Bis(acetylacetonato)tricarbonyl tungsten(II): a convenient precursor to chiral bis(acac) tungsten(II) complexes

Two equivalents of acetylacetonate (acac) have been successfully introduced into a monomeric tungsten(II) coordination sphere. With the tetracarbonyltriiodotungsten(II) anion as a precursor, the formation of a tungsten(II) bis(acac) tricarbonyl complex, W(CO)3(acac)2, 1, has been accomplished. The addition of PMe3 or PMe2Ph to tricarbonyl complex 1 formed tungsten(II)bis(acac)dicarbonylphosphine complexes 2a and 2b, respectively. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of the parent tricarbonyl complex, 1, and dicarbonyl trimethylphosphine complex 2a confirmed seven-coordinate geometries for both complexes. Variable-temperature 1H and 13C{1H} NMR spectroscopy revealed fluxional behavior for these seven-coordinate molecules: rapid exchange of the three carbon monoxide ligands in 1 was observed, and movement of the phosphine ligand through a mirror plane in a C(S) intermediate species was observed for both 2a and 2b. Tricarbonyl complex 1 reacted readily with alkyne reagents to form bis(acac)monocarbonylmonoalkynetungsten(II) complexes 3a (PhC(triple bond)CH) and 3b (MeC(triple bond)CMe). Variable-temperature 1H NMR spectroscopy was used to probe rotation of the alkyne ligand in 3a and 3b. The introduction of two alkyne ligands was accomplished thermally using excess PhC(triple bond)CPh to form bis(alkyne) complex 4 which was characterized crystallographically, as well as by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The availability of W(CO)3(acac)2 as a source of the W(acac)2 d4 moiety lies at the heart of the chemistry reported here.     

Structure and Photosynthetic Mimicking of Bis(2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine)manganese(II)

Introduction　　Manganeseionsplayanimportantroleinthelight in ducedoxidationofwatertomolecularoxygeninphotosys temII (PSII)ofgreenplants.1 3Inrecentyears ,man ganesecomplexesofpolypyridineligands ,suchasbipyri dine ,1,10 phenanthrolineand 2 ,2′:6′,2″ terpyridine ,havehadconsiderableattentionasthecomplexesformedareusefulmodelsformanganese containingbimolecu lars .4 6 Therefore ,synthesisandcharacterizationofman ganeseinitsvariousoxidationstates ,withvariousligandtypesandnuclearities ,hav…     

Polydentate N(2)S(2)O and N(2)S(2)O(2) Ligands as Alcoholic Derivatives of (N,N'-Bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane)nickel(II) and (N,N'-Bis(2-mercapto-2-methylpropane)-1,5-diazacyclooctane)nickel(II)

The synthesis, structural characterization, spectroscopic, and electrochemical properties of N(2)S(2)-ligated Ni(II) complexes, (N,N'-bis(2-mercaptoethyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane)nickel(II), (bme-daco)Ni(II), and (N,N'-bis(2-mercapto-2-methylpropane)1,5-diazacyclooctane)nickel(II), (bme-daco)Ni(II), derivatized at S with alcohol-containing alkyl functionalities, are described. Reaction of (bme-daco)Ni(II) with 2-iodoethanol afforded isomers, (N,N'-bis(5-hydroxy-3-thiapentyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane-O,N,N',S,S')halonickel(II) iodide (halo = chloro or iodo), 1, and (N,N'-bis(5-hydroxy-3-thiapentyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane-N,N',S,S')nickel(II) iodide, 2, which differ in the utilization of binding sites in a potentially hexadentate N(2)S(2)O(2) ligand. Blue complex 1 contains nickel in an octahedral environment of N(2)S(2)OX donors; X is best modeled as Cl. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 12.580(6) ?, b = 12.291(6) ?, c = 13.090(7) ?, beta = 97.36(4) degrees, and Z = 4. In contrast, red complex 2 binds only the N(2)S(2) donor set forming a square planar nickel complex, leaving both -CH(2)CH(2)OH arms dangling; the iodide ions serve strictly as counterions. 2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2(1) with a = 15.822(2) ?, b = 13.171(2) ?, c = 10.0390(10) ?, and Z = 4. Reaction of (bme-daco)Ni(II) with 1,3-dibromo-2-propanol affords another octahedral Ni species with a N(2)S(2)OBr donor set, ((5-hydroxy-3,7-dithianonadiyl)-1,5-diazacyclooctane-O,N,N',S,S')bromonickel(II) bromide, 3. Complex 3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pca2(1) with a = 15.202(5) ?, b = 7.735(2) ?, c = 15.443(4) ?, and Z = 4. Complex 4.2CH(3)CN was synthesized from the reaction of (bme-daco)Ni(II) with 1,3-dibromo-2-propanol. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2/c with a = 20.348(5) ?, b = 6.5120(1) ?, c = 20.548(5) ?, and Z = 4.     

