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).     

Structure and characterization of non-cyclic tetraaza complexes of copper(II) and their reactions with nitric oxide

[Cu(bapp)ClO₄]⁺ (1) and [Cu(bapp)Cl]⁺ (2) were prepared by the reaction of 1,4-bis(3-aminopropyl)piperazine (bapp) with copper acetate and copper chloride in the presence of sodium perchlorate, respectively, and structurally characterized. Complex 1 has a square-pyramidal geometry, whereas [Cu(3,2,3-tet)(ClO₄)]⁺ (A) has a polymeric octahedral geometry in its X-ray crystal structure. Complex 1 is stable against disproportionation, whereas complex A is unstable in the mono-valent Cu(I) state. An aqua ligand on complex 1 in aqueous solution is substituted by NO with kinetic constants of k_f=43±2 M⁻¹ s⁻¹ and k_b=(8.8±0.2)×10⁻² s⁻¹ at 25 °C, whereas there were no spectral changes observed for complex A in saturated NO solution.     

Cyanato bridged binuclear nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes with pyridylpyrazole ligand: Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties

Binuclear cyanate bridged nickel(II) complex [Ni(L)(NCO)]₂(PF₆)₂ (1) and copper(II) complex [Cu(L)(NCO)]₂(PF₆)₂ (2), where L is N,N-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)aminomethylpyridine, a tetradentate N₄-coordinated ligand have been synthesized and characterized by physicochemical method. The structures of complexes 1 and 2 have been studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure analysis reveals that both nickel(II) and copper(II) center are coordinated in distorted octahedral fashion and coordination mode of cyanate ligand is end-to-end (μ-1,3) for complex 1 but it is double end-on (μ-1,1) mode for complex 2. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility data, measured from 2 to 300 K, show weak antiferromagnetic interaction with J value −6.2(1) cm⁻¹ for complex 1, whereas complex 2 has very weak ferromagnetic interaction with J value +0.5(1) cm⁻¹.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of dinuclear nickel(II) complexes with a phenol-based dinucleating ligand with four methoxyethyl chelating arms

Dinuclear nickel(II) complexes [Ni₂(bomp)(MeCO₂)₂]BPh₄ (1) and [Ni₂(bomp)(PhCO₂)₂]BPh₄ (2) were synthesized with the dinucleating ligand 2,6-bis[bis(2-methoxyethyl)aminomethyl]-4-methylphenol [H(bomp)]. X-Ray analysis revealed that the complex 1 · 0.5CHCl₃ contains two nickel(II) ions bridged by phenolic oxygen and two acetate groups, forming a μ-phenoxo-bis(μ-acetato)dinickel(II) core. Electronic spectra were investigated for 1 and 2 in the range of 400-1800 nm, and the data were typical for the octahedral high-spin nickel(II) complexes. Obtained spectral components were well simulated based on the angular overlap model assuming the trigonally distorted octahedral geometry. Magnetic susceptibility was measured for 1 and 2 over a temperature range of 4.5-300 K. The optimized magnetic data were J = 1.75 cm⁻¹, zJ′ = −0.234 cm⁻¹, g = 2.21, D = 15.1 cm⁻¹, and TIP = 370 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹ for complex 1 and J = 3.55 cm⁻¹, zJ′ = −0.238 cm⁻¹, g = 2.23, D = 21.8 cm⁻¹, and TIP = 470 × 10⁻⁶ cm⁻¹ for complex 2. The data revealed ferromagnetic interactions between the two nickel(II) ions.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic and magnetostructural evidence for the formation of Cu(II) complexes of pyridyl-2-carboxylate (2-pca) and quinolyl-2-carboxylate (2-qca) as a result of a novel oxidative P-dealkylation reaction of diethyl 2-pyridylmethylphosphonate (2-pmpe) and diethyl 2-quinolylmethylphosphonate (2-qmpe) ligands

