Regular High-Nuclearity Species from Square Building Blocks: A Triangular 3 x [2 x 2] Ni-12 Complex Generated by the Self-assembly of Three [2 x 2] Ni-4 Molecular Grids

Abstract

A dodecanuclear 3 x [2 x 2] nickel(II) complex has been obtained via the self-association of three tetranuclear [2 x 2] molecular grids. X-ray diffraction shows a "propeller-like" structure of the Ni-4 scaffold with a central mu(3)-hydroxide. The dodecanuclear species remains stable in solution and can be deposited without decomposition on highly ordered pyrolytic graphite surfaces.