Four- and five-coordinate magnesium compounds containing ketiminate ligands. Synthesis and characterization of L2Mg, L2Mg(LH), and L2Mg(Py), where L = MeC(O)CHC(NAr)Me

Magnesium complexes containing ketiminate ligands were synthesized and characterized. MgBu₂ reacted readily in toluene with two equiv. of [MeC(O)CHC(NHAr)Me], where Ar = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl, to generate [MeC(O)CHC(NAr)Me]₂Mg (1) in 43% yield. The four-coordinate magnesium compound 1 is very moisture sensitive and acts as a Lewis acid, accepting one equiv. of Lewis base to form five-coordinate magnesium compounds. Compound [MeC(O)CHC(NAr)Me]₂Mg[MeC(O)CHC(NHAr)Me] (2) was obtained in 57% yield from the reaction in toluene of MgBu₂ with three equiv. of [MeC(O)CHC(NHAr)Me]. Treatment of 1 with one equiv. of free ketimine ligands [MeC(O)CHC(NHAr)Me] also led to the formation of 2. The bulky η¹-ketimine of 2 can be replaced with a less bulky Lewis base such as pyridine. Treatment of 1 with excess pyridine in toluene at ambient temperature led to the formation of compound [MeC(O)CHC(NAr)Me]₂Mg[NC₅H₅] (3) as colorless crystalline solids in 51% yield. Compounds 1, 2, and 3 were characterized by NMR and X-ray crystallography. Compounds 2 and 3 showed no activity toward the polymerization of ε-caprolactone at 25 °C after 3 h. However, when the temperature was increased to 70 °C, compounds 2 and 3 efficiently catalyzed polymerization of ε-caprolactone to generate high molecular weight poly-ε-caprolactones. The polydispersity index (PDI) of these poly-ε-caprolactones is in the range 1.57-3.18.     

Fluoroaryl-substituted ketiminate complexes of aluminum

The ketiminate complex AlCl[OC(Me)CHC(Me)N(p-C₆H₄F)]₂ (4) has been prepared from the β-aminoenone, OC(Me)CHC(Me)N(H)(p-C₆H₄F) (3) by lithiation of 3 with n-BuLi, followed by reaction with AlCl₃ and by the reaction of 3 with Me₂AlCl. A second compound, [AlCl₂{OC(Me)CHC(Me)N(H)(p-C₆H₄F)}₄][AlCl₄] (5), was also isolated from the AlCl₃ reaction. The structures of 4 and 5 were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

New group 14 element(IV) β-diiminates and a Sn(II) analogue

Seven group 14 element(IV) compounds 2-7 have been prepared, derived either (2-5) from the potassium β-diketiminate K(L) [L = {N(Ar)C(Me)}₂CH, Ar = C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6] (1) or the known lithium β-dialdiminate Li(L′)] [L′ = {N(Ar)C(H)}₂CPh, Ar = C₆H₃Prⁱ₂-2,6]. Treatment of 1 with Bu^tC(O)Cl, Me₃SiCl, Ph₃SnCl, or Me₃SnCl afforded {N(Ar)C(Me)}₂C(H)C(O)Bu^t (2), [ArNC(Me)C(H)C(Me)N(Ar)SiMe₃] (3), [HN(Ar)C(Me)C(H)C(CH₂SnPh₃)N(Ar)] (4), or (5), respectively. Compounds 4 and 5 are remarkable as they have arisen from a tautomer of 1; crystalline centrosymmetric 5 has a fused tricyclic structure, a central eight-membered ring flanked by two six-membered rings. The compounds [GeCl₂(L′)(OGeCl₃)] (6) or [SnCl(L′)Me₂] (7), the first group 14 metal β-dialdiminates, were obtained from Li(L′) and (GeCl₃)₂O or Me₂SnCl₂, respectively. The Sn(II) compound SnCl(L′) (8) was prepared from SnCl₂ and K(L′). The molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 3-8 are reported.     

