Low‐dimensional compounds containing cyano groups. XVI. (Dicyanamido‐κN1)bis(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)copper(II) tetrafluoridoborate

The title compound, Cu{N(CN)₂}(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]BF₄, was prepared as part of our study of the shape of coordination polyhedra in five‐coordinated copper(II) complexes. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis reveals that the structure consists of Cu{N(CN)₂}(phen)₂]⁺ cations (phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline) and BF₄^? anions. The Cu centre is five‐coordinated in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal manner by four N atoms of two phen ligands and one N atom of a dicyanamide anion, which is coordinated in the equatorial plane at a distance of 1.996 (2) Å. The two axial Cu—N_phen distances have similar values average 1.994 (6) Å] and are shorter than the two equatorial Cu—N_phen bonds average 2.09 (6) Å]. This work demonstrates the effect of ligand rigidity on the shape of coordination polyhedra in five‐coordinated copper(II) complexes.