Synthesis and structures of acyclic monoanionic tetradentate aza beta-diketiminate complexes of magnesium, zinc, and cadmium.

An acyclic monoanionic tetradentate nitrogen ligand was prepared through the condensation of 2-(4-tolyl)-malondialdehyde and 8-aminoquinoline to give (BDI(QQ))H where (BDI(QQ))H = (8-quinolyl)-NCHC(4-tolyl)CHNH-(8-quinolyl). Metal complexes, (BDI(QQ))MX, were prepared where MX = MgBr 2, ZnCl 3, and CdOAc 4. The spectroscopic and crystallographic properties of compounds 2, 3, and 4 were explored. Structures of complexes 2, 3, 4, and the tridentate ligand, (BDI(Q))OH, 5, are reported.