Self-Assembly, Structure, and Physical Properties of Tetranuclear ZnII and CoII Complexes of [2 × 2] Grid-Type

Abstract

The tretrametallic [2 × 2] grid-type complexes 1–4 are formed by self-assembly of the bis(tridentate) ligands 5 and 6 with ZnII and CoII cations. They have been characterized by spectroscopic studies in solution as well as by crystal structure determination. The substituents in the central pyrimidine ring play an important role in terms of geometry and physical properties of the complexes. They induce an orthogonal orientation of the ligand in the complexes which is critical for the formation of ordered monolayers and extended self-organized arrays of grids. The physical properties of the complexes such as metal–metal interaction and π-π* stacking between the ligands may be modulated by changing these substituents.