Preparation and structures of dinuclear complexes containing MII-OH centers

The synthesis of M-2(II) complexes (M-II=Co, Mn) with terminal hydroxo ligands has been achieved utilizing a dinucleating ligand containing a bridging pyrazolate unit and appended (neopentyl)aminopyridyl groups. Structural studies on the complexes revealed that the M-II-OH units are positioned in a syn-configuration, placing the hydroxo ligands in close proximity (ca. 3 angstrom apart), which may be a prerequisite for water oxidation.