Chemical design of heterometallic carboxylate structures with Fe3+ and Ag+ ions as a rational synthetic approach

Solid phase thermolysis of pivalate complex [Fe₃O(Piv)₆(HPiv)₃]Piv generates the [Fe₃O(Piv)₆]⁺ complex cation due to a deficiency of ligands in the coordination sphere of the metal ions. Crystallization of [Fe₃O(Piv)₆]⁺ from THF–EtOH leads to the heteroleptic complex [Fe₃O(Piv)₆(THF)(EtOH)(OH)] · 0.5 THF · 0.5 H₂O in 69% yield, while the reaction of [Fe₃O(Piv)₆]⁺ with AgNO₃ in toluene results in the complex [Fe₄Ag₄O₂(Piv)₁₂] · 2 PhMe with a rare combination of Fe^III and Ag^I atoms. Crystal structures of the two new complexes have been established.     

Versatile Reactivity of MnII Complexes in Reactions with N-Donor Heterocycles: Metamorphosis of Labile Homometallic Pivalates vs. Assembling of Endurable Heterometallic Acetates

Reaction of 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) or 1,10-phenantroline (phen) with [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n led to the formation of binuclear complexes [Mn₂(Piv)₄L₂] (L = 2,2′-bipy (1), phen (2); Piv⁻ is the anion of pivalic acid). Oxidation of 1 or 2 by air oxygen resulted in the formation of tetranuclear Mn^II/III complexes [Mn₄O₂(Piv)₆L₂] (L = 2,2′-bipy (3), phen (4)). The hexanuclear complex [Mn₆(OH)₂(Piv)₁₀(pym)₄] (5) was formed in the reaction of [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n with pyrimidine (pym), while oxidation of 5 produced the coordination polymer [Mn₆O₂(Piv)₁₀(pym)₂]_n (6). Use of pyrazine (pz) instead of pyrimidine led to the 2D-coordination polymer [Mn₄(OH)(Piv)₇(µ₂-pz)₂]_n (7). Interaction of [Mn(Piv)₂(EtOH)]_n with FeCl₃ resulted in the formation of the hexanuclear complex [Mn^II₄Fe^III₂O₂(Piv)₁₀(MeCN)₂(HPiv)₂] (8). The reactions of [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆(H₂O)₃] with 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) or trans-1,2-(4-pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) led to the formation of 1D-polymers [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆L₂]_n·2nDMF, where L = 4,4′-bipy (9·2DMF), bpe (10·2DMF) and [MnFe₂O(OAc)₆(bpe)(DMF)]_n·3.5nDMF (11·3.5DMF). All complexes were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Desolvation of 11·3.5DMF led to a collapse of the porous crystal lattice that was confirmed by PXRD and N₂ sorption measurements, while alcohol adsorption led to porous structure restoration. Weak antiferromagnetic exchange was found in the case of binuclear Mn^II complexes (J_Mn-Mn = −1.03 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2). According to magnetic data analysis (J_Mn-Mn = −(2.69 ÷ 0.42) cm⁻¹) and DFT calculations (J_Mn-Mn = −(6.9 ÷ 0.9) cm⁻¹) weak antiferromagnetic coupling between Mn^II ions also occurred in the tetranuclear {Mn₄(OH)(Piv)₇} unit of the 2D polymer 7. In contrast, strong antiferromagnetic coupling was found in oxo-bridged trinuclear fragment {MnFe₂O(OAc)₆} in 11·3.5DMF (J_Fe-Fe = −57.8 cm⁻¹, J_Fe-Mn = −20.12 cm⁻¹).     

