Transition metal complexes with thiosemicarbazide-based ligands. XXXIX. [Benzoylacetone 3-methylisothiosemicarbazonato(2)-O,N-1,N-4](pyridine-N)nickel(II)

The square-planar title complex of formula [Ni(C12H13N3OS)(C6H5N)] or [Ni(L)(py)] (L is the dianion of the O,N,N-terdentate benzoylacetone S-methylisothio-semicarbazone ligand and py is pyridine) has structural characteristics of the ligand L somewhat different from those reported previously for the square-planar [Ni(HL)(NH3)]I complex, which involves the same ligand in its monoanionic form. The differences are in the different electronic delocalization in the isothiosemicarbazide moiety, and the trans orientation of the S-Me group and the imido N atom. The effect of H-atom repulsion on the orientation of the phenyl ring with respect to the coordination plane of the complex and the effect of the pyridine ring on the crystal packing are also described