Coordinative versatility of 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)-5,8-dimethoxyquinoxaline (L) to different metal ions: syntheses, crystal structures and properties of [Cu(I)L]2 and [ML] (M=Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Co(II))

The complexes of Cu(I), Cu(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Co(II) with a new polypyridyl ligand, 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)-5,8-dimethoxyquinoxaline (L), have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of these complexes have been elucidated by X-ray diffraction analyses and three types of coordination modes for L were found to exist in them. In the dinuclear complex [Cu(I)L(CH₃CN)]₂·(ClO₄)₂ (1), L acts as a tridentate ligand with two Cu(I) centers bridged by two L ligands to form a box-like dimeric structure, in which each Cu(I) ion is penta-coordinated with three nitrogen atoms and a methoxyl oxygen atom of two L ligands, and an acetonitrile. In [Cu(II)L(NO₃)₂]·CH₃CN 2, the Cu(II) center is coordinated to the two nitrogen atoms of the two pyridine rings of L which acts as a bidentate ligand. The structures of [Ni(II)L(NO₃)(H₂O)₂]·2CH₃CN·NO₃ (3), [Zn(II)L(NO₃)₂ (H₂O)]·2CH₃CN (4) and [Co(II)LCl₂(H₂O)] (5) are similar to each other in which L acts as a tridentate ligand by using its half side, and the metal centers are coordinated to a methoxyl oxygen atom and two bipyridine nitrogen atoms of L in the same side. The formation of infinite quasi-one-dimensional chains (1, 4 and 5) or a quasi-two-dimensional sheet (2) assisted by the intra- or intermolecular face-to-face aryl stacking interactions and hydrogen bonds may have stabilized the crystals of these complexes. Luminescence studies showed that 1 exhibits broad, structureless emissions at 420 nm in the solid state and at 450 nm in frozen alcohol frozen glasses at 77 K. Cyclic voltammetric studies of 1 show the presence of an irreversible metal-centered reduction wave at approximately −0.973 V versus Fc^+/0 and a quasi-reversible ligand-centered reduction couple at approximately −1.996 V versus Fc^+/0. The solution behaviors of these complexes have been further studied by UV-Vis and ESR techniques.     

Two different 1D-chains in the structures of the copper(I) coordination polymers based on bidentate Schiff-base building units and thiocyanate anions as bridging ligands

The reaction of the bidentate Schiff-base ligands (3,4,5-MeO-ba)₂en (L¹) and (4-Me-ba)₂en (L²) with Cu(SCN) in CH₃CN yielded two copper(I) coordination polymers [Cu(L¹)(SCN)]_n (1) and [Cu(L²)(SCN)]_n (2), which have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR- and ¹H NMR-spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The non-centrosymmetric structures of both Cu(I) complexes consist of an one-dimensional polymeric chain in which copper(I) ions are bridged by two thiocyanate groups bonding in an end-to-end fashion. The Cu(I)?Cu(I) separation is 5.604 Å in 1 and 5.706 Å in 2.     

Synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of hydrotris(2-mercapto-1-imidazolyl)borate-based zinc(II) and copper(I) complexes

The reaction of the tripod ligand hydrotris(2-mercapto-1-imidazolyl)borate Tm^xylyl with zinc(II) perchlorate in methanol afforded the mononuclear complex of the type [Tm^xylyl-Zn(mim^xylyl)]ClO₄ (1). Whereas under the same conditions, the reaction with copper(II) perchlorate gives rise to the simultaneous formation of the dinuclear copper(I) complex [Tm^xylylCu]₂ (2). The chemical formulae of the complexes have been characterized by elemental chemical analysis, IR-NMR spectroscopies, and single crystal X-ray methods. In complex 1, the zinc(II) atom displays a distorted tetrahedral environment. While in complex 2, the Tm^xylyl ligand bridges the two copper(I) atoms in an asymmetric manner with trigonal geometry. The inverted conformation of the ligand Tm^xylyl at the boron center, allows the B-H units to be directed towards the copper centers. The greater reactivity of the borohydride groups towards metal centers enhances the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). The obtained kinetic results for the methylation reactions of 1 and 2 indicate that these bound thione complexes are less suitable to electrophilic attack than the thiolate ligand.     

