Preparation, structures and properties of dinuclear and trinuclear copper(II) complexes bridged by one oximato and one hydroxo ligands

The dinuclear and trinuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)(phen)(H₂O)]ClO₄ · [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)₂(phen)(CH₃OH)] (1) and [Cu₃(L)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (2) (HL=2-[2-(α-pyridyl)ethyl]imino-3-butanone oxime and phen=1,10-phenanthroline) were prepared and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Complex 1 is composed of [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)(phen)(H₂O)]ClO₄ (1a) and [Cu₂(L)(OH)(ClO₄)₂(phen)(CH₃OH)] (1b). In 1a and 1b, one oximato of L and one hydroxo group bridge two copper(II) ions. The linear trinuclear cation [Cu₃(L)₂(OH)₂(H₂O)₂]²⁺ in 2 is centrosymmetric, and one oximato and one hydroxo group bridge the central and terminal copper(II) ions. The strong antiferromagnetic interactions within the dinuclear and trinuclear complexes 1 and 2 have been observed (2J=∼−900 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively, H=−2JS₁·S₂).     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a cis-oxime-oximate bridged tetra coordinated open-book shaped new dicopper(II/II) complex [Cu2(μ-Hdmg)2(Hdmg)]ClO4: First report of unusual oxime OH bridging

Reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with dimethylglyoxime (H₂dmg) and triethylamine (pH ∼ 4-5) at room temperature affords oxime bridged dicopper(II/II) complex of formula [Cu₂(μ-Hdmg)₂(Hdmg)]ClO₄ · H₂O (1) (H₂dmg = dimethylglyoxime). The complex has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure consists of one dinuclear complex cation, [Cu₂(μ-Hdmg)₂(Hdmg)], and one anion. Two copper(II) ions at a distance of 3.558 Å are bridged by one oxime and one oximate groups in cis arrangement. The geometry around each copper atom is square planar with an overall open-book type arrangement of these planes. The average copper-oxygen distance is (1.953 Å) and the average copper-nitrogen distance is 2.003 Å. The Cu-O(oxime) distance (1.963 Å) is higher than the Cu-O(oximate) distance (1.942 Å) due to different protonation label. The room temperature value of χ_MT for the title complex (χ_M being the molar magnetic susceptibility for two copper atoms) is low (ca. 0.42 cm³ K mol⁻¹) (μ_eff = 1.52 μ_B). The UV-Vis spectrum of the complex shows a characteristic broad band at 470 nm.     

Synthesis, structures and magnetic properties of nicotinato-copper(II) complexes with polybenzimidazole and polyamine ligands

Four novel nicotinato-copper(II) complexes containing polybenzimidazole and polyamine ligands were synthesized with formula [Cu₂(bbma)₂(nic)₂](ClO₄)₂·CH₃OH·0.5H₂O (1), [Cu₂(dien)₂(nic)₂](ClO₄)₂·2CH₃OH (2), [Cu(ntb)(nic)]ClO₄·H₂O (3) and [Cu(tren)(nic)]BPh₄·CH₃OH·H₂O (4), in which bbma is bis(benzimidazol-2-yl-methyl)amine, dien is diethylenetriamine, ntb is tris(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)amine, tren is tris(2-aminoethyl)amine and nic is nicotinate anion. All of the complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR and X-ray diffraction analysis. Complexes 1 and 2 contain centrosymmetric dinuclear entity with the two Cu(II) atoms bridged by two nicotinate anions in an anti-parallel mode. The Cu···Cu separation is 7.109 Å for 1 and 6.979 Å for 2. Complexes 3 and 4 are mononuclear with nicotinate coordinated to Cu(II) ion by the carboxylate O atom in 3 and the pyridine N atom in 4. All of the complexes exhibit abundant hydrogen bonds to form 1D chain for 1, 3, 4 and 2D network for 2. Magnetic susceptibility measurements over the 2-300 K range reveal very weak ferromagnetic interaction between the two Cu(II) ions in 1 and antiferromagnetic interaction in 2 mediated by nicotinate ligand, with J value to be 0.15 and −0.19 cm⁻¹, respectively.     

