π‐Complexes of Copper(I) with Terminal Alkynes. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [(HC≡CCH2NH3)(Cu2Br3)] π‐Complex

Crystals of the zwitterionic copper(I) π‐complex [(HC≡CCH₂NH₃)Cu₂Br₃] have been synthesized by interaction of CuBr with [HC≡CCH₂NH₃]Br in aqueous solution (pH < 1) and X‐ray studied. The crystals are monoclinic: space group P2₁/n, a = 6.722(4), b = 12.818(8), c = 9.907(3) Å, β = 100.25(4)°, V = 840.0(8) ų, Z = 4, R = 0.0592 for 3015 reflections. The crystal structure of the π‐complex contains isolated [(HC≡CCH₂NH₃)⁺(Cu₂Br₃)^?]₂ units which are incorporated into a framework by strong hydrogen N–H···Br and C≡C–H···Br bonds. The length of π‐coordinated propargylammonium C≡C bond is equal 1.216(8) Å and Cu(I)–(C≡C) distance equals 1.958(5) Å.     

Gold(III) π‐Allyl Complexes

Gold(III) π‐complexes have been authenticated recently with alkenes, alkynes, and arenes. The key importance of Pd^II π‐allyl complexes in organometallic chemistry (Tsuji–Trost reaction) prompted us to explore gold(III) π‐allyl complexes, which have remained elusive so far. The (P,C)Au^III(allyl) and (methallyl) complexes 3 and 3′ were readily prepared and isolated as thermally and air‐stable solids. Spectroscopic and crystallographic analyses combined with detailed DFT calculations support tight quasi‐symmetric η³‐coordination of the allyl moiety. The π‐allyl gold(III) complexes are activated towards nucleophilic additions, as substantiated with β‐diketo enolates.     

Two Novel CuII Phenanthroline Adipato Complexes with π‐π Stacking Interactions: [Cu(phen)2(C6H8O4)] · 4.5 H2O and [(Cu2(phen)2Cl2)(C6H8O4)] · 4 H2O

The blue copper complex compounds [Cu(phen)₂(C₆H₈O₄)] · 4.5 H₂O ( 1 ) and [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)] · 4 H₂O ( 2 ) were synthesized from CuCl₂, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) and adipic acid in CH₃OH/H₂O solutions. [Cu(phen)₂‐ (C₆H₈O₄)] complexes and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules form the crystal structure of ( 1 ) (P1 (no. 2), a = 10.086(2) Å, b = 11.470(2) Å, c = 16.523(3) Å, α = 99.80(1)°, β = 115.13(1)°, γ = 115.13(1)°, V = 1617.5(5) ų, Z = 2). The Cu atoms are square‐pyramidally coordinated by four N atoms of the phen ligands and one O atom of the adipate anion (d(Cu–O) = 1.989 Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.032–2.040 Å, axial d(Cu–N) = 2.235 Å). π‐π stacking interactions between phen ligands are responsible for the formation of supramolecular assemblies of [Cu(phen)₂(C₆H₈O₄)] complex molecules into 1 D chains along [111]. The crystal structure of ( 2 ) shows polymeric [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)_2/2] chains (P1 (no. 2), a = 7.013(1) Å, b = 10.376(1) Å, c = 11.372(3) Å, α = 73.64(1)°, β = 78.15(2)°, γ = 81.44(1)°, V = 773.5(2) ų, Z = 1). The Cu atoms are fivefold coordinated by two Cl atoms, two N atoms of phen ligands and one O atom of the adipate anion, forming [CuCl₂N₂O] square pyramids with an axial Cl atom (d(Cu–O) = 1.958 Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.017–2.033 Å, d(Cu–Cl) = 2.281 Å; axial d(Cu–Cl) = 2.724 Å). Two square pyramids are condensed via the common Cl–Cl edge to centrosymmetric [Cu₂Cl₂N₄O₂] dimers, which are connected via the adipate anions to form the [(Cu₂(phen)₂Cl₂)(C₆H₈O₄)_2/2] chains. The supramolecular 3 D network results from π‐π stacking interactions between the chains. H₂O molecules are located in tunnels.     

