Ten complexes constructed by two reduced Schiff base tetraazamacrocycle ligands: syntheses,structures, magnetic and luminescent properties

Ten new complexes, [Cu₂(L¹)(NO₃)₂]·2H₂O (1), [Cu₄(L¹)₂]·4ClO₄·H₂O (2), [Cu₂(L¹)(H₂O)₂]·(adipate) (3), [Cu₆(L¹)₂(m-bdc)₄]·2DMF·5H₂O (4), [Cu₂(L¹)(Hbtc)]·5H₂O (5), [Cu₂(L¹)(H₂O)₂]·(ntc)·3H₂O (6), [Co₂(L²)]·[Co(MeOH)₄(H₂O)₂] (7), [Co₃(L²)(EtOH)(H₂O)] (8), [Ni₆(L²)₂(H₂O)₄]·H₂O (9) and [Zn₄(L²)(OAc)₂]·0.5H₂O (10), have been synthesized. 1 displays a [Cu₂(L¹)(NO₃)₂] monomolecular structure. 2 shows a supramolecular chain including [Cu₂L¹]²⁺. In 3, two Cu(II) ions are connected by L¹ to form a [Cu₂(L¹)(H₂O)₂]²⁺ cation. In 4, the m-bdc anions bridge Cu(II) ions and L¹ anions to form a layer. Both 5 and 6 display 3-D supramolecular structures. 7 consists of both [Co₂L²]^2? and [Co(MeOH)₄(H₂O)₂]²⁺ units. 8 and 9 show infinite chain structures. In 10, Zn(II) dimers are linked by L² to generate a 3-D framework. The magnetic properties for 4 and 8 and the luminescent property for 10 have been studied.     

NLO active CuII/RuII and CdII/RuII coordination-organometallic complexes: synthesis,structural characterization and photoluminescence properties

Cu^II/Ru^II and Cd^II/Ru^II hybrid complexes [Cu(L_1–3)(NC₅H₄C≡CRu(dppe)₂Cl)] (1a-3a) and [Cd(L_1-3)(NC₅H₄C≡CRu(dppe)₂Cl)] (1b–3b) have been prepared by reaction of trans-[RuCl(dppe)₂(C≡C-py-3)] (1) with copper or cadmium acetate in the presence of Schiff base ligands L_H1–3 (where L_H = 2-(pyrrole-2-yl-methylidine)aminophenol (L_H1), 5-bromo-2-(pyrrole-2-yl-methylidine)aminophenol (L_H2) and 5-nitro-2-(pyrrole-2-yl-methylidine)aminophenol (L_H3)). The hybrid materials were characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, TEM, IR, UV–visible, ¹H NMR, and ³¹P NMR spectral studies. TEM overview observations revealed well-dispersed spherical nanoparticles of ~60 nm are formed. Quasireversible redox behavior is observed for Cu^II/Ru^II complexes corresponding to Cu^I/Cu^II and Ru^II/Ru^III couples. All the complexes exhibit blue-green emission as a result of fluorescence from the intraligand (π → π*) emission excited state with good quantum yield. The second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of Cu^II/Ru^II and Cd^II/Ru^II complexes have been investigated by the Kurtz-powder method. The second harmonic generation efficiency of these complexes show that these complexes are NLO active and display good second-order nonlinear optical activity.     

Synthesis,characterization, thermal,and antimicrobial studies of binuclear metal complexes of sulfa-guanidine Schiff bases