1D coordination polymers of Cu(II) and Cu(II) dimers with a dicyanomethanide ligand

Several new 1D coordination polymers have been synthesised using the anionic ligand carbamoyldicyanomethanide, C(CN)₂(CONH₂)⁻ (cdm). The polymeric complexes [Cu(cdm)₂(py)₂]·2MeOH (1), [Cu(cdm)₂(4-Etpy)₂]·2MeOH (2), [Cu(cdm)₂(3,5-Me₂pzH)₂]·2MeOH (3) and [Cu(cdm)₂(3-HOCH₂py)₂]·2MeOH (4) (py = pyridine; 3,5-Me₂pzH = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) contain Cu(II) atoms bridged by μ₂-(N,N′) cdm ligands between equatorial and axial coordination sites. The use of monodentate co-ligands brings about polymeric products, in contrast to the use previously of chelating co-ligands which facilitate the formation of discrete products. These 1D polymeric complexes are connected by hydrogen bonding between the amide functionalities and the lattice solvent. In the structures of 3 and 4 the neutral ligands also contain hydrogen bond donor groups that supplement the amide ring motif. Two other complexes have been obtained that are polymeric chains of alkoxide-bridged Cu(II) dimers. The complexes [Cu(cdm)(MeO)(2-amp)] (5) and [Cu(cdm)(dmap)] (6) (2-amp = 2-(aminomethyl)pyridine and dmap = dimethylaminopropoxide) are remarkably similar despite the different ligands that they contain. Bridging between dimers is via μ₂-(N,O) cdm ligands, consequently altering the nature of the hydrogen bonding between adjacent chains compared to the simple polymeric species 1–3.     

Solvothermal syntheses and crystal structures of new Cu(II) complexes with phenylsuccinic acid

Five new Cu(II) complexes [Cu(psa)(phen)] · 3H₂O (1), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)] · 0.5H₂O (2), [Cu(psa)(2bpy)(H₂O)] · 3H₂O (3), [Cu(psa)(4bpy)] · H₂O (4), and [Cu(psa)_0.5(N₃)(2bpy)] (5) (H₂psa = phenylsuccinic acid, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, and 4bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) were obtained under solvothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2 and 3 were formed by one-pot reaction. In complex 2, Cu(II) ion is four-coordinated and locates at a slightly distorted square center. In complex 3, the coordinated water molecule occupies the axial site of Cu(II) ion forming a tetragonal pyramid geometry. Complexes 1 and 3 are of 1D chain structures, and extended into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds. Complex 2 is of zipper structure, and further assembled into 2D supramolecular network by hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 4 is a 3D CdSO₄-like structure with twofold interpenetration, while complex 5 is a dinuclear compound. The different structures of complexes 1–5 can be attributed to using the auxiliary ligands, indicating an important role of the auxiliary ligands in assembly and structure of the title complexes.     

Synthesis and structures of 3-sila-β-diketiminato complexes of the coinage metals

The dimeric copper(I) 3-sila-β-diketiminate [Cu{(N(R)C(Ar))₂SiR}]₂ · (thf) (1) was obtained from CuI and [Li{(N(R)C(Ar))₂SiR}(thf)₂] (B) in toluene (R = SiMe₃, Ar = C₆H₃Me₂-2,6). When [CuI(PPh₃)₃] was used as a starting material, the LiI-containing compound [Cu{Si(R)(C(Ar)N(R))₂Li(μ-I)}(PPh₃)] (2) was isolated. The reaction of [MI(PPh₃)_n] (M = Ag, n = 3; M = Au, n = 2) with two equivalents of B in toluene gave the isomorphous silver and gold 3-sila-β-diketiminates [M{Si(R)(C(Ar)N(R))₂Li}₂(μ-I)] [M = Ag (3), Au (4)]. Each of 1-4 was characterised by the multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction crystallography.     