The interaction of diethyl 2-pyridylmethylphosphonate (2-pmpe) ligand with CuX₂ salts unexpectedly leads to the formation of compounds of the formula Cu(2-pca)₂ [X=Cl⁻ (1), CH₃COO⁻ (3)], and Cu(2-pca)Cl [X=Cl⁻ (2)] (2-pca=pyridine-2-carboxylate ion). The diethyl 2-quinolylmethylphosphonate ligand (2-qmpe) reacts with CuX₂ salts to similarly yield compounds of stoichiometry Cu(2-qca)₂ · H₂O (X=ClO₄ ⁻ (4)], and for X=Cl Cu(2-qca)₂ · H₂O (5) and Cu(2-qca)Cl (6), (2-qca=quinoline-2-carboxylate ion). These compounds are products of a novel oxidative P-dealkylation reaction, which takes place on 2-pmpe and 2-qmpe ligands under the used conditions. The compounds were characterized by infrared, ligand field, EPR spectroscopy and magnetic studies. Cu(2-pca)₂ exists in two crystalline forms, a blue form (1) and a violet form (3). For 3 the single-crystal structure was determined. The copper atom is four-coordinated in a square-planar geometry. The stack between related (and hence parallel) pca moieties involves interatomic distances of 3.27 Å. Cu(2-qca)₂ · H₂O also exists in two forms, a green (4) and a blue-green (5). Both these complexes are five coordinated, involve the same CuN₂O₃ chromophore and are examples of the distortion isomers. Variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements (1.9-300 K) have shown that the antiferromagnetic coupling observed is much stronger in 6 than in 1, 3, 4 and 5. For 2 a ferromagnetic exchange occurs.     

Synthesis, structure and electronic spectra of new three-coordinated copper(I) complexes with tricyclohexylphosphine and diimine ligands

Three new copper(I) complexes with tricyclohexylphosphine (PCy₃) and different diimine ligands, [Cu(phen)(PCy₃)]BF₄ (1) (phen = 1,10′-phennanthroline), [Cu(bpy)(PCy₃)₂]BF₄ (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and [Cu(MeO-CNN)(PCy₃)]BF₄ (3) (MeO-CNN = 6-(4-methoxyl)phenyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray structure reveals that complexes 1 and 3 are three-coordinated with trigonal geometry, while complex 2 adopts distorted tetrahedron geometry. Complexes 1 and 3 exhibit ligand redistribution reactions in chloromethane solution by addition of excess amount of PCy₃, in which three-coordinated 1 changes into four-coordinated [Cu(phen)(PCy₃)₂]⁺, and 3 leads to form [Cu(PCy₃)₂]BF₄ and CNN-OMe. All the three complexes display yellow ³MLCT emissions in solid state at room temperature with λ_max at 558, 564 and 582 nm for 1, 2 and 3, respectively, and red-shift to 605, 628 and 643 nm at 77 K in dichloromethane solution.     

Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic study of pyrazine bridged polymeric complexes of copper(II)

The synthesis, structural characterization and magnetic property of two new coordination polymers [Cu(pyz)(μ-CH₃CO₂)₄]_n (1) and [Cu(pyz)(μ-CCl₃CO₂)₄]_n (2) (pyz = pyrazine) are reported. Here, the carboxylato bridged two dinuclear copper(II) complexes are linked through pyrazine giving a 1-D alternating chain. The magnetic property of the complexes indicates a significant difference originated from the introduction of electron withdrawing substituent on the bridging dicarboxylate. Complex 1 exhibits strong antiferromagnetic interactions with J = −344.61 cm⁻¹, whereas 2 exhibits comparatively less strong antiferromagnetic coupling with J = −238.53 cm⁻¹.     