Axial versus equatorial coordination of thioether sulfur: Mixed ligand copper(II) complexes of 2-pyridyl-N-(2′-methylthiophenyl)-methyleneimine with bidentate diimine ligands

The synthesis, structure and spectral and redox properties of the copper(II) complexes [Cu(pmtpm)Cl₂] (1) and [Cu(pmtpm)₂](ClO₄)₂ (6), where pmtpm is the linear tridentate ligand 2-pyridyl-N-(2′-methylthiophenyl)methyleneimine containing a thioether and two pyridine donors, are described. Also, the mixed ligand complexes [Cu(pmtpm)(diimine)](ClO₄)₂ (2-5), where the diimine is 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) (2), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (3), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (2,9-dmp) (4) or dipyrido-[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]-quinoxaline (dpq) (5), have been isolated and studied. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes 1, [Cu(pmtpm)(2,9-dmp)](ClO₄)₂4 and 6 have been successfully determined. The complex 1 possesses a trigonal bipyramidal distorted square based pyramidal (TBDSBP) coordination geometry in which three corners of the square plane are occupied by two nitrogens and thioether s of pmtpm ligand and the remaining equatorial and the axial positions by two chloride ions. The complex 4 contains a CuN₄S chromophore also with a TBDSBP coordination geometry in which two nitrogens and the thioether sulfur of pmtpm ligand occupy three corners of the square plane. One of the two nitrogens of 2,9-dmp ligand is equatorially coordinated and the other axially to copper. On the other hand, the complex 6 is found to possess a square based pyramidal distorted trigonal bipyramidal (SPDTBP) coordination geometry. The CuN₂S trigonal plane in it is comprised of the pyridine and imine nitrogens and the thioether sulfur of the pmtpm ligand. The pyridine nitrogens of the ligand occupy the axial positions and the second thioether sulfur remains uncoordinated. On long standing in acetonitrile solution the mixed ligand complexes 2 and 3 undergo ligand disproportionation to provide the corresponding bis-complexes of bpy and phen, respectively, and 6. The electronic and EPR spectral parameters and the positive redox potential of complex 4 are consistent with the equatorial location of the thioether sulfur in the square-based coordination geometry around copper(II). On the other hand, the higher g_∥ and lower A_∥ values and lower E_1/2 values for the complexes 2, 3 and 5 are consistent with the axial coordination of the thioether sulfur. Also, the Cu(II)/Cu(I) redox potentials increase with increase in number of aromatic rings of the diimine ligand. The steric and electronic effects of the bidentate diimine ligands in orienting the thioether coordination to axial or equatorial position are discussed.     

The syntheses, characterizations, X-ray crystal structures and properties of Cu(I) complexes of a bis-bidentate schiff base ligand

Bis-bidentate Schiff base ligand L and its two mononuclear complexes [CuL(CH₃CN)₂]ClO₄ (1) and [CuL(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄ (2) have been prepared and thoroughly characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV-Vis, NMR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. In both the complexes the metal ion auxiliaries adopt tetrahedral coordination environment. Their reactivity, electrochemical and photophysical behavior have been studied. Complex 1 shows reversible Cu^II/I couple with potential 0.74 V versus Ag/AgCl in CH₂Cl₂. At room temperature L is weakly fluorescent in CH₂Cl₂, however in Cu(I) complexes 1 and 2 the emission in quenched.     

