The Reactivity of the Imine Bond within Polynuclear Nickel(II) Complexes

Three novel Ni complexes with the Schiff base ligand 2-methoxy-6-(E-2-pyridyliminomethyl)-phenol (L1) are described. In comparison with the similar 2-(pyridine-2-ylimino-methyl)phenol (pymp), the mode of coordination of L1 is altered due to the presence of methoxy substituent introducing the sterical hindrance. During the synthesis of the complexes, partial hydrolysis of the ligand was observed. Since such immediate hydrolysis of L1 was not detected during the reactions of Zn(II) and Cu(II) salts with L1, the DFT calculated structures of a series of similar Zn, Cu, Ni, and Co complexes with L1 are compared to account for the phenomenon.

Automated summary

Three novel Ni complexes with a Schiff base ligand were described, with the coordination mode altered due to the presence of a methoxy substituent. Partial hydrolysis of the ligand was observed during synthesis, and DFT calculated structures of similar complexes were compared to account for this phenomenon.