1,3-Diarylimidazolidin-2-ylidene (NHC) complexes of Pd(II): Electronic effects on cross-coupling reactions and thermal decompositions

The synthesis of 1,3-diarylimidazolidin-2-ylidene (NHC) precursor, 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazolinium chloride, (3b) has been extended to the electronically and sterically modified NHC precursors 3a (X = H), 3c (X = Br) and 3e (X = Cl) in order to investigate the electronic effect of a p-substituent (X) on cross-coupling catalysts. Complexes of the type PdCl₂(NHC)₂ (5), PdCl₂(NHC)(PPh₃) (6) and [RhCl(NHC)(cod)] (7) were prepared from 3 or 4d (1,3-bis(2,4-dimethylphenyl)-2-trichloromethylimidazolidin). Initial decomposition temperatures of the complexes 5 and 6 were determined by TGA. In situ formed complexes from Pd(OAc)₂ and 3 as well as the preformed complexes 5 and 6 have been tested as catalysts in coupling of phenylboronic acid with 4-haloacetophenones. The electron donating ability of NHCs derived from 3 was assessed by measuring C-O frequencies in the respective [RhCl(NHC)(CO)₂] complex 8 which was prepared by replacement of cod ligand of 7 with CO. An interesting correlation between the electron-donating nature of the aryl substituent and catalytic activity and also initial decomposition temperature of the complexes 5 and 6 was observed.     

A combined experimental and theoretical study of metallic salts of thiapentadienyl, sulfinylpentadienyl and butadienesulfonyls

Alternative methods for the synthesis of the following acyclic salts (CH₂CHCHCHS)M [M = K, 1(K); Na, 1(Na); Li, 1(Li)], (CH₂CHCHCHSO)M [M = K, 2(K); Na, 2(Na)], (CH₂CHCHCHSO₂)M [M = K, 3(K); Na, 3(Na); Li, 3(Li)], (CH(Me)CHC(Me)CHSO₂)M [Me5-syn, M = K, 9(K); Na, 9(Na); Li, 9(Li), (CH(Me)CHCHC(Me)S)M [Me5-syn, M = K, 10(K); Na, 10(Na); Me5-anti, M = K, 11(K); Na, 11(Na)] are described, as a result of the activation of C-S bond in dihydrothiophenes by deprotonation with different bases. The effect of methyl substituents in the dihydrothiophenes is significant, which modifies considerably the choice of the base. The influence of the reaction conditions, type of solvent, base and dihydrothiophenes is analyzed. The NMR spectroscopy, including NOESY, ROESY and difference NOE establish the preferred U conformation for all derivatives, and support a delocalization of charge on the thiapentadienyl (1M) and sulfinylpentadienyl (2M) complexes. However, a conjugated diene structure is proposed on the butadienesulfonyl compounds (3M), in which the negative charge is delocalized in the SO₂ fragment and stabilized with the corresponding cations (M = K, Na and Li). In presence of traces of base, compounds 3M suffer a rearrangement, to the most stable S conformer, 13M. The stability of 3M depends on the size of the cation, the greater the size, the greater stability. Furthermore, a theoretical study shows that electronic and geometrical properties (energy conformers, charge distributions and relative stabilities) of the thiapentadienyl, sulfinylpentadienyl and butadienesulfonyl anions and their corresponding metal salts 1M-3M (M = Li, Na and K) shows to be in good agreement with the experimental findings.     

Synthesis and structure of orthopalladated complexes derived from prochiral iminophosphoranes and phosphorus ylides

The iminophosphorane Ph₂MePNPh (1) reacts with Pd(OAc)₂ to give the orthopalladated [Pd(μ-Cl){C₆H₄(PPh(Me)NPh-κ-C,N)-2}]₂ (2) as the racemic mixture, which reacts with Tl(acac) to give [Pd(acac){C₆H₄(PPh(Me)NPh-κ-C,N)-2}] (3). The X-ray structure of (3) has been determined by diffraction methods. The phosphorus ylide Ph₂MePCHC(O)Ph (5) reacts with Pd(OAc)₂ to give the dinuclear [Pd(μ-Cl){C₆H₄(PPh(Me)CHC(O)Ph-κ-C,C)-2}]₂ (6) as a mixture of isomers. Complex (6) reacts with Tl(acac), PPh₃ or AgClO₄/dppe giving the mononuclear derivatives [Pd(acac){C₆H₄(PPh(Me)CHC(O)Ph-κ-C,C)-2}] (7), [PdCl{C₆H₄(PPh(Me)CHC(O)Ph-κ-C,C)-2}PPh₃] (8) and [Pd{C₆H₄(PPh(Me)CHC(O)Ph-κ-C,C)-2}(dppe-P,P′)](ClO₄) (9), as mixtures of stereoisomers with high diastereomeric excess.     