Copper phosphates and phosphinates with pyridine/pyrazole alcohol co-ligands: Synthesis and structure

Copper phosphates, [Cu(dtbp)₂(pzet)₂]·H₂O (1) and [Cu(dtbp)₂(pyme)₂] (2), as well as copper phosphinate, [Cu(dppi)₂(pyet)₂] (3) have been synthesized by the reaction of copper acetate with di-tert-butyl phosphate (dtbp) or diphenyl phosphinate (dppi) in the presence of pyridine base having hydroxyl group, namely, 3,5-dimethylpyrazole-2-ethanol (pzet) or 2-(hydroxymethyl)pyridine (pyme) or 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)pyridine (pyet). Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that copper ion in all the three complexes is bonded to two phosphoryl ions (P(O)O⁻) and two pyridine co-ligands. The crystal structure of 1 reveals that the hydroxyl group of the CH₂CH₂OH moiety of pzet ligand exhibits a positional disorder between the non-bonding position and the bonding position with respect to the central copper ion along the Jahn-Teller axis. Hence, the structure of 1 can be considered to exhibit both ‘square-planar’ and ‘octahedral’ coordination geometries simultaneously for the copper ion in the same complex. A similar situation for the -OH groups has not been observed in the complexes 2 and 3 and hence the coordination geometry around the copper ion is axially elongated octahedron.     

Copper(II) nitrato and chloro complexes with sterically hindered tridentate ligands: Influence of ligand framework and charge on their structure and physicochemical properties

Copper(II) coordination complexes of the neutral ligand, tris(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-1-pyrazolyl)methane (L2′), i.e. the copper(II) nitrato complexes [Cu(L2′)(NO₃)][Cu(NO₃)₄]_1/2 (1) and [Cu(L2′)(NO₃)](ClO₄) (2) and the copper(II) chloro complex [Cu(L2′)(Cl)](ClO₄) (3), and its anionic borate analogue, hydrotris(3-tert-butyl-5-methyl-1-pyrazolyl)borate (L2⁻), i.e. the copper(II) nitrato complex [Cu(L2)(NO₃)] (4) and the copper(II) chloro complex [Cu(L2)(Cl)] (5), were synthesized in order to investigate the influence of ligand framework and charge on their structure and physicochemical properties. While X-ray crystallography did not show any definitive trends in terms of copper(II) atom geometry in four-coordinate copper(II) chloro complexes 3 and 5, different structural trends were observed in five-coordinate copper(II) nitrato complexes 1, 2, and 4. These complexes were also characterized by spectroscopic techniques, namely, UV-Vis, ESR, IR/far-IR, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy.     

Copper(I) and silver(I) tertiary phosphines complexes: Synthesis, X-ray structures and spectroscopic characterization

Six new complexes, [Cu₄I₄(PPh₂Cy)₄]·2H₂O (1), [CuI(PPhCy₂)₂] (2), [CuCl(PPhCy₂)₂] (3), and [CuBr(PPh₃)₃]·CH₃CN (4), [Ag(PPhCy₂)₂(NO₃)] (5), [Ag(PCy₃)(NO₃)]₂ (6) [where Ph = phenyl, Cy = cyclohexyl], have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction, IR absorption spectra and NMR spectroscopic studies (except complex 4). The X-ray diffraction analysis of complex (1), pseudo polymorph of complex [Cu₄I₄(PPh₂Cy)₄], reveals a stella quadrangula structure. The four corners of the cube are occupied by copper(I) atoms and four I atoms are present at the alternative corners of the cube, further more the copper(I) atoms are coordinated to a monodentate tertiary phosphine. Complexes (2) and (3) are isostructural with trigonal planar geometry around the copper(I) atom. The crystal structure of complex (4) is a pseudo polymorph of complex [CuBr(PPh₃)₃] and the geometrical environment around the copper(I) centre is distorted tetrahedral. In the Ag^I complexes (5) and (6), the central metal atoms have pseudo tetrahedral and trigonal planar geometry, respectively. Spectroscopic and microanalysis results are consistent with the single crystal X-ray diffraction studies.     