Cyanide and imidazolate bridged macrocyclic dinuclear CuII complexes: Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Reaction of [Cu₂L](ClO₄)₄ with CH₃CN in acetonitrile, and Him in DMF gave cyanide and imidazolate bridged macrocyclic dinuclear copper (II) complexes with the formula [Cu₂L(CN)](ClO₄)₃ (1) and [Cu₂L(im)](ClO₄)₂ · 0.7Br · 0.3Cl, (2), respectively (L = N[(CH₂)₂NHCH₂(C₆H₄-p)CH₂NH(CH₂)₂]₃N). In 2, each Cu(II) atom is coordinated with four macrocyclic nitrogen atoms and one imidazolate N atom, forming a slightly distorted square pyramidal geometry. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1 and 2 show that the two Cu(II) atoms of the binuclear unit are antiferromagnetically coupled with g = 2.148, J = −86.09 cm⁻¹ for 1, and g = 2.047, J = −38.20 cm⁻¹ for 2. The correlation between the structures and the J values is discussed.     

One-dimensional copper(II) polymer with bridging μ-trans-oxamidate and thiocyanate ligands: Synthesis, crystal structure and DNA binding studies

A new one-dimensional copper(II) polymer, [Cu₄(dmapox)₂(SCN)₄(CH₃CH₂OH)₂]_n · 2nCH₃CH₂OH, where dmapox is the dianion of N,N′-bis[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]oxamide, was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity measurement, IR and electronic spectral studies. The crystal structure of the copper(II) complex has been determined by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The complex crystallizes in triclinic, space group and exhibits infinite one-dimensional copper(II) polymeric chain bridged both by the bis-tridentate μ-trans-dmapox and μ-1,3-thiocyanate ligands. The environment around the copper(II) atom can be described as distorted square-pyramid. The Cu···Cu separations through μ-trans-oxamidate and thiocyanate bridges are 5.245(5) Å (Cu1-Cu1ⁱ)(i = −x+1, −y, −z+1), 5.262(4) Å (Cu2-Cu2ⁱⁱ)(ii = −x,−y, −z+1) and 6.022(3) Å (Cu1-Cu2), respectively. The interaction of the copper(II) complex with herring sperm DNA (HS-DNA) has been investigated by using absorption and emission spectral and electrochemical techniques and viscometry. The results reveal that the copper(II) complex interacts with the DNA in the mode of groove binding with the intrinsic binding constant of 2.38 × 10⁵ M⁻¹.     

Alteration of molecular conformations and spectral properties for nickel(II), zinc(II) and copper(II) complexes having 3,8-di(thiophen-2′,2′′-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline ligands

Four transition metal complexes of 3,8-di(thiophen-2′,2″-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline (dtphen), formulated as [Ni(dtphen)₂(H₂O)₂]·(ClO₄)₂ (1), [Zn(dtphen)₂(H₂O)]·(ClO₄)₂ (2) [Cu(dtphen)₂(H₂O)]·(ClO₄)₂ (3), [Cu(dtphen)(phen)₂]·(ClO₄)₂ (4) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) with different metal-to-ligand ratios, were synthesized and characterized herein. The X-ray single-crystal diffraction studies of 1-4 exhibit that different molecular configurations for the dtphen ligand can be observed where the side thiophene rings adopt the trans/trans, trans/cis, trans/disorder and cis/cis conformations relative to the central 1,10-phenanthroline unit in different compounds. Fluorescence emission spectra of 1-4 in methanol show that the fluorescence emission of 2 is much stronger than the other three metal complexes, which is mainly due to its full d¹⁰ electronic configuration of Zn(II) ion.     

