Structural diversity in metal complexes with a dinucleating ligand containing carboxyamidopyridyl groups.

The synthesis of a (carboxyamido)pyridinepyrazolate (H(5)bppap) dinucleating ligand is described. Bimetallic iron and cobalt complexes of H(5)bppap ([M(II)(2)H(2)bppap](+)) showed structural differences in both their primary and secondary coordination spheres. The binding of small molecules into the preorganized ligand cavity is verified by the hydration of [Fe(II)(2)H(2)bppap](+) and [Co(II)(2)H(2)bppap](+), leading to the formation of complexes [{Co(II)(OH)}Co(II)H(3)bppap](+) and [{Fe(II)(OH)}Fe(II)H(3)bppap](+), in which one of the metal centers has a terminal hydroxo ligand.