Multitopic ligand design: a concept for single-source precursors.

The multitopic ligand O,O'-bisnicotinic acid tetraethylene glycol, L, was designed for the coordination of two distinct types of metal ions. In this work, we describe how the O-donor part of L is used to coordinate to alkaline earth metal ions and that the N-donor atoms of L bind to group 11 elements. This makes L a suitable ligand for the combination of both metal ion types within the same compound. This concept will be exemplified by highlighting the pure Ca(2+) complexes, a Cu(+)-coordination polymer network, as well as the mixed-metal compound, which can be used as a single-source precursor for mixed-metal oxide materials.