Stepwise synthesis of a pentanuclear copper(II)–manganese(II) cluster by using a versatile Schiff base ligand derived from 3-formylsalicylic acid

The Schiff base 3-[N-2-(pyridylethyl)formimidoyl]salicylic acid (H2L) is a useful ligand for the design of heteronuclear complexes. A pentanuclear copper(II)–manganese(II) cluster was synthesized by using H2L as a ligand. The compound was characterised by analytical and spectral methods. Cryomagnetic investigations over the temperature range 1.9–300 K reveal antiferromagnetic interactions between the copper(II) and manganese(II) ions.