The First Case of Localcis versustrans Coordination as the Controlling Factor for the Overall Structure in Dinuclear Assemblies

The preparation and structure of two dinuclear assemblies [M2(HL)2(py)4] (MII = Mn, Ni) with the phenol bis-β-diketone H3L are presented. The octahedral N2O4 coordination environments around the metals are in cis and trans configuration for Mn and Ni, respectively, leading to structurally different assemblies. These results represent the first example where the overall structure of a complicated coordination architecture is controlled by the local stereochemistry imposed at the metal ions. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2002)