Role of Ligand in the Selective Production of Hydrogen from Formic Acid Catalysed by the Mononuclear Cationic Zinc Complexes [(L)Zn(H)]+ (L=tpy,phen, and bpy)

A series of zinc-based catalysts was evaluated for their efficiency in decomposing formic acid into molecular hydrogen and carbon dioxide in the gas phase using quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometry experiments. The effectiveness of the catalysts in the series [(L)Zn(H)]⁺, where L=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine (tpy), 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′-bipyrydine (bpy), was found to depend on the ligand used, which turned out to be fundamental in tuning the catalytic properties of the zinc complex. Specifically, [(tpy)Zn(H)]⁺ displayed the fastest reaction with formic acid proceeding by dehydrogenation to produce the zinc formate complex [(tpy)Zn(O₂CH)]⁺ and H₂. The catalysts [(L)Zn(H)]⁺ are reformed by decarboxylating the zinc formate complexes [(L)Zn(O₂CH)]⁺ by collision-induced dissociation, which is the only reaction channel for each of the ligands used. The decarboxylation reaction was found to be reversible, since the zinc hydride complexes [(L)Zn(H)]⁺ react with carbon dioxide yielding the zinc formate complex. This reaction was again substantially faster for L=tpy than L=phen or bpy. The energetics and mechanisms of these processes were modelled using several levels of density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Experimental results are fully supported by the computational predictions.     

Characterization of the Oxygen Binding Motif in a Ruthenium Water Oxidation Catalyst by Vibrational Spectroscopy

For homogeneous mononuclear ruthenium water oxidation catalysts, the Ru–O₂ complex plays a crucial role in the rate determining step of the catalytic cycle, but the exact nature of this complex is unclear. Herein, the infrared spectra of the [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(O₂)]²⁺ complex (tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) are presented. The complex [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(O₂)]²⁺, formed by gas‐phase reaction of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)]²⁺ with molecular O₂, was isolated by using mass spectrometry and was directly probed by cryogenic ion IR predissociation spectroscopy. Well‐resolved spectral features enable a clear identification of the O?O stretch using ¹⁸O₂ substitution. The band frequency and intensity indicate that the O₂ moiety binds to the Ru center in a side‐on, bidentate manner. Comparisons with DFT calculations highlight the shortcomings of the B3LYP functional in properly depicting the Ru–O₂ interaction.     

A DFT study of transition metal complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline,C-C-dimeric 2,2′-bi-1,10-phenanthroline,and its tetraaza chromophore anion

Quantum-chemical calculations of the 1,10-phenanthroline complexes [M(en)(1,10-phen)]²⁺ (M = Pt, Pd, Ni; en = NH₂C₂H₄NH₂) were performed by the DFT B3LYP method in the 6-31G** basis set using the GAMESS-2006 program package. The calculations were also performed for the nickel complexes with 2,2′-bi-1,10-phenanthroline, [Ni(2,2′-bi-1,10-phen)]²⁺, and with its electron-excessive analog, [Ni(2,2′-bi-1,10-phen)]⁰, and also for the octahedral complex cation [Ni(2,2′-bi-1,10-phen)Cl(H₂O)]⁺ characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. For the Ni(II) complexes, the stabilities of their high-and low-spin isomers were evaluated, and the structural features were revealed. The barriers to mutual transformations of the low-and high-spin Ni(II) complexes are low.     

Judicious Ligand Design in Ruthenium Polypyridyl CO2 Reduction Catalysts to Enhance Reactivity by Steric and Electronic Effects

