Synthesis, characterization and molecular structures of Ni(II) complexes derived from Schiff base pyridylimine ligands

•New Ni(II) complexes with Schiff base pyridylimine ligands were synthesized in a facile manner in good yields.•The structures of the complexes NiL1 and NiL2 were unequivocally determined by X-ray diffraction techniques.•The subtle changes in the Schiff base ligands defines the ionic o neutral nature of the complexes.•Studies in the solid state reveal important non-covalent interactions.

The synthesis and structural characterization of Ni(II) complexes derived from N1,N4-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)butane-1,4-diamine (L1) and N1,N4-bis(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)butane-1,4-diamine (L2) is described. The paramagnetic Ni(II) complexes NiL1 and NiL2 were fully characterized and their structures unequivocally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The molecular structures of NiL1 and NiL2 exhibited the ligands L1 and L2 coordinated in a κ4-N,N,N,N-tetradentate fashion. The subtle changes in the ligands defines the ionic o neutral nature of the complexes. Furthermore, in the solid state both complexes exhibit extended hydrogen-bond networks.

Graphical abstractNi(II) complexes including the ligands N1,N4-bis(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)butane-1,4-diamine (L1) and N1,N4-bis(1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene)butane-1,4-diamine (L2) where synthesized and their structures unequivocally determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The subtle changes in the ligands define the ionic o neutral nature of complexes NiL1 and NiL2 exhibiting in both cases the ligands coordinated in a κ4-N,N,N,N-tetradentate fashion.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide