Synthesis and Characterization of New Polyaza Non-macrocyclic and Macrocyclic Nickel(II) Complexes Containing One 1,3-Diazacyclohexane Ring

A new nickel(II) complex $[NiL^1]^{2+}$ ($L^1$ = 1-(2-aminoethyl)-3-(N-{2-aminoethyl}aminomethyl-1,3-diazacyclohexane) containing one 1,3-diazacyclohexane ring has been prepared selectively by the metal-template condensation of formaldehyde with N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,3-propanediamine and ethylenediamine at room temperature. The complex reacts with nitroethane and formaldehyde to yield the pentaaza macrocyclic complex $[NiL^2]^{2+}$ ($L^2$ = 8-methyl-8-nitro-1,3,6,10,13-pentaazabicyclo[13.3.1]heptadecane) bearing one C-$NO_2$ pendant arm. The reduction of $[NiL^2]^{2+}$ by using Zn/HCl produces $[NiL^3(H_2O)]^{2+}$ ($L^3$ = 8-amino-8-methyl-1,3,6,10,13-pentaazabicyclo[13.3.1]heptadecane) bearing one coordinated C-$NH_2$ pendant arm that is readily protonated in acid solutions. The hexaaza macrocyclic complex $[NiL^4]^{2+}$ ($L^4$ = 8-phenylmethyl-8-nitro-1,3,6,8,10,13-hexaazabicyclo[13.3.1]heptadecane) bearing one N-$CH_2C_6H_5$ pendant arm has also been prepared by the reaction of $[NiL^1]^{2+}$ with benzylamine and formaldehyde. The nickel(II) complexes of $L^1$, $L^2$, and $L^4$ have square-planar coordination geometry in the solid states and in nitromethane. However, they exist as equilibrium mixtures of the square-planar $[NiL]^{2+}$ (L = $L^1$, $L^2$, or $L^4$) and octahedral $[NiL(S)_2]^{2+}$ species in various coordinating solvents (S); the proportion of the octahedral species $[NiL(S)_2]^{2+}$ is strongly influenced by the ligand structure and the nature of the solvent. Synthesis, spectra, and chemical properties of the nickel(II) complexes of $L^1-L^4$ are described.