A series of metal complexes of Schiff bases derived from condensation of sulfa-guanidine with 1-benzoylacetone (H₂L¹), 2-hydroxybenzophenol (H₂L²), dibenzoylmethane (H₂L³), 5-methylisatine (H₂L⁴), and 1-methylisatine (H₂L⁵) have been synthesized. The complexes are characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment measurements, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, and ESR spectra, as well as thermogravimetric analysis. The low molar conductance values indicate the complexes are nonelectrolytes. IR and ¹H NMR spectra show that H₂L¹–H₂L⁵ are coordinated to metal ions by two bidentate centers. Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes display paramagnetic behavior, whereas the Zn(II)-complex was diamagnetic. All studies confirm the formation of an octahedral geometry for [Cu₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] · 3H₂O (1), [Mn₂L⁴(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] · 2H₂O (6), [Ni₂L⁴(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] · 2H₂O (8), a tetrahedral geometry for [Cu₂L²(AcO)₂(H₂O)₂] (2), [Cu₂(L⁴)₂] (4), [Co₂(L⁴)₂] · 2H₂O (7) and [ZnHL⁴(AcO)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (9) and a trigonal bipyramid geometry for [Cu₂L³(AcO)₂(H₂O)₄] (3) and [Cu₂HL⁵(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · H₂O (5). H₂L⁴ was most effective on Gram negative, Gram positive bacteria, and fungi (diameters inhibition zone ranged between 10.5–27.5 mm) after 24 and 48 h, respectively. Complex 8 showed moderate antimicrobial activity. Its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Candida albicans and Aspargllus flavas was 20 mg L^–1. The compound proved to be of moderate toxicity and its LD₅₀ was 20 mg L^–1.     

A 2-D CdI2 coordination network with 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-5-heptene-2,3-dicarboxylate: synthesis,crystal structure,and luminescent properties

The in situ reaction of Cd(ClO₄)₂·6H₂O with 7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-5-heptene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride in the presence of lithium hydroxide affords a 2-D Cd^II coordination polymer, [Cd(L)(H₂O)]_∞ (1) (L?=?7-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]-5-heptene-2,3-dicarboxylate), which exhibits an unusual (3,6)-connected (4⁶.6⁶.8³)(4³)₂ CdI₂-type topology. The luminescent and thermal properties of 1 were investigated.     

Supramolecular architectures with ladder and lamellar topologies using metal-ligand coordination units via C–H···Cl and O–H···Cl hydrogen bonding

New Mn^II/Cu^II/Zn^II complexes [(L¹)MnCl₂] (1), [(L²)CuCl₂]·0.5H₂O (2) and [(L²)ZnCl(H₂O)][ClO₄] (3), containing (2-pyridyl)alkylamine ligands, N-methyl-N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L¹) and methyl[2-(2-pyridyl)ethyl](2-pyridylmethyl)amine (L²), have been prepared and characterized, including X-ray crystallography. The most striking feature of the structures of these complexes is the formation of molecular ladder and lamellar topology through the crystal packing arrangement, determined by both strong O–H···Cl and weak (however, multiple) C–H···Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions, to maintain the neutral/cationic metal-ligand coordination units linked to each other. In 3, additional secondary interactions are observed involving coordinated solvent and the counter-ion. The results presented here demonstrate that (i) the choice of organic ligands to provide flexibility and inherent potential to participate in hydrogen-bonding interactions, (ii) the coordination geometry preferences of metal ions, (iii) the number of metal-bound chloride ion and (iv) the presence of solvent/counter-anion have a great influence on supramolecular network topology.     

Three 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole-based supramolecular assemblies oriented by Keggin and Wells–Dawson anions

Three polyoxometalate supramolecular assemblies based on rigid 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole (L) and two types of polytungstate anions, [Cu^II₂Cl(L)₄(PW₁₂O₄₀)]·3H₂O (1), [Cu^II(L)₂(H₂O)]₂[P₂W₁₈O₆₂]·(HL)₂·6H₂O (2), and [Zn^II(L)₃]₄[H(KPW₁₂O₄₀)₃] (3), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and IR spectra. Compound 1 contains binuclear copper clusters {Cu₂L₄Cl}³⁺ with Cl^– as bridges. These binuclear clusters and [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3– anions construct a supramolecular 2-D layer through hydrogen-bonding interactions. In 2, the [CuL₂(H₂O)]²⁺ subunits and Wells–Dawson anions build a 1-D supramolecular chain. In 3, the [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3– anions are covalently linked by K⁺ to form an inorganic chain. These chains and discrete [Zn^II(L)₃]²⁺ subunits construct a 3-D supramolecular structure. The electrochemical and photocatalytic properties of 1–3 have been studied.     