A series of Ru^II polypyridyl complexes of the structural design [Ru^II(R?tpy)(NN)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (R?tpy=2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (R=H) or 4,4′,4′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (R=tBu); NN=2,2′‐bipyridine with methyl substituents in various positions) have been synthesized and analyzed for their ability to function as electrocatalysts for the reduction of CO₂ to CO. Detailed electrochemical analyses establish how substitutions at different ring positions of the bipyridine and terpyridine ligands can have profound electronic and, even more importantly, steric effects that determine the complexes’ reactivities. Whereas electron‐donating groups para to the heteroatoms exhibit the expected electronic effect, with an increase in turnover frequencies at increased overpotential, the introduction of a methyl group at the ortho position of NN imposes drastic steric effects. Two complexes, [Ru^II(tpy)(6‐mbpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (trans‐[ 3 ]²⁺; 6‐mbpy=6‐methyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) and [Ru^II(tBu?tpy)(6‐mbpy)(CH₃CN)]²⁺ (trans‐[ 4 ]²⁺), in which the methyl group of the 6‐mbpy ligand is trans to the CH₃CN ligand, show electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction at a previously unreactive oxidation state of the complex. This low overpotential pathway follows an ECE mechanism (electron transfer–chemical reaction–electron transfer), and is a direct result of steric interactions that facilitate CH₃CN ligand dissociation, CO₂ coordination, and ultimately catalytic turnover at the first reduction potential of the complexes. All experimental observations are rigorously corroborated by DFT calculations.     

Benzonitrile Hydrolysis Catalyzed by a Ruthenium(II) Complex

The rate constant for the basic hydrolysis of benzonitrile (PhCN) to benzamide (PhCONH₂) in the [Ru^II(tpy)(bpy)] moiety (tpy = 2,2' : 6',2"-terpyridine, bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) (k_OH = 3.7 2 10^-2 M^-1s^-1) is 5 2 10³ times higher than that of the free ligand and two times higher than that corresponding to the analogous acetonitrile complex. This effect is unusual for a transition metal in the (II) oxidation state, and can be attributed to the π-electron acceptor properties of both the polypyridyl ligands and the phenyl group. Since amides, being poor π-acceptor ligands, are rapidly released from the coordination sphere of ruthenium(II), the final product of this process is the [Ru(tpy)(bpy)(OH)]⁺ complex. The activation parameters for this nitrile hydrolysis have been determined and compare reasonably well with other values for similar reactions.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Extended Bis(terpyridine)ruthenium Amino Acids

(Oligopyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes have been widely used in dye sensitized solar cells and other sophisticated optical devices due to their outstanding photophysical properties and their chemical stability. Herein, we describe the longitudinal extension of our previously reported bis(terpyridine)ruthenium(II) amino acid [Ru(tpy–NH₂)(tpy–COOH)]²⁺ (tpy = 4′‐substituted 2,2′:6′,2″‐terpyridine) by insertion of para‐phenylene spacers –C₆H₄– between the terpyridine and the functional groups. The influence of the para‐phenylene spacer on the absorption and emission properties is investigated using UV/Vis absorption and emission spectroscopy and is discussed within a qualitative molecular orbital picture.     

Photochemical decarboxylation and deacetylation of the cobalt(III) aminocarboxylate complexes: The crystal structure of the [Co(CH2CH2CH2NH2)(En)2)]Br2 and [Co(Bipy)(Cl)(Edma)]Cl · 2H2O photoproducts (En is Ethylenediamine, Bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine, and Edma is ethylenediaminemonoacetate)

The crystals of [Co(CH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂)(En)₂]Br₂ (I) and [Co(Bipy)(Cl)(Edma)]Cl · 2H₂O (IIa) (IIa) are studied by X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound I is synthesized by the crystallization of the [Co(En)₂(Amb)]²⁺ primary photolysis products. Compound IIa is synthesized from the [Co(Bipy)(Edda)]⁺ final photolysis products (En is ethylenediamine; Bipy is 2,2′-bipyridine; Edma and Edda are the anions of ethylenediaminemonoacetic and ethylenediamine-N,N′-diacetic acids, respectively; Amb is the 4-aminobutyrate ion). The crystal structure of complex I indicates the contraction of the seven-membered aminobutyrate CoO₂CCH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂ ring to the five-membered CoCH₂CH₂CH₂NH₂ ring by the photoelimination of the CO₂ molecule. The formation of the Co(III) complexes with the Edma ligands upon the photolysis of [Co(Bipy)(Edda)]⁺ is due to successive reactions of contraction of the five-membered aminoacetate rings and hydrolysis of the Co-C bond.     

