A series of tripodal complexes derived from the reaction of 3d transition metal chlorides or acetates (M = Zn2+, Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+ and Mn2+) with the Schiff base of 2,2',2''-triaminotriethylamine and formylferrocene were prepared and characterized by UV, IR and ESR spectra. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibilities of four typical complexes were measured. Although a large degree of electron delocalization exists in these compounds, the magnetic data indicate that three diamagnetic Fe(II) ions in the ferrocenyl arms have little effect on the magnetism of the complex. The compound only exhibits the magnetic property of the single center ion.

Key words: ZINC COMPLEX, COPPER COMPLEX, PARAMAGNETIC RESONANCE, COBALT COMPLEX, TRANSITION METAL COMPLEX, NICKEL COMPLEX, SCHIFF BASE, MANGANESE COMPLEX, ELECTRON SPECTROMETRY, FERROCENE P