Mononuclear, dinuclear, and hexanuclear goldI complexes with (aza-15-crown-5)dithiocarbamate

The reactions of sodium (aza-15-crown-5)dithiocarbamate with [AuClL] precursors lead to mono-, di-, or hexanuclear derivatives depending on L. The homoleptic hexanuclear gold(I) cluster [Au6(S2CNC10H20O4)6] is formed by displacement of the chloride and isocyanide ligands in [AuCl(CN(2,6-Me2C6H3))]. X-ray diffraction studies show a novel geometry in gold cluster chemistry where the six gold atoms display a cyclohexane-like geometry in a chair conformation with Au-Au-Au angles of 117.028(9) degrees, two short gold-gold distances of 2.9289(5) A, and bidentate bridging dithiocarbamate ligands. The molecular structure shows a crown of gold atoms surrounded by crown ethers. This derivative luminesces at 569 nm at room temperature in the solid state. A dinuclear isomer [Au2(S2CNC10H20O4)2] had been reported previously and was obtained by reaction with [AuCl(SMe2)]. The mechanism to obtain the hexanuclear derivative involves a mononuclear intermediate [Au(S2CNC10H20O4)(CNR)] for which the X-ray structure shows a short gold-gold distance of 3.565 A with the two molecules in an anti configuration. Phosphine gold(I) mononuclear derivatives [Au(S2CNC10H20O4)(PR3)] (R = Me, Ph, both characterized by X-ray diffraction) and dinuclear diphosphine derivatives [{Au(S2CNC10H20O4)}2(mu-P-P)] (P-P = dppm, bis(diphenylphosphinomethane); dppp, 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphinopropane); and dppf, 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphinoferrocene)) are also reported. In the mononuclear complexes, the molecular structure confirms that the dithiocarbamato ligand is mainly acting as monodentate, with a second longer Au-S distance of 3.197 (PMe3), 2.944(4) (PPh3), and 2.968 A (CNR). Three phosphine complexes are emissive at 562 (PMe3), 528 (PPh3), and 605 nm (dppm), at 77 K. X-ray diffraction studies of the dppm derivative show gold-gold intramolecular contacts of 3.0972(9) A (3.2265(10) A for a second independent molecule) and basically monodentate coordination of the dithiocarbamato ligands. All the complexes extract sodium and potassium salts from aqueous solutions. The diphosphine derivatives are noticeably better extractors than the monophosphino derivatives, mainly for potassium salts.     

Neutral mononuclear, dinuclear, tetranuclear d7/d10 metal complexes containing bis-pyrazole/pyridine ligands supported by 2,6-bis(3-pyrazolyl)pyridine: synthesis, structure, spectra, and catalytic activity

A series of novel bis-pyrazole/pyridine complexes, [Zn(2)(HL(1))(2)(μ(2)-SO(4))](2)·EtOH·H(2)O (1), [Co(2)(HL(1))(2)(μ(2)-SO(4))](2)·2DMF·6H(2)O (2), [Zn(4)(HL(1))(4)(μ(4)-SO(4))][OH](2) (3), [Zn(2)(HL(2))(2)(μ(2)-SO(4))]·2H(2)O (4), [Zn(H(2)L(2))(H(2)O)(2)](SO(4))·0.87H(2)O (5) (H(2)L(1) = 2,6-di-(5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine, H(2)L(2) = 2,6-di-(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine), were synthesized hydrothermally from the self-assembly of Zn(II) or Co(II) with different types of bipyrazolyl/pyridine derivative ligands. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses revealed that metal atoms (Zn and Co) in complexes 1-5 are five-coordination modes, forming slightly distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometries. In complexes 1-3, H(2)L(1) ligand connected the two metal centers via the tetradentate fashion, and the same form of connection was found in complex 4 with H(2)L(2) ligand. While in complex 5, H(2)L(2) only connected with one metal center via the tridentate fashion, which was different from those in complexes 1-4. Additionally, there are abundant hydrogen bonding interactions in complexes 1-4. Interestingly, for hydrogen bonding connecting fashions being different, the molecules for the complexes 1 and 4 are held together by the hydrogen bond to form a 1D supramolecular structure, whereas complexes 2 and 3 are a hydrogen bonded dimer. In addition, quantum chemical calculations for 1, 3, and 4, thermal behaviors and photoluminescent properties for 1 and 3-5 were performed and discussed in detail. In the mean time, we found that these complexes had potential catalytic activity for the oxidation reaction of cyclohexane.     