Synthetic, spectral and solution studies on imidazolate-bridged copper(II)-copper(II) and copper(II)-zinc(II) complexes

Synthesis, spectral and solution studies on 2-ethyl imidazolate-bridged (2-EtIm) homo-binuclear copper(II)-copper(II) and hetero-binuclear copper(II)-zinc(II) homologue are described. Magnetic moment values of homo-binuclear complexes indicate that the imidazolate group can mediate antiferromagnetic interactions. Optical spectra of hetero-binuclear complex at varying pH values suggest that the imidazolate-bridged complex is stable over the pH-range 7.15–10.0.     

Structural studies of six and four coordinate zinc(II), nickel(II) and dioxovanadium(V) complexes with thiosemicarbazones

Three Zn(II) complexes of di-2-pyridyl ketone thiosemicarbazone, an octahedral Ni(II) complex of 2-acetylpyridine hexamethyleneiminyl-3-thiosemicarbazone, and a V(V) complex of 2-acetylpyridine morpholyl-3-thiosemicarbazone were prepared and characterized. Crystal structure of Ni(II) and V(V) complexes are reported. The ligand in the nickel complex is found to coordinate in the thione form with a pseudo octahedral geometry and the vanadium(V) complex has trigonal bipyramidal geometry.     

A geometrically constraining bis(benzimidazole) ligand and its nearly tetrahedral complexes with Fe(II) and Mn(II)

2,2'-Bis[2-(1-propylbenzimidazol-2-yl)]biphenyl), 4, and its bis complexes with Fe(II) and Mn(II) have been prepared and characterized structurally and spectroscopically. Ligand 4 adopts an open, "trans" conformation in the solid state with the benzimidazole (BzIm) groups on opposite sides of the biphenyl unit. In its complexes with metal ions, a "cis" conformation is observed, and 4 behaves as a geometrically constraining bidentate ligand with four planar groups connected by three "hinges". Reaction of 4 with Fe(II) or Mn(II) yielded isomorphous crystals (space group Pnn2) of Fe(II)(4)2.(ClO4)2 and Mn(II)(4)2.(ClO4)2, in which the M(II)(4)2 cations exhibit distorted-tetrahedral coordination geometries (N-M-N angles, 109 +/- 11 degrees ) enforced by rigid, chiral nine-membered M(4) rings in the twist-boat-boat conformation. Individually, the cations show R,R or S,S stereochemistry, and the crystals are racemates. Mn(II)(4)2.(ClO4)2 exhibits a quasi-reversible Mn(II) --> Mn(III) oxidation at E(1/2) = 0.64 V; the corresponding Fe(II) --> Fe(III) oxidation occurs at E(1/2) = 1.76 V. The electrochemical stability of the Fe(III) oxidation state in this system suggests the possibility of isolating an unusual pseudotetrahedral Fe(III)N(BzIm)(4) species. Ultraviolet spectra of the iron and manganese complexes are dominated by absorptions of the ligand 4 blue-shifted by approximately 2000-3000 cm(-1). Ligand-field absorptions were observed for the Fe(II) complex; those for the Mn(II) complex were obscured by tailing ultraviolet absorptions. Electron paramagnetic resonance and magnetic susceptibility measurements are consistent with a high-spin Mn(II) complex, while for the Fe(II) complex, the falloff of the magnetic moment with decreasing temperature is indicative of zero-field splitting with D approximately 4 cm(-1).     

