Other complexes of the Cu^IIM^II type were thermodynamically unstable to cause a scrambling of metal ions. The Cu migration from the iminic site to the aminic site in the synthesis of10 is explained by the ‘kinetic macrocyclic effect’. The coordination-position isomers,6 and10, are differentiated by physicochemical properties.     

Binuclear Copper(II) Complexes with Robsori-Type Ligands. Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure,and magnetic properties

Three binuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(μ-L)(μ-N₃)](ClO₄)2′ 1-5 EtOH (1), [Cu₂(μ-L)(μ-MeO)(ClO₄)]-ClO₄ - EtOH ( 2 ) and [Cu₂(μ-L)(μ-C₃H₃N₂)](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O, ( 3 ) where L is the pentadentale bridging ligand derived from 5-(tert-butyl)-2-hydroxybenzene-1, 3-dicarbaldehyde bis(benzoylhydrazone) ( HL ) were synthesized and characterized. The crystal-structure determination of complex 2 provided the following crystal data: monoclinic, space group P2₁}/a, a = 11.412(2), b = 24.509(4), c = 14.833(4) Å, β = 104.41(2)°, K = 4018(3) ų, Z = 4. The structure shows that the Cu^II ions are bridged by the endogenous phenolato O-atom and by an exogenous bridge CH₃O^?. The analysis of variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data (4-300 K.) indicates that there is an antiferromagnetic interaction between the Cu^II ions in these complexes with an exchange parameter (2J) of ?119.1 cm^?1 for complex 1 and ?361.8 cm^?1 for complex 3 . The effect of some exogenous bridging ligands on magnetic coupling for this type of complex is suggested.     

Electrochemical Examination of Copper(II) Complexes with Octaazamacrocyclic Ligand and Heterocyclic Dithiocarbamate

Mixed ligand dinuclear copper(II) complexes of the general formula [Cu₂(Rdtc)tpmc)](ClO₄)₃ with octaazamacrocyclic ligand tpmc and four different heterocyclic dithiocarbamate ligands Rdtc^?, as well as the complexes [Cu₂(tpmc)](ClO₄)₄ and [Cu(tpmc)](ClO₄)₂?2H₂O were studied in aqueous NaClO₄ and HClO₄ solutions by cyclic voltammetry on glassy carbon electrode. The electrochemical properties of the ligands and Cu(II) complexes were correlated with their electronic structure. Conductometric experiments showed different stoichiometry in complexation of tpmc with Cu²⁺ ions and transport of ions in acetonitrile and in aqueous media. These studies clarified the application of this macrocyclic ligand as ionophore in a PVC membrane copper(II) selective electrode and contributed elucidation of its sensor properties.     

Preparation, characterization and crystal structures of copper(II) hexaazamacrotetracyclic complexes with organic ligands

The reaction of [Cu(L)](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O (L=1,3,10,12,16,19-hexaazatetracyclo[17,3,1,1^12.16,0^4.9]tetracosane) with NaN₃ and Na₂tp yields mononuclear and dinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L)(N₃)](ClO₄) (1) and [Cu(L)(μ-tp)](ClO₄) · 2H₂O (2). These complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, electronic absorption, cyclic voltammetry and magnetic susceptibility. The crystal structure of (1) shows that the copper(II) ion has a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with the two secondary and two tertiary amines of the macrocycle and one nitrogen atom from the azide group coordinating the axial position. The copper(II) ions in (2) are bridged by the terephthalate anion to form a dinuclear complex, in which each copper(II) ion reveals a distorted square-pyramid with four nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and the oxygen atom of bridging tp ligand. Cyclic voltammetry of the complexes gives two one-electron waves corresponding to Cu^II/Cu^III and Cu^II/Cu^I processes. The magnetic susceptibility measurement for (2) exhibits a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between copper(II) centers with a 2J value of −2.21 cm⁻¹ (H = −2JΣS₁ · S₂). The electronic spectra and electrochemical behavior of the complexes are significantly affected by the nature of the organic ligands.     

Mechanistic Studies of C?C Bond Cleavage of Nitriles by Dinuclear Metal Cryptates

We previously reported that dinuclear copper(II) cryptate [Cu₂L]⁴⁺ cleaves the C? C bond of acetonitrile at room temperature to produce a cyano‐bridged dinuclear cryptate and methanol, whereby the reaction mechanism has not yet become clear. We have now systemically investigated this reaction, and four cryptates, [Cu₂L](ClO₄)₄ ( 1 ), [Zn₂L](ClO₄)₄ ( 2 ), [Cu₂L(H₂O)₂](CF₃SO₃)₄ ( 5 ), and [Cu₂L(OH)(OH₂)](ClO₄)₃ ( 6 ) are reported here. Cryptates 1 and 2 can cleave the C? C bonds of acetonitrile, propionitrile, and benzonitrile at room temperature under open atmospheric conditions to give cyano‐bridged cryptates [Cu₂L(CN)](ClO₄)₃ ( 3 ) and [Zn₂L(CN)](ClO₄)₃ ( 4 ), respectively, and the corresponding alcohol. In contrast, 5 and 6 do not show any C? C bond activation of nitriles, as the interior axial positions of Cu^II in 5 and 6 are occupied by water/OH^?. The C? C bond cleavage of (S)‐(+)‐2‐methylbutyronitrile by 2 produced (R)‐(?)‐2‐butanol only; that is, the cleavage reaction proceeds through an S_N2 pathway (Walden inversion).     

Synthesis,spectroscopy and crystal structure of a new heterodinuclear silver(I)—copper(I) cryptate

A new heterodinuclear cryptate [AgCuL](ClO₄ ^–)₂ was synthesized by transmetallation via its precursor [Ag₂L](ClO₄ ^–)₂ (L = ligand). The electrospray mass spectrum (ES-MS) showed that the heterodinuclear entity exists in the solution. The X-Ray structure analysis shows that the Ag^I ion has tetrahedral geometry while Cu^I lies in a three-coordinate environment.     

New Tetraaza Macrobicyclic Ditopic Receptors for Metal Ions: Synthesis,Redox Response and Kinetics of Phosphate Hydrolysis of Unsymmetrical Macrobicyclic Mono- and Binuclear Nickel(II) Complexes

A new series of macrobicyclic ditopic receptors is derived from the precursor compound 3,4:10,11-dibenzo-1,13[N,N′-bis{(3-formyl-2-hydroxy-5-methyl)benzyl}di-aza]-5,9-dioxocyclohexadecane. Using this precursor, mono- and binuclear nickel(II) complexes of type [NiL](ClO₄) and [Ni₂L](ClO₄)₂ have been synthesized to undertake electrochemical and catalytic studies on the basis of macrocyclic ring size. The receptor is a tricompartmental macrocycle consisting of ether oxygen, tertiary nitrogen and imine nitrogen atoms. The redox studies of these systems show that the nickel(II) complexes undergo quasi-reversible one-electron reduction and oxidation. All the nickel(II) complexes have square planar geometry and are EPR silent. Examination of the kinetics of the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl phosphate shows that the catalytic activities of the complexes increase with the macrocyclic ring size of the complexes. As the macrocyclic ring size of the complexes increases, the spectral, electrochemical and catalytic studies of the complexes show considerable variation due to distortion in the geometry around the nickel(II) centre.