Effect of anionic co-ligands on structure and magnetic coupling of bis(μ-phenoxo)-bridged dinuclear copper(II) complexes

Two phenoxo bridged dinuclear Cu(II) complexes, [Cu₂L₂(NO₂)₂] (1) and [Cu₂L₂(NO₃)₂] (2) have been synthesized using the tridentate reduced Schiff-base ligand 2-[(2-dimethylamino-ethylamino)-methyl]-phenol (HL). The complexes have been characterized by X-ray structural analyses and variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. The structures of the two compounds are very similar having the same tridentate chelating ligand (L) and mono-dentate anionic ligand nitrite for 1 and nitrate for 2. In both complexes Cu(II) is penta-coordinated but the square pyramidal geometry of the copper ions is severely distorted (Addison parameter (τ) = 0.33) in 1 while the distortion is quite small (average τ = 0.11) in 2. These differences have marked effect on the magnetic properties of two compounds. Although both are antiferromagnetically coupled, the coupling constants (J = −140.8 and −614.7 cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively) show that the coupling is much stronger in 2.     

Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of new binuclear CuCu bis(oxamato) complexes

Two new neutral, binuclear Cu^IICu^II bis(oxamato) complexes with the formula [Cu₂(opba)(pmdta)(MeOH)] · 1/2MeOH · dmf (3) and [Cu₂(nabo)(pmdta)(MeOH)] (4), with opba = o-phenylene-bis(oxamato), nabo = 2,3-naphthalene-bis(oxamato), pmdta = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and dmf = dimethylformamide have been synthesized and their crystal structures have been determined. The structure of 3 consists of dimeric [Cu₂(opba)(pmdta)(MeOH)] entities, joined together by mutual intermolecular Cu?O contacts of the Cu²⁺ ion of one [Cu(opba)]²⁻ complex fragment and one carboxylate atom of the oxamato group of a second [Cu(opba)]²⁻ complex fragment. The structure of 4 consists of neutral binuclear complexes joined together by hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions, giving rise to an unique supramolecular 1D-chain. The magnetic properties of 3 and 4 were studied by susceptibility measurements versus temperature. For the intramolecular J parameter, identical values of (−114 ± 2) cm⁻¹ (3) and (−112 ± 2) cm⁻¹ (4) were obtained.     

Synthesis, structure, DNA binding and cleavage properties of ternary amino acid Schiff base-phen/bipy Cu(II) complexes

Ternary Cu(II) complexes [Cu(II)(saltrp)(B)] (1,2), (saltrp = salicylidene tryptophan, B = 1,10 phenathroline (1) or 2,2′ bipyridine (2)) were synthesized and characterized. Complex 2 was structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The molecular structure shows a distorted square pyramidal coordination geometry (CuN₃O₂) in which the ONO donor Schiff base is bonded to the Cu(II) in the basal plane. The N,N donor heterocyclic base displays an axial-equatorial binding mode. CT-DNA binding studies revealed that the complexes show good binding propensity (Intrinsic binding constant, K_b = 3.32 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ for 1 and K_b = 3.10 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ for 2). The catalytic role of these complexes in the oxidative and hydrolytic cleavage of DNA was studied in detail. Complex 1 binds and cleaves DNA more efficiently as compared to 2. From the kinetic experiments, rate constants for the hydrolysis of phosphodiester bond of DNA backbone were determined as 1.94 h⁻¹ and 1.05 h⁻¹ for 1 and 2 respectively. It amounts to (2.93-5.41) × 10⁷ fold rate enhancement compared to uncatalyzed double stranded DNA, which is impressive as compared to related Cu(II) Schiff base complexes.     

Using Lewis acidity differences in chelating ligands to control molecular structure and supramolecular assembly of Cu(II) complexes

The electronic effects of the fluorine atoms in hfacac (hexafluoroacetylacetonato) compared with acac (acetylacetonato) in Cu(II) complexes are used to control the molecular and supramolecular structure of Cu(II) compounds. While bis(acac)Cu(II) (acac = acetylacetonato) is known to be able to have a fifth-position coordination, bis(hfacac)Cu(II), (hfacac = hexafluoroacetylacetonato) may have two extra ligands. This, together with the reliable “supramolecular reagent” isonicotinamide, as the additional ligand, are used to go from a zero-dimension structure, with Cu-acac, to an extended supramolecular two-dimension network, with Cu-hfacac. The molecular and crystal structure of bis(acetylacetonato-O,O′)-(isonicotinamide-N) copper(II), 1, and bis(hexafluoroacetylacetonato-O,O′)-trans-bis(isonicotinamide-N) copper(II), 2, are reported.     

