Synthesis and Structure of Dimeric [(cis-Py3Im)M]2 Complexes [M = Ni, Cu, Zn; (cis-Py3Im) = cis-2,4,5-Tri(2-pyridyl)imidazoline]

A series of dinuclear complexes of the new tetradentate tripyridyl ligand, cis-2,4,5-tri(2-pyridyl)imidazoline, (cis-Py3Im), 1, with Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) is reported. The complexes introduced here are the first prepared of the (cis−Py3Im) ligand system and illustrate the preferred binding mode of this ligand to M(II) for M = Ni, Cu, and Zn. Each metal is bonded to two ligands, one through the cis-4,5-(2-pyridyl) groups and the other through the 2(2-pyridyl) and imidazoline nitrogens.