Synthesis and crystal structure of a complex of a tetranucleating macrocyclic ligand which binds four NiII ions in a square arrangement with a µ4-hydroxo group at the centre

Abstract

The tetra Schiff base macrocycle formed by condensation of two molecules of 2,6-diformyl-5-methylphenol with two molecules of 2,6-bis(aminomethyl)-5-methylphenol binds four nickel(II) ions at the corners of an approximate square of edge 2.8–2.9 Å with an unusual µ₄-hydroxo group bound essentially equally to all four metals.