Cyanide-bridged FeIII–MnIII bimetallic chain derived from [Fe(bipy)(CN)4]−: synthesis,structure and magnetic characteristics

A chain-like compound of [Mn(salpn)][Fe(bipy)(CN)₄] (1) (salpn = N,N′-propylenebis(salicylideneiminato)dianion; bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine), assembled from building blocks of [Fe(bipy)(CN)₄]^? and [Mn(salpn)]⁺, has been characterized by elemental analyses, ICP, IR, thermoanalysis, single crystal X-ray structure analysis and magnetic measurements. In 1, each [Fe(bipy)(CN)₄]^? anion coordinates with two [Mn^III(salpn)]⁺ cations via two trans-CN^? groups, and each [Mn^III(salpn)]⁺ cation is axially coordinated by two [Fe(bipy)(CN)₄]^? ions, resulting in a straight 1-D chain. The chains stack via aromatic π–π-type interactions. Magnetic studies reveal the presence of weak antiferromagnetic interactions between adjacent Fe^III and Mn^III ions through cyanide-bridges.     

Activating a Low Overpotential CO2 Reduction Mechanism by a Strategic Ligand Modification on a Ruthenium Polypyridyl Catalyst

The introduction of a simple methyl substituent on the bipyridine ligand of [Ru(tBu₃tpy)(bpy)(NCCH₃)]²⁺ (tBu₃tpy=4,4′,4′′‐tri‐tert‐butyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) gives rise to a highly active electrocatalyst for the reduction of CO₂ to CO. The methyl group enables CO₂ binding already at the one‐electron reduced state of the complex to enter a previously not accessible catalytic cycle that operates at the potential of the first reduction. The complex turns over with a Faradaic efficiency close to unity and at an overpotential that is amongst the lowest ever reported for homogenous CO₂ reduction catalysts.     

Octahedral iron(II) complexes with pyridyl triazine and bipyridine ligands – synthesis,computational studies,mechanisms and kinetics with 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,2′,6,2″-terpyridine

[Bis(3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)(2,2′-bipyridine)iron(II)], [Fe(PDT)₂(bpy)]²⁺ (1), [bis(3-(4-phenyl-2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)(2,2′-bipyridine)iron(II)], [Fe(PPDT)₂(bpy)]²⁺ (2), [bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)iron(II)], [Fe(PDT)(bpy)₂]²⁺ (3), and [bis(2,2′-bipyridine)(3-(4-phenyl-2-pyridyl)-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine)iron(II)], [Fe(PPDT)(bpy)₂]²⁺ (4) have been synthesized and characterized. Substitution of the triazine and bipyridine ligands from the complexes by nucleophiles (nu), namely 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) and 2,2′,6,2″-terpyridine (terpy) was studied in a sodium acetate-acetic acid buffer over the pH range 3–6 at 25, 35, and 45°C under pseudo-first order conditions. Reactions are first order in the concentration of complexes 1–4. The reaction rates increase with increasing [nu] and pH whereas ionic strength has no effect on the rate. Straight-line plots with positive slopes are observed when the k_obs values are plotted against [nu] or 1/[H⁺]. The substitution reactions proceed by dissociative as well as associative paths and the latter path is predominant. Observed low E_a values and negative ΔS^# values support the dominance of the associative path. Phenyl groups on the triazine ring modulate the reactivity of the complexes. The π-electron cloud on the phenyl rings stabilizes the charge on metal center by inductive donation of electrons toward the metal center, resulting in a decrease in reactivity of the complex and the order is 1 < 2 < 3 < 4. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations also support the interpretations drawn from the kinetic data.     

