A novel ferromagnetically-coupled trinuclear nickel(II) complex constructed from the new 1,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)ethanone ligand in its enolate form

Solvothermal reaction of Ni(OAc)2 with the new ligand 1,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)ethanone (HL) in the presence of NH4SCN in DMF/CH3OH solution affords a novel trinuclear Ni2+ complex [Ni3(L)2(OAc)2(SCN)2(DMF)2](DMF)1.5(H2O) (1). Crystal structure determination of 1 reveals a non-collinear Ni3-pattern bridged by the μ2-Oenolate atoms of L− and μ3-acetate anions, which has rarely been found for trinuclear Ni2+ systems. Moderate ferromagnetic exchange was observed between the Ni2+ centers.

Graphical abstractThis work presents the synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetism of a novel trinuclear Ni2+ complex with 1,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)ethanone (HL), in which the non-collinear Ni3-core is bridged by both μ2-Oenolate of L− and μ3-acetate anions, exhibiting overall ferromagnetic interactions between Ni2+ centers.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A non-collinear [Ni2+]3 complex linked by μ2-Oenolate and μ3-acetate has been reported. ► 1,2-Di(pyridin-2-yl)ethanone tends to the enolate form in the complex. ► All interactions between Ni2+centers are ferromagnetic.