Versatility in the coordination behavior of a hexatopic compartmental Schiff-base ligand in the architecture of binuclear transition metal(II) complexes

Condensation of 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarboxylic hydrazide with 1H-indole-2,3-dione (isatin) yield the compartmental ligand, which is capable of encapsulating two transition metal ions namely Co^II, Ni^II, Cu^II, and Zn^II. The ligand is a binuclear hexadentate chelate with N₄O₂ donating sites. The pyrazole core provides the diazine fragment, which serves as an endogenous bridge between the two metal centers. In Co^II and Ni^II complexes, the ligand is in the imidol form and the subsequent coordination through the imidol oxygen. In other complexes, the lactonic oxygen takes part in ligation. All the complexes are non-electrolytes and soluble in DMSO, DMF, and acetonitrile. Spectral and magnetic studies along with analytical data suggest octahedral geometry for the Co^II and Ni^II complexes, whereas the Cu^II and Zn^II complexes are assigned square pyramidal geometry. The Cu^II and Ni^II complexes show one electron redox behavior and the rest are electrochemically inactive.