A dinickel(II) complex of a [5,6]-unsymmetrical Schiff base compartmental ligand

In contrast to the reactions of [5,5]-unsymmetrical Schiff base compartmental ligands with Ni(ClO4)2 or Ni(BF4)2, which lead to cleavage of the iminic pendant arm of the ligand, the reaction of Ni(BF4)2 with the [5,5]-unsymmetrical Schiff base compartmental ligand 2-{[(2-dimethylaminoethyl)ethylamino]-methyl}-4-methyl-6-[(2-pyridin-2-yl-ethylimino)methyl] phenol, HL7, gave a dinuclear nickel(II) complex in which the integrity of the ligand was retained.