Synthesis,characterization, and magnetochemical properties of two Mn4 clusters derived from 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde Schiff base ligands

Two tetranuclear manganese complexes, [Mn₄(L¹)₆](ClO₄)₂?2.75H₂O (1) [HL¹ = 4-methyl-2-((pyridin-2-ylmethylene)amino)phenol] and [Mn₄(L²)₄(NO₃)₃(OH)]?pz?3H₂O (2) [HL² = (1H-pyrazol-1-yl)(pyridin-2-yl)methanol, pz = pyrazole], have been synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and magnetic measurements. The structural analysis revealed that the central manganese ion is linked with three apical manganese ions through six phenoxo-bridges creating a Mn₄O₆ core for 1; 2 has a cubane-like topology with the Mn(II) ions and the deprotonated oxygens from L² alternatively occupying vertices. The magnetic studies indicated a weak ferromagnetic coupling interaction (J = 0.48 ± 0.087 cm^?1, g = 2.00, θ = ?0.78 K) for 1 and a weak antiferromagnetic spin-exchange interaction (J₁ = ?0.50 ± 0.075 cm^?1, J₂ = ?0.13 ± 0.082 cm^?1, g = 1.98) between Mn(II) ions for 2. The magnetostructural correlations of the two Mn₄ clusters have been discussed tentatively.     

Ultraviolet light-emitting CdII complexes: synthesis and property studies

Four ultraviolet light-emitting Cd^II complexes, [CdL₁(H₂O)]_n (1), [CdL₁(bpy)(H₂O)₂]_n (2), [CdL₂(H₂O)]_n (3), and [CdL₂(bpy)(H₂O)₂]_n (4), where L₁ = 3,3′-(4-phenyl-4H-1,2,4-triazole-3,5-diyl)dibenzoate, L₂ = 3,3′-(4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4H-1,2,4triazole-3,5-diyl)dibenzoate, and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder scattering spectra, and infrared spectra. 1–4 possess excellent thermal stability with decomposition temperature of ca. 340 °C. Their powder samples mainly give luminescent spectra at 350, 339, 351, and 339 nm, respectively, which should be attributed to the ligand-centered π*?→?π transfer transitions. Additionally, 1–4 have weak emission bands at 400–500 nm, which are tentatively attributed to the triplet ligand to ligand charge transfer transitions.     

Variation in crystalline architectures through supramolecular interactions in copper(II) complexes with tridentate N2O donor Schiff bases

Three copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L¹)(H₂O)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (1), [Cu(L²)(H₂O)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (2), and [Cu(L²)(NCNC(OCH₃)NH₂)]ClO₄ (3), where HL¹ = 4-bromo-2-(-(quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)phenol and HL² = 1-(-(quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The copper(II) centers assume five-coordinate square-pyramidal geometries in 1 and 2, whereas square planar copper(II) is present in 3. A methanol molecule has been inserted in the pendant end of the ligated dicyanamide in 3. Various supramolecular architectures are formed by hydrogen bonding, π?π, C–H?π, and lp?π interactions.     

Structural variability of Ag(I) metal–organic networks: C–H⋯π and metal⋯π interactions

The synthesis and X-ray structural characterization of two silver(I) coordination polymers, [Ag₂(bpp)₂(Phdac)]·5H₂O (1) and [Ag₂(bpp)(HSSal)] (2), are reported, where bpp = 4,4′-trimethylene dipyridine, H₂Phdac = 1,4-phenylenediacetic acid, and H₃SSal = 5-sulfosalicylic acid. X-ray crystallography reveals that the structures are stabilized through hydrogen bonding interactions. The C–H?π and metal?π interactions of aromatic molecules play a crucial role in building a layered framework. Intricate combinations of the weak non-covalent interactions have been analyzed to explore cooperativity and competitiveness in the solid-state structures.     

The synthesis,characterization, and theoretical hydrogen gas adsorption properties of copper(II)-3,3′-thiodipropionate complexes with imidazole derivatives

Three new coordination polymers, [Cu(μ₃-tdp)(im)₂]_n (1), {[Cu(μ₃-tdp)(1-mim)₂]·0.5H₂O}_n (2) and {[Cu₂(μ₃-tdp)₂(4-mim)₄]·H₂O}_n (3) [tdpH₂ = 3,3′-thiodipropionic acid, im = imidazole, 1-mim = 1-methylimidazole and 4-mim = 4-methylimidazole], have been prepared and characterized by spectroscopic techniques (IR and UV–Vis), elemental analyzes, magnetic measurements, thermal analyzes, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 1–3 crystallize in the monoclinic system with space groups of C2/c and P2₁/c, respectively. In 1–3, tdp is a bridging ligand to form 1-D chains, which are extended into a 2-D layer by hydrogen bonding and π···π interactions. The 3,3′-thiodipropionate exhibits an unexpected coordination mode in 1–3. Simulations were used to assess the potential of the complexes in H₂ storage applications.     