Synthesis and lanthanide coordination properties of new 2,6-bis(N-tert-butylacetamide)pyridine and 2,6-bis(N-tert-butylacetamide)pyridine-N-oxide ligands

The compound 2,6-bis(N-tert-butylacetamide)pyridine (2) was obtained via a Ritter synthesis, and oxidation with oxone provided the title pyridine-N-oxide (3). The compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods, and the molecular structure of the N-oxide was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The coordination chemistry with Eu(NO3)3 was examined by using 1:1 and 2:1 ligand/Eu ratios, and a single-crystal X-ray analysis for Eu(3)(NO3)3(H2O) was completed. The ligand 3 is found to chelate in a tridentate fashion on the Eu(III).     

Chromium(III) complexes with terdentate 2,6-bis(azolylmethyl)pyridine ligands: Synthesis, structures and ethylene polymerization behavior

Reactions of 2,6-bis(bromomethyl)pyridine with 3,5-dimethylpyrazole and 1H-indazole yield the terdentate ligands 2,6-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (5) and 2,6-bis(indazol-2-ylmethyl)pyridine (6). The molecular structure of the new compound 6 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These ligands react with the CrCl₃(THF)₃ complex in THF to form neutral complexes of general formula [CrCl₃{2,6-bis(azolylmethyl)pyridine-N,N,N}] (7, 8) which are isolated in high yields as stable green solids and characterized by means of elemental analysis, magnetic moments, IR, and mass spectroscopy. Theoretical calculations predict that the thermodynamically preferred structure of the complexes is the fac configuration. After reaction with methylaluminoxane (MAO) the chromium(III) complexes are active in the polymerization of ethylene.     

Syntheses,structures, and luminescent properties of Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes: 3-D supramolecules based on 2,6-bis(imino)pyridine ligands constructed by hydrogen bonding interactions

Six 5-coordinate 2,6-bis(imino)pyridine metal complexes, [2,6-(ArN=CMe)₂C₅H₃NMCl₂ · nCH₃CN] (Ar = 4-MeC₆H₄, M = Zn, n = 0.5, Zn1, M = Cd, n = 1, Cd1; Ar = 2,6-Et₂C₆H₃, M = Zn, n = 0.5, Zn2, M = Cd, n = 0.5, Cd2; Ar = 2,4,6-Me₃C₆H₂, M = Zn, n = 1, Zn3, M = Cd, n = 1, Cd3), were synthesized in acetonitrile by the reactions of the corresponding bis(imino)pyridines with ZnCl₂ or CdCl₂ · 2.5H₂O, respectively. The structures of Zn1–Zn3 and Cd1–Cd3 were determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In all complexes, the ligand is tridentate with further coordination by two chlorides, resulting in a distorted trigonal bipyramid. All complexes self-assemble through hydrogen bonding interactions to form a 3-D supramolecular structure. At 298 K in dichloromethane, all complexes have blue luminescent emissions at 405–465 nm, which can be attributed to ligand-centered π* → π transitions. The zinc and cadmium centers play a key role in enhancing fluorescent emission of the ligands.     

Novel neutral octanuclear copper(I) complexes stabilized by pyridine linked bis(pyrazolate) ligands

Two novel, neutral, octanuclear copper(I) complexes displaying twisted-boat Cu(8) conformations and short Cu-Cu interactions have been synthesized from hydrothermal reactions; the complexes show unusual multiple band emissions.     

Synthesis, structure, electrochemical and magnetic properties of 2,6-bis(5-trifluoromethylpyrazol-3-yl)pyridine and its NiII complexes

2,6-Bis(5-trifluoromethylpyrazol-3-yl)pyridine (H₂L) and its mono-, tri-, and tetranuclear NiII complexes were synthesized for the first time. All the obtained compounds were characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. In the complexes, 2,6-bis(5-trifluoromethylpyrazol-3-yl)pyridine exists in the neutral and dianionic forms and exhibits different coordination modes (??³-, ??²-??³:??¹-, and ??³-??³:??¹:??¹). The electrochemical and magnetic properties of all compounds were studied. The tetranuclear Ni^II complex with the L^2? dianion is reduced in two sequential reversible one-electron steps.     

