The synthesis and magnetic properties of a linear mixed-valence [Ni3]5+ in anthyridine tri-nickel complex

A novel trinuclear complex [Ni3(μ3-dbay)4Cl2]I3 (1) with mixed-valence state was prepared by reacting the tridentate ligand 1,13,14-Triaza-dibenz[a,j]anthracene (dibenzanthyridine = dbay) with anhydrous NiCl2 and sodium tetraphenylborate. The title compound provides the first example of a trinuclear nickel-anthyridine-based string complex which the metal framework of complex 1 consists of NiⅡ-NiⅠ-NiⅡ. The X-ray crystallography, magnetic susceptibility and detailed EPR measurements were performed to characterize the structure and magnetic properties of this unique complex.