Syntheses,structures of Mn(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) coordination complexes based on 3,4,5-trifluorobenzeneseleninic acid and N-donor ligands

Abstract

Five new coordination complexes [Mn^II (L₁)₂(4,4′-bpy)]_n (1), [Ni^II (L₁)₂(4,4′-bpy)]_n (2), [Zn^II (L₁)₂(4,4′-bpy)]_n (3), [Cu^II (L₁)₂(phen)₂]Cl₂ (4) and [Cu^II ₂(L₁)₂(2,2′-bpy)₂]Cl₂ (5) (HL₁?=?3,4,5-trifluorobenzeneseleninic acid, 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. Complexes 1–3 display similar layers structures. In 1–3, the adjacent layers are further connected through π···π interactions to form three-dimensional supramolecular structures. Complexes 4 and 5 show a dimer containing an eight-membered ring. The dimer extends into three-dimensional supramolecular structures through π···π interactions, C–H···F and C–H···Cl interactions.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of cobalt(III), copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes derived from 4-methoxy-N′-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide with urease inhibitory activity

Abstract

Urease catalyzes the decomposition of urea into ammonia, which has harmful effects on both human health and fertile soil. Aiming at exploring novel urease inhibitors, a series of hydrazone compounds and their Co^III, Cu^II, Ni^II, and Zn^II complexes were prepared from 4-methoxy-N'-(pyridin-2-ylmethylene)benzohydrazide (HL). They are [CoClL(NCS)] (1), [CoL₂]·Cl·CH₃OH·H₂O (2), [CuL(NCNCN)]_n·nCH₃OH (3), [NiL(HL)]·ClO₄·CH₃OH (4) and [ZnClL(OH₂)]·CH₃OH (5). The compounds were characterized by physico-chemical methods. Structures of the complexes were further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The metal ions in 1, 3, and 5 display square pyramidal coordination and 2 and 4 display octahedral coordination. The inhibitory effects of the compounds on Jack bean urease were evaluated. The results showed that 3 has effective urease inhibitory activity, with IC₅₀ value of (7.3?±?1.0) μmol L^?1.     

Synthesis,structure, urease inhibitory,and cytotoxic activities of two complexes with protocatechuic acid derivative and phenanthroline

Two complexes, [Cu^II(L¹)(phen)₂](ClO₄) (1) and [Ni^II₂(L¹)₂(phen)₂(MeOH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), with HL¹, a ligand derived from protocatechuic acid (=2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxine-6-carboxylic acid) and phen (=1,10-phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by C, H, and N elemental analysis, UV–vis, FT-IR, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, which revealed that 1 is mononuclear and 2 is dinuclear. Both complexes crystallized in monoclinic space group C2/c. The urease inhibitory activity and in vitro cytotoxic activity of 1 and 2 were tested. The complexes showed strong inhibitory activity against jack bean urease and significantly suppressed the growth of A549, L929, and SW620 cell lines.     

Synthesis,crystal structures,and properties of copper(II) dicarboxylate complexes with [bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amido]

Four new complexes, [Cu₂(Bpca)₂(L¹)(H₂O)₂] · 3H₂O (I), [Cu₂(Bpca)₂(L²)(H₂O)₂] (II), [Cu₂(Bpca)₂(L³)] · 2H₂O (III), [Cu₂(Bpca)₂(L¹)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (IV) (Bpca = bis(2-pyridylcarbonyl)amido, H₂L¹ = glutaric acid, H₂L² = adipic acid, H₂L³ = suberic acid, H₂L⁴ = azelaic acid) have been synthesized and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods (CIF files CCDC nos. 1432836 (I), 1432835 (II), 817411 (III), and 817412 (IV)), elemental analyses, IR spectra. Structural analyses reveal that compounds I, II, and IV have similar structures [Cu(Bpca)]⁺ units bridged by dicarboxylate forming dinuclear units, whereas the dinuclear of compound III are edge-shared through two carboxylate oxygen atoms of different suberate anions. Hydrogen bonds are response for the supramolecular assembly of compounds I to IV. The temperature-dependent magnetic property of III was also investigated in the temperature range of 2 to 300 K, and the magnetic behaviour suggests weak antiferromagnetic coupling exchange.     