Syntheses,crystal structures,and luminescent properties of three metal coordination polymers based on adipic acid and 2-(pyridine-3-yl)-(1H)-benzimidazole

Three new metal coordination polymers constructed from adipic acid and 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-(1H)-benzimidazole ligands, [M(ADP)(3PBI)₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O (M = Ni and Co for 1 and 2, respectively) and [Cd(ADP)(3PBI)(H₂O)] (3) [ADP = adipic acid dianion; 3PBI = 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-(1H)-benzimidazole], have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and were characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, elemental analyses, IR, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry. Complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural. Both form a 1-D linear chain structure, which is further assembled into a 3-D supramolecular framework by π?π stacking and hydrogen bonding interactions. Complex 3 possesses a binuclear unit and displays a 2-D layer which is further extended to a 3-D supramolecular architecture via hydrogen bonding and other weak packing interactions. The luminescent properties of 3 were investigated in the solid state at room temperature.     

Lanthanide contraction in linear lanthanide–oxygen clusters

Five coordination polymers containing linear lanthanide–oxygen clusters 1–5 have been synthesized by a hydrothermal reaction of 3-(quinolin-8-yloxy) phthalic acid (H₂L) with the respective lanthanide salt. The X-ray single crystal structural analyses revealed that these five crystalline materials belong to two isostructures with formulas [LnHL₂(H₂O)₂]_n (Ln1, where Ln = La 1, Ce 2, Pr 3) and [Ln(HL)(L)(H₂O)]_n (Ln2, where Ln = Nd 4, Sm 5), respectively, which are attributed to the effect of lanthanide contraction. In both structures, the lanthanide cations were bridged by two carboxyl groups of L^2? through Ln–O bonds to form 1-D linear lanthanide–oxygen clusters, which were further connected by intermolecular π–π stacking interactions between quinolinyl units to generate 3-D supramolecular polymers with moderate luminescence and high thermal stability.     

A mesitylene-bridged bis-benzimidazolyl ligand and six metal coordination compounds

The mesitylene-bridged bis-benzimidazolyl ligand 1,3-bis(benzimidazol-1′-yl-methyl)mesitylene (L) and six metal complexes, [Cu₉L₆(OH)₇Cl₈] (1), [Co₂L₄(NO₃)(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₃ (2), [Zn₂L₂Cl₄] (3), [CdL₂(NO₃)₂]_n (4), [MnL(L_A)(CH₃OH)]_n (5), and [CoLCl₂]_n (6) (L_A = terephthalate), have been prepared and characterized. Complex 1 is a football-like cluster formed by six Ls, nine Cu(II) ions, eight chlorides, and seven hydroxides, in which the size of the football is about 13.9 × 15.4 Å. Complex 2 contains a cage-like ball formed by four Ls and two Co(II) ions, in which the external and internal sizes of the ball are about 12.2 × 14.6 Å and 6.5 × 10.7 Å, respectively. In this complex, one nitrate is fixed in the middle of the cage through two Co–O bonds. The 24-membered metallomacrocycle of 3 is formed by two Ls and two Zn(II) ions. In 4, 2-D layers with 48-membered metallomacrocycles are formed via Ls and Cd(II) ions. In 5, L and terephthalate ions (L_A) participate in coordination with Mn(II) to afford 2-D network layers. The 1-D polymeric chain of 6 is formed via L and Co(II) chloride moieties. In the crystal packing of 1–6, 2-D supramolecular layers and 3-D supramolecular frameworks are formed via intermolecular weak interactions, including hydrogen bonds, π–π interactions, and C–H?π contacts. The conformations of metal complexes from L are described. Additionally, the fluorescence emission spectra of L and 1–6 are reported.     

Carboxylate-bridged copper(II) complexes: synthesis,crystal structures,and superoxide dismutase activity

Two copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(μ-benzoato)(L¹)₂]NO₃·2H₂O (1) and [Cu₂(μ-succinato)(L²)₂(H₂O)]ClO₄ (2), have been synthesized, where L¹ = N′-[(E)-phenyl(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]benzoylhydrazone and L² = N′-[(E)-pyridin-2-ylmethylidene]benzoylhydrazone. These complexes were characterized including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The copper is five-coordinate in 1 while in 2 one copper is five-coordinate and the other is six-coordinate. Electrochemical behavior of these complexes was measured by cyclic voltammetry. The conproportionation equilibrium constants (K_con) for both complexes have been estimated. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities of 1 and 2 were measured by nitro blue tetrazolium assay. Complex 1 has better SOD activity than 2.     

