Coordination properties of 1-allyl-2-methylimidazole relative to some metal ions in the solid state and aqueous solution

Cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes with 1-allyl-2-methylimidazole (L), of general formula ML₂(NO₃)₂], have been prepared in the solid state. The compounds were characterised by structural, spectroscopic and magnetic measurements. The metal ions in both six coordinate complexes are surrounded by two nitrogen atoms of the imidazole rings and four oxygen atoms of the chelating nitrato group (the CoN₂O₄ and CuN₂O₄ chromophores). The structure of both chromophores is described by a very distorted tetragonal bipyramid. The formation of successive complexes of the azole with Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ in aqueous solution was followed potentiometrically. An irregularity in the K_n constants of successive Co²⁺ and Zn²⁺ complexes suggests a change in the coordination sphere of the central ions from octahedral to tetrahedral. With the Co²⁺–1-allyl-2-methylimidazole system, the change has been proven by inspection of the visible absorption spectra.