A New Iron(II) Complex with Strongly Saddle Shaped Schiff Base like Ligand

The synthesis of two new Schiff base like ligands containing a 1, 8‐diaminonaphthalene unit in order to improve π–π interactions between the molecules is described. The corresponding iron(II), copper(II), and nickel(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized using NMR spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and for the iron(II) complex X‐ray structure analysis. The crystal structure shows a strongly saddle shaped ligand. In contrast to related complexes with a phenylene unit that prefer an octahedral coordination sphere, this complex crystallizes pentacoordinate. The keto‐group of a neighboring complex serves as axial ligand resulting in the formation of infinite chains. Magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal nearly ideal curie behavior for the copper(II) and the iron(II) complex.