Synthesis and characterization of CuII and CoII complexes derived from 2,4,6-tri-(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine (TPT) by chemical and tribochemical reactions

Four Cu^II and Co^II complexes–[Cu(L₁)Cl₂(H₂O)]3/2H₂O · 1/2EtOH, [Cu(L₁)₂Cl₂]6H₂O, [Co(L₁)Cl₂]3H₂O · EtOH, and [Co₂(L₁)(H₂O)Cl₄]1.5H₂O · EtOH (L₁ = 2,4,6-tri(2-pyridyl)-1,3,5-triazine; TPT)–were synthesized by conventional chemical method and used to synthesize another four metal complexes–[Cu(L₁)I₂(H₂O)]6H₂O, [Cu(L₁)₂I₂]6H₂O, [Co(L₁)I(H₂O)₂]I · 2H₂O, and [Co₂(L₁)I₄(H₂O)₃]–using tribochemical reaction, by grinding it with KI. Substitution of chloride by iodide occurred, but no reduction for Cu^II or oxidation of Co^II. Oxidation of Co^II to Co^III complexes was only observed on the dissolution of Co^II complexes in d₆-DMSO in air while warming. The isolated solid complexes (Cu^II and Co^II) have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductivities, spectral (IR, UV-Vis, ¹H-NMR), thermal measurements (TGA), and magnetic measurements. The values of molar conductivities suggest non-electrolytes in DMF. The metal complexes are paramagnetic. IR spectra indicate that TPT is tridentate coordinating via the two pyridyl nitrogens and one triazine nitrogen forming two five-membered rings around the metal in M : L complexes and bidentate via one triazine nitrogen and one pyridyl nitrogen in ML₂ complexes. In binuclear complexes, L is tridentate toward one Co^II and bidentate toward the second Co^II in [Co₂(L₁)Cl₄]2.5H₂O · EtOH and [Co₂(L₁)I₄(H₂O)₃]. Electronic spectra and magnetic measurements suggest a distorted-octahedral around Cu^II and high-spin octahedral and square-pyramidal geometry around Co^II.     

Experimental and DFT Evidence for the Fractional Non‐Innocence of a β‐Diketonate Ligand

New compounds [Ru(pap)₂(L)](ClO₄), [Ru(pap)(L)₂], and [Ru(acac)₂(L)] (pap=2‐phenylazopyridine, L^?=9‐oxidophenalenone, acac^?=2,4‐pentanedionate) have been prepared and studied regarding their electron‐transfer behavior, both experimentally and by using DFT calculations. [Ru(pap)₂(L)](ClO₄) and [Ru(acac)₂(L)] were characterized by crystal‐structure analysis. Spectroelectrochemistry (EPR, UV/Vis/NIR), in conjunction with cyclic voltammetry, showed a wide range of about 2 V for the potential of the Ru^III/II couple, which was in agreement with the very different characteristics of the strongly π‐accepting pap ligand and the σ‐donating acac^? ligand. At the rather high potential of +1.35 V versus SCE, the oxidation of L^? into L^. could be deduced from the near‐IR absorption of [Ru^III(pap)(L^.)(L^?)]²⁺. Other intense long‐wavelength transitions, including LMCT (L^?→Ru^III) and LL/CT (pap^.?→L^?) processes, were confirmed by TD‐DFT results. DFT calculations and EPR data for the paramagnetic intermediates allowed us to assess the spin densities, which revealed two cases with considerable contributions from L‐radical‐involving forms, that is, [Ru^III(pap⁰)₂(L^?)]²⁺?[Ru^II(pap⁰)₂(L^.)]²⁺ and [Ru^III(pap⁰)(L^?)₂]⁺?[Ru^II(pap⁰)(L^?)(L^?)]⁺. Calculations of electrogenerated complex [Ru^II(pap^.?)(pap⁰)(L^?)] displayed considerable negative spin density (?0.188) at the bridging metal.     

