Polynuclear metal complexes of ligands containing phenolic units

The coordination properties of a selected series of acyclic and macrocyclic ligands containing one or more phenolic groups are explored. The formation of polynuclear metal complexes was only considered highlighting the key role played by the phenoxide oxygen atom in binding two metal centres in a bridge disposition. This arrangement allows two metal ions to stay close each other and consequently these dinuclear centres are able to mimic many biological sites, especially those where the two metals can cooperate to form an active centre. Catalytic properties of these polynuclear complexes, when studied, have been reported. Also some of the numerous heterodinuclear metal complexes that have been synthesized are here reviewed, included several crystal structures.