New approach to the synthesis of polynuclear heterometallic pivalates with iron and manganese atoms

New hexanuclear Fe(III)–Mn(II, III) pivalates [Fe₂ ^III Mn₄ ^II(O)₂(Piv)₁₀(HPiv)₄] (I) or [Fe₄ ^III Mn₂ ^III(O)₂(Piv)₁₂(CH₂O₂)(HPiv)₂] · Et₂O (II) are synthesized using the solid-state thermolysis of [Fe₂Mn(O)(Piv)₆(HPiv)₃] (90°С). Complexes I and II differ by the ratio of iron and manganese ions, which depends on the atmospheric composition during thermolysis. The structures of compounds I and II are determined by X-ray diffraction studies. According to the parameters of the Mössbauer spectrum, complex I contains the Fe³⁺ ions in the high-spin state in the octahedral environment of oxygen atoms.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Manganese(II) and ­Cobalt(II) Complexes with 2, 6‐Dimethoxybenzoic Acid and Additional N‐Donor Ligands

Three coordination compounds [Mn₃(dmb)₆(H₂O)₄(4, 4′‐bpy)₃(EtOH)]_n ( 1 ) and [M(dmb)₂(pyz)₂ (H₂O)₂] [M^II = Co ( 2 ), Mn ( 3 )] (Hdmb = 2, 6‐dimethoxybenzoic acid, 4, 4′‐bpy = 4, 4′‐bipyridine, pyz = pyrazine) were synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 consists of infinite 1D polymeric chains, in which the metal entities are bridged by 4, 4′‐bpy ligands. There are four crystallographically independent Mn^II atoms in the linear chain with different coordination modes, which is only scarcely reported for linear polymers. The isostructural crystals of 2 and 3 are composed of neutral mononuclear complexes. In crystal the complexes are combined into chains by intermolecular O–H ··· N hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions between antiparallel pyrazine molecules.     

XPS study of the electronic structure of heterometallic complexes Fe2MO(Piv)6(HPiv)3 (M = Ni, Co)

Heterometallic complexes Fe₂MO(Piv)₆(HPiv)₃ (M = Ni, Co) have been studied by XPS. The complexes are identified as high-spin complexes with metal atoms in oxidation states M(II) and M(III). A change in the ligand environment of metal atoms has an effect on both the energetic state of metal atoms and the XPS pattern. The substitution of a Co atom for the nickel atom in the heterometallic complexes changes the XPS pattern of iron and their magnetic state. For the Fe₂MO(Piv)₆(HPiv)₃ complexes, quantum-chemical calculations have been performed at the density functional theory (DFT) level. In combination with XPS and magnetochemistry data, the quantum-chemical calculation demonstrates that the Fe, Ni, and Co atoms in the trinuclear complexes are in the high-spin local state and that the ground state is dominated by antiferromagnetic exchange interaction.     

Mononuclear pivalates of metals of the first transition series

The synthesis and structures of mononuclear Ni(II), Co(II), Mn(II), and Cu(II) pivalates isolated as complex salts NBu₄[M(Piv)₃] ((NBu₄)⁺ is tetrabutylammonium cation, Piv^– is pivalate anion) and polynuclear complexes [Ni₆(L)₂(HL)₂(Piv)₆(HPiv)₈], (NBu₄)₂[Co₄(Piv)₈(AcO)₂(H₂O)₄], NBu₄[Co₂(Piv)₅(H₂O)₂], and (NBu₄)₂[Cu₄(Piv)₈(AcO)₂(H₂O)₂] (L^2–, HL^–, and AcO^– is lactic acid dianion, lactic acid monoanion, and acetate anion, respectively) are discussed. The formation of the compounds is detected during the development of the synthesis of NBu₄[M(Piv)₃].     

Chemical assembly of the heteronuclear pivalate complex with the Li<Superscript>I</Superscript> and Fe<Superscript>III</Superscript> ions

The heteronuclear complex [Fe₄Li₂(O)₂(Piv)10(H₂O)₂] (1, Piv is the pivalic acid anion) was obtained by refluxing Fe^III pivalates with Li^I pivalates in toluene and isolated as the 1?PhCH₃ solvate with a toluene molecule. According to X-ray diffraction data, complex 1 contains the {Fe₄Li₂O₂} core. The Mössbauer spectroscopy data indicate that the core comprises para magnetic Fe^III ions in the high-spin state located in the symmetric octahedral environment of oxygen atoms. Thermolysis of 1 studied by simultaneous thermal analysis demonstrated thermal stability of the complex up to 225 °С. The main end product of thermolysis at 600 °С is the mixed oxide LiFe₅O₈.     