A coordination polymer consisting of two different one‐dimensional copper(II) chains

The title compound, catena‐poly[[[diaqua(methanol‐κO)copper(II)]‐μ‐N‐(4‐methylpyrimidin‐2‐yl‐κN¹)pyrazin‐2‐amine‐κ²N¹:N⁴] [[aqua(aqua/methanol‐κO)(perchlorato‐κO)copper(II)]‐μ‐N‐(4‐methylpyrimidin‐2‐yl‐κN¹)pyrazin‐2‐amine‐κ²N¹:N⁴] tris(perchlorate) methanol monosolvate 1.419‐hydrate], {[Cu(C₉H₉N₅)(CH₃OH)(H₂O)₂][Cu(C₉H₉N₅)(ClO₄)(CH₃OH)_0.581(H₂O)_1.419](ClO₄)₃·CH₃OH·1.419H₂O}_n, is a one‐dimensional straight‐chain polymer of N‐(4‐methylpyrimidin‐2‐yl)pyrazin‐2‐amine (L) with Cu(ClO₄)₂. The complex consists of two crystallographically independent one‐dimensional chains in which the Cu^II atoms exhibit two different octahedral coordination geometries. The L ligand coordinates to two Cu^II centres in a tridentate manner, with the pyrazine ring acting as a bridge linking the Cu^II coordination units and building an infinite one‐dimensional chain. Extensive hydrogen bonding among perchlorate anions, water molecules and L ligands results in three‐dimensional networks.     

The unprecedented role of a CuII cryptand in the luminescence properties of a EuIII cryptate complex

Abstract  

A Eu^III cryptate complex constructed from a Cu^II cryptand with an L ^tBu ligand, [Eu^IIICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(NO₃)₃(MeOH)], and the corresponding Ca^II and Na^I cryptates, [Ca^IICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(NO₃)₂(MeOH)₂] and [Na^ICu₂^II(L ^tBu)₂(Me₂CO)](BPh₄), have been synthesized and characterized in order to shed light on the essential role of Cu^II in the luminescence of a Eu^III cryptate. The unprecedented role of a Cu^II cryptand makes it possible to produce lanthanide luminescence in a Eu^III cryptate complex and is successfully elucidated by comparison with the corresponding Ca^II and Na^I cryptates.     

Structure and magnetic properties of the copper(II) complexes with diacyl hydrazides of salicylic acid

The structures and results of the static magnetic susceptibility investigation of the copper(II) binuclear complex with salicylic acid diacyl hydrazide (H₂L), [Cu₂(L)(Py)₄] (I), and the copper(II) trinuclear complex with diacyl dihydrazide of salicylic and glutaric acids (H₆L′), [Cu₃(L′)(Py)₄] · 2Py (II), are described. The exchange antiferromagnetic interactions between the paramagnetic centers with the exchange interaction parameter −2J = 119 cm⁻¹ for dimer I and 14 cm⁻¹ for trinuclear complex II are detected.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, and thermal analyses of trinuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes with some sulfa derivatives