Striking Differences in Properties of Geometric Isomers of [Ir(tpy)(ppy)H]+: Experimental and Computational Studies of their Hydricities,Interaction with CO2, and Photochemistry

We prepared two geometric isomers of [Ir(tpy)(ppy)H]⁺, previously proposed as a key intermediate in the photochemical reduction of CO₂ to CO, and characterized their notably different ground‐ and excited‐state interactions with CO₂ and their hydricities using experimental and computational methods. Only one isomer, C‐trans‐[Ir(tpy)(ppy)H]⁺, reacts with CO₂ to generate the formato complex in the ground state, consistent with its calculated hydricity. Under photocatalytic conditions in CH₃CN/TEOA, a common reactive C‐trans‐[Ir(tpy)(ppy)]⁰ species, irrespective of the starting isomer or monodentate ligand (such as hydride or Cl), reacts with CO₂ and produces CO with the same catalytic efficiency.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of hexakis(isothiocyanato)erbium(III) thiocyanate bis(18-crown-6)dipotassium bis[(18-crown-6)ethanolpotassium]

A new complex compound, [K₂(18-crown-6)₂[K(18-crown-6)(EtOH)]₂[Er(NCS)₆](SCN) (I), was synthesized and its crystal structure was studied by X-ray diffraction. In this work, the synthes and X-ray difraction stady of the crystals of a new complex, hexakis (isothiocyanato) erbiu(III) thiocyanate bis(18-crown-6) dipotassium bis(18-crown-6) ethanolpotassium], [K₂(18-crown-6)₂][K(18-crown-6)(ETON)]₂[Er(NCS)₆(SCN)(I)] are described. In crystal I, the alternating [Er(NCS)₆]^3? anions and binuclear complex cation [K(18-crown-6)₂]²⁺ from infinite chains via the F-S bonds, while two complex cations [K(18-crown-6)(ETON)]⁺ and the statistically disordered SCN^? anion between them are linked by the hydragen bonds O-H…S and O-H…N. Complex I contains the host-guest complex cations [K₂(18-crown-6)₂)]²⁺ and [K(18-crown-6)(ETON)]⁺ [1]. The alternating octabedral [Er(NCS)₆]^3? anions and binuclear complex cations [K₂(18-crown-6)₂]²⁺of crystal I form infinite chains via the K-S bonds, while two complex cations [K(18-crown-6)(EtOH)]⁺ and the statistically disordered SCN^? anion lying between them are linked by interionic hydrogen bonds O-H…S and O-H…N. Complex I contains the host-guest complex cations [K₂(18-crown-6)₂]²⁺ and [K(18-crown-6)(EtOH)]⁺ [1].     

Novel Cyclometalated Fe(II) Complex with NCN Pincer and BODIPY‐Appended 4'‐Ethynyl‐2,2':6',2”‐terpyridine as Mitochondria‐Targeted Photodynamic Anticancer Agents

BODIPY (boron dipyrromethene) derivatives and iron complexes are two types of functional compounds that have found wide applications in the fields of biology and medicine. The new class of cyclometalated Fe(II) complex with NCN pincer and meso‐phenyl‐4'‐ethynyl‐2,2':6',2”‐terpyridine BODIPY ligands of formula [Fe(L)(tpy‐BODIPY)] , 1, in which HL:5‐methoxy‐1,3‐bis (1‐methyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl)benzene, tpy‐BODIPY: 8‐(4‐phenyl‐4'‐ethynyl‐2,2':6',2”‐terpyridine) BODIPY, has been synthesized and studied as mitochondria‐targeted photodynamic therapy (PDT). Complex 1 showed photocytotoxicity in HeLa cells at 500 nm with low dark toxicity. The phototoxicity of complex 1 on the nontumorigenic MRC‐5 cell line showed the same trend observed for HeLa cells, that is moderately photocytotoxic against the nontumorigenic MRC‐5 cell line (IC₅₀ = 36.21 μM). Moreover, complex 1 selectively localizes into mitochondria of the HeLa cells. The photophysical properties, cellular uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and cellular apoptosis of complex 1 have also been studied.Overall, the new Fe(II) complex with BODIPY moiety is significantly photocytotoxic in HeLa cells when irradiated with visible light of 500 nm giving as mitochondria targeting. Therefore, we present cyclometalated Fe(II) pincer complex induced mitochondria‐targeted PDT involving the BODIPY moiety that develops persuasively designed photoactivatable Fe(II) complexes.     