Polymorphism of Copper(I) Halide π‐Complexes: Synthesis and Structure of a New Modification of [Cu2Cl2(CH2=CH–CH2)2O]

A new polymorph of [Cu₂Cl₂(CH₂=CH–CH₂)₂O] has been obtained by an alternating‐current electrochemical synthesis starting from CuCl₂ and triallylphosphite. Diallylether was obtained in statu nascendi via transetherification of triallylphosphite. The structure is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, a = 7.6738(7), b = 6.5128(4), c = 18.2689(18) Å, β = 91.644(11)°, V = 912.67(13) ų (at 150 K), Z = 4; R₁ = 0.0339, wR₂ = 0.0822. Flexibility of the organic ligand and weak interactions copper···halogen have been identified as the main reasons enabling polymorphism in molecular π‐complexes of copper(I).     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Properties of [Cu(phen)3][Cu(pheida)2]·10H2O and [(phen)2Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(phen)2][Cu(BAAP)2]·8.5H2O (H2pheida = N‐phenetyl‐iminodiacetic acid,H2BAAP = N‐benzylaminoacetic‐2‐propionic acid)

The salts [Cu(phen)₃][Cu(pheida)₂]·10H₂O ( 1 ) and [(phen)₂Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(phen)₂][Cu(BAAP)₂]·8.5H₂O ( 2 ) (H₂pheida = N‐phenetyl‐iminodiacetic acid, H₂BAAP = N‐benzylaminoacetic‐2‐propionic acid, phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline) have been prepared and studied by thermal, spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction methods. 1 has the rather unusual [Cu(phen)₃]²⁺ cation and two non‐equivalent [Cu(pheida)₂]^2— anions with a coordination type 4+2 but quite different tetragonality (T = 0.848 and 0.703 for anions 1 and 2, respectively). The crystal consists of multi‐π, π‐stacked chains (…anion 2 — cation — cation — anion 2…) connected by hydrophobic interactions; these chains build channels which are partially filled by anions 1 and water molecules. In contrast, compound 2 has a mixed‐ligand trinuclear cation with a bridging central moiety close similar to the counter anion. The formation of such a trinuclear cation is discussed as a consequence of the most advantageous molecular recognition process between [Cu(phen)₂(H₂O)_{1 or 2}]²⁺ and [Cu(BAAP)₂]^2— in solution. In the crystal of 2, multi‐π, π‐stacked arrays of C₆‐rings from phen and (BAAP)^2— ligands of trinuclear cations generate channels where counter anions and water molecules are located.     

2‐Imino‐3‐allyl‐benzothiazole as a π‐Ligand: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [(CuCl)C10H10SN2], [C10H11SN2+]2[Cu2Cl4]2−, and [C10H11SN2+]2[Cu2Br4]2− π‐Compounds

The reaction of 2‐amino‐benzothiazole with allyl bromide resulted in a mixture of 2‐imino‐3‐allyl‐benzothiazole and 2‐imino‐3‐allyl‐benzothiazolium bromide.Using such a mixture and copper(II) chloride in acetonitrile solution in alternating‐current electrochemical synthesis crystals of the [(CuCl)C₁₀H₁₀SN₂] ( I ) have been obtained. The same procedure, performed in ethanol solution, has led to formation of [C₁₀H₁₁SN₂⁺]₂[Cu₂Cl₄]^2? ( II ). In the same manner the bromine derivative [C₁₀H₁₁SN₂⁺]₂[Cu₂Br₄]^2? ( III ) has been synthesized. All three compounds were X‐ray structurally investigated. I :monoclinic space group P2₁/n, a = 13.789(6), b = 6.297(3), c = 13.830(6) Å, β = 112.975(4)°, V = 1105.6 (9) ų, Z = 4 for CuCl·C₁₀H₁₀ SN₂ composition. Compounds II and III are isomorphous and crystallize in triclinic space group. II a = 7.377(3), b = 8.506(3), c = 9.998(4) Å, α = 79.892(10)°, β = 82.704(13)°, γ = 78.206(12)°, V = 601.9(4) ų, Z = 1. III a = 7.329(2), b = 8.766(3), c = 10.265(3) Å, α = 79.253(9)°, β = 82.625(9)°, γ = 77.963(9)°, V = 630.9(3) ų, Z = 1. In the structure I [(CuCl)C₁₀H₁₀SN₂] building blocks are bound into infinitive spiral‐like chains via strong N‐H..Cl hydrogen bonds. In the zwitter‐ionic II and III compounds copper and halide atoms form centrosymmetric [Cu₂X₄]^2? anions, which are interconnected via N‐H..X hydrogen bonds into infinite butterfly‐like chains. The strongest Cu‐(C=C) π‐interaction has been observed in structure I , where copper possesses coordination number 3. Increasing copper coordination number to 4 in II as well as replacing chlorine atoms by bromine ones in III suppresses markedly this interaction.     