Zinc(II) and copper(II) 1D coordination polymeric complexes of a reduced Schiff base ligand

The reaction of Zn(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O and Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with H₃Sas (H₃Sas = N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-L-aspartic acid in water afforded the complexes [Zn₆(Sas)₄(H₂O)₈]·5H₂O (1) and [Cu(HSas)(H₂O)] (2), respectively, which were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis, thermogravimetry and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. In 1, the pentanuclear clusters formed by four H₃Sas ligands and five Zn(II) metal ions are bridged by the “[Zn(H₂O)₄]²⁺” cations to form 1D polymeric chains. While in 2, the mononuclear [Cu(HSas)(H₂O)] repeating units form a 1D zigzag chain and further extended by strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds to form a 2D sheet. The different coordination geometries of Cu(II) and Zn(II) show significant influence on the polymeric structures.     

Co (II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with a new pendant armed macrocyclic ligand showing several π,π-interactions

A new ligand, L, bearing four cyanoethyl pendant groups has been synthesized by reaction of the precursor ligand L¹ with acrylonitrile. The X-ray crystal structure of ligand L reveals the presence of a nanotubular structure in the solid state connected by intermolecular π,π-stacking interactions between adjacent pyridine rings. The coordination capability towards transition metal ions [Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II)] has been investigated starting from the hydrated nitrate and perchlorate salts of the metals. The new ligand L and the metal complexes obtained were characterized by elemental analysis, FAB MS, conductivity measurements, magnetic studies, IR and UV-vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, the crystal structure of ligand L and of the complexes [CoL][Co(NO₃)₄] · CH₃CN (1), [NiL](NO₃)₂ (3), [NiL](ClO₄)₂ · CH₃CN · 3H₂O (4), [CuL][Cu(NO₃)₃(H₂O)₂](NO₃) · H₂O (5) and [CuL](ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃CN (6) were determined. The nitrate ions in the complexes are located near the pyridine rings and π,π-stacking interactions between pyridine rings, nitrate ions and nitrile groups have been found.     

Synthesis, structures and properties of dinuclear cadmium(II) complexes based on polybenzimidazole binucleating ligands

Three novel cadmium(II) complexes [Cd₂(tbpo)(O₂CC₆H₄-p-NO₂)₂]ClO₄·3CH₃OH (1) [Cd₂(bbap)(O₂CC₆H₄-p-NO₂)₂]ClO₄·4.5CH₃OH·0.75H₂O (2) and [Cd(ntb)(O₂CC₆H₄-p-NO₂)]ClO₄·4CH₃OH (3) have been synthesized and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, ¹H NMR and X-ray crystallography, where tbpo⁻ and bbap⁻ are anions of N,N,N′,N′-tetrakis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)-2-hydroxo-1,3-diaminopropane and 2,6-bis[bis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methylphenol, respectively; ntb is tris(2-benzimidazolymethyl)amine. Complexes 1 and 2 contain μ-phenolate-bridged and μ-alkoxo-bridged dicadmium(II) cores with the Cd1?Cd2 separation of 3.671 Å for complex 1 and 3.718 Å for 2. One of the 4-nitrobenzoate anions bridged the two cadmium(II) ions in syn-anti mode through its carboxylate group, the other 4-nitrobenzoate is only coordinated with Cd2 in bidentate chelating mode. The two central cadmium(II) atoms are in trigonal bipyramidal and pentagonal bipyramidal geometry. In complex 3, the cadmium(II) atom is coordinated with four nitrogen atoms of ntb and one carboxylate oxygen atom of 4-nitrobenzoate in distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Experiment shows that there is a higher affinity of 4-nitrobenzoate anion as coligand with the dinuclear [Cd₂(tbpo)]³⁺ and [Cd₂(bbap)]³⁺ cores than that with the mononuclear [Cd(ntb)]²⁺ core.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of copper(II) complexes containing N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-amino amide ligands

Four copper(II) complexes containing the reduced Schiff base ligands, namely, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-glycinamide (Hsglym) and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-alaninamide (Hsalam) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of [Cu₂(sglym)₂Cl₂] (1), [Cu₂(salam)₂(NO₃)₂] · H₂O (3), [Cu₂(salam)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)](NO₃) · 1.5H₂O (4), [Cu₂(salam)₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (5) show that the Cu(II) atoms are bridged by two phenolato oxygen atoms in the dimers. The sglym ligand bonded to Cu(II) in facial manner while salam ligand prefers to bind to Cu(II) in meridonal geometry. Variable temperature magnetic studies of 3 showed it is antiferromagnetic. These Cu(II) complexes and [Cu₂(sglym)₂(NO₃)₂] (2), exhibit very small catecholase activity as compared to the corresponding complexes containing acid functional groups.     