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.     

Copper(I) complexes with Schiff base and 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane as ligands: Synthesis, structure and catalytic properties for the amination of aryl halide

Some copper(I) complexes of the type [Cu(L)(dppe)]X (1-4) [where L = (3-trifluoromethylphenyl)pyridine-2-ylmethylene-amine; dppe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane; X = Cl⁻, CN⁻, ClO₄⁻ and BF₄⁻] have been synthesized by the condensation of 3-aminobenzotrifluoride with 2-pyridinecarboxaldehyde followed by the reaction with CuCl, CuCN, [Cu(MeCN)₄]ClO₄ and [Cu(MeCN)₄]BF₄ in presence of dppe. The complexes 1-4 were then characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis and ¹H NMR spectral studies. The representative complex of the series 4 has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction which reveal that in complex the central copper(I) ion assumes the irregular pseudo-tetrahedral geometry. The catalytic activity of the complexes was tested and it was found that all the complexes worked as effective catalyst in the amination of aryl halide.     

Mononuclear and polynuclear halide and nitrate Cu(II) compounds with 1,4,5-triazanaphthalene as a ligand: Characterization, magnetism and X-ray structures

Using the ligand 1,4,5-triazanaphthalene (abbreviated as tan) in combination with Cu(II) salts, three mononuclear compounds, Cu(tan)₂Cl₂ (1), Cu(tan)₂Br₂ (3), Cu(tan)₂(NO₃)₂ (5) and three polynuclear compounds, [Cu(tan)Cl₂]_n (2), [Cu(tan)Br₂]_n (4), [Cu(tan)(NO₃)₂]_n (6) have been synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, EPR, FTIR and Far-FTIR spectroscopies. The crystal structures of compounds 1, 3, 5 and 6 are reported, as well as that of the dioxane adduct of compound 4, [Cu(tan)Br₂(C₄H₈O₂)](C₄H₈O₂) (4A).The structure of (2) was solved by X-ray powder diffraction. The coordination geometry around the Cu(II) atoms is tetrahedral for (1) and (3), square-pyramidal for (4A) and distorted octahedral for (5) and (6). Magnetic susceptibility measurements on the polynuclear compounds revealed weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Cu(II) atoms with interaction constants (J) of J = −9.1 and −10.5 cm⁻¹, for 4 and 6, respectively. For compound 2 two options for possible interactions were considered, with interaction constants which vary for J_rung −22.0 to −13.5 cm⁻¹ and J_rail −19.6 to −17.0 cm⁻¹. These figures are discussed in the light of relevant structural parameters and literature.     

Structure, magnetic properties and nuclease activity of pyridine-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazonecopper(II) complexes

New complexes of formulae [Cu(HL²)(H₂O)(NO₃)](NO₃) (1), [{Cu(L¹)(tfa)}₂] (2), [{Cu(L¹)}₂(pz)](ClO₄)₂ (3) and {[{Cu(L¹)}₂(dca)](ClO₄)}_n (4), where HL¹ = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde thiosemicarbazone, HL² = pyridine-2-carbaldehyde 4N-methylthiosemicarbazone, Htfa = trifluoroacetic acid (CF₃COOH), pz = pyrazine (C₄H₄N₂) and dca = dicyanamide [N(CN)₂]⁻, have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of these compounds are built up of monomers (1), dinuclear entities with the metal centers bridged through the non-thiosemicarbazone coligand (2 and 3) and 1D chains of dimers (4). In all the cases, square-pyramidal copper(II) ions are present, except for the square-planar ones in 3. Magnetic measurements show antiferromagnetic couplings in 2, 3 and 4. The susceptibility data were fitted by the Bleaney-Bowers’ equation for copper(II) dimers derived from H = -2JS₁S₂ being the obtained J/k values −4.8, −4.3 and −5.1 K for compounds 2-4, respectively. The magnetic susceptibility of the already known [{Cu(HL¹)(tfa)}₂](tfa)₂ compound has been also measured for the first time. The J/k value is -0.3 K, lower than that in 2. The nuclease activity of 3 and 4 has been analyzed.     

