The synthesis of a new Costa-type ligand (H-2mdo), in which the propyl
ene bridge has been replaced by a methylenedioxy bridge has been accom
plished: two molecules of butanedione monoxime are coupled via a CH2 g
roup by reaction with CH2Cl2 and 50% aqueous NaOH in the presence of a
phase-transfer reagent. Dihalidocobalt and alkyl(halido)cobalt comple
xes of the deprotonated ligand have been prepared and structurally cha
racterized by NMR spectroscopy.