Copper(II) complexes derived from tripodal tris[(2-ethyl-(1-pyrazolyl)]amine

Three mono-nuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu(tepza)X]ClO₄ (X = Cl, 1; X = NCS, 2; X = dca, 3) and two dinuclear bridging complexes [Cu₂(tepza)₂(μ-C₄O₄)](ClO₄)₂·H₂O(4) and [Cu₂(tepza)₂(μ-C₅O₅)](ClO₄)₂(5) where tepza = tris[2-ethyl(1-pyrazolyl)]amine, dca = dicyanamide, C₄O₄²⁻ = 3,4-dihydroxycyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dionate (squarate dianion) and C₅O₅²⁻ = 4,5-dihydroxycyclopent-4-ene-1,2,3-trionate (croconate dianion) were synthesized and structurally characterized by IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy as well as by single X-ray crystallography. In the solid state, the geometry of copper(II) centers in these complexes are as follows: close to SP in 2, distorted TBP in 3, predominant SP in 4, and distorted octahedral in 5, whereas in solution distorted SP geometry was generally found. The squarato and the croconato dianions in complexes 4 and 5 are bridging the two copper(II) centers in cis-bis-monodentate and bis-bidentate bonding modes, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility measurements at variable temperatures (2-300 K) reveal the weak antiferromagnetic coupling in the two bridging dinuclear complexes 4 (J = −24.9 cm⁻¹) and 5 (J = −3.1 cm⁻¹).     

Chemistry of the binary mixture of 1,10-phenanthroline and zinc perchlorate hexahydrate in methanol and gas phase. Monohydroxo species and tricoordination of zinc and water clusters

ESIMS reveals that methanol solutions of 1:1, 1:2 and 1:3 mixtures of Zn(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) generate [Zn(phen)(OH)]⁺, [Zn(phen)(H₂O)₄(OH)]⁺, [Zn(phen)₂(H₂O)(OH)]⁺and [Zn(phen)₂(H₂O)₄(OH)]⁺ ions in the gas phase. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level show that zinc is planar tricoordinate in [Zn(phen)(OH)]⁺ and the cis configuration is more stable than the trans one for the hexacoordinate ion [Zn(phen)₂(H₂O)(OH)]⁺. DFT calculations also show that the [Zn(phen)(H₂O)₄(OH)]⁺ and [Zn(phen)₂(H₂O)₄(OH)]⁺ ions are actually [Zn(phen)(H₂O)(OH)]⁺ · 3H₂O and [Zn(phen)₂(H₂O)(OH)]⁺ · 3H₂O containing extended motifs of H-bonded water clusters. The aqua species corresponding to the monohydroxo ions are acidic. Their acid dissociations are modeled collectively by equilibrium (see below) where other ligands around Zn are not specified. An attempt is then made to estimate K_a

     

Interaction of copper(II) complexes with bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate: Structural and spectral studies