Architectural diversity of six coordination compounds based on (S)-(+)-mandelic acid and different N-donor auxiliary ligands: syntheses,structures, and luminescent properties

Six transition metal coordination compounds with H₂mand and different N-donor ligands, [Co(Hmand)₂(2,2′-bipy)]·H₂O (1), [Ni(Hmand)₂(2,2′-bipy)]·H₂O (2), [Ni(Hmand)₂(bpe)] (3), [Zn(Hmand)₂(2,4′-bipy)(H₂O)]·2H₂O (4), [Zn(Hmand)(bpe)(H₂O)]_n[(ClO₄)]_n·nH₂O (5), and [Zn(Hmand)(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)]_n[(ClO₄)]_n (6), were synthesized under different conditions (H₂mand = (S)-(+)-mandelic acid, bpe = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethane, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,4′-bipy = 2,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine). Their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and circular dichroism. Compounds 1 and 2 are isostructural (0-D structures), which are extended to supramolecular 1-D chains by hydrogen bonding. Compound 3 exhibits 1-D straight chain structures, which are further linked via hydrogen bond interactions to generate a 3-D supramolecular architecture. Compound 4 displays a discrete molecular unit. Neighboring units are further linked by hydrogen bonds and π–π interactions to form a 3-D supramolecular architecture. Compound 5 displays a 2-D undulated network, further extended into a 3-D supramolecular architecture through hydrogen bond interactions. Compound 6 possesses a 2-D sheet structure. Auxiliary ligands and counteranions play an important role in the formation of final frameworks, and the hydrogen-bonding interactions and π–π stacking interactions contributed to the formation of the diverse supramolecular architectures. Compounds 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 crystallize in chiral space groups, with the circular dichroism spectra exhibiting positive cotton effects. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of 4–6 have been examined in the solid state at room temperature, and the different crystal structures influence emission spectra significantly.     

Copper(I)-1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane complexes with different coordination modes tuned by auxiliary ligands and their spectroscopic properties

Three mono-, bi- and tetranuclear copper(I) complexes, [Cu(phen)(triphos-O)]BF₄ (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, triphos = 1,1,1-tris(diphenylphosphinomethyl)ethane), [Cu₂(bipy)(triphos)₂](BF₄)₂ (2) (bipy = 4,4′-bipyridine), and [Cu₄(MeOC^N^N)₄(triphos)₂(bipy)](BF₄)₄ (3) (MeOC^N^N = 6-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometries, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystal analysis. The crystal structure investigation revealed the copper ions of the complexes have pseudo-tetrahedral coordination geometry. The electronic absorption spectra of 1, 2, and 3 contain low-energy bands at 350–500 and 400–650 nm, which are assigned to d(Cu) → π*(phen or bipy) and a mixture of d(Cu) → π*(MeOC^N^N) and d(Cu) → π*(bipy) transitions, respectively. Complex 2 displays a strong, long-lived solid-state emission with a maximum at 555 nm and lifetime of 13.6 μs at room temperature. Photoinduced electron-transfer properties of 2 and 3 involving nanosecond time-resolved absorption spectroscopy and electron spin resonance techniques were studied.     

Heteroleptic ruthenium(II)/(III) 2,2′-bipyridine/1,10-phenanthroline complexes incorporating bidentate Schiff base N,O-ligands

Eight substituted bidentate Schiff base ligands HOC₆H₄CH=N-R (HL) (HL1: R = 4-ClC₆H₄, HL2: R = 2-ClC₆H₄, HL3: R = 4-NO₂C₆H₄, HL4: R = 4-MeC₆H₄, HL5: R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃, HL6: R = 2,46-Me₃C₆H₂, HL7: R = CH₂C₆H₅, and HL8: R = n-Pr) were synthesized by the typical condensation reaction. Interaction of cis-[Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) with one equivalent of HL ligand in the presence of KPF₆ afforded the cationic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(bpy)₂(L)](PF₆) (1–8). The reaction of cis-[Ru(phen)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and HL1 under similar condition gave complex [(phen)₂Ru(L)](PF₆) (1a). Treatment of cis-[Ru(phen)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O with two equivalents of HL in the presence of KPF₆ resulted in isolation of the cationic ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [Ru(phen)(L)₂](PF₆) (9-16). All complexes have been spectroscopically characterized. The structures of 1a?CH₂Cl₂, 2?½CH₂Cl₂, 3?CH₃CN, 5?½H₂O, 6, 12?½HOCH₂CH₂OH, 13?CH₃CN, 15?H₂O, and 16 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Coordination polymers constructed from an asymmetric dicarboxylate and N-donors: preparation,characterization, and properties