A convenient MnIII starting material for the synthesis of homo- and heterometallic manganese carboxylate clusters: Mn9 and Mn10−xFex complexes

The use of a convenient source of Mn^III ions, namely the [Mn(OR)(O₂CR′)₂]_n (R = H, Me, and R′ = Me, Bu^t) family of 1-D coordination polymers, afforded two new enneanuclear and decanuclear molecular clusters, homometallic [Mn₉O₇(O₂CBu^t)₁₃(MeCN)₂] (3) and heterometallic [Mn_10?xFe_x(OMe)₂₀(O₂CMe)₁₀] (x < 10) (4), respectively. Compound 3 was synthesized by a solvent-induced structural transformation, whereas complex 4 resulted from the reaction of [Mn(OH)(O₂CMe)₂]_n with an Fe^III source. The core of 3 comprises two [Mn₄O₂]⁸⁺ butterfly units and a [Mn₃O]⁷⁺ triangular unit fused together by sharing one Mn atom. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 3 revealed dominant antiferromagnetic interactions within the molecule, and a ground state of S = 1 with many low-lying excited states. Complex 4 is a mixed Fe^III/Mn^III single-strand molecular wheel, which forms 3D nanotubular stacks arranged in a zig–zag fashion. The described work suggests that the [Mn(OR)(O₂CR′)₂]_n compounds represent excellent starting materials for Mn^III carboxylate cluster chemistry.     

Synthesis,structures, sorption and magnetic properties of coordination polymers based on 3d metal pivalates and polydentate pyridine-type ligands

The reactions of 3d metal pivalates with pyridine-containing ligands of different structures afforded the 1D coordination polymers [Co₂(Piv)₄(dpe)₂] _n , [Ni(Piv)₂(dpe)(EtOH)₂] _n , [Cu₂(Piv)₄(dpe)] _n , [Cu(Piv)₂(dpe)] _n , [Ni(Piv)₂(4-ptz)(EtOH)₂] _n , and [Cu₂(Piv)₄(4-ptz)· ·mSolv] _n (Solv is EtOH, m = 2; Solv is C₆H₆, m = 1; Piv^? is pivalate, dpe is trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethylene, 4-ptz is 2,4,6-tris(4-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine), as well as the 3D coordination polymer [{Cu₂(Piv)₄}₃(3-ptz)₂] _n (3-ptz is 2,4,6-tris(3-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine). The sorption and magnetic properties of a series of the synthesized compounds and magnetic properties of the earlier characterized coordination polymer [Mn₂(O₂CC₆H₅)₄(dpe)₂·dpe] _n were studied. It was shown that the desolvation of the complexes [Ni(Piv)₂(4-ptz)(EtOH)₂] _n and [Cu₂(Piv)₄-(4-ptz)·2EtOH] _n resulted in the formation of the crystal structures, in which the pores are accessible to nitrogen and hydrogen at 78 K (S _BET are up to 92 m² g^?1). The temperature dependences of the molar magnetic susceptibility for [Co₂(Piv)₄(dpe)₂] _n , [Mn₂(O₂CC₆H₅)₄-(dpe)₂·dpe] _n , [Ni(Piv)₂(dpe)(EtOH)₂] _n , [Ni(Piv)₂(4-ptz)(EtOH)₂] _n , and [Cu₂(Piv)₄-(4-ptz)·2EtOH] _n are described in terms of models taking into account the zero-field splitting and exchange interactions or isotropic exchange Hamiltonians.     

One-pot synthesis of an unusual manganese–lanthanide–ferrocene cluster: A combination of d-, f-metals and an organometallic fragment

Reaction of the preformed cluster [Mn₆O₂(Piv)₁₀(4-Me-py)_2.5(PivH)_1.5] with Nd(NO₃)₃.6H₂O, N-butyldiethanolamine (bdeaH₂) and ferrocene-1,1′-dicarboxylic acid (fcdcH₂) resulted in the formation of the first 3d–4f complex incorporating organometallic ferrocene [Mn₄Nd₄(OH)₄(fcdc)₂(Piv)₈(bdea)₄]·H₂O; we report the X-ray structure and preliminary magnetic studies of this high-nuclearity cluster.     

