Structure and magnetism of a trinuclear CuII–GdIII–CuII complex derived from one-pot reaction with 2,6-di(acetoacetyl)pyridine

A unique 3d–4f mixed metal trinuclear compound, [Cu2Gd(L)2(NO3)2]NO3 (1; H2L=2,6-di(acetoacetyl)pyridine), is derived from a ‘one-pot’ reaction with H2L,Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and Gd(NO3)3·5H2O. Two L2− providing one central 2,6-diacylpyridine site and two terminal 1,3-diketonate sites hold two CuII ions and GdIII ion and form a linear Cu–Gd–Cu trinuclear core. This compound shows ferromagnetic interaction between CuII and GdIII.