Tetradentate bis(imine-quinaldine) ligands coordinate to the divalent metal ions Zn(II) and Ni(II) in a number of modes.  Zinc chloride gives single-stranded M-dihelicates, while zinc triflate can lead to ligand reduction and a mononuclear P-helical complex with pi-pi-stacked ligand sidearms.  Nickel iodide gives mononuclear complexes with three donors coordinated or dinuclear complexes with a single ligand wrapped around a Ni₂I₄ core.  Nickel triflate gives a double-stranded monohelix with two partially hydrolyzed tridentate ligands.