Synthesis and crystal structure of a homotrinuclear Ni(II) complex

A tetradentate ONNO type Schiff base was synthesized from salicyaldehyde and 1,4-diaminobutane. Thermogravimetric analysis, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction results showed this Schiff base to give a trinuclear complex with Ni(II) ions in presence of acetate ions. The complex crystallizes in the triclinic P-1 space group with a = 9.7510(2), b = 10.6854(2), c = 12.4781(4) Å, α = 112.101(3), β = 100.621(4) and γ = 91.733(3)°. Similar to those found in the literature the terminal Ni(II) ions are coordinated to the Schiff base and have a N2O4 coordination sphere. The central Ni(II) ion has a O6 coordination sphere formed by the phenolic oxygens and the acetate bridges. The conformation of the chelate ring formed between the Ni(II) ions and the iminic nitrogens were examined.