Interactions des alcynes avec les complexes carbéniques du tungstène portant une double liaison carbone— carbone: Accès aux dérivés bicyclo[4,1,0] heptaniques par insertion-cyclopropanation

Treatment of VO(acac)₂ with the facial-tridentate organometallic ligand [η-CpCo{P(O)(OEt)₂}₃]^? affords a new binuclear compound [η-CpCo{P(O)(OEt)₂}₃VO(acac)] (I). This compound undergoes protonation with HPF₆ in the presence of 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), or 2,2′-bipyridyl (bipy), to yield binuclear cationic derivatives [η-CpCo{P(O)(OEt)₂}₃VO(phen))]⁺PF₆^? (II), and [η-CpCo{P(O)(OEth)₂}₃VO(bipy)]⁺PF₆^? (III). The X-ray crystal structure determination and full characterization of I has been performed. The catalytic oxygenation and oxygen transfer to 3,5-di-t-butylcatechol in the presence of I, II⁺, or III⁺ complexes is reported.     

Crystal structure of palladium(II) complex with 2,2′-dipyridylamine and 4-toluenesulfonyl-L-serine

The [Pd(dpa)(tsser)] complex (1) is prepared from the reaction of PdCl₂ and 2,2′-dipyridylamine (dpa) with 4-toluenesulfonyl-L-serine (tsserH₂). This complex is characterized by spectral methods (IR, UV-Vis, ¹H NMR, and luminescence), elemental analysis, thermal analysis (TG, DTA), and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray structure determinations show that in this complex, Pd^II atoms are four-coordinated in a distorted square-planar configuration by two N atoms from a bidentate 2,2′-dipyridylamine ligand and one N atom and one O atom from a bidentate tsser^2– ligand.     

New Cu(I) Coordination Complexes Based on Tetrathiafulvalene Substituted Triazol‐pyridine Ligand: Synthesis,Properties and Theoretical Studies

Two Cu(I) complexes based on the thioethyl‐bridged triazol‐pyridine ligand with tetrathiafulvalene unit (TTF‐TzPy, L ), [Cu(I)(Binap)(L)]BF₄ ( 5 , Binap=2,2’‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐1,1’‐binaphthyl) and [Cu(I)(Xantphos)(L)]BF₄ ( 6 , Xantphos=9,9‐dimethyl‐4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐xanthene), have been synthesized. All new compounds are characterized by elemental analyses, ¹H NMR and mass spectroscopies. The complex 5 has been determined by X‐ray structure analyses which shows that the central copper (I) ion assumes distorted tetrahedral geometry. The photophysical, computational and electrochemical properties of L and 5 ‐ 6 have been investigated. The most representative molecular orbital energy‐level diagrams and the spin‐allowed singlet? singlet electronic transitions of the three compounds have been calculated with density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT). The luminescence bands of Cu(I) complexes 5 ‐ 6 have been assigned as mixed intraligand and metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer ³(MLCT+π→π^*) transitions through analysis of the photophysical properties and DFT calculations. The electrochemical studies reveal that 5 ‐ 6 undergo reversible TTF/TTF^+?/TTF²⁺ redox processes and one irreversible Cu⁺→Cu²⁺ oxidation process.     

Cyan-Blue Luminescence and Antiferromagnetic Coupling of CN-Bridged Tetranuclear Complex Based on Manganese(III) Schiff Base and Hexacyanoferrate(III)

A new tetranuclear cyanide-bridged Mn^III–Fe^III complex based on manganese(III) Schiff base and hexacyanoferrate(III) units, [Mn(L)(MeOH)₂][{Mn(L)}{Fe(CN)₆}{Mn(L)(MeOH)}].2MeOH, [H₂L?=?N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthalidenato)-1,2-diaminopropane] (1), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV–Vis, FT-IR, PXRD, single crystal X-ray analyses, magnetic and photoluminescence measurements. Complex 1 consist of one trinuclear cyanido-bridged anion, in which [Fe(CN)₆]^3? anion bridge [Mn(L)]⁺ and Mn(L)(MeOH)}]⁺ cations via two C≡N groups in the cis positions, and also one isolated manganese [Mn(L)(MeOH)₂]⁺ cation. DC magnetic susceptibility and magnetization studies showed that complex 1 indicates an antiferromagnetic coupling between low-spin Fe(III) and high-spin Mn(III) through the cyanide bridges. In addition, the complex 1 displays a strong cyan-blue luminescence emission in the solid state condition at room temperature. This behavior might be seen easily from the chromaticity diagram. Thus, the complex may be a good promising cyan-blue OLED developing electroluminescent materials for flatted or curved panel display applications due to the fact that it has such features.     

