N,N′-Bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)propane-1,2-diamine mononuclear 4f and heterodinuclear Cu-4f complexes: Synthesis, crystal structure and electrochemical properties

Reactions of H₂L H₂L = N,N′-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)propane-1,2-diamine] and Ln(NO₃)₃ · 6H₂O give rise to two different mononuclear 4f complexes, namely, {(H₂L)La(NO₃)₃(MeOH)] · H₂O}_n (1) and (H₂L)Nd(NO₃)₃] (2). Further additions of Cu(Ac)₂ · H₂O to the mononuclear 4f complexes yield expected heterodinuclear Cu-4f complexes LCu(Me₂CO)Ln(NO₃)₃] (3, Ln = Nd; 4, Ln = Eu; 5, Ln = Dy). Complex 1 is a unique 1D polymeric chain structure, and 2 is one of the few structurally characterized discrete hexadentate salen-type mononuclear 4f complexes. Complexes 3-5 are similar to their analogues. However, they are prepared by a reversed synthetic route in contrast to their isomorphic complexes. Electrochemical behavior of heterodinuclear Cu-4f complexes 3-5 has been examined by cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile. The redox potential of heterodinuclear Cu-4f complexes 3-5 shows significant anodic shift comparing to that of mononuclear copper complex (LCu). A tendency of anodic shift was observed in a sequence of 3 < 4 < 5. This results from the modulating effect of coordination geometry around Cu(II) ion on redox potential.