Structural, photolysis and biological studies of the bis(μ2-chloro)-tris(triphenylphosphine)-di-copper(I) and chloro-tris(triphenylphosphine)-copper(I) complexes. Study of copper(I)-copper(I) interactions

Direct reaction of copper(I) chloride with triphenylphosphine (tpp) in molar ratio 2:3 and 1:3, results in the formation of the [(tpp)Cu(μ₂-Cl)₂Cu(tpp)₂] (1) and {[CuCl(tpp)₃]·(CH₃CN)} (2) complexes. The complexes have been characterized by melting point, FT-IR, UV-Vis spectroscopic data and X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is di-nuclear. Two μ₂-Cl atoms bridge two copper(I) ions with tetrahedral and trigonal geometry respectively. The short copper-copper bond distance of 2.9039(6) ? in case of 1 indicates d¹⁰-d¹⁰ interaction between metal centers. Thus, our studies were extended here in the determination of the quasi-aromaticity, which results in strong Cu-Cu interactions, using the computational method of nucleus-independent chemical shifts (NICS). The NICS calculated at the inner region of the Cu₂Cl₂P₃ core in complex 1 is shielded up to −6.05 ppm. Complex 2 is mono-nuclear where three phosphorus and one chloride atoms form a tetrahedron around the copper(I) ion. Photolysis of both complexes 1 and 2, results in the formation of triphenylphosphine oxide.The complexes 1 and 2, were tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity against leiomyosarcoma cells (LMS) and human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7). The type of LMS cell death caused by the complexes was also evaluated by use of a flow cytometry assay. The results show that at concentration of 5 μΜ of complexes 1 and 2, 34.1% (1) and 19.6 (2)% of LMS cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis), while at 10 μΜ, 80.4% (1) and 65.2% (2) of LMS cells undergo apoptosis. The light sensitivity of the complex is discussed in relation with the biological activity.     

Heterometallic complexes derived from ruthenocene-functionalized dipyrromethenes

A new ligand based on a ruthenocene moiety appended by a diyrromethene (Rc-dpm) was synthesized. Two copper complexes, Cu(Rc-dpm)₂ (3) and Cu(Rc-dpm)acac (4), and one cobalt complex, Co(Rc-dpm)₃, 5, were prepared from the ligand. These complexes were characterized by a combination of UV-Vis spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and X-ray crystallography. Copper(II) complex 3 was found to be coordinated by two dipyrromethene ligands in a distorted square planar environment around the copper while complex 4 had one dipyrromethene ligand and an acac coordinated in a nearly idealized square planar copper geometry. The cobalt(III) complex 5 has an octahedral geometry around the cobalt via the coordination of three dipyyromethene ligands.     

Synthesis, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of copper(I) complexes containing β-dialdiminato supporting ligands

Two mononuclear neutral copper(I) complexes, Cu(L¹)PPh₃ (1), Cu(L²)(PPh₃)₂ (2) ([L¹]⁻ = [{N(C₆H₃ⁱPr₂-2,6)C(H)}₂CPh]⁻; [L²]⁻ = [{N(C₆H₅)C(H)}₂CPh]⁻) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. In complex 1, the copper(I) atom is in a distorted three-coordinate trigonal planar environment, whereas in complex 2 with the less sterically hindered β-dialdiminato ligand, the copper(I) atom is the centre of a four-coordinate distorted tetrahedron. At room temperature complexes 1 and 2 in a film of PMMA exhibit green emission at 543 and 549 nm with lifetimes of 5.28 and 5.32 ns, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterisation of new molybdenum - oxo complexes containing diphenylphosphinylacetic acid and 2-(tert-butylsulphoxide)phenyldiphenylphosphine oxide as bidentate ligands

Reaction of the ligands diphenylphosphinylacetic acid Ph₂P(O)CH₂COOH (1) and 2-(tert-butylthio)phenyldiphenylphosphine oxide Ph₂P(O)C₆H₄^tBuS (2) with “MoO₂Cl₂”, resulted in two complexes MoO₂Cl₂Ph₂P(O)CH₂COOH (3) and MoO₂Cl₂Ph₂P(O)C₆H₄^tBuS(O) (4). Complexes 3 and 4 were isolated and analysed by ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR and X-ray crystallography. Complex 3 crystallised with a molecule of the free ligand in a 1:1 ratio (3·1) and complex 4 crystallised with molecules of the solvent CH₂Cl₂ within the unit cell in a 2:1 ratio (4·0.5CH₂Cl₂). Tetrameric arrangements comprised of hydrogen bonds were observed in complexes 1 and 3. Complex 4 exhibited a seven-membered ring structure owing to the oxidation of the sulphide in 2 to sulphoxide and coordination of this ligand via the oxygen atoms to the molybdenum atom.     