Non‐Isomorphic Chlorine—Bromine Substitution in the Copper(I) Halide π‐Complexes with 1‐Allyl‐4‐aminopyridinium

By alternating‐current electrochemical synthesis crystals of {Cu[H₂NC₅H₄N(C₃H₅)]Br₂} ˙ H₂O ( I ), {Cu[H₂NC₅H₄N(C₃H₅)]Br_0.65Cl_1.35} ˙ H₂O ( II ) and {Cu[H₂NC₅H₄N(C₃H₅)]Cl₂} ( III ) π‐complexes have been obtained and structurally investigated. The I and II compounds are isostructural and crystallize in a monoclinic sp. gr. P2₁/c, I : a = 7.359(2)Å, b = 12.3880(6)Å, c = 13.637(3)Å, β = 107.03(1)°, V = 1188.7(4)ų, Z = 4 for C₈H₁₃N₂OBr₂Cu composition, R = 0.0293 for 2140 reflections. II : a = 7.2771(6)Å, b = 12.3338(3)Å, c = 13.4366(7)Å, β = 107.632(2)°, V = 1149.3(1)ų, Z = 4 for C₈H₁₃N₂Br_0.65Cl_1.35Cu composition, R = 0.0463 for 2185 reflections. Metal and halogen atoms form centrosymmetric Cu₂X₄ dimers. Each copper atom is surrounded by three halogen atoms and by a weakly bonded C=C‐group of the onium moiety. Isolated {Cu[H₂NC₅H₄N(C₃H₅)]}₂X₄ dimers are combined into a three‐dimensional network due to a bridging function of water molecules via a system of rather strong hydrogen bonds. Chlorine derivative III crystallizes in another structure type: sp. gr. C2/c, a = 21.568(7)Å, b = 7.260(2)Å, c = 13.331(3)Å, β = 95.65(2)°, V = 2077(2)ų, Z = 8 for C₈H₁₁N₂Cl₂Cu composition. Copper atom, included in CuCl₂^— isolated fragment, is coordinated to a C=C‐bond of ligand moiety. N‐H…Cl hydrogen bonds unite Cu[H₂NC₅H₄N(C₃H₅)]Cl₂ subunits into infinite ribbons. π‐Interaction in III appears to be more effective than in I and II .     

π‐Complexes of Copper(I) Ionic Salts: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (4‐Allylthiosemicarbazide)(sulfamato)copper(I) and Bis(4‐allylthiosemicarbazide)(sulfato‐O)dicopper(I)

Single crystals of [Cu(ATSC)]NH₂SO₃ ( 1 ) (ATSC –4‐allylthiosemicarbazide) were obtained by electrochemical synthesis using alternating current. Compound ( 1 ) crystallizes in P2₁2₁2₁ sp. gr., a = 6.8284(2), b = 9.3054(3), c = 16.1576(11) Å, Z = 4. ATSC moiety acts as tetradentate ligand, chelating two symmetrically related copper atoms. The Cu atom possesses trigonal pyramidal coordination, formed by two sulphur atoms (one of them at the apical position), nitrogen atom and C=C bond. Sulfamate anion is associated via hydrogen bonds. By slow hydrolysis of 1 crystals of [Cu₂(ATSC)₂]SO₄ ( 2 ) were obtained: P 1 sp. gr., a = 9.526(2), b = 12.687(2), c = 14.7340(10) Å, α = 95.119(10), β = 89.903(12), γ = 109.113(14)°, Z = 4. The asymmetric unit of 2 contains two formula units, which are related by pseudosymmetry via a glide plane a. One half of four ATSC molecules act as in 1 , the rest as tridentate ligands, which coordinate the two copper atoms in apical positions with sulfate anions. This Cu–S coordination was to date unknown. The structure of the ATSC ligands contributes to the unexpected competitiveness of C=bond in the coordination sphere of Cu^I inspite of strong donor atoms.     