Synthesis and characterisation of six Fe(II or III), Co(II) or Zr(IV) complexes containing the ligand [CH(SiMe2R)P(Ph)2NSiMe3] (R = Me, NEt2) and of [Co{N(SiMe3)C(Ph)C(H)P(Ph)2NSiMe3}2]

The C,N-(trimethylsilyliminodiphenylphosphoranyl)silylmethylmetal complexes [Fe(L)₂] (3), [Co(L)₂] (4), [ZrCl₃(L)]·0.83CH₂Cl₂ (5), [Fe(L)₃] (6), [Fe(L′)₂] (7) and [Co(L′)₂] (8) have been prepared from the lithium compound Li[CH(SiMe₂R)P(Ph)₂NSiMe₃] [1a, (R = Me) {≡ Li(L)}; 1b, (R = NEt₂) {≡ Li(L′)}] and the appropriate metal chloride (or for 7, FeCl₃). From Li[N(SiMe₃)C(Ph)C(H)P(Ph)₂NSiMe₃] [≡ Li(L″)] (2), prepared in situ from Li(L) (1a) and PhCN, and CoCl₂ there was obtained bis(3-trimethylsilylimino- diphenylphosphoranyl-2-phenyl-N-trimethylsilyl-1-azaallyl-N,N′)cobalt(II) (9). These crystalline complexes 3-9 were characterised by their mass spectra, microanalyses, high spin magnetic moments (not 5) and for 5 multinuclear NMR solution spectra. The X-ray structure of 3 showed it to be a pseudotetrahedral bis(chelate), the iron atom at the spiro junction.     

Assembly and structures of five new Cu(II) complexes based on the V-shaped building block [Cu(dbsf)]

Five new copper(II) complexes [Cu(dbsf)(H₂O)]_n · 0.5n(i-C₃H₇OH) (1), [Cu(dbsf)(4,4′-bpy)_0.5]_n · nH₂O (2), [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]₂ · (n-C₃H₇OH) · 0.5H₂O (3), [Cu(dbsf)(phen)(H₂O)]₂ · 1.5H₂O (4) and [Cu(dbsf)(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]_n · n(i-C₃H₇OH) (5) (H₂dbsf = 4,4′-dicarboxybiphenyl sulfone, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, i-C₃H₇OH = isopropanol, n-C₃H₇OH = n-propanol) have been synthesized under hydro/solvothermal conditions. All of the complexes are assembled from V-shaped building blocks, [Cu(dbsf)]. Complex 1 is composed of 1D double-chains. In complex 2, dbsf²⁻ ligands and 4,4′-bpy ligands connect Cu(II) ions into catenane-like 2D layers. These catenane-like 2D layers stack in an ABAB fashion to form a 3D supramolecular network. Complexes 3 and 4 are 0D dimers, in which two [Cu(dbsf)] units encircle to form dimetal macrocyclic molecules. However, in complex 5, the V-shaped building blocks [Cu(dbsf)] are joined head-to-tail, resulting in the formation of infinite tooth-like chains. The different structures of complexes 3 and 5 may be attributed to the different solvent molecules included.     

Ethynylferrocene insertion into Fe-C bond in bridging aminocarbyne diiron complexes: New triiron vinyliminium complexes

The μ-aminocarbyne complexes [Fe₂{μ-CN(Me)(R)}(μ-CO)(CO)(NCMe)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 1a; Xyl, 1b; Xyl = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃) react with ethynylferrocene to give the corresponding bridging vinyliminium complexes [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-CN(Me)(R)CHC(Fc)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂][SO₃CF₃] (R = Me, 2a; R = Xyl, 2b). Insertion of the ethynylferrocene in the metal-carbyne bond is regiospecific, and leads to the formation of only one isomer.Complexes 2a and 2b undergo hydride addition (by NaBH₄) affording the enaminoalkylidene complex [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η³-C(H)(N(Me)₂)CHC(Fc)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3a) and the bis-alkylidene [Fe₂{μ-η¹:η²-C(N(Me)(Xyl))CH₂C(Fc)}(μ-CO)(CO)(Cp)₂] (3b), respectively. Upon treatment with NaH, compounds 2a and 2b undergo fragmentation, affording the 1-metalla-2-aminocyclopenta-1,3-dien-5-one complexes [Fe(CO)(Cp){C(N(Me)(R))}CHC(Fc)C(O)}] (R = Me, 4a; R = Xyl, 4b).The molecular structures of 2b, 3b and 4b have been determined by X-ray diffraction studies.     