Crystal structure and properties of the copper(II) complex of sodium monensin A

The preparation and structural characterization of a new copper(II) complex of the polyether ionophorous antibiotic sodium monensin A (MonNa) are described. Sodium monensin A binds Cu(II) to produce a heterometallic complex of composition [Cu(MonNa)₂Cl₂]·H₂O, 1. The crystallographic data of 1 show that the complex crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2 with Cu(II) ion adopting a distorted square-planar geometry. Copper(II) coordinates two anionic sodium monensin ligands and two chloride anions producing a neutral compound. The sodium ion remains in the inner cavity of the ligand retaining its sixfold coordination with oxygen atoms. Replacement of crystallization water by acetonitrile is observed in the crystal structure of the complex 1. Copper(I) salt of the methyl ester of MonNa, 2, was identified by X-ray crystallography as a side product of the reaction of MonNa with Cu(II). Compound 2, [Me-MonNa][H-MonNa][CuCl₂]Cl, crystallizes in monoclinic space group C2 with the same coordination pattern of the sodium cation but contains a chlorocuprate(I) counter [CuCl₂]⁻, which is linear and not coordinated by sodium monensin A. The antibacterial and antioxidant properties as two independent activities of 1 were studied. Compound 1 is effective against aerobic Gram(+)-microorganisms Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus mycoides and Sarcina lutea. Complex 1 shows SOD-like activity comparable with that of the copper(II) ion.     

Coordination polymers of 1,8-bis(2-methylthioethoxy)anthraquinone and 1,5-bis(2-methylthioethoxy)anthraquinone with Ag(I): Synthesis and X-ray crystallography

The reaction of 2-(methylthioethanol) with 1,8-dichloroanthraquinone and 1,5-dichloroanthraquinone in THF with base produces 1,8-bis(2-methylthioethoxy)anthraquinone (1) and 1,5-bis(2-methylthioethoxy)anthraquinone (2), respectively. Silver(I) complexes of 1 and 2 have been synthesized after combination with [Ag(CH₃CN)₄]BF₄ in 1:1 M ratio to yield, [(1,8-bis(2-methylthioethoxy)anthraquinone)Ag]BF₄, (3) and [(1,5-bis(2-methylthioethoxy)anthraquinone)Ag·CH₃CN]BF₄, (4). X-ray crystal structures of the free ligand (1) and the Ag(I) complexes (3 and 4) are reported. The intraannular carbonyl group forms a coordinate-covalent bond with Ag(I) and, in the solid state, both silver(I) complexes are found as coordination polymers.     

Copper complexes of tripodal κN-donor ligands: A structural, EPR spectroscopic and electrochemical study

A new tris(pyridylhydrazonyl)methane ligand, HC[N(Me)NC(H)Py]₃ (L2) (Py = pyridyl), has been synthesized. The latter is accessible from triethyl orthoformate and 2-(2-methylhydrazono)methylpyridine in 63% isolated yield. We have investigated its coordination chemistry towards copper ions and compared the results with those obtained for the recently developed multifunctional ligand, (S)P[N(Me)NC(H)Py]₃ (L1). The copper(II) complexes [Cu(L1)](OTf)₂ (3) and [Cu(L2)](OTf)₂ (4) (OTf = triflate, (O₃SCF₃)⁻) are mononuclear with the cations coordinated by three imino and three pyridine nitrogen atoms. Almost axial symmetric EPR spectra have been obtained in frozen solutions at X-band. The spectra show resolved hyperfine couplings to the copper nuclei on one of the three g values. X-ray structural analyses revealed in each case a cis bond distortion and a trigonal twist due to Jahn-Teller effects. The Cu^II/Cu^I reduction potentials of 3 and 4 were shown to be remarkably low ( = −0.11 V for 3;  = −0.34 V for 4), especially for 3 consisting of the phosphorus supported ligand L1. The corresponding copper(I) complexes [Cu(L1)](OTf) (5) and [Cu(L2)](OTf) (6) are accessible by reduction using decamethyl ferrocene. Both copper(I) complexes have been characterized in detail including X-ray structure analyses.     