Structural and equilibrium studies on mixed ligand complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid and typical N, N donor ligands

Mixed ligand complexes: [Co(L)(bipy)] · 3H₂O (1), [Ni(L)(phen)] · H₂O (2), [Cu(L)(phen)] · 3H₂O (3) and [Zn(L)(bipy)] · 3H₂O (4), where L²⁻ = two -COOH deprotonated dianion of N-(2-benzimidazolyl)methyliminodiacetic acid (H₂bzimida, hereafter, H₂L), bipy = 2,2′ bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline have been isolated and characterized by elemental analysis, spectral and magnetic measurements and thermal studies. Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies show octahedral geometry for 1, 2 and 4 and square pyramidal geometry for 3. Equilibrium studies in aqueous solution (ionic strength I = 10⁻¹ mol dm⁻³ (NaNO₃), at 25 ± 1 °C) using different molar proportions of M(II):H₂L:B, where M = Co, Ni, Cu and Zn and B = phen, bipy and en (ethylene diamine), however, provides evidence of formation of mononuclear and binuclear binary and mixed ligand complexes: M(L), M(H₋₁L)⁻, M(B)²⁺, M(L)(B), M(H₋₁L)(B)⁻, M₂(H₋₁L)(OH), (B)M(H₋₁L)M(B)⁺, where H₋₁L³⁻ represents two -COOH and the benzimidazole N₁-H deprotonated quadridentate (O⁻, N, O⁻, N), or, quinquedentate (O⁻, N, O⁻, N, N⁻) function of the coordinated ligand H₂L. Binuclear mixed ligand complex formation equilibria: M(L)(B) + M(B)²⁺ ? (B)M(H₋₁L)M(B)⁺ + H⁺ is favoured with higher π-acidity of the B ligands. For Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II), these equilibria are accompanied by blue shift of the electronic absorption maxima of M(II) ions, as a negatively charged bridging benzimidazolate moiety provides stronger ligand field than a neutral one. Solution stability of the mixed ligand complexes are in the expected order: Co(II) < Ni(II) < Cu(II) > Zn(II). The Δ log K_M values are less negetive than their statistical values, indicating favoured formation of the mixed ligand complexes over the binary ones.     

Synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of a pair of copper dicarboxylate/dipyridylamine coordination polymers with a non-interpenetrated CdSO4 topology

Hydrothermal synthesis has afforded a pair of divalent copper coordination polymers containing the kinked and hydrogen-bonding capable imine 4,4′-dipyridylamine (dpa) and aromatic dicarboxylates, {[Cu(iph)(dpa)]·0.5H₂O}_n (1, iph = isophthalate) and [Cu(tdc)(dpa)]_n (2, tdc = 2,5-thiophenedicarboxylate). Compounds 1 and 2 contain orthogonally disposed parallel sets of 1-D [Cu(iph)]_n and [Cu(tdc)]_n chains, respectively, containing dicarboxylate-bridged dinuclear {CuOCO}₂ units. The chain motifs are joined by tethering dpa ligands to construct uncommon non-interpenetrated 3-D CdSO₄ lattices (6⁵8 topology) in both cases. Variable temperature magnetic studies show the presence of weak antiferromagnetic coupling within the {CuOCO}₂ dimers in both complexes, with J = −2.66(3) and −1.68(5) cm⁻¹ for 1 and 2, respectively.     

