Simultaneous coordination of a ketone by two cadmium(II) ions and conversion to its gem-diolate(− 1) form

Reaction of Cd(NO3)2∙ 4H2O and di-2-pyridyl ketone [(py)2CO] in dry MeCN led to complex [Cd2(NO3)4{(py)2CO}2] (1) in which the ketonic grouping of each organic ligand bridges the two CdII atoms. Complex 1 is extremely reactive towards nucleophiles; it reacts with H2O giving the cubane cluster [Cd4(NO3)4{(py)2C(OH)(O)}4] (2) possessing the 3.3011 (Harris notation) gem-diolate(− 1) form of the ligand. Upon excitation at 380 nm, solid 1 displays blue green photoluminescence at room temperature.