When the complexes [Cu(L1)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂1, where L1 = 4-methyl-1-(pyrid-2-ylmethyl)-1,4-diazacycloheptane, and [Cu(L2)Cl₂] 2, where L2 = 4-methyl-1-(quinol-2-ylmethyl)-1,4-diazacycloheptane are interacted with one/two equivalents of bis(p-nitrophenylphosphate, (p-NO₂Ph)₂PO₂, BNP), no hydrolysis of BNP is observed. From the solution the adducts of copper(II) complexes [Cu₂(L1)₂((p-NO₂Ph)₂PO₂)₂]-(ClO₄)₂3 and [Cu(L2)((p-NO₂Ph)₂PO₂)₂]·H₂O 4 have been isolated and structurally characterised. The X-ray crystal structure of 3 contains two Cu(L1) units bridged by two BNP molecules. The Cu···Cu distance (5.1 Å) reveals no Cu-Cu interaction. On the other hand, the complex 4 is mononuclear with Cu(II) coordinated to the 3N ligand as well as BNP molecules through phosphate oxygen. The trigonality index (τ, 0.37) observed for 4 is high suggesting the presence of significant trigonal distortion in the coordination geometry around copper(II). The complexes are further characterized by spectral and electrochemical studies.     

Topological control of the spin coupling in dinuclear copper(II) complexes with meta- and para-phenylenediamine bridging ligands

A novel series of copper(II) complexes of formula [Cu(tren)(mpda)](ClO₄)₂ · 1/2H₂O (1), [Cu₂(tren)₂(mpda)](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (2), and [Cu₂(tren)₂(ppda)](ClO₄)₄ · 2H₂O (3) containing the tetradentate tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) terminal ligand and the potentially bridging 1,n-phenylenediamine [n = 3 (mpda) and 4 (ppda)] ligand have been prepared and spectroscopically characterized. X-ray diffraction on single crystals of 1 and 3 show the presence of mono- (1) and dinuclear (3) copper(II) units where the mpda (1) and ppda (3) ligands adopt terminal monodentate (1) and bridging bis(monodentate) (3) coordination modes toward [Cu(tren)]²⁺ cations with an overall non-planar, orthogonal disposition of the phenylene group and the N-Cu-N threefold axis of the trigonal bipyramid of each copper(II) ion [values of the Cu-N-C-C torsion angle (?) in the range of 50.8(3)-79.2(2) (1) and 80.9(2)-86.5(2)° (3)]. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements on the dinuclear complexes 2 and 3 show the occurrence of moderate ferromagnetic (J = +8.3 cm⁻¹, 2) and strong antiferromagnetic (J = −51.4 cm⁻¹, 3) couplings between the two copper(II) ions across the meta- and para-phenylenediamine bridges, leading to S = 1 (2) and S = 0 (3) ground spin states [H = −JS₁ · S₂ with S₁ = S₂ = S_Cu = 1/2]. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations on the triplet (2) and broken-symmetry (BS) singlet (3) ground spin states, support the occurrence of a spin polarization mechanism for the propagation of the exchange interaction through the predominantly π-type orbital pathway of the 1,n-phenylenediamine bridge. Finally, a new magneto-structural correlation between the magnitude of the magnetic coupling (J) and the Cu-N-C-C torsion angle (?) has been found which reveals the role of σ- versus π-type orbital pathways in the modulation of the magnetic coupling for m- and p-phenylenediamine-bridged dicopper(II) complexes.     

The key role of hydrogen bonding in the nuclearity of three copper(II) complexes with hydrazone-derived ligands and nitrogen donor heterocycles

Three new Cu(II) complexes of formula [Cu(L¹)(pyz)(CH₃OH)]ClO₄ (1), [Cu(L¹)(4,4′-bpy)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (2) and [{Cu(L²)(ClO₄)}₂(μ-4,4′-bpy)] (3) have been synthesised by using pyrazine (pyz) and 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bpy) and tridentate O,N,O-donor hydrazone ligands, L¹H and L²H, obtained by the condensation of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,4-pentanedione with salicyloylhydrazide and benzhydrazide, respectively. The ligands and their complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, and UV-Vis spectroscopies. Single crystal X-ray structure analysis evidences the metal ion in a slightly deformed square pyramidal geometry in all the complexes. However complexes 1 and 2 are mononuclear with pyz and 4,4′-bpy, respectively, showing an unusual monodentate behavior, while complex 3 is dinuclear with 4,4′-bpy adopting the typical bridging coordination mode. Self assembly of the complex units by hydrogen bonding interactions produces one-dimensional arrangement in each crystal packing. The magnetic characterization of complex 3 indicates a weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction between the Cu(II) ions (J = −0.96 cm⁻¹) mediated through the long 4,4′-bpy bridge. Electrochemical behavior of the complexes is also discussed.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, DNA-binding properties, cytotoxic and antioxidation activities of several new ternary copper(II) complexes of N,N′-(p-xylylene)di-alanine acid and 1,10-phenanthroline

