9-Aryl-1,5-bis(N-phenylamino)-4,8-nonadiene-1,3,7-triones and Their Metal Complexes

A new series of tricarbonyl compounds, in which the keto groups are at tached to olefinic linkages, have been synthesized by the reaction between acetoacetanilide and aromatic aldehydes (2-chlorobenzaldehyde, 4-chlorobenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and vanillin) under specified conditions. Their IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data revaealed that only one of the carbonyl groups is enolised and engaged in intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Neutral bidentate coordination of these compounds with Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) has been established on the basis of analytical and spectral data.