A unique peroxide formation based on the Mn(III)-catalyzed aerobic oxidation

The autoxidation of a mixture of 1,1-diarylsubstituted alkenes 4 and 4-hydroxy-1H-quinolin-2-ones 5 in the presence of a catalytic amount of manganese(III) acetate dihydrate in air gave 3,3-bis(2-hydroperoxyethyl)-1H-quinoline-2,4-diones 6 in 31-91% yields together with [4.4.3]propellane-type cyclic peroxides 7 (10-34%). A similar aerobic oxidation of 3-substituted quinolinones 8 yielded cyclic peroxide derivatives 9 and/or 3-hydroperoxyethylated quinolinediones 10 depending on the substituent. The structures of the bis(hydroperoxide) 6 (R¹=Me, Ar=4-ClC₆H₄) and the [4.4.3]propellane 7 (R¹=Me, Ar=Ph) have been corroborated by X-ray crystallography.     

Preparation and characterisation of cobalt (l) acyl compounds

The new cobalt (l) acyl compounds, [Co(PMe₃)(CO)₃(COMe)] 1, [Co(PPhMe₂)(CO)₃(COMe)] 2, [Co(P(4-Me-C₆H₄)₃)(CO)₃(COMe)] 3 and [Co(P(4-F-C₆H₄)₃)(CO)₃(COMe)] 4, have been prepared from [Na(Co(CO)₄)]. The compound [Co(PCy₃)(CO)₃(COMe)] 5 has been prepared from [Co(PCy₃)(CO)₃(Me)] 6. The crystal structures of 5 and 6 are reported.     

Synthesis and structures of crystalline lithium 1-azaallyls and a 1,3-diazaallyl derived from Li{CH(SiMe3)(SiMe3−n(OMe)n)} (n=1 or 2) and Li{CH(SiMe2OMe)2} and RCN (R=Bu, Ph, 2,5-Me2C6H3, or Ad)

Crystalline [Li{N(SiMe₂OMe)C(^tBu)C(H)(SiMe₃)}]₂ (5), [Li{N(SiMe₂OMe)C(Ph)C(H)(SiMe₃)}]₂ (6), [C(C₆H₃Me₂-2,5)C(H)(SiMe₃)}(TMEDA)](7), [Li{N(SiMe(OMe)₂)C(^tBu)C(H)(SiMe₃)}(THF)]₂ (8), Li{N(SiMe(OMe)₂)C(Ph)C(H)(SiMe₃)}(TMEDA) (9) and [Li{N(SiMe₂OMe)C(^tBu)C(H)(SiMe₂OMe)}]₂ (10) were readily obtained at ambient temperature from (i) [Li{CH(SiMe₃)(SiMe₂OMe)}]₈ (1) and an equivalent portion of RCN (R=^tBu (5), Ph (6) or 2,5-Me₂C₆H₃ (7)); (ii) [Li{CH(SiMe₃)(SiMe(OMe)₂)}]_∞ (2) and an equivalent portion of ^tBuCN (8) or PhCN (9); and (iii) [Li{CH(SiMe₂OMe)₂}]_∞ (3) and one equivalent of ^tBuCN (10). Reactions (i) and (ii) were regiospecific with SiMe_3−n(OMe)_n>SiMe₃ in 1,3-migration from C (in 1 or 2)→N. The 1-azaallyl ligand was bound to the lithium atom as a terminally bound κ¹-enamide (8 and 10), a bridging η³-1-azaallyl (6), or a bridging κ¹-enamide (5). The stereochemistry about the CC bond was Z for 5, 8 and 10 and E for 7. X-ray data are provided for 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 and multinuclear NMR spectra data in C₆D₆ or C₆D₅CD₃ for each of 5-10.     