Studies on Binuclear Co(II) and Cu(II) Complexes of Tridentate N-(2-Carboxyphenyl)Salicylideneimine

Homo Cu(II) and Co(II) binuclear complexes H[MLClMCl₂] formed by using the donor properties of the cis two oxygen atoms of the tridentate N-(2-carboxyphenyl)-salicylaldimine Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and anthranilic acid have been synthesized. It was found that the Cu(II) “complexed ligand” readily reacts with CoCl₂ to form mononuclear Co(II) and binuclear oxygen bridged Co(II) complex [Co₂-L₂](H₂O)₂. The structure of the so prepared complexes was investigated using microchemical analysis, molar conductance measurements as well as electronic and vibrational spectral studies. It was concluded that in the Cu(II) binuclear complex, the Cu(II) ion inside the “complexed ligand” has a planar structure while the other Cu(II) ion is distorted away from planarity. In the Co(II) binuclear complex, the Co atom of the “complexed ligand” is distorted from tetrahedral structure when it coordinates to the second Co atom.     

Syntheses,structures, and properties of imidazolate-bridged Cu(II)-Cu(II) and Cu(II)-Zn(II) dinuclear complexes of a single macrocyclic ligand with two hydroxyethyl pendants

The imidazolate-bridged homodinuclear Cu(II)-Cu(II) complex, [(CuimCu)L]ClO(4).0.5H(2)O (1), and heterodinuclear Cu(II)-Zn(II) complex, [(CuimZnL(-)(2H))(CuimZnL(-)(H))](ClO(4))(3) (2), of a single macrocyclic ligand with two hydroxyethyl pendants, L (L = 3,6,9,16,19,22-hexaaza-6,19-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)tricyclo[22,2,2,2(11,14)]triaconta-1,11,13,24,27,29-hexaene), have been synthesized as possible models for copper-zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu(2),Zn(2)-SOD). Their crystal structures analyzed by X-ray diffraction methods have shown that the structures of the two complexes are markedly different. Complex 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, containing an imidazolate-bridged dicopper(II) [Cu-im-Cu](3+) core, in which the two copper(II) ions are pentacoordinated by virtue of an N4O environment with a Cu.Cu distance of 5.999(2) A, adopting the geometry of distorted trigonal bipyramid and tetragonal pyramid, respectively. Complex 2 crystallizes in the triclinic system, containing two similar Cu-im-Zn cores in the asymmetric unit, in which both the Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions are pentacoordinated in a distorted trigonal bipyramid geometry, with the Cu.Zn distance of 5.950(1)/5.939(1) A, respectively. Interestingly, the macrocyclic ligand with two arms possesses a chairlike (anti) conformation in complex 1, but a boatlike (syn) conformation in complex 2. Magnetic measurements and ESR spectroscopy of complex 1 have revealed the presence of an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the two Cu(II) ions. The ESR spectrum of the Cu(II)-Zn(II) heterodinuclear complex 2 displayed a typical signal for mononuclear trigonal bipyramidal Cu(II) complexes. From pH-dependent ESR and electronic spectroscopic studies, the imidazolate bridges in the two complexes have been found to be stable over broad pH ranges. The cyclic voltammograms of the two complexes have been investigated. Both of the two complexes can catalyze the dismutation of superoxide and show rather high activity.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of heterometal cyclic tetranuclear complexes [Cu(II)LM(II)(hfac)]2 (M(II) = Zn,Cu, Ni,Co, Fe,Mn; H3L = 1-(2-hydroxybenzamido)-2-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)amino)ethane; Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone)