Photocatalytic Water Oxidation by a Mixed‐Valent MnIII3MnIVO3 Manganese Oxo Core that Mimics the Natural Oxygen‐Evolving Center

The functional core of oxygenic photosynthesis is in charge of catalytic water oxidation by a multi‐redox Mn^III/Mn^IV manifold that evolves through five electronic states (S_i , where i=0–4). The synthetic model system of this catalytic cycle and of its S₀→S₄ intermediates is the expected turning point for artificial photosynthesis. The tetramanganese‐substituted tungstosilicate [Mn^III₃Mn^IVO₃(CH₃COO)₃(A‐α‐SiW₉O₃₄)]^6? (Mn₄POM) offers an unprecedented mimicry of the natural system in its reduced S₀ state; it features a hybrid organic–inorganic coordination sphere and is anchored on a polyoxotungstate. Evidence for its photosynthetic properties when combined with [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ and S₂O₈^2? is obtained by nanosecond laser flash photolysis; its S₀→S₁ transition within milliseconds and multiple‐hole‐accumulating properties were studied. Photocatalytic oxygen evolution is achieved in a buffered medium (pH 5) with a quantum efficiency of 1.7 %.     

Structure of the complex of hexanuclear manganese pivalate with isonicotinamide

The structure of the [Mn₆(O)₂(Piv)₁₀L₂]_∞ compound, where Piv is the pivalate anion and L is isonicotinamide, is investigated. Its solid phase is found to be formed by polymeric layers within which hexanuclear fragments {Mn₆(O)₂(Piv)₁₀} are bound by bidentate bridging L. The molecules of the solvent (Me₂CO or EtOAc) in which the synthesis was performed are incorporated into the inter-layer space of the crystal.     

[Fe19] “Super‐Lindqvist” Aggregate and Large 3D Interpenetrating Coordination Polymer from Solvothermal Reactions of [Fe2(OtBu)6] with Ethanol

The syntheses, crystal structures, and physical properties of [HFe₁₉O₁₄(OEt)₃₀] and {Fe₁₁(OEt)₂₄}_∞ are reported. [HFe₁₉O₁₄(OEt)₃₀] has an octahedral shape. Its core with a central Fe metal ion surrounded by six μ₆‐oxo ligands is arranged in the rock salt structure. {Fe₁₁(OEt)₂₄}_∞ is a mixed‐valence coordination polymer in which Fe^III metal ions form three 3D interpenetrating (10,3)‐b nets. The arrangement of the Fe^III ions can also be compared to that of Si ions in α‐ThSi₂. Thus, the described structures are at the interface between molecular and solid‐state chemistry.     

Polynuclear Complexes with Alkoxo and Phenoxo Bridges from In Situ Generated Hydroxy‐Rich Schiff Base Ligands: Syntheses,Structures, and Magnetic Properties

Complexes of new Schiff base ligands generated in situ from the reaction of 1‐aminoglycerol, aldehydes, and metal ions are reported. [Cu₄(HL¹)₄] ( 1 ) and [Ni₄O(HL¹)₃(H₂O)₃)] ? 6 H₂O ? DMF ? DMSO ( 2 ) have M₄O₄ cubane cores, with the L/M molar ratios of 4:4 and 3:4, respectively. [Mn^III₃Mn^IINaOCl₄(HL¹)₃] ? 3 M eCN ( 3 ) has a unique pentanuclear trigonal propeller‐shaped Mn^III₃Mn^IINa core structure, and the coordination assemblies are linked by hydrogen bonds to afford a 3D channel structure. [Cu₂(HL²)₂] ( 4 ) has a bis(μ₂‐alkoxo)‐bridged Cu₂O₂ core, with the binuclear species linked by hydrogen bonds to afford a 1D double‐chain. [Ni₇(OH)₂(OCH₃)₄(H₂L³)₂(MeOH)₂(H₂O)₂]‐ (ClO₄)₂ ? 10 H₂O ( 5 ) has a heptanuclear structure containing heptadentate di‐Schiff base ligands, with the nickel(II) ions bridged by phenoxo, alkoxo, hydroxo, and methoxo groups to afford a very rare face‐sharing hexadruple defective cubane core with a Ni@Ni₆ arrangement. The lattice water molecules are linked by hydrogen bonds to form helical chains, which are further hydrogen‐bonded to the coordination moieties to afford a 2D network. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements and nonlinear data‐fitting revealed that the “2+4” type of cubane complex 1 shows medium intradimeric ferromagnetic interactions and weak interdimeric ferromagnetic interactions. For complexes 2 and 5 , coexistent ferro‐ and antiferromagnetic couplings afford a non‐zero spin ground state. However, compound 3 shows antiferromagnetic interactions between Mn^III and Mn^II, and ferromagnetic interactions between the Mn^III centers, resulting in a global antiferromagnetic behavior. In conclusion, the reaction of 1‐aminoglycerol with aldehydes and metal salts afforded polynuclear complexes with a rich structural diversity and remarkable magnetic behavior.     

