ASSEMBLING PROCESSES IN A SYSTEM COMPRISING 4 CONSTITUENTS - 2 METAL-IONS (NA, NI) AND 2 ANIONIC LIGANDS (PERCHLORATO AND 3-(2-METHOXYETHOXY)SALICYLALDIMINATO(1-))

The L(2)(3)NiNa ClO4 complex crystallizes in the monoclinic space grou p P2(1)/n (No. 14), in a cell having the dimensions a = 17.447(2) Angs trom, b = 13.876(1) Angstrom, c = 19.966(2) Angstrom, beta = 91.16(1)d egrees, and Z = 8. The NiN2O2 chromophore adopts a cis configuration r esulting in the formation of an outer pseudocavity which can accommoda te the Na ion. Unexpectedly, the ClO4 anions not only are integral par ts of the structure but also are involved in the organization of the s ystem. Indeed, formation of a dimeric entity is achieved by a bridging ClO4 while hydrogen bonds from the imino groups to terminal and bridg ing ClO4 link two dimers to yield a ''dimer of dimers''. [GRAPHICS] GR APHICS]