Two new coordination polymers with an asymmetric dicarboxylate and 4,4′-bipyridine ligand, {[Co(bpy)(H₂O)₄]·(cpa)·0.5H₂O}_n (1) and {[Ag(cpa)(bpy)][Ag(bpy)]·4H₂O}_n (2) (H₂cpa = 4-(2-carboxyethyl)benzoic acid, bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine), have been hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compound 1 displays a linear chain with guest molecule (cpa)^2? ions existing in the structure. Compound 2 contains two independent units, [Ag(cpa)(bpy)]^– (A) and [Ag(bpy)]⁺ (B), which form a 1-D + 1-D structure. A shows a 1-D chain structure bearing hooks formed by the carboxylates and organized into a tubular structure by hydrogen-bonding interactions. B has linear chains formed from Ag⁺ and bpy. The A and B chains co-crystallize with waters of crystallization to provide two linear [Ag(bpy)]⁺ chains embedded in the tubular structure formed by A via π…π stacking contacts. In 1 and 2, hydrogen-bonding and π…π stacking interactions connect the discrete 1-D chains into 3-D supramolecular structures. The fluorescent properties, TG analysis, and X-ray powder diffraction patterns for 1 and 2 were also measured.     

Two second-order non-linear optical coordination polymers with noninterpenetrating honeycomb-like 2-D (6,3)-type networks

Two isostructural metal–organic frameworks, [ML(H₂O)₄]_n (M = Y(II) (1) and Nd(II) (2)), NaH₂L = 5-sulfoisophthalic monosodium salt), have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. Each metal is nine-coordinate with a distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic arrangement. L^3? is a μ³ bridge to generate a homometallic 2-D noninterpenetrating (6,3) honeycomb-like topological network structure. The luminescence spectra indicate emission maxima at 406 and 402 nm, respectively. Compounds 1 and 2 show second-harmonic generation responses that are 0.5 and 0.8 times that of urea, respectively.     

A copper(II) complex of benzimidazole-based ligand: synthesis,structure, redox aspects and fluorescence properties

Employing 1-(2-methoxybenzyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1H-benzimidazole (bpb) as a monodentate ligand, a new greenish-blue copper(II) complex, [Cu(bpb)₂(NO₃)₂] (1a), has been synthesized. 1a has been characterized analytically and spectroscopically. The X-ray crystal structure of 1a reveals that it adopts a cis disposition with respect to the ligands. The solid state structure of 1a is stabilized by intramolecular offset face-to-face π–π stacking. Non-covalent supramolecular edge-to-face C–H?π interactions with neighboring molecules give 1-D supramolecular chains that further lead to the formation of an assembled 3-D supramolecular metal-organic framework via hydrogen bonding interactions. 1a shows blue fluorescence most likely due to intramolecular offset face-to-face π–π stacking. At room temperature, 1a is one-electron paramagnetic. It shows a rhombic EPR spectrum with g₁ = 2.12, g₂ = 2.42, and g₃ = 2.52 in the solid state at liquid nitrogen temperature. In cyclic voltammetry, 1a displays a one-electron oxidative Cu(II)/Cu(III) couple. Our DFT calculations, corroborate the observed experimental results of 1a.     

Syntheses,crystal structures and solvatochromic properties of dinuclear oxalato-bridged copper(II) complexes

Three dinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(L¹)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂?2(CH₃CN), [Cu₂(L²)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂?H₂O, and [Cu₂(L³)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂ where ox = oxalato; L = N,N-dimethyl,N′-benzylethane-1,2-diamine, L¹, N,N-diethyl,N′-benzylethane-1,2-diamine, L², N,N-diisoprophyl,N′-benzylethane-1,2-diamine, L³, were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (IR, UV–Vis) data and molar conductance measurements. The crystal structures of [Cu₂(L¹)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂?2(CH₃CN) and [Cu₂(L³)₂(μ-ox)](ClO₄)₂ have been determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. Solvatochromic behaviors were investigated in various solvents, showing positive solvatochromism. The effect of steric hindrance around the copper ion imposed by N-alkyl groups of the diamine chelates on the solvatochromism property of the complexes is discussed. Solvatochromism was also studied with different solvent parameter models using stepwise multiple linear regression method.     