New bi- and trihomonuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes with sulfa-guanidine Schiff bases have been synthesized for potential chemotherapeutic use. The complexes are characterized using elemental and thermal (TGA) analyses, mass spectra (MS), molar conductance, IR, ¹H-NMR, UV-Vis, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra as well as magnetic moment measurements. The low molar conductance values denote non-electrolytes. The thermal behavior of these chelates shows that the hydrated complexes lose water of hydration in the first step followed by loss of coordinated water followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligands in subsequent steps. IR and ¹H-NMR data reveal that ligands are coordinated to the metal ions by two or three bidentate centers via the enol form of the carbonyl C=O group, enolic sulfonamide S(O)OH, and the nitrogen of azomethine. The UV-Vis and ESR spectra as well as magnetic moment data reveal that formation of octahedral [Mn₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] (1), [Co₂(L¹)₂(H₂O)₈] (2), [Ni₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] (3), [Mn₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (5), [Co₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · 4H₂O (6), [Ni₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · 7H₂O (7), [Mn₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₆] (9), [Co₂(HL³)₂(H₂O)₈] · 4H₂O (10), [Ni₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (11), [Mn₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · H₂O (13), [Co₂(HL⁴)₂(H₂O)₈] · 5H₂O (14), and [Ni₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (15) while [Zn₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₂] (4), [Zn₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 2H₂O (8), [Zn₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 3H₂O (12), and [Zn₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 2H₂O (16) are tetrahedral. The electron spray ionization (ESI) MS of the complexes showed isotope ion peaks of [M]⁺ and fragments supporting the formulation.     

Variation in crystalline architectures through supramolecular interactions in copper(II) complexes with tridentate N2O donor Schiff bases

Three copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L¹)(H₂O)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (1), [Cu(L²)(H₂O)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (2), and [Cu(L²)(NCNC(OCH₃)NH₂)]ClO₄ (3), where HL¹ = 4-bromo-2-(-(quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)phenol and HL² = 1-(-(quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The copper(II) centers assume five-coordinate square-pyramidal geometries in 1 and 2, whereas square planar copper(II) is present in 3. A methanol molecule has been inserted in the pendant end of the ligated dicyanamide in 3. Various supramolecular architectures are formed by hydrogen bonding, π?π, C–H?π, and lp?π interactions.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and antibacterial activity of mononuclear nickel(II) and cobalt(III) Schiff-base complexes

Four new mononuclear complexes, [Ni(L¹)(NCS)₂] (1), [Ni(L²)(NCS)₂] (2), [Co(L¹)(N₃)₂]ClO₄ (3), and [Co(L²)(N₃)₂]ClO₄ (4), where L¹ and L² are N,N′-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)methylidene]butane-1,4-diamine and N,N′-bis[(pyridin-2-yl)benzylidene]butane-1,4-diamine, respectively, have been prepared. The syntheses have been achieved by reaction of the respective metal perchlorate with the tetradentate Schiff bases, L¹ and L², in presence of thiocyanate (for 1 and 2) or azide (for 3 and 4). The complexes have been characterized by microanalytical, spectroscopic, single crystal X-ray diffraction and other physicochemical studies. Structural studies reveal that 1–4 are distorted octahedral geometries. The antibacterial activity of all the complexes and their constituent Schiff bases have been tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.     

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of unsymmetrical tetradentate reduced Schiff base ligands

Two new reduced Schiff base ligands, [HL¹ = 4-{2-[(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)-amino]-ethylimino}-pentan-2-one and HL² = 4-[2-(1-pyridin-2-yl-ethylamino)-ethylimino]-pentan-2-one] have been prepared by reduction of the corresponding tetradentate unsymmetrical Schiff bases derived from 1:1: 1 condensation of 1,2-ethanediamine, acetylacetone and pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde/2-acetyl pyridine. Four complexes, [Ni(L¹)]ClO₄ (1), [Cu(L¹)]ClO₄ (2), [Ni(L²)]ClO₄ (3), and [Cu(L²)]ClO₄ (4) with these two reduced Schiff base ligands have been synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. The mono-negative ligands L¹ and L² are chelated in all four complexes through the four donor atoms to form square planar nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes. Structures of 3 and 4 reveal that enantiomeric pairs are crystallized together with opposite chirality in the nitrogen and carbon atoms. The two Cu^II complexes (2 and 4) exhibit both irreversible reductive (Cu^II/Cu^I; E_pc, −1.00 and −1.04 V) and oxidative (Cu^II/Cu^III; E_pa, +1.22 and +1.17 V, respectively) responses in cyclic voltammetry. The electrochemically generated Cu^I species for both the complexes are unstable and undergo disproportionation.