Self-assembled Co(ii) and Co(iii) [M₂L₃] helicates and [M₄L₆] tetrahedra from an unsymmetrical quaterpyridine ligand

Abstract

An unsymmetrical quaterpyridine ligand forms a mixture of helicates and tetrahedra when reacted with Co(ii). The metal centres can be oxidised to Co(iii) producing a higher proportion of tetrahedron.