Abstract
The synthesis and characterisation of an unexpected mixed-valence complex [Co-III(L-1)(aep)(NCS)](2) [Co-II(NCS)(4)] 1, of the deprotonated tridentate Schiff-base ligand (L-1)(-) [where HL1 is N-(1H-pyrrol-2-ylmethylene)-2-pyridineethanamine], is reported. This complex was synthesised by both non-stoichiometric and stoichiometric one pot procedures, by mixing 2-formylpyrrole, 2-(2-aminoethyl) pyridine (aep), cobalt(II) acetate and sodium thiocyanate at room temperature. The crystal structure of 1 center dot Et2O confirmed that two, almost identical, mixed ligand octahedral cobalt(III) monocationic complexes crystallise with a tetrahedral cobalt(II) tetra-thiocyanato dianionic counter ion.