A series of heterometal cyclic tetranuclear complexes [Cu(II)LM(II)(hfac)](2) (M(II) = Zn (1), Cu (2), Ni (3), Co (4), Fe(5), and Mn (6)) have been synthesized by the assembly reaction of K[CuL] and [M(II)(hfac)(2)(H(2)O)(2)] with a 1:1 mole ratio in methanol, where H(3)L = 1-(2-hydroxybenzamido)-2-((2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)amino)ethane and Hhfac = hexafluoroacetylacetone. The crystal structures of 2, 4, and [Cu(II)LMn(II)(acac)](2) (6a) (Hacac = acetylacetone) were determined by single-crystal X-ray analyses. Each complex has a cyclic tetranuclear Cu(II)(2)M(II)(2) structure, in which the Cu(II) complex functions as a "bridging ligand complex", and the Cu(II) and M(II) ions are alternately arrayed. One side of the planar Cu(II) complex coordinates to one M(II) ion at the two phenoxo and the methoxy oxygen atoms, and the opposite side of the Cu(II) complex coordinates to another M(II) ion at the amido oxygen atom. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibilities revealed spin states of S(M) = 0, 1/2, 1, 3/2, 2, and 5/2 for the Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(II), and Mn(II) ions, respectively. Satisfactory fittings to the observed magnetic susceptibility data were obtained by assuming a rectangular arrangement with two different g-factors for the Cu(II) and M(II) ions, two different isotropic magnetic exchange interactions, J(1) and J(2), between the Cu(II) and M(II) ions, and a zero-field splitting term for the M(II) ion. In all cases, the antiferromagnetic coupling constants were found for both exchange interactions suggesting nonzero spin ground states with S(T) = 2/S(M) - S(Cu)/, which were confirmed by the analysis of the field-dependent magnetization measurements.     

Unique 3D self-penetrating Co(II) and Ni(II) coordination frameworks with a new (4(4).6(10).8) network topology

Two unique six-connected self-penetrating coordination polymers with a new (4(4).6(10).8) network topology, derived from the cross-linking of two 6(6)-dia subnets, were constructed from Ni(II) or Co(II) and two types of V-shaped tectons. The Ni(II) complex 1 shows an antiferromagnetic coupling via μ-carboxylate and μ-H(2)O pathways, whereas the Co(II) complex 2 exhibits the single-ion behavior in 300-34 K and then a ferromagnetic coupling at lower temperatures.     

One-dimensional mu-chloromanganese(II)-tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) coordination compound

A new tetrathiafulvalene derivative 1 bearing a single pyridine group and its coordination complex 2, with stoichiometry [Mn(mu-Cl)Cl(1)2(CH3OH)]n, have been synthesized and fully characterized. The complex 2 shows an extended chain structure, which is potentially favorable for electrical conductivity. Notably, this is the first monohalogen-bridged Mn(II) polymer exhibiting a moderate antiferromagnetic coupling between the Mn(II) centers.     

Thioether complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II) as artificial peptidases. residue-selective peptide cleavage by a palladium(II) complex

We report the synthesis and characterization of perchlorate salts containing the following three novel complex cations each with a bidentate thioether ligand: binuclear cis-[Pt(CH3SCH2CH2CH2SCH3)(mu-OH)]22+, mononuclear cis-[Pt(CH3SCH2CH2CH2SCH3)(H2O)2]2+, and mononuclear cis-[Pd(CH3SCH2CH2CH2SCH3)(H2O)2]2+. Despite their analogous compositions, the mononuclear Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes differ in the selectivity with which they promote the hydrolysis of polypeptides. The complex cis-[Pt(CH3SCH2CH2CH2SCH3)(H2O)2]2+ promotes slow but selective cleavage of Met-Pro peptide bonds at pH 2.0. The selectivity of the complex cis-[Pd(CH3SCH2CH2CH2SCH3)(H2O)2]2+ is pH-dependent. At pH 2.0, this Pd(II) complex promotes residue-selective hydrolysis of the X-Y bond in X-Y-Met and X-Y-His sequences; the rate is enhanced when residue Y is proline. At pH 7.0, this kinetic preference becomes sequence-selective in that the Pd(II) complex exclusively cleaves the X-Pro bond in X-Pro-Met and X-Pro-His sequences. The enhanced reactivity of the X-Pro amide group is attributed to the high basicity of its carbonyl oxygen atom. Binding of the metal(II) atom enhances the electrophilicity of the carbonyl carbon atom and promotes nucleophilic attack by a solvent water molecule. The bidentate thioether ligand disfavors the formation of hydrolytically unreactive complexes, allowing the Pd(II) complex to promote the cleavage reaction.     

