Synthesis, structure, and stereochemistry of trinuclear metal complexes formed from the phosphorus-based achiral tripodal ligand {P(S)[N(Me)N=CHC6H4-o-OH]3} (LH3): luminescent properties of L2Cd3 x 2H2O.

Neutral trinuclear metal complexes L2Cd3 x 2H2O, L2Mn3 x MeOH, and L2Zn3 x MeOH were isolated in the reaction between the phosphorus-centered achiral tris(hydrazone) P(S)[N(Me)N=CHC6H(4)-o-OH]3 (LH3) and the corresponding divalent metal ions. The trinuclear complexes contain two equivalent terminal metal ions (M(t)) and a central metal ion (M(c)). The ligand encapsulates M(t) in a facial N3O3 coordination environment. From the coordination sphere of the two terminal metal ions a pair of phenolic oxygen atoms further coordinate to the central metal ion. The coordination requirements of M(c) are completed by the solvents of coordination. The achiral trianionic tripodal ligand (L)3- induces chirality in the metal complexes. This results in a delta (clockwise) or lambda (anticlockwise) configuration for the terminal metal ions. The enantiomeric complexes 2-4 (delta-delta or lambda-lambda) crystallize as racemic compounds. The supramolecular structures of 2-4 reveal chiral recognition in the solid-state; every molecule with the delta-delta configuration interacts stereospecifically, through C-H...S=P bonds, with two lambda-lambda molecules to generate a one-dimensional polymeric chain. Photophysical studies of the diamagnetic trinuclear complexes reveal that the tricadmium complex is luminescent in the solid state as well as in solution. In contrast LH3 and L2Zn3 x MeOH are nonluminescent.