An octahedral aluminium(III) complex as a three-fold node for supramolecular heterometallic self-assemblies: solution and solid state chemistry

The new ditopic ligand LH (L = 3-(pyridin-4-ylmethyl)acetylacetonate) has been prepared. The crystal structure of the aluminium(III) complex AlL₃·H₂O is reported and shows three pendant pyridyl groups available for bridging metal ions. With square planar ions (Cu(II), Pd(II)) the formation of a symmetric cage complex [M₆(AlL₃)₈]¹²⁺ is proposed. With Co(NCS)₂ an extended structure [{Co(NCS)₂}(AlL₃)(OH₂)]_n is found. Factors favouring cage or extended structures are briefly discussed.