Metal coordination complexes of the sterically hindered 尾-diketonate, 2,6-dimesitylbenzoyl pinacolone (esac), are reported for Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. All four form ML2-type complexes with typical coordination behavior for late-metal 尾-diketonates, however the effects on established electrochemistry and reactivity vary somewhat per metal. For example, the striking chemical and electrochemical inertness of CoII(esac)2聽to oxidation and disproportionation is atypical. Conversely, the behavior of CuII(esac)2聽is rather typical relative to other CuII(尾-诲颈办别迟辞苍补迟别)2聽complexes. These data suggest a relative disfavoring of certain reaction pathways, and represent an important step in modulating the catalysis of the base metals聽via聽sterically hindered 尾-diketonates.