Mechanistic Insight into the Nitric Oxide Dioxygenation Reaction of Nonheme Iron(III)–Superoxo and Manganese(IV)–Peroxo Complexes

Reactions of nonheme Fe^III–superoxo and Mn^IV–peroxo complexes bearing a common tetraamido macrocyclic ligand (TAML), namely [(TAML)Fe^III(O₂)]^2? and [(TAML)Mn^IV(O₂)]^2?, with nitric oxide (NO) afford the Fe^III–NO₃ complex [(TAML)Fe^III(NO₃)]^2? and the Mn^V–oxo complex [(TAML)Mn^V(O)]^? plus NO₂^?, respectively. Mechanistic studies, including density functional theory (DFT) calculations, reveal that M^III–peroxynitrite (M=Fe and Mn) species, generated in the reactions of [(TAML)Fe^III(O₂)]^2? and [(TAML)Mn^IV(O₂)]^2? with NO, are converted into M^IV(O) and ^.NO₂ species through O?O bond homolysis of the peroxynitrite ligand. Then, a rebound of Fe^IV(O) with ^.NO₂ affords [(TAML)Fe^III(NO₃)]^2?, whereas electron transfer from Mn^IV(O) to ^.NO₂ yields [(TAML)Mn^V(O)]^? plus NO₂^?.     

Controlling the Structure of Manganese(II) Phosphates by the Choice and Ratio of Organophosphate and Auxiliary Ligands

Tetranuclear manganese(II) phosphates [Mn(dipp)(bpy)]₄?4 H₂O ( 1 ) and [Mn₄(dmpp)₂(dmppH)₄(bpy)₄(H₂O)₂]?H₂O ( 2 ) have been prepared from Mn(OAc)₂?4 H₂O and 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl phosphate (dippH₂) or 2,6‐dimethylphenyl phosphate (dmppH₂) in the presence of 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy). In contrast, the reaction between [Mn(bpy)₂(OAc)(ClO₄)]?H₂O and dippH₂ affords [Mn(bpy)₂(dippH)]₂?2 ClO₄?2 CH₃OH ( 3 ). The reactions of Mn(OAc)₂?4 H₂O, dippH₂, and pyridine (py) or 3,5‐dimethylpyrazole (dmpz) in CH₃CN under reflux afford hexanuclear complexes [Mn₆(dipp)₆(py)₈]?2CH₃CN ( 4 ) and [Mn₆(dipp)₆(dmpz)₆(AcOH)₂]?2 H₂O ( 5 ), respectively. Although compounds 1 and 2 are tetrameric, the former is a closed cubane‐like structure resembling the D4R secondary building unit of zeolites, whereas the latter exists in a staircase structure with fused Mn₂O₄P₂ rings. The core structure of 3 contains a Mn₂O₄P₂ eight‐membered ring that resembles the S4R building block of zeolites. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies reveal that compounds 4 and 5 have a similar core structure and differ from each other by the neutral ligands coordinated to manganese ions. All six phosphate ligands exist in a doubly deprotonated [(RO)PO₃^2?] form and exhibit two types of binding modes [5.222] and [3.111]. An interesting feature of compounds 1 – 5 is that although they are oligonuclear complexes, there is an absence of oxido bridges. The magnetic properties of compounds 1 – 5 have been investigated in the temperature range 5–298 K, and it was found that all the compounds obey the Curie law.     

