Abstract: The importance of [N,N'-Ethylenebis(salicylidenimine)] (Salen) provides a promotion to spot more light on the coordination tendency of this vital molecule. The coordination supremacy of Salen is reliant on the distinct profile of this ligand. In other words, it is not only the tetra-dentate property and the appropriate structure which influences the coordination with the metal ion, but the electronic relevance of the donor atoms in this ligand. This shall be discussed in this paper through the data obtained and other data taken from literature. 
To achieve our objective we have studied the coordination capability of Salen by means of preparing its complexes with copper (II) and nickel (II). Study of the coordination mode was through several techniques including IR, Atomic Absorption and others.


KEY WORDS: Salen, Metal complex, Basicity, Hydrogen bonding.