Nitric oxide reduction of copper(II) complex with tetradentate amine ligand followed by ligand transformation

Copper(II) complex 1 with a tetradentate ligand L [L = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine, tren] has been prepared as its perchlorate salt. Single crystal X-ray structure of 1 indicates its trigonal bipyramidal shape in the solid state. The complex, in dry and degassed acetonitrile solvent, was made to react with nitric oxide gas and the copper(II) center has been observed to reduce to Cu(I) with simultaneous nitrosation followed by diazotization at the terminal primary amine positions of the ligand to result into cyclization product, 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperzine, L′ along with tris(2-aminoethyl)ammonium perchlorate, L′′-perchlorate. However, when an acetonitrile:water (10:1, v/v) mixture has been used as the solvent, the reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) is observed and the ligand is found to be precipitated out only as L′′-perchlorate. The reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) has been studied by UV-visible, ¹H NMR and EPR spectroscopic techniques and by X-ray single crystal structure determination. Both the L′ and L′′-perchlorate have been isolated from the reaction mixture and characterized by using microanalytical studies, various spectroscopic techniques and X-ray single crystal structure determination.     

Synthesis of two configurational isomers of a 14-membered tetraaza macrocycle bearing N-CH2CH2CONH2 pendent arms and their copper(II) complexes: Crystal structures of the complexes

Two isomers of 1,8-bis(N-carbamoylethyl)-5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane (L²) bearing two N-CH₂CH₂CONH₂ groups, C-meso-L² and C-racemic-L², have been prepared and characterized. Each isomer reacts with Cu(II) ion to form a five-coordinate complex, [Cu(C-meso-L²)](ClO₄)₂ (1) or [Cu(C-racemic-L²)](ClO₄)₂ (2), in which only one pendent amide group is coordinated to the metal ion. The crystal structure of 1 · CH₃CN shows that the complex possesses trans-III-type N-configuration and has a slightly distorted square-pyramidal coordination geometry with a relatively long axial Cu-O (N-CH₂CH₂CONH₂) bond (2.207(3) Å). On the other hand, 2 exhibits trans-V configuration and has a slightly distorted trigonal bipyramidal coordination geometry with a very short equatorial Cu-O (N-CH₂CH₂CONH₂) bond (2.007(3) Å); the Cu-O distance is distinctly shorter than the Cu-N distances (2.062(4)-2.090(4) Å). The complex 1 exhibits a d-d transition band at approximately 565 nm, whereas the band for 2 is observed at approximately 770 nm.     

Dinuclear triply-bridged copper(II) compounds containing carboxylato bridges and di-2-pyridylamine as a ligand: synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic and magnetic properties

Three new triply-bridged dinuclear copper(II) compounds with carboxylato bridges, [Cu₂(μ-O₂CH)(μ-OH)(μ-Cl)(dpyam)₂](PF₆) (1), [Cu₂(μ-O₂CH)₂(μ-OH)(dpyam)₂](PF₆) (2) and [Cu₂(μ-O₂CCH₂CH₃)₂(μ-OH)(dpyam)₂](ClO₄) (3) (dpyam = di-2-pyridylamine) have been synthesized and characterized crystallographically and spectroscopically. Compound 1 consists of a dinuclear unit in which both copper(II) ions are bridged by three different ligands, i.e., formate, chloride and hydroxide anions, providing a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with a CuN₂O₂Cl chromophore. Compounds 2 and 3 have two bridging formato ligands and two bridging propionato ligands, respectively, together with a hydroxo bridge. The carboxylato ligands in both compounds 2 and 3 exhibit different coordination modes. One is in a syn, syn η¹:η¹:μ₂ bridging mode and the other is in a monoatomic bridging mode. The structure of compound 2 involves a dinuclear unit, with a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry around each Cu(II) ion with a CuN₂O₃ chromophore. Compound 3 contains a non-centrosymmetric unit; the coordination environment around Cu(1) is a distorted square-pyramidal geometry and an intermediate geometry of sp and tbp around the Cu(II) ion. The Cu?Cu separations are 3.061, 3.113 and 3.006 Å for compounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively. The EPR spectra of all three compounds show a broad isotropic signal with a g value around 2.10.The magnetic susceptibility measurements, measured from 5 to 280 K, revealed a moderate ferromagnetic interaction between the Cu(II) ions with a singlet-triplet energy gap (J) of 79.7, 47.8 and 24.1 cm⁻¹, for compounds 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Also a very weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic interaction was observed between the dinuclear units.     

