We report the crystal structure of [Zn2HoIII(L)(ald)(HO)(H2O)3(MeCN)](NO3)2·EtOH [being H3L = 2-(5‑bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,3-bis[4-(5-bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxy phenyl)-3-azabut-3-enyl]-1,3-imidazolidine); and Hald = 5‑bromo-2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde]. Despite the presence of two bulky multidentate ligands, as well as several monodentate ligands surrounding the nonacoordinated holmium cation, and the two pseudooctahedral zinc ions, the intricate H-bonded system formed by this chiral heterotrinuclear complex is only expanded in a 2D supramolecular structure. The interactions involve the nitrate counterions and the solvated ethanol, in such way that each complex unit is connected to an identical enantiomer, and to two units of inverted chirality through H bonds
1st Q: No, we cannot measure by the moment, as we do not have got enough pure sample of this by-product.
2ndQ: The preparation of the Zn2(L)AcO metalloligand is simple and, finally, after multiple attempts, this was the best synthetic route.
2) If you said that the deprotonated ald and the OH came from a hydrolyzes in the crystallization process, do you think you would be able to add different functional groups?
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Regarding to your first question. We have to recognise that Ho was not our first option, so we do not use it very frequently. Consequently, we were using the only salt available in that moment. In my opinion, and as you probably suspect, another salt, or a less hydrated sample, could probably yield different results. But, we have stopped attempting, as this was not our preferred metal.
2nd Q: We have worked with this kind of ligands a long time, and other groups as well, and HO- and ald- are two of the ions "commonly" found after hydrolysis, so it sis not surprinsing. Of course, there are many other possibilities...
I hope to have solved your doubts. thank you again.
Ana