Copper(I) π‐Complexes with 2‐Butyne‐1,4‐diol. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Na[CuCl2(HOCH2C≡CCH2OH)]·2H2O

Crystals of anionic Na[CuCl₂(HOCH₂C≡CCH₂OH)]·2H₂O π‐complex have been synthesized by interaction of 2‐butyne‐1,4‐diol with CuCl in a concentrated aqueous NaCl solution and characterized by X‐ray diffraction at 100 K. The crystals are triclinic: space group , a = 7.142(3), b = 7.703(3), c = 10.425(4) Å, α = 105.60(3), β = 99.49(3), γ = 110.43(3)°, V = 495.9(4) ų, Z = 2, R = 0.0203 for 3496 reflections. The structure is built of discrete [CuCl₂(HOCH₂C≡CCH₂OH)]^? anionic stacks and polymeric cations among the stacks. The Cu^I atom adopts trigonal planar coordination of two Cl^? anions and the C≡C bond of 2‐butyne‐1,4‐diol, Cu–(C≡C) distance is equal to 1.903(3) Å. Na⁺ cations environment is octahedral and consists of O and Cl atoms. The crystal packing is governed by strong hydrogen bonds of O–H···Cl and O–H···O types.     

A Zipper‐like Supramolecular Double‐Chain based on 1 D π‐π Stacking Interactions: Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Cu(phen)(C4H4O4)(H2O)]2 · C4H6O4 (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

[Cu(C₁₂H₈N₂)(C₄H₄O₄)(H₂O)]₂ · C₄H₆O₄ was prepared by the reaction of succinic acid, CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen = C₁₂H₈N₂), and Na₂CO₃ in a CH₃OH–H₂O solution. The crystal structure (triclinic, P 1 (no. 2), a = 7.493(1), b = 9.758(1), c = 13.517(1) Å; α = 68.89(1)°, β = 88.89(1)°, γ = 73.32(1)°, Z = 1, R = 0.0308, wR² = 0.0799 for 3530 observed reflections (F ≥ 2σ(F ) out of 3946 unique reflections) consists of hydrogen bonded succinic acid molecules and succinato bridged 1 D zipperlike supramolecular [Cu(phen)(C₄H₄O₄)_2/2(H₂O)]₂ double chains based on 1 D π‐π stacking interactions between the chelating phen systems at distances of 3.71 Å and 3.79 Å. The Cu atoms are fivefold trigonal bipyramidally coordinated by two N atoms of the bidentate chelating phen ligand and three O atoms of one water molecule and two bidentate bridging succinate ligands. The water O atom and one phen N atom are at the apical positions (equatorial: d(Cu–O) = 1.945, 2.254(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.034(2) Å; axial: d(Cu–O) = 1.971(2) Å, d(Cu–N) = 1.995 Å).     

Synthesis and Structural Characterization of ZnII α‐Diimine Complexes with Chloride and Thiocyanate Co‐Ligands

The preparation and spectroscopic and structural characterization of three Zn^II complexes with bis[N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L¹, and with bis[N‐(2‐ethylphenyl)imine]acenaphthene, L², are decribed herein. Two of the complexes were prepared from ZnCl₂ and the third from Zn(NCS)₂. One‐pot reaction techniques were used, leading to high yields. The complexes were characterized by microanalysis, IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The structures of the complexes are significantly different, with the chloride‐containing species forming distorted tetrahedra around the metal, whereas its thiocyanate analog is dimeric, with each metal at the center of a distorted square pyramid, with bridging and terminal [SCN]^– ligands.     

