Using simpler N-alkylsalicyaldimines, the steric and solvent controls of an uncommon trinuclear nickel core motif were examined. Formation of a triangluar core rather than the more stable binuclear nickel complex, was accomplished with n-alkyl, alpha- and beta-branched substituents (methyl, ethyl, iso-Pr, sec-butyl, benzyl) indicating only a minor steric role of the imine substituent. Solvent coordination power showed the largest effect on the nuclearity and stability of the product in solution as methanol, ethanol, or acetonitrile cause formation/rearrangement to the binuclear compexes. X-ray crystal stuctures and elemental analysis were used to confirm the structures. The binuclear complex (R= isopropyl) shows an overall ferromagnetic coupling between the nickel atoms while the analogous trinuclear complex shows weak antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperature (T<10K). Work continues to further study the imine and ring characteristics on the magnetism.

Magnetic and structural variations in nickel(II) trinuclear complexes

241st National Meeting (2011)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.