A new unsymmetrical dinucleating ligand and its first FeIIIZnII complex: Structure and solid state properties of an unexpected tetranuclear image complex containing the [FeIII(μ-OH)2FeIII] structural motif

The synthesis and characterization of a new unsymmetrical N4O3-donor ligand (H2L1 = 2-[(2-pyridylmethyl)(carboxyamidomethyl)aminomethyl]-6-[(2-hydroxybenzyl)(2-pyridylmethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methyl phenol) and its dinuclear [(L1)FeIII(μ-OAc)2ZnII]+ complex are presented. Importantly, reported for the first time here is the X-ray structure and magnetic and Mössbauer properties of an unprecedented tetranuclear image complex containing the {FeIII(μ-OH)2FeIII} structural motif, which can be easily obtained through the reaction of stoichiometric amounts of H2L1 and the perchlorate salts of [Fe(OH2)6]3+ and [Zn(OH2)6]2+ under mild basic conditions.