Synthesis and characterization of tetrakis(μ-hydroxo)tetrakis(2,2′-dipicolylamine)tetranickel perchlorate, a nickel-hydroxy cubane complex

A novel tetranuclear complex, [Ni(μ3-OH)(DPA)]4(ClO4)4 (where DPA = 2,2′-dipicolylamine) has been synthesized, with characterization including electronic and infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, crystal structure analysis, and variable-temperature and variable-field magnetic susceptibility measurements. The complex features a 4Ni–4OH cubane-type cluster, displaying both ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic intracluster interactions in a 2J model (J1 = −3.4 cm−1, J2 = 4.7 cm−1, D = 2.0 cm−1). Each nickel atom sits in a pseudooctahedral environment, with one DPA molecule facially coordinated and the remaining three coordination sites occupied by the bridging hydroxide anions that make up the cubane core.

Graphical abstractA novel tetranuclear, magnetically coupled complex, which features a 4Ni–4OH cubane-type cluster, has been synthesized by self-assembly of nickel(II) cations, tridentate aminopyridine ligands, and hydroxide anions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide