Nonanuclear Ni(ii) complexes in a [1-7-1] formation derived from asymmetric multidentate ligands: magnetic and electrochemical properties.

Nonanuclear Ni(ii) complexes, [Ni9 (Ln)6 (OH)6 (H2 O)6 ] (Ni9 Ln, n = 1-4; H2 Ln = 6-acetoacetyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid derivatives), were prepared via self-assembly using the asymmetric multidentate ligands H2 Ln. A corner-sharing tetrahedron-type structure, [Ni7 (μ3 -OH)6 ]8+ , and terminal mononuclear units constitute the nonanuclear structure in a [1-7-1] formation. The electrochemical and magnetic properties of Ni9 Ln were modulated by the introduction of various substituents in H2 Ln.