The preparation and structure of [Vl₂(salen)]·CH₂Cl₂[salen =N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminate)(2–)] and of some homologues of related Schiff bases

Abstract

The elusive [Vl2(salen)][salen =N,N′-ethylenebis(salicylideneiminate)(2–)] and some of its homologues have been successfully prepared. The structure of [VI2(salen)]·CH2Cl2 has been determined by X-ray crystallography, and the conformation is trans-octahedral, as expected, with long V–I separations. The complex is air-stable in the solid state, but appears to be moisture-sensitive in solution, and undergoes autoredox reactions (VIV→VIII, I–→I2) in ionising solvents.