Subtle role of counteranions in molecular construction: Structures and properties of novel Cu(II) coordination complexes with bis-(1-benzoimidazolymethylene)-(2,5-thiadiazoly)-disulfide

The direct self-assembly of bis-(1-benzoimidazolymethylene)-(2,5-thiadiazoly)-disulfide (L) with CuSO₄, Cu(NO₃)₂ and CuCl₂ affords three novel supramolecular complexes: 1-D ladder-like chain complex {[Cu(SO₄)(L)] · (CH₃OH)}_n (1), dimer complexes {[Cu(L)(CH₃O)]₂(NO₃)₂} · 2H₂O (2) and [Cu(L)(Cl)(N₃)]₂ · 2CH₃OH (3). The nature of the anions is the underlying reason behind the differences in the structures of this series of complexes. Furthermore, utilizing the coordinatively unsaturated complexes 2 and 3 as precursor complexes, two new derivative complexes [Cu(L)(NCS)(CH₃O)]₂ · 2CH₃OH (2A) and [Cu(L)(ClO₄)(N₃)]₂ · 2CH₃OH (3A) are obtained by the addition and exchange reactions of complexes 2 and 3 with anions. X-ray crystallographic analysis shows that the two derivatives retain the skeletons of their precursor complexes, and the anions with the stronger coordination capacity only bind to the active position of precursor complexes. In addition, different from the obvious effects on the structures in the direct self-assembly of the metal and ligand, the change of counteranions has no great impact on the structures in the anion exchange reactions. We also study the catalytic activities of the complexes 2, 2A, 3, and 3A, which have similar skeletons, for the oxidative coupling polymerization of 2,6-dimethylphenol (DMP). And we find that the introductions of different coordination counterions produce significant impacts on the catalytic properties of these complexes.     

Cu–Ni heterobimetallic compounds. Part 2: Study of the system Cu(II)–bpy–[Ni(CN)4] (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine)

Two new complexes [Ni(bpy)₃][Cu(CN)₃]·4.5H₂O (1) and [Cu(bpy)₂(CN)]₂[Ni(CN)₄]·4H₂O (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized from aqueous-ethanolic solution. The crystal structures of both 1 and 2 are ionic. The crystal structure of 1 is built up of [Ni(bpy)₃]²⁺ and [Cu(CN)₃]²⁻ complex ions, and disordered solvated water molecules. While the Ni(II) atom is octahedrally coordinated by three chelate bonded bidentate bpy ligands with Ni–N bond 2.0851(1) Å (6×), the Cu(I) atom is in trigonal coordination with Cu–C bond 1.9440(1) Å (3×). Crystal structure of 2 consists of a rare [Cu(bpy)₂(CN)]⁺ complex cations, [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ complex anions (ratio 2:1) and solvated water molecules; in the complex cation the Cu(II) atom is penta-coordinated with terminal cyanido ligand. In both crystal structures the not coordinated water molecules are involved in hydrogen bonding. Thermal study on air of both 1 and 2 did not indicate formation of a stable intermediate; the solid residues are formed of a mixture of CuO and NiO. Magnetic susceptibilities of both 1 and 2 are described by Curie–Weiss behavior with θ values of −1.37 K (1) and −0.54 K (2) due to the action of weak antiferromagnetic interactions in 1 and 2, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of Co(II) and Cu(II) supported complexes of 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid for cyclohexene oxidation

