Abstract
Zn complexes of Schiff base ligands derived from 2,2'‐diaminobiphenyls and salicylaldehyde derivatives were synthesized and characterized by NMR and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The detailed NMR studies suggest that the Zn complexes have a complicated behavior in solution, which is strongly dependent on the donating ability of the solvent, the steric properties of the ligand, as well as the concentration of the complex in the solvent. All these factors are decisive for the determination of the coordination number of the complex in solution. Furthermore, pentacoordinated Zn complexes of the aforementioned type, ligated by a series of nitrogen bases, were synthesized. NMR studies of the different complexes at different concentrations and temperatures, revealed information about their conformational stability. The differences were further examined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In addition to the studies conducted on Zn complexes, comparative studies were conducted on a series of Cd complexes.