Thermically and electrochemically induced isomerization of a (bis(ferrocene)-cyclam)copper(II) complex

The new bis(ferrocene)-cyclam macrocycle 1,8-bis(ferrocenylmethyl)-1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclotetradecane, denoted L, has been synthesized. Two Cu(II) complexes with L have been isolated and characterized from X-ray structure determination and electrochemical studies. These two LCu(II) complexes correspond to the type I (ferrocenyl subunits in the same side of the cyclam plane) and type III (ferrocenyl subunits above and below the cyclam plane) isomers. The type I LCu(II) complex was synthesized from L and a Cu(2+) salt, while the type III isomer was obtained by oxidation in air or by comproportionation of the Cu(I) complex. The interconversion between type I and type III LCu(II) complexes is negligible in acetonitrile and slow in dimethyl sulfoxide but fast via an electrochemical reduction-reoxidation cycle. According to UV-vis and electrochemical characterizations, the type III isomer is thermodynamically more stable and the type I isomer is kinetically favored. A type III LNi(II) complex was also isolated and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and from electrochemical studies.