Linear copper 'chain' complexes with bulky tritopic hydrazone ligands--structural and magnetic studies.

Tritopic 2,6-picolyl-bis-hydrazone ligands with bulky terminal groups derived from phenyl-pyridyl ketone do not form the expected [3 x 3] grids on reaction with copper(II), but instead form Cu8 'pinwheels', and in the present case linear trinuclear, pentanuclear and chain structures also. Direct bridging between copper ions occurs through micro2-N-N diazine groups, and longer O-C-N hydrazone connections, leading to moderately strong antiferromagnetic exchange between adjacent metal centres. Structural and magnetic properties are discussed in the context of specific orthogonal and non-orthogonal bridges, which can be distinguished and quantified.