A novel Co3+-based asymmetrical building block: Heterobimetallic metallacycles versus coordination networks

A new Co3+-based asymmetrical building block (1) offering both 2-pyridyl and 3-pyridyl appended groups has been synthesized and utilized for preparing heterobimetallic systems. The reactions of 1 with secondary metals afforded {Co3+-2n(2+)} metallacycle (2). {Co3+-Cd2+} metallacycle-based coordination polymer (3) and a {Co3+-Hg2+} coordination chain (4). The crystallographic studies reveal the importance of asymmetrical building block in generating unique structural motifs. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.