An unusual dichromium(II,II) compound bearing di-2-pyridyl ketone oximate ligands and prepared by the ligand-assisted reduction of a trichromium(III,III,III) complex in air

The reaction of a triangular, oxide-centred trichromium(III,III,III) pivalate cluster with di-2-pyridyl ketone oxime in MeCN under refluxing aerobic conditions has led to a novel, pivalate-free dichromium(II,II) complex via a ligand-assisted reduction of the chromium(III) starting material; the dinuclear molecule contains high-spin, trigonal bipyramidal CrII atoms, and possesses both bridging and terminal oximate ligands.