Preparation and characterization of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes of a hexaazadithiophenolate macrocycle

The ligating properties of the 24-membered macrocyclic dinucleating hexaazadithiophenolate ligand (L(Me))2- towards the transition metal ions Cr(II), Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) have been examined. It is demonstrated that this ligand forms an isostructural series of bioctahedral [(L(Me))M(II)2(OAc)]+ complexes with Mn(II) (2), Fe(II) (3), Co(II) (4), Ni(II) (5) and Zn(II) (6). The reaction of (L(Me))2- with two equivalents of CrCl2 and NaOAc followed by air-oxidation produced the complex [(L(Me))Cr(III)H2(OAc)]2+ (1), which is the first example for a mononuclear complex of (L(Me))2-. Complexes 2-6 contain a central N3M(II)(mu-SR)2(mu-OAc)M(II)N3 core with an exogenous acetate bridge. The Cr(III) ion in is bonded to three N and two S atoms of (L(Me))2- and an O atom of a monodentate acetate coligand. In 2-6 there is a consistent decrease in the deviations of the bond angles from the ideal octahedral values such that the coordination polyhedra in the dinickel complex 5 are more regular than in the dimanganese compound 2. The temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal the magnetic exchange interactions in the [(L(Me))M(II)2(OAc)]+ cations to be relatively weak. Intramolecular antiferromagnetic exchange interactions are present in the Mn(II)2, Fe(II)2 and Co(II)2 complexes where J = -5.1, -10.6 and approximately -2.0 cm(-1) (H = -2JS1S2). In contrast, in the dinickel complex 5 a ferromagnetic exchange interaction is present with J = +6.4 cm(-1). An explanation for this difference is qualitatively discussed in terms of the bonding differences.     

Magnetic and EPR properties of Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazone of α-hydroxy-β-napthaldehyde

Mn(II), Fe(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of the thiosemicarbazones of α-hydroxy-β-naphthaldehyde have been isolated. Ni(II) complex is diamagnetic, Cu(II) is planar involving metal-metal interactions, Mn(II) complex (μ_eff = 3.86B.M) has been assigned a planar structure with S = 3/2 while Fe(III) complex is five coordinated with S = 3/2.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) complexes with a biphenyl-bridged bis(pyrrole-2-yl-methyleneamine) ligand

The reactions of nickel(II), copper(II), and zinc(II) acetate salts with a potentially tetradentate biphenyl-bridged bis(pyrrole-2-yl-methyleneamine) ligand yielded three complexes with different coordination geometries. X-ray crystal structural analysis reveals that in the nickel(II) complex each nickel is five-coordinate, distorted trigonal bipyramid. In the copper(II) complex, each copper is four-coordinate, between square planar and tetrahedral. In the zinc(II) complex, each zinc is four-coordinate with a distorted tetrahedral geometry and the molar ratio of the zinc and ligand is 1 : 2.     

Rearrangement of a (dithiolato)platinum(II) complex formed by reaction of cyclic disulfide 7,8-dithiabicyclo[4.2.1]nona-2,4-diene with a platinum(0) complex: oxidation of the rearranged (dithiolato)platinum(II) complex

Reaction of the title bicyclic disulfide 16 with [(Ph3P)2Pt(eta2-C2H4)] (2) yielded the corresponding (dithiolato)platinum(II) complex 17 by oxidative addition. The initial product 17 isomerized at room temperature in a [1,5]-sulfur rearrangement to give another (dithiolato)platinum(II) complex 18 in high isolated yield. Oxidation reactions of 18 with dimethyldioxirane (DMD) provided (sulfenato-thiolato)platinum(II) 23, (sulfinato-thiolato)platinum(II) 24, (sulfenato-sulfinato)platinum(II) 25, and (disulfinato)platinum(II) 26 complexes, the structures of which were elucidated by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The oxidation process took place regioselectively in the first step and chemoselectively in the second. The selectivities are discussed.     