A trinuclear copper(II) complex with 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges - [Cu3(2,5-pydc)2(Me5dien)2(H2O)2(BF4)2] · H2O: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties

A trinuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu₃(2,5-pydc)₂(Me₅dien)₂(BF₄)₂(H₂O)₂] · H₂O 1, has been constructed from 2,5-pyridine-dicarboxylato bridges (2,5-pydc²⁻) and N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyl-diethylenetriamine (Me₅dien) acting as a blocking ligand. The copper ions, within the centrosymmetric trinuclear cations, are connected by two 2,5-pydc²⁻ bridges, with an intramolecular Cu···Cu separation of 8.432 Å. The central copper ion exhibits an elongated octahedral geometry, with semicoordinated ions, while the terminal ones are pentacoordinated (distorted square-pyramidal geometry). The cryomagnetic investigation of 1 reveals an antiferromagnetic coupling of the copper(II) ions (J = −5.9 cm⁻¹, H = −JS_Cu1S_Cu2 − JS_Cu2S_Cu1a).     

Synthesis, crystal structure, antibacterial assay and DNA binding activity of new binuclear Cu(II) complexes with bridging oxamidate

Two new binuclear copper complexes, [Cu₂(oxpn)(bpy)(pic)(H₂O)](pic) (1) and [Cu₂(oxpn)(Me₂bpy)(pic)](pic) (2) [H₂oxpn = N,N′-bis(3-aminopropyl)oxamide; Hpic = 2,4,6-trinitrophenol; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; Me₂bpy = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine], have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, UV-visible spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray analyses. Both complexes have similar molecular structures. In complex 1, the central two Cu(II) atoms are bridged by cis-oxpn²⁻ with the Cu1-Cu2 separation of 5.221 Å and the polyhedron of each copper atom is a square-pyramid. Similarly, complex 2 is a cis-oxpn²⁻-bridged binuclear complex with the Cu1-Cu2 separation of 5.196 Å. Cu1(II) central atom situated in a tetrahedral geometry is four-coordinated and Cu(II) atom situated in a square-pyramidal geometry is five-coordinated. Hydrogen bonding interactions and π-π stacking interactions link the binuclear copper complex 1 or 2 into a 2D infinite network. The antibacterial assays indicate that the two complexes showed better activities than their ligands. The interactions of the two binuclear complexes with herring sperm DNA (HS-DNA) have been studied by UV absorption titration, fluorescence titration and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the two binuclear complexes bind to HS-DNA via an intercalative mode.     

ortho-Carom-N bond fusion in aniline associated with electrophilic chlorination reactions at ruthenium(III) coordinated acetylacetonates

In an unusual reaction of [Ru^III(acac)₂(CH₃CN)₂](ClO₄) ([1], acac = acetylacetonate) and aniline (Ph-NH₂), resulted in the formation of ortho-semidine due to dimerisation of aniline via oxidative ortho-C_arom-N bond formation reaction. This oxidation reaction is associated with stepwise chlorination of coordinated acac ligands at the γ-carbon atom resulting in the formation of [Ru^III(acac)₂L⁻] [2a], [Ru^III(Cl-acac)(acac)L⁻] [2b], [Ru^III(acac)(Cl-acac)L⁻] [2c] and [Ru^III(Cl-acac)₂L⁻] [2d] (L⁻ = N-phenyl-ortho-semiquinonediimine) complexes, respectively. These have been characterized by ¹H NMR, UV-Vis-NIR, ESI-MS and cyclic voltammetry studies. Single crystal X-ray structures of 2c and 2d are reported. Crystallographic structural bond parameters of 2c and 2d revealed bond length equalization of C-C, C-O and M-O bonds. It has been shown that perchlorate () counter anion, present in the starting ruthenium complex, acts as the oxidizing agent in bringing about oxidation of Ph-NH₂ to ortho-semidine. The chloronium ions, produced in situ, chlorinate the coordinated acac ligands at the γ-carbon atom. Such electrophilic substitution of coordinated acac ligands indicates that the Ru-acac metallacycles in the reference compounds are aromatic. The complexes showed an intense and featureless band centered near 520 nm, and a structured band near 275 nm. These displayed one reversible cathodic response in the range, −1.1 to −0.8 V and one reversible anodic response between 0.4 and 0.6 V versus the Saturated Calomel reference Electrode, SCE. The response at the anodic potential is due to oxidation of the coordinated ligand L, while the reversible response at cathodic potential is due to reduction of the metal center.