Dimeric and polymeric silver(I) saccharinato complexes of two bis(pyridine) ligands: Synthesis,structural, spectroscopic,fluorescent and thermal properties

The reaction of silver(I) with 1,2-bis[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]hydrazine (bpeh) and N,N-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amine (bpma) in the presence of Na(sac) (sac = saccharinate) yielded [Ag₂(sac)₂(bpeh)] (1) and [Ag(sac)(bpma)]_n (2) with conformational chirality. Both complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, thermal analysis and X-ray single crystal diffraction. Complex 1 displays a binuclear composition, in which each silver(I) ion is bound to one monodentate sac ligand and one of the bidentate pyridylimino groups of the bpeh ligand in a distorted trigonal coordination geometry. Complex 2 is a one-dimensional helical polymer, in which silver(I) centers are bridged by tridentate bpma ligands, and each silver(I) ion is coordinated in a distorted tetrahedral geometry by one monodentate sac ligand, a bidentate pyridylamine group of one bpma ligand, and a py group of another bpma ligand. Weak intermolecular C–H?O hydrogen bonds and C–H?π interactions lead to assembly of 1 and 2 into three-dimensional supramolecular frameworks. Spectral and thermal analysis data for 1 and 2 are in agreement with the crystal structures. In addition, both complexes in the solid state display intraligand π–π∗ fluorescence.     

Novel complexes of 2,6-(dibenzothiazol-2-yl)pyridine and related ligands

The coordination chemistry of 2,6-pyridinedicarboxaldehyde (Dial) has been recently reported¹. The Schiff base derived from Dial and o-aminobenzene     

Mononuclear and binuclear lanthanum(III) complexes of macrocyclic ligands derived from 2,6-diacetylpyridine

Two novel series of complexes of types [La(DAPCH)X₂]X and [La(DAPTC)X₂]X (DAPCH = a potentially pentadentate ligand derived from 2,6-diacetylpyridine and carbohydrazide; DAPTC = a potentially tridentate ligand derived from 2,6-diacetylpyridine and thiocarbohydrazide; X = Cl, Br or NO₃) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, conductance measurements and IR spectral data. All these complexes contain terminal hydrazinic nitrogen atoms with an unshared electron pair and may take part in nucleophilic condensations. Therefore, the reactions of these complexes with 2,6-diacetylpyridine have also been studied which cause ring closure and formation of macrocyclic ligand complexes. Two types of cyclic products, viz. mononuclear [La(mac)X₂]X, [La(mac′)X₂]X and binuclear [La₂(mac)X₄]X₂, [La₂(mac′)X₄]X₂ (mac- = macrocyclic ligand derived from DAPCH and 2,6-diacetylpyridine; mac′ = macrocyclic ligand derived from DAPTC and 2,6-diacetylpyridine; X = Cl, Br or NO₃) have been isolated by carrying out the reactions by different methods. The IR spectra of these cyclic products are reported.     

Iron(II) complexes of 2,6-bis(5-alkyl-1,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-on-2-yl)pyridine ligands. Synthesis, characterisation and solvolytic stability

New 2,6-bis(5-alkyl-1,5-dimethyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-on-2-yl)pyridines have been prepared and characterized by ¹H-, ¹³C-NMR and elemental analysis. These ligands form complexes with FeCl₂, which were isolated and characterized by elemental analysis and MS. Both in the solid phase and in aqueous and methanolic solutions the complexes have two ligand molecules per one ferrous ion. By means of the kinetic stopped-flow method, the rate constants of acid catalyzed decomposition, which proceeds as a system of two consecutive reactions, were determined. It was found that increasing steric demands of 5-alkyl substituent in the 4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-one cycle significantly retards the acid catalyzed solvolysis. The methyl derivative is solvolyzed cca two orders faster than the corresponding t-Bu derivative.     

