Nickel(II) and zinc(II) dibenzoylmethanates: molecular and crystal structure, polymorphism, and guest- or temperature-induced oligomerization

Several solid phases of nickel(II) and zinc(II) dibenzoylmethanates (DBMs) have been isolated and studied. Nickel dibenzoylmethanate forms three polymorphic forms and a fourth a clathrate form. A brown form containing [Ni(DBM)2] monomers transforms upon heating into a green form containing [Ni3(DBM)6] trimers. Benzene stabilizes the trimeric structure at room temperature, forming a [Ni3(DBM)6]\ub72(benzene) inclusion compound. Zinc dibenzoylmethanate has been prepared in two polymorphic forms, containing [Zn(DBM)2] monomers or [Zn2(DBM)4] dimers.NRC publication: Ye