Spectroscopy of Ni(II) and Zn(II) tetra(p-vinylphenyl) porphyrin: Aggregation characteristics and luminescence properties

Concentration effects on the absorption and emission properties of Ni(II) and Zn(II) tetra(p-vinylphenyl) porphyrins have been studied in benzene solutions. Whereas exciton splitting of the Soret band is observed for the Ni(II) complex, only a hypochromic effect is observed for the Zn(II) complex. The exciton parameters calculated for the Ni(II) complex are: U = 710 ± 40 cm⁻¹, θ = 78 ± 2° and R = 4.5 ± 0.3 Å. Fluorescence is observed only for the Zn(II) complex. The 77 K spectrum is red shifted compared with the room temperature spectrum.     

Nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes of methyl(2-aminocyclopentene-1-dithiocarboxy)-S-acetate (ACDASAMe)

Nickel(II) and cobalt(II) bis-chelates of methyl(2-aminocyclopentene-1-dithiocarboxy)-S-acetate (ACDASAMe) were synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic methods and in the case of the nickel complex, X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The ligand exhibits the (N, S) coordination mode on interacting with the metal centers. The X-ray structure of the nickel(II) complex reveals a NiN₂S₂ distorted square planar coordination geometry with the ligands showing a cis configuration. There is no interaction between the –CH₂COOMe moieties of the ligand and the metal center, however intermolecular hydrogen bonds through the carbonyl group leads to the building of dimeric associations.     

Copper(II) and copper(III) complexes of pyrrole-appended oxacarbaporphyrin

The reaction of an O-confused porphyrin with a pendant pyrrole 4 and copper(II) acetate yields an organocopper(III) diamagnetic complex 4-Cu(III) substituted at the C(3) position by the pyrrole and H. The transformation of 4-Cu(III), performed in aerobic conditions, gave a rare copper(II) organometallic compound 6-Cu(II). In the course of this process, the tetrahedral-trigonal rearrangement originated at the C(3) atom but effects the whole structure. The electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic features correspond to a copper(II) oxidation state. A crystallographic analysis of 6-Cu(II) confirmed the formation of a direct metal-C bond [Cu(II)-C 1.939(4) A]. It was found that the Cu(II) complex of O-confused oxaporphyrin is sensitive to oxidative conditions. The degradation of 6-Cu(II) to yield copper(II) tripyrrinone complexes has been observed, which was considered as a peculiar case of dioxygen activation in a porphyrin-like environment. This process is accompanied by regioselective oxygenation at the inner C to form the 2-oxa-3-(2'-pyrrolyl)-21-hydroxycarbaporphyrinatocopper(II) complex ((pyrr)OCPO)CuII (8). The reaction of 6-Cu(II) with hydrogen peroxide, performed under heterophasic conditions, resulted in quantitative regioselective hydroxylation centered at the internal C(21) atom, also producing 8. Treatment of 8 with acid results in demetalation to form the nonaromatic 21-hydroxy O-confused porphyrin derivative ((pyrr)OCPOH)H (9).     

Syntheses and structures of isoindoline complexes of Zn(II) and Cu(II): an unexpected trinuclear Zn(II) complex

Deprotonation of the tridentate isoindoline ligand 1,3-bis[2-(4-methylpyridyl)imino]-isoindoline, 4'-MeLH, and reaction with hydrated zinc(II) perchlorate produces an unexpected trinuclear Zn(II) complex, [Zn(3)(4'-MeL)(4)](ClO(4))(2).5H(2)O (1), whereas reaction with hydrated copper(II) perchlorate in methanol produces the expected mononuclear product, [Cu(4'-MeL)(H(2)O)(2)]ClO(4) (2). X-ray diffraction shows that the trinuclear Zn(II) complex (1) contains a linear zinc backbone, and the arrangement of ligands about the outer chiral zinc(II) atoms is helical. The two terminal zinc ions exhibit approximate C(2) site symmetry, with tetrahedral coordination by two pyrrole and two pyridyl nitrogen atoms of the potentially tridentate isoindoline ligands. The central zinc ion exhibits approximate tetrahedral symmetry, with coordination by four pyridyl nitrogen atoms of four different isoindoline ligands. Pyridyl-pyrrole intramolecular pi-stacking interactions contribute to the stability of the trinuclear cation. The structure of the mononuclear copper(II) complex cation in 2 is best described as a distorted trigonal bipyramid. The isoindoline anion binds Cu(II) in both axial positions and one of the equatorial positions; water molecules occupy the other two equatorial positions.