Synthesis and reactivity of new Ni, Pd, and Pt 2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinito)pyridine pincer complexes

Synthesis and characterization of new (PONOP) [2,6-bis(di-tert-butylphosphinito)pyridine] metal (Ni, Pd, Pt) complexes are reported. Surprisingly, these compounds [(PONOP)MCl]Cl in the presence of 1 equiv of superhydride (LiEt(3)BH) formed a new class of complexes (H-PONOP)MCl, in which the pyridine ring in the PONOP ligand lost its aromaticity as a result of hydride attack at the para position of the ring. The new Ni-H compound [(H-PONOP)NiH] was synthesized by reacting (H-PONOP)NiCl with 1 equiv of superhydride. Analogous Pd and Pt compounds were prepared. Reactivity of these new pincer complexes toward MeLi and PhLi also has been studied. These Ni complexes catalyzed the hydrosilylation of aldehyde. In some cases characterization of new (PONOP)M complexes was difficult because of high instability due to degradation of the P-O bond.     

Copper(II) complexes bearing cyclobutanecarboxylate and pyridine ligands: a new series of dinuclear paddle-wheel complexes

Monatshefte für Chemie - Chemical Monthly - Four members of a new series of paddle-wheel copper(II) complexes bearing cyclobutanecarboxylate as bridging ligand with pyridine derived ligands in...     

Syntheses and crystal structures of cobalt and nickel complexes of 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine

2?:?1 (L?:?M) Complexes of 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (dhmp) with different Co(II) salts [CoCl₂·6H₂O, Co(SCN)₂, Co(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, CoSO₄·7H₂O and Co(OTos)₂·6H₂O] and Ni(II) salts [NiCl₂·6H₂O, Ni(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, NiSO₄·7H₂O and Ni(OTos)₂·6H₂O] have been prepared (1–9) and studied by infrared spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Influences on the distortion of the coordination polyhedron, the arrangement of the donor atoms and the packing structure of the complexes were investigated in terms of the different kinds of anions and cations. In the metal chloride Complexes 1 and 2, water of hydration was found, while in Complex 3 the counterion (SCN^–) acts as a ligand. The crystal structures of all complexes, except 3, show N₂O₄ hexacoordinated metal ions; in 3 the coordination environment is N₄O₂. Complex 1 is another exception in containing cobalt(III) instead of cobalt(II) as for the other complexes with cobalt salts. Logically, in Complex 1, one of the dhmp ligands is mono-deprotonated. In the neutral Complexes 2 and 4–9, the basal planes of the octahedra are made up of O donors and N atoms occupy the axial positions. In 1 as well as in 3, two N and two O atoms form the base, but in 1 O, and in 3 N atoms are on the axis of the coordination sphere. Moreover, the nickel Complexes 2, 5, 7 and 9 are more symmetrical in structure than the cobalt Complexes 1, 4, 6 and 8, in accordance with the Jahn–Teller effect. Packing structures of the complexes show specific interactions based on strong and weak H-bonds that involve the counterions, hydroxy groups and aromatic units, leading to extended network structures.     

Highly enantioselective Friedel-Crafts reaction of indoles with 2-enoylpyridine 1-oxides catalyzed by chiral pyridine 2,6-bis(5',5'-diphenyloxazoline)-Cu(II) complexes

The catalytic enantioselective Friedel-Crafts reaction of indoles with 2-enoylpyridine 1-oxides has been studied in the presence of chiral pyridine 2,6-bis(5',5'-diphenyloxazoline)-Cu(II) complexes. The reaction furnished alkylated indoles in excellent yields (up to 97%) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).     

