Nonanuclear Ni(ii) complexes in a [1-7-1] formation derived from asymmetric multidentate ligands: magnetic and electrochemical properties.

Nonanuclear Ni(ii) complexes, [Ni9(Ln)6(OH)6(H2O)6] (Ni9Ln, n = 1-4; H2Ln = 6-acetoacetyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid derivatives), were prepared via self-assembly using the asymmetric multidentate ligands H2Ln. A corner-sharing tetrahedron-type structure, [Ni7(μ3-OH)6]8+, and terminal mononuclear units constitute the nonanuclear structure in a [1-7-1] formation. The electrochemical and magnetic properties of Ni9Ln were modulated by the introduction of various substituents in H2Ln.