Dicopper(II) complexes showing DNA hydrolase activity and monomeric adduct formation with bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate

Ferromagnetic dicopper(II) complexes [Cu₂(μ-O₂CCH₃)(μ-OH)(L)₂(μ-L¹)](PF₆)₂, where L = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), L¹ = H₂O in 1 and L = dipyrido[3,2-d:2′,3′-f]quinoxaline (dpq), L¹ = CH₃CN in 2, are prepared and structurally characterized. Crystals of 1 and 2 belong to the monoclinic space group of P2₁/n and P2₁/m, respectively. The copper(II) centers display distorted square-pyramidal geometry having a phenanthroline base and two oxygen atoms of the bridging hydroxo and acetate group in the basal plane. The fifth coordination site has weak axially bound bridging solvent molecule H₂O in 1 and CH₃CN in 2. The Cu···Cu distances are 3.034 and 3.046 Å in 1 and 2, respectively. The complexes show efficient hydrolytic cleavage of supercoiled pUC19 DNA as evidenced from the mechanistic studies that include T4 DNA ligase experiments. The binuclear complexes form monomeric copper(II) adducts [Cu(L)₂(BNPP)](PF₆) (L = phen, 3; dpq, 4) with bis(4-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) as a model phosphodiester. The crystal structures of 3 and 4 reveal distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry in which BNPP binds through the oxygen atom of the phosphate. The kinetic data of the DNA cleavage reactions of the binuclear complexes under pseudo- and true-Michaelis-Menten conditions indicate remarkable enhancement in the DNA hydrolysis rate in comparison to the control data.     

Tuning the formation of copper(I) coordination architectures with quinoxaline-based N,S-donor ligands by varying terminal groups of ligands and reaction temperature

Five new complexes [Cu₂(L¹)I₂]_∞ (1), [Cu(L²)I]₂ (2), {[Cu₂(L²)I₂](CH₃CN)₃}_∞ (3), [Cu₂(L³)I₂]_∞ (4) and {[Cu(L³)I](CH₃CN)}₂ (5) have been obtained by reacting three structurally related ligands, 2,3-bis(n-propylthiomethyl)quinoxaline (L¹), 2,3-bis(tert-butylthiomethyl)quinoxaline (L²) and 2,3-bis[(o-aminophenyl)thiomethyl]quinoxaline (L³) with CuI, respectively, at different temperatures. Single crystal X-ray analyses show that 1, 3, 4 possess 1D chain structures, while 2 and 5 are discrete dinuclear molecules. It is interesting that the reactions of CuI with L¹ at room temperature and 0 °C, respectively, only afforded same structure of 1 (1a and 1b), while using L² (or L³) instead, two different frameworks 2 and 3 (or 4 and 5) have been obtained. The structural changes mainly resulted from the different conformations that L² or L³ adopted at different temperatures. Our research indicates that terminal groups of ligands take an essential role in the framework formation, and the reaction temperature also has important effect on the construction of such Cu(I) coordination architectures. Furthermore, the influence of hydrogen bonds on the conformation of ligands and the supramolecular structures of these complexes have also been explored. The luminescence properties of complexes 1, 2, and 4 have been studied in solid state at room temperature.