Novel boxlike dinuclear or chain polymeric silver(I) complexes with polypyridyl bridging ligands: syntheses, crystal structures, and spectroscopic and electrochemical properties

The syntheses, characterization, crystal structures, and photophysical and electrochemical properties of two dinuclear and two polymeric Ag(I) complexes with three polypyridyl ligands, 2,3-di-2-pyridylquinoxaline (L(1)), 2,3-di-2-pyridyl-5,8-dimethoxyquinoxaline (L(2)), and 2,3,7,8-tetrakis(2-pyridyl)pyrazino[2,3-g] quinoxaline (L(3)), are described. The structures of the two boxlike dinuclear complexes with L(1) and L(2) and two chemically the same but differently crystallized one-dimensional zigzag chain coordination polymers also consisting of boxlike dinuclear subunits have been elucidated by X-ray analysis. [AgL(1)(CH(3)CN)](2)-(BF(4))(2).2CHCl(3) (1): monoclinic, C2/c; a = 28.631(2), b = 12.2259(11), c = 14.3058(12) A; beta = 99.180(2) degrees; Z = 4. [AgL(2)(CH(3)CN)(2)](2)(ClO(4))(2) (2): triclinic, P1; a = 12.3398(2), b = 13.750(2), c = 14.326(7) A; alpha = 83.494(3), beta = 74.631(3), gamma = 76.422(3) degrees; Z = 4. [[Ag(2)L(3)(NO(3))(2)].CH(3)CN](infinity) (3a): monoclinic, P2(1)/c; a = 9.5836(8), b = 13.4691(12), c = 14.0423(12) A; beta = 107.753(2) degrees; Z = 4. [Ag(2)L(3)()(NO(3))(2)](infinity) (3b): monoclinic, P2(1)/c; a = 8.4689(6), b = 16.0447(12), c = 11.7307(8) A; beta = 102.051(1) degrees; Z = 2. The structures of the dinuclear complexes 1 and 2 are similar to each other, with the two intramolecular Ag(I) centers of each complex being spanned by two ligands thus forming a unique boxlike cyclic dimer. In 1, each Ag(I) center is four-coordinated by three nitrogen atoms of two L(1) ligands and a CH(3)CN nitrogen donor, taking a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The coordination environment of Ag(I) in 2 is similar to that in 1, except the formation of an additional weak coordination bond with the oxygen atom of the methoxy group of L(2). The structures of 3a,b are very similar to each other, except for the stacking patterns in the crystal lattices, and the cyclic boxlike dinuclear unit, which is similar to the structure of 1, constitutes the fundamental building block to form the one-dimensional zigzag chain structures due to the "end-on" nature of L(3). 1-3 exhibit metal-perturbed intraligand transitions in solution in 360-390 nm regions. Cyclic voltammetric studies of these complexes show the presence of reduction peak at approximately -0.5 V vs Fc(+/0). In the solid state at 77 K, they exhibit broad emission that may be assignable to originate from the metal-perturbed intraligand transitions.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,and properties of copper(II) complexes with 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine

Three new mononuclear copper(II) complexes, [CuL(2-fca)(CH₃OH)]ClO₄?·?CH₃OH (1), [CuL(m-nba)(CH₃OH)]ClO₄ (2), and [CuL(pic)(ClO₄)]?·?CH₃OH (3), were synthesized and structurally characterized, where L is 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine, while 2-fca, m-nba, and pic are the anions of 2-furoic acid, m-nitrobenzoic acid, and picolinic acid, respectively. All of them were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, UV-Vis, and X-ray crystallography. In 1 and 2, the Cu(II) resides within a distorted square-pyramidal N₃O₂ coordination sphere with three nitrogens of L, one carboxylate oxygen, and one methanol. In 3, Cu(II) is coordinated with three nitrogens of L, one nitrogen and one oxygen of picolinate, and one oxygen of perchlorate in a distorted octahedral geometry. Two molecules of 1, 2, and 3 are interacted by intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions and strong π–π stacking interactions to form a dinuclear structural unit. The dinuclear units are further connected by H-bonds via perchlorate or lattice methanol to form a 1-D chain for 1 and 2-D network structures for 2 and 3. Hydrogen-bonding and π–π stacking interactions are important for the stabilization of the final supramolecular structures of the three complexes.     