Luminescent platinum(II) terpyridyl complexes: effect of counter ions on solvent-induced aggregation and color changes

A series of platinum(II) terpyridyl complexes [Pt(tpy)(C triple bond C-C triple bond CH)]X, 1-X (X=OTf-; PF6-; ClO4-; BF4-; BPh4-); [Pt(tpy)(C triple bond CC6H5)]X, 2-X (X=OTf-; PF6-; ClO4-; BF4-); [Pt(tpy)(C triple bond CC6H4OCH3-4)]OTf, 3-OTf, and [Pt(4'-CH3O-tpy)(C triple bond CC6H5)]OTf, 4-OTf (tpy=2,2':6',2'-terpyridine, OTf=trifluoromethanesulfonate) were synthesized and their photophysical properties determined. Electronic absorption and emission studies showed the formation of a new band upon increasing the diethyl ether content in an acetonitrile/diethyl ether mixture. This was ascribed to the formation of complex aggregates, the solution color of which is dependent on the nature of the anions. This indicates that counter ions play an important role in governing the degree of aggregation and the extent of interactions within these aggregates. Addition of various anions to solutions of 1-OTf and 1-PF6 produced anion-induced color changes upon solvent-induced aggregation, indicating that these complexes may serve as potential colorimetric anion probes.     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Morphological Changes of Giant Vesicles by Photoisomerization of a Ruthenium Aqua Complex

Visible‐ and red‐light responsive vesicles were prepared by incorporating a ruthenium aqua complex having two alkyl chains on tridentate and asymmetrical bidentate ligands (proximal‐ 2 : [Ru(C₁₀tpy)(C₁₀pyqu)OH₂]²⁺, C₁₀tpy=4′‐decyloxy‐2,2′;6′,2“‐terpyridine, C₁₀pyqu=2‐[2′‐(6′‐decyloxy)‐pyridyl]quinoline). The ruthenium complex of proximal‐ 2 with closed alkyl chain geometry and a cylinder‐like molecular shape exhibited photoisomerization to distal‐ 2 with an open alkyl chain geometry and a cone‐like shape, both in an aqueous solution and in vesicle dispersions. We observed that light irradiation of giant vesicles containing proximal‐ 2 induced diverse morphological changes.     

Supramolecular Stuctures from Mononuclear,Binuclear and 2D Net of Copper(II) Complexes with 6‐Hydroxypicolinic Acid

First examples of transition metal complexes with HpicOH [Cu(picOH)₂(H₂O)₂] ( 1 ), [Cu(picO)(2,2′‐bpy)]·2H₂O ( 2 ), [Cu(picO)(4,4′‐bpy)_0.5(H₂O)]_n ( 3 ), and [Cu(picO)(bpe)_0.5(H₂O)]_n ( 4 ) (HpicOH = 6‐hydroxy‐picolinic acid; 2,2′‐bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine; 4,4′‐bpy = 4,4′‐bipyridine; bpe = 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethane) have been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The results show that HpicOH ligand can be in the enol or ketonic form, and adopts different coordination modes under different pH value of the reaction mixture. In complex 1 , HpicOH ligand is in the enol form and adopts a bidentate mode. While in complexes 2 – 4 , as the pH rises, HpicOH ligand becomes in the ketonic form and adopts a tridentate mode. The coordination modes in complexes 1 – 4 have not been reported before. Because of the introduction of the terminal ligands 2,2′‐bpy, complex 2 is of binuclear species; whereas in complexes 3 and 4 , picO ligands together with bridging ligands 4,4′‐bpy and bpe connect Cu^II ions to form 2D nets with (12³)₂(12)₃ topology.