Synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterization of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes of substituted 2-pyridyl amine based [N,N] chelating ligand

► We report a high yield, single step synthesis of a strong chelating [N,N] donor ligand. ► Room temperature conditions have been used to prepare soluble mononuclear complexes of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Co2+. ► The N-H⋯Cl and C-H⋯Cl inter-molecular hydrogen bonds are present in the cobalt complex. ► Solid state structure of the cobalt complex reveals the formation of 2D network structure.