The complexes [Co(N^O)₂] (1) and [Cu(N^O)₂] (2) {N^O = η²-(N,O) coordinated 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid} have been synthesized and characterized by elemental (including metal) analyses, FT-IR spectroscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. The molecular structure of complex 2 was determined by single X-ray crystallography. In the molecule, the Cu atom occupies the center of a square planar geometry, which consists of two trans-O atoms and two trans-N atoms of two 2-pyrazinecarboxylic acid ligands. The complexes 1 and 2 were well encapsulated into zeolite–Y super-cage to yield the corresponding zeolite–Y encapsulated metal complexes, abbreviated herein as [Co(N^O)₂]–Y (3) and [Cu(N^O)₂]–Y (4). Similarly, the metal complexes 1 and 2 were immobilized on alumina and organically modified silica surfaces to lead to the formation of immobilized metal complexes [Co(N^O)₂]–Al₂O₃ (5); [Cu(N^O)₂]–Al₂O₃ (6); [Co(N^O)₂]–AMPS (7) and [Cu(N^O)₂]–AMPS (8) (AMPS = aminopropyl silica). Elemental (including metal) analyses, FT-IR spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis have been used to characterize these materials. The catalytic activity of all the catalysts 1–8 towards the oxidation of cyclohexene into different chemically and pharmaceutically important products were evaluated under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions. In order to obtain a maximum conversion of cyclohexene, the reaction parameters, like reaction temperature and time, were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, a maximum of 90.47% cyclohexene conversion was achieved with [Cu(N^O)₂]–Y (4) with a 1:2 molar ratio reaction of cyclohexene and H₂O₂.     

Synthesis,structure and properties of some copper(II) complexes containing an ONO donor Schiff base and substituted imidazole ligands

Five new mixed ligand coper(II) complexes, viz. [Cu(SAA)(H₂O)] (1), [Cu(SAA)(MeImH)] (2), [Cu(SAA)(EtImH)] (3), [Cu(SAA)(BenzImH)] (4) and [Cu(SAA)(MebenzImH)] (5), where SAA = salicylideneanthranilic acid, MeImH = 2-methylimidazole, EtImH = 2-ethylimidazole, BenzImH = benzimidazole, MebenzImH = 2-methylbenzimidazole, have been synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, FAB mass spectrometry, magnetic susceptibility, X-band EPR, electronic spectroscopy, IR and cyclic voltammetry. The frozen solution EPR spectra of the complexes have shown axial features. Single crystal X-ray analysis of 2 and 3 has revealed the presence of a distorted square planar geometry (N₂O₂) in the complexes. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of the present complexes has also been measured and discussed.     

Novel 1D Cu(I) coordination polymers formed by the combination of Cu(I) halides and 4-(2-pyridyl)pyrimidine

Three novel 1D Cu(I) coordination polymers [Cu₄X₄(pprd)₂]_n (X = Cl(1), Br(2) and I(3); pprd = 4-(2-pyridyl)pyrimidine) were systematically synthesized by Cu(I) halides and the pprd ligand, and they have been characterized by X-ray, IR, and TG-DTA analyses. The molecular structure of complex 1 essentially resembles to that of complex 2. In complexes 1 and 2, four Cu(I) atoms are bridged by four Cl or Br anions to form an eight-membered Cu₄X₄ framework in the twist-chair form. Furthermore, the Cu₄X₄ frameworks are coordinated by the chelate and bridging sites of two pprd ligands to form a unique 1D two-stepped Cu(I) coordination polymer, in which two stairs are formed by the Cu₄X₄ core and two heteroaromatic planes of pprd. In the crystal packing structures, it is interesting that two heteroaromatic planes of pprd are stacking along the b-axis for complex 1 and the a-axis for complex 2. In contrast, four Cu(I) atoms in complex 3 are bridged by four I atoms to form a Cu₄I₄ stepped cubane tetramer. Additionally, the Cu₄I₄ stepped cubane cores are linked by the chelate and bridging sites of two pprd ligands to form an infinite 1D zigzag-chain Cu(I) coordination polymer. The thermal decomposition behaviors for Cu(I)–X/pprd complexes 1, 2 and 3 were determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DTA). Although the thermal decomposition behaviors of complex 1 were unidentified, those of complexes 2 and 3 were assigned. The mass loss at the first stage of thermal decomposition for polymeric [Cu₄X₄(pprd)₂]_n was identical to the formation of oligomeric [Cu₄X₄(pprd)] by the elimination of one pprd molecule. The mass loss at the next stage was decided to the formation of Cu₄X₄ by the elimination of another pprd molecule.