A blue luminescent binuclear cadmium-orotate coordination polymer: synthesis,crystal structure,and thermogravimetric analysis

Assembly of orotic acid (H₃Or, 1,2,3,6-tetrahydro-2,6-dioxo-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic) and Cd(NO₃)·6H₂O yielded a coordination polymer, [(Cd(Hor)·2.5H₂O)₂]_n (1), which has been characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction, TGA, and ?uorescence spectra. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses reveal that 1 is a hydrogen-bonded binuclear Cd-orotate coordination polymer in which both Cd²⁺ ions have different coordination environments with identical distorted octahedral geometry. Crystal data for 1: monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 7.0209(10) Å, b = 13.974(2) Å, c = 17.541(3) Å, β = 98.842(2)°, V = 1700.5(4) Å, Z = 4, R1 = 0.0269, wR2 = 0.0612, θ_max = 25.960. The emission spectrum of the Cd-complex recorded with 265 nm excitation wavelength reveals the complex has strong blue luminescence with the peak maximum 420 nm (2.95 eV) as a result of the n–π* and π–π* transitions on the H₃Or ligand.     

Four Novel 30-Membered Imine and Amine Macrocycles Derived from Ortho-Aminophenyl Diamines

Two novel macrocyclic tetra-imine-diphenol Schiff base (H₂L₁ and H₂L₂) were synthesized by [2 + 2] cyclocondensation of ortho-aminophenyl diamines [1,2-bis(2′-aminophenoxy)benzene (I) and 1,2-bis(2′-aminophenoxy)-4-t-butylbenzene (II)] with 2,6-diformyl-4-methylphenol. Two novel tetra-amine-diphenol macrocycles (H₂L₃ and H₂L₄) have been obtained by reduction of the imine analogs with NaBH₄ in MeOH/CHCl₃.     

Four Cu(II)/Co(II) coordination polymers based on N,N′-di(3-pyridyl)sebacicdiamide: influence of different carboxylate ancillary ligands on structures and properties

Four Cu(II)/Co(II) coordination polymers, [Cu(L)(BDC)(H₂O)]·3H₂O (1), [Cu(L)(DNBA)₂] (2), [Co(L)₂(DNBA)₂] (3), and [Co(L)(NIPH)(H₂O)]·H₂O (4) (H₂BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylic acid, HDNBA = 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid, H₂NIPH = 5-nitroisophthalic acid, L = N,N′-di(3-pyridyl)sebacicdiamide), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. The structures of 1–4 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and 1–4 were further characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. Complex 1 is a 2-D polymeric layer with a 4-connected sql topology. Complex 2 displays a 1-D zigzag chain. Complex 3 possesses a 1-D double-chain structure. Complex 4 exhibits a ribbon chain based on the 1-D [Co–L]_nmeso-helical chain. Adjacent layers for 1 and adjacent chains for 2–4 are further linked by hydrogen bonding or π–π stacking interactions to form 3-D supramolecular networks. The differences of carboxylates and metal ions show significant effect on the ultimate architectures of the four complexes. Thermal stabilities, fluorescent properties and photocatalytic activities of 1–4 were also studied.     

Synthesis and characterization of lanthanide complexes prepared with 2-((E)-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-ylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol

Rare-earth complexes of the general formula [Ln(H₂L₁)₂(NO₃)₃] [Ln = Gd (1), Ho (2) or Nd (3)] were prepared from an o-vanillin derived Schiff base ligand, 2-((E)-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropan-2-ylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol (H₂L₁). The single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies and SHAPE analyses of the Gd(III) and Ho(III) complexes show that the complexes are ten-coordinate and exhibit distorted tetradecahedron geometries. The phenolate oxygen-bridged dinuclear complex, [Ce₂(H₂L₁)(ovan)₃(NO₃)₃] (4, ovan = monodeprotonated o-vanillin), was obtained from the reaction of Ce(NO₃)₃?6H₂O with H₂L₁. X-ray analysis revealed that hydrolysis of H₂L₁ occurred to yield o-vanillin, which bridged two cerium atoms with the Ce?Ce distance equal to 3.8232(6) Å. The Ce(III) ions are both ten-coordinate, but have different coordination environments, showing tetradecahedron and staggered dodecahedron geometries, respectively. With proton migration occurring from the phenol group to the imine function, complexation of the lanthanides to the ligand gives the Schiff base a zwitterionic phenoxo-iminium form.