Effects of Divalent Metal Ions on Electrochemiluminescence Sensor with Ru(bpy)32+ Immobilized in Eastman‐AQ Membrane

Different effects of divalent metal ions on electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilized in Eastman‐AQ membrane were investigated. Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Fe²⁺ can elevate the ECL of Ru(bpy)₃²⁺/proline; while metal ions that underwent redox reactions on the electrode such as Mn²⁺ and Co²⁺ presented intensive quenching effects on Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ ECL. Also, the quenching effect of Mn²⁺ on the ECL sensor with Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ immobilized in Eastman‐AQ membrane enhanced to about 30‐folds compared with the case that Ru(bpy)₃²⁺ was dissolved in phosphate buffer, and the enhanced quenching effects of Mn²⁺ were studied.     

X-ray photoelectron spectra of heterometallic 3<Emphasis Type="Italic">d</Emphasis>-metal carboxylate complexes

The electronic structure and magnetic states in the heterometallic hexanuclear complex Mn₄^IIFe₂^III (μ₄-O)₂(Piv)₁₀ · MeCN₄ have been studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The substitution of two Mn atoms for two Fe atoms in the hexanuclear complex was found to have an effect on the patterns of iron and manganese X-ray photoelectron spectra. XPS data are evidence of the high-spin paramagnetic state of Mn^II and Fe^III atoms, as well as of the ligand-metal charge transfer upon complex formation. In the heteroatomic complex, the degree of bond covalence increased for both the manganese and iron atoms. The results obtained are in good agreement with X-ray diffraction data.     

Modular Construction,Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Two Manganese Coordination Polymers Based on 3,5‐Bis(2–carboxylphenoxy)benzoic Acid

Two manganese(II) coordination polymers, namely, [Mn_1.5(BCB)(bpy)_1.5(H₂O)]_n ( 1 ), and [Mn(HBCB)(bibp)₂(H₂O)] ( 2 ), were assembled from the mixed ligands of the flexible tripodal ligand of 3,5‐bis(2‐carboxylphenoxy)benzoic acid (H₃BCB) and two rigid N‐donors [bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine, and bibp = 4,4′‐bis(imidazolyl)biphenyl]. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses (EA), IR spectra, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Structural analysis reveals that complex 1 is a 3D (3,4,6)‐connected {5 · 6²}₂{5⁶ · 6⁴ · 7 · 8² · 9²}{6⁴ · 8 · 9} net based on two kinds of inorganic nodes of dinuclear {Mn₂(COO)₂} SBUs and Mn(2) ions. Complex 2 is a hydrogen bonds based 3D supramolecule with 6‐connected {4¹² · 6³}‐ pcu net. Besides, the variable‐temperature susceptibilities of 1 and 2 were investigated.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, and thermal analyses of trinuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes with some sulfa derivatives

New bi- and trihomonuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes with sulfa-guanidine Schiff bases have been synthesized for potential chemotherapeutic use. The complexes are characterized using elemental and thermal (TGA) analyses, mass spectra (MS), molar conductance, IR, ¹H-NMR, UV-Vis, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra as well as magnetic moment measurements. The low molar conductance values denote non-electrolytes. The thermal behavior of these chelates shows that the hydrated complexes lose water of hydration in the first step followed by loss of coordinated water followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligands in subsequent steps. IR and ¹H-NMR data reveal that ligands are coordinated to the metal ions by two or three bidentate centers via the enol form of the carbonyl C=O group, enolic sulfonamide S(O)OH, and the nitrogen of azomethine. The UV-Vis and ESR spectra as well as magnetic moment data reveal that formation of octahedral [Mn₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] (1), [Co₂(L¹)₂(H₂O)₈] (2), [Ni₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] (3), [Mn₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (5), [Co₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · 4H₂O (6), [Ni₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · 7H₂O (7), [Mn₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₆] (9), [Co₂(HL³)₂(H₂O)₈] · 4H₂O (10), [Ni₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (11), [Mn₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · H₂O (13), [Co₂(HL⁴)₂(H₂O)₈] · 5H₂O (14), and [Ni₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (15) while [Zn₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₂] (4), [Zn₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 2H₂O (8), [Zn₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 3H₂O (12), and [Zn₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 2H₂O (16) are tetrahedral. The electron spray ionization (ESI) MS of the complexes showed isotope ion peaks of [M]⁺ and fragments supporting the formulation.