Various mono- and bis-ZnII complexes derived from salphen ligands have been conveniently transmetalated with a number of transition metal (TM) acetates (M = Ni, Pd, Mn) in THF to afford their respective TM-salphen counterparts in excellent isolated yields (80-100%). This new transmetalation procedure allows in situ switching between supramolecular and catalytic functions of the metallosalphen complex.
![Expedient method for the transmetalation of Zn(II)-centered salphen complexes](https://www.iciq.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Expedient-method-for_eng_noticies_articles_2007_70.gif)