Three novel ternary copper(II) complexes, [Cu₂(phen)₂(l-PDIAla)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂·2.5H₂O (1), [Cu₄(phen)₆(d,l-PDIAla)(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₆·3H₂O (2) and [Cu₂(phen)₂(d,l-PDIAla)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂·0.5H₂O (3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, H₂PDIAla = N,N’-(p-xylylene)di-alanine acid) have been synthesized and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography and other structural analysis. Spectrometric titrations, ethidium bromide displacement experiments, CD (circular dichroism) spectral analysis and viscosity measurements indicate that the three compounds, especially the complex 3, strongly bind to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA). The intrinsic binding constants of the ternary copper(II) complexes with CT-DNA are 0.89 × 10⁵, 1.14 × 10⁵ and 1.72 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, for 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Comparative cytotoxic activities of the copper(II) complexes are also determined by acid phosphatase assay. The results show that the ternary copper(II) complexes have significant cytotoxic activity against the HeLa (Cervical cancer), HepG2 (hepatocarcinoma), HL-60 cells (myeloid leukemia), A-549 cells (pulmonary carcinoma) and L02 (liver cells). Investigations of antioxidation properties show that all the copper(II) complexes have strong scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic properties of a new tetranuclear Cu(II) Schiff base compound

A new tetranuclear Cu(II) compound [Cu₄(HL)₂(L)₂(ClO₄)₂] (1) was synthesized from the reaction of Cu(ClO₄)₂ · 6H₂O with Schiff base ligand (H₂L) condensed from ethanolamine with 2-hydroxyacetophenone. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that 1 is formed from the self-assembly of two dinuclear units [Cu₂(HL)(L)(ClO₄)] through the doubly phenoxo bridging. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements were performed between 300 K and 2 K and show χ_MT value for 1 at 300 K is 1.395 cm³ mol⁻¹ K and fall to 0.0459 cm³ mol⁻¹ K at 2 K. These values are smaller than that expected for tetranuclear copper (II) units, indicating antiferromagnetic coupling present in the compound. This result is also confirmed from the DFT calculations.     

Mono- and dinuclear manganese(II) complexes derived from the cis/trans isomers of 2,4,5-tris(2-pyridyl)-4,5-dihydroimidazole

Two new manganese(II) complexes, [Mn(L1)(L1H)(ClO₄)(H₂O)][ClO₄]₂·0.5CH₃CN·H₂O (1) [L1 = trans-(±)2-(2,5-di(pyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine)] and [Mn₂(μ-L2)₂(H₂O)₃(CH₃CN)₃][ClO₄]₄·2CH₃CN (2) [L2 = cis-(±)2-(2,5-di(pyridin-2-yl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-4-yl)pyridine)], have been prepared and examined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, showing that complex 1 is a mononuclear compound, whereas complex 2 is a dinuclear species. The cis/trans isomers L1 and L2 have similar coordination properties, but behave as bidentate and tridentate chelating ligands, respectively, giving distorted octahedral metal coordination geometries. X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the molecular and crystal structures are stabilized by a series of intra- and intermolecular interactions. In both cases extended supramolecular networks are generated, in compound 1 through O-H···O, O-H···N, N-H···O, N-H···N, C-H···O, C-H···N, C-H···π and π···π interactions, and in compound 2 through O-H···O, O-H···N, C-H···O and π···π interactions. The observed structural differences between the two metal complexes might be a consequence of these stabilizing effects.     

