The synthesis of the new polynucleating ligand 1,3-bis-(3-oxo-3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-propionyl)-benzene (H4L) is reported along with the preparation, structure and properties of its dinuclear complexes [Cu(2)(H(2)L)(2)(py)(2)](1), [Ni(2)(H(2)L)(2)(py)(4)](2), [Mn(2)(H(2)L)(2)(dmf)(4)](3), [Co(2)(H(2)L)(2)(dmf)(4)](4) and [Co(2)(H(2)L)(2)(MeOH)(4)](5), respectively. In complexes 1 to 5, the polydentate ligand is in its bis-deprotonated form, chelating the metals through its [small beta]-diketonate moieties. Magnetic measurements show that the metals within these molecules are maintained almost mutually independent.