Three-layer π-stacking in a dinuclear Cd(NO3)2 complex formed from a new four-armed thiopyridine ligand

The flexible four-armed ligand 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethylsulfanylmethyl)benzene (2tet) was synthesized and reacted with Cd(NO3)2 to produce a dinuclear complex. The ligand adopted a folded conformation about the seven and eight coordinate Cd(II) centres and displayed an intramolecular three-layered π-stacking arrangement.