Chemistry at the apical position of square-pyramidal copper(II) complexes: Synthesis, crystal structures, and magnetic properties of homopolynuclear complexes with azido bridges containing [Cu(AA)(BB)] moieties (AA = acetylacetonate; BB = 1,10-phenanthroline, bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine)

Three new homopolynuclear complexes with azido bridges have been obtained by using [Cu(AA)(BB)]⁺ building-blocks (AA = acetylacetonate; BB = 1,10-phenanthroline or 2,2′-bipyridine). The reaction between [Cu(acac)(phen)(H₂O)](ClO₄) and NaN₃ leads to a mixture of two compounds: a binuclear complex, [{Cu(acac)(phen)}₂(μ_1,3-N₃)](ClO₄) · 2H₂O (1), and a linear tetranuclear one, [{Cu(acac)(phen)(ClO₄)}₂{Cu(phen)(μ_1,1-N₃)₂}₂] (2). The reaction between [Cu(acac)(bipy)(H₂O)](ClO₄) and NaN₃ affords also a mixture of two compounds: [{Cu(acac)(bipy)}₂(μ_1,3-N₃)]₃(ClO₄)₃ · 3.75H₂O (3) and [Cu(acac)(bipy)(N₃)][Cu(acac)(bipy)(H₂O)](ClO₄) (4). The X-ray crystal structures of compounds 1-4 have been solved (for compound 4 the crystal structure was previously reported). In compounds 1 and 3, two {Cu(AA)(BB)} fragments are bridged by the azido anion in an end-to-end fashion. Two isomers, cis and trans with respect to azido bridge, were found in crystal 3. The structure of compound 2 consists of two Cu(II) central cations bridged by two μ_1,1-azido ligands, each of them being also connected to a {Cu(acac)(phen)} fragment through another μ_1,1-azido ligand. The cryomagnetic properties of the compounds 1 and 2 have been investigated and discussed. The magnetic behaviour of compound 1 shows the absence of any interactions between the metallic ions. In the tetranuclear complex 2, the magnetic interactions between the external and central copper(II) ions(J₁), and between the central metallic ions (J₂) were found ferromagnetic (J₁ = 0.36 cm⁻¹, J₂ = 7.20 cm⁻¹).     

Discrete and 1D coordination polymeric chloro-bridged copper(II) dimers exhibiting ferro- and antiferromagnetic exchange coupling: Magneto-structural correlations and non-covalent interactions

The synthesis and characterization of two 1D coordination polymers [Cu₂(MHL)Cl₂][ClO₄]₂ · CH₃CN · THF (2 · CH₃CN · THF) and [Cu₂(MPyPz)Cl₂][ClO₄]₂ · CH₃CN (3 · CH₃CN), having repetitive units, of m-xylyl-based ligands with terminal tridentate (2-pyridyl)alkylamine (MHL = α,α′-bis[N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(2-pyridylmethyl)amino]-m-xylene) and (2-pyridyl)alkylamine/pyrazole (MPyPz = α,α′-bis[N-(2-pyridylethyl)-N-(pyrazol-1-ylmethyl)amino]-m-xylene) coordination have been accomplished. X-ray crystallographic studies reveal that the copper(II) centers in the recently reported dichloro-bridged discrete complex [{Cu(MeL)Cl}₂][ClO₄]₂ (1) of a tridentate (2-pyridyl)alkylamine ligand [MeL = methyl[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl](2-pyridylmethyl)amine], 2 · CH₃CN · THF, and 3 · CH₃CN have distorted square-pyramidal geometry, sharing a base-to-apex edge with parallel basal planes. Variable-temperature susceptibility measurements in the range of 2-300 K reveal antiferromagnetic for 1 [J (singlet-triplet energy gap) = −3.89 cm⁻¹] and 2 · CH₃CN · THF (J = −1.84 cm⁻¹), and ferromagnetic for 3 · CH₃CN (J = +6.27 cm⁻¹) coupling. The complexes provide useful information for the magneto-structural correlations.