An Unsymmetric Ligand Framework for Noncoupled Homo- and Heterobimetallic Complexes.

We introduce a new unsymmetric ligand, PDIpCy (PDI = pyridyldiimine; Cy = cyclam), that offers two distinct, noncoupled coordination sites. A series of homo- and heterobimetallic complexes, [Zn(PDIpCy)(THF)(OTf)] (1; THF = tetrahydrofuran and OTf = triflate), [Ni(PDIpCy)(THF)(OTf)](OTf) (2), and [NiZn(PDIpCy)(THF)(OTf)] (3), are described. The one-electron-reduced compounds, [Zn(PDIpCy)(OTF)] (4), [Ni(PDIpCy)(OTf)](OTf) (5), and [NiZn(PDIpCy)(OTf)] (6), were isolated, and their electronic structures were characterized.