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes with 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine: Synthesis,spectral properties and structure

Ruthenium monoterpyridine complexes with the tridentate 2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine (LH₂), [Ru(trpy)(LH₂)]²⁺, [1]²⁺ and [Ru(trpy)(L²⁻)], 2 (trpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine) have been synthesized. The complexes have been authenticated by elemental analyses, UV–Vis, FT-IR, ¹H NMR spectra and their single crystal X-ray structures. Complexes [1]²⁺ and 2 exhibit strong MLCT band near 475 and 509 nm, respectively, and are found to be very much dependent on solution pH. The successive pH dependent dissociations of the N–H protons of benzimidazole moiety of LH₂ in [1]²⁺ lead to the formation of 2. The proton induced inter-convertibility of [1]²⁺ and 2 has been monitored via UV–Vis spectroscopy and redox features. The two pK_a values, 5.75 and 7.70, for complex [1]²⁺ have been determined spectroscopically.     

Structural and catalytic aspects of copper(II) complexes containing 2,6-bis(imino)pyridyl ligands

The synthesis, structure, and ligand substitution mechanism of a new five-coordinate trigonal-bipyramidal copper(II) complex, [Cu^II(py ^tBuMe₂N₃)Cl₂] (1), with a sterically constrained py ^tBuMe₂N₃ chelate ligand, py ^tBuMe₂N₃?=?2,6-bis-(ketimino)pyridyl, are reported. The kinetics and mechanism of chloride substitution by thiourea, as a function of nucleophile concentration, temperature, and pressure, were studied in detail and compared with an earlier study reported for the analogous complex [Cu^II(py ^tBuN₃)Cl₂] (2) [py ^tBuN₃?=?2,6-bis-(aldimino)pyridyl]. Catalysis of the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol to 3,5-di-tert-butylquinone by 1 and 2 was studied. Correlations between the reactivity, chloride substitution behavior, and reduction potentials of both complexes were made. These show that the rate of oxidation is independent of the rate of chloride substitution, indicating that the substitution of chloride by catechol as substrate occurs in a fast step. Spectral data show a non-linear relationship between the ability of the complexes to oxidize 3,5-DTBC and the Lewis acidity of their copper(II) centers. Electrochemical data demonstrate that the most effective complex 1 has a E ⁰ value that approaches the E ⁰ value of the natural tyrosinase enzyme.     

Complexes of 2,6-bis[N-(2'-pyridylmethyl)carbamyl]pyridine: formation of mononuclear complexes, and self-assembly of double helical dinuclear and tetranuclear copper(II) and trinuclear nickel(II) complexes

The potentially pentadentate ligand 2,6-bis[N-(2'-pyridylmethyl)carbamyl]pyridine (H2L1), readily prepared from reaction of a diester of pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylic acid (H2dipic) and 2-aminomethylpyridine (ampy), shows limited tendency to form 1:1 M:L complexes with labile metal ions, although [CuL1] and [NiL1] were observed as minor species, the latter characterized by a crystal structure analysis. A mononuclear complex formed with inert Co(III) was characterized by a crystal structure as the neutral 1:2 complex [Co(L1)(HL1)] with two ligands acting as tridentate ligands, one coordinated by the central pyridine and its two flanking deprotonated amido groups, and the other by the central pyridine, one amido and one terminal pyridine group, with the remaining poorly coordinating protonated amide remaining unbound along with other terminal pyridine groups. Fe(III) is known to form a symmetrical 1:2 complex, but that complex is anionic due to binding of all four deprotonated amido groups; the unsymmetrical neutral Co(III) complex converts into a symmetrical anionic species only on heating for hours in aqueous base in the presence of activated carbon. The most remarkable tendency of H2L1, however, is towards the formation of robust double helical complexes: a dinuclear Cu(II) complex [Cu2L1(2)] forms, as well as a trinuclear Ni(II) complex [Ni(3)(L1)2(OAc)2(MeOH)2]. Moreover, in the presence of added H2dipic, the tetranuclear complex [Cu4(L1)2(dipic)2(OH2)2] is obtained. All helical complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystal structure analyses, and all crystals feature a racemic mixture of left- and right-handed double helices stabilized by inter-ligand pi-stacking (inter-ring distances of 3.2-3.8 A) of ligands which each span several metal ions. Using the chelating ligand pentane-2,4-dione (acac), each of the two pairs of adjacent monodentate ligands in [Ni3(L1)2(OAc)2(OH2)2] have been shown to be available for substitution without destroying the helical structure, to form [Ni3(L1)2(acac)2], also characterized by a crystal structure.