Synthesis by thermal condensation and characterization of salicylate-derived heterobimetallic [Ba(II)-Ti(IV)]-μ-oxoisopropoxide complexes

Heterobimetallic ?-oxoisopropoxide [BaO?Ti?(OPri)?] was reacted with methyl, ethyl, and phenyl salicylates (HRSAL1, HRSAL2, and HRSAL3, respectively) in varying molar ratios (1:1 to 1:4) to synthesize a series of salicylate-substituted derivatives. These reactions yielded compounds of the general formula [BaO?Ti?(OPri)???(RSAL)?] (n = 1-4; RSAL = salicylate anion). The resulting derivatives were comprehensively characterized using elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques (IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR), thermal analysis, and molecular weight determination. Spectral data confirm the successful substitution of isopropoxide groups by salicylate ligands and support the monomeric nature of the complexes. Hydrothermally assisted sol-gel processing of these derivatives leads to controlled hydrolysis, while thermal decomposition studies indicate their suitability as precursors for the formation of multicomponent mixed metal oxides. Compared to the parent ?-oxoisopropoxide, the salicylate-modified derivatives exhibit reduced susceptibility to hydrolysis, highlighting their potential as stable and efficient molecular precursors for advanced oxide materials.