σ–π Continuum in Indole–Palladium(II) Complexes

The intrinsic features of (hetero‐arene)–metal interactions have been elusive mainly because the systematic structure analysis of non‐anchored hetero‐arene–metal complexes has been hampered by their labile nature. We report successful isolation and systematic structure analysis of a series of non‐anchored indole–palladium(II) complexes. It was revealed that there is a σ–π continuum for the indole–metal interaction, while it has been thought that the dominant coordination mode of indole to a metal center is the Wheland‐intermediate‐type σ‐mode in light of the seemingly strong electron‐donating ability of indole. Several factors which affect the σ‐ or π‐character of indole–metal interactions are discussed.     

π–π stacking motifs in dialkylbis{5‐[(E)‐2‐aryldiazen‐1‐yl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoato}tin(IV) complexes

The diorganotin(IV) complexes of 5‐[(E)‐2‐aryldiazen‐1‐yl]‐2‐hydroxybenzoic acid are of interest because of their structural diversity in the crystalline state and their interesting biological activity. The structures of dimethylbis{2‐hydroxy‐5‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)diazen‐1‐yl]benzoato}tin(IV), [Sn(CH₃)₂(C₁₄H₁₁N₂O₃)₂], and di‐n‐butylbis{2‐hydroxy‐5‐[(E)‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)diazen‐1‐yl]benzoato}tin(IV) benzene hemisolvate, [Sn(C₄H₉)₂(C₁₄H₁₁N₂O₃)₂]·0.5C₆H₆, exhibit the usual skew‐trapezoidal bipyramidal coordination geometry observed for related complexes of this class. Each structure has two independent molecules of the Sn^IV complex in the asymmetric unit. In the dimethyltin structure, intermolecular O—H…O hydrogen bonds and a very weak Sn…O interaction link the independent molecules into dimers. The planar carboxylate ligands lend themselves to π–π stacking interactions and the diversity of supramolecular structural motifs formed by these interactions has been examined in detail for these two structures and four closely related analogues. While there are some recurring basic motifs amongst the observed stacking arrangements, such as dimers and step‐like chains, variations through longitudinal slipping and inversion of the direction of the overlay add complexity. The π–π stacking motifs in the two title complexes are combinations of some of those observed in the other structures and are the most complex of the structures examined.     

Stable Actinide π Complexes of a Neutral 1,4‐Diborabenzene

The π coordination of arene and anionic heteroarene ligands is a ubiquitous bonding motif in the organometallic chemistry of d‐block and f‐block elements. By contrast, related π interactions of neutral heteroarenes including neutral bora‐π‐aromatics are less prevalent particularly for the f‐block, due to less effective metal‐to‐ligand backbonding. In fact, π complexes with neutral heteroarene ligands are essentially unknown for the actinides. We have now overcome these limitations by exploiting the exceptionally strong π donor capabilities of a neutral 1,4‐diborabenzene. A series of remarkably robust, π‐coordinated thorium(IV) and uranium(IV) half‐sandwich complexes were synthesized by simply combining the bora‐π‐aromatic with ThCl₄(dme)₂ or UCl₄, representing the first examples of actinide complexes with a neutral boracycle as sandwich‐type ligand. Experimental and computational studies showed that the strong actinide–heteroarene interactions are predominately electrostatic in nature with distinct ligand‐to‐metal π donation and without significant π/δ backbonding contributions.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of [Cu2(H2O)2(phen)2(OH)2][Cu2(phen)2(OH)2(CO3)2] · 10 H2O with phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline

The blue copper complex [Cu₂(H₂O)₂(phen)₂(OH)₂][Cu₂(phen)₂(OH)₂(CO₃)₂] · 10 H₂O, which was prepared by reaction of 1,10‐phenanthroline monohydrate, CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O and Na₂CO₃ in the presence of succinic acid in CH3OH/H₂O at pH = 13.0, crystallized in the triclinic space group P1 (no. 2) with cell dimensions: a = 9.515(1) Å, b = 12.039(1) Å, c = 12.412(2) Å, α = 70.16(1)°, β = 85.45(1)°, γ = 81.85(1)°, V = 1323.2(2) ų, Z = 1. The crystal structure consists of dinuclear [Cu₂(H₂O)₂(phen)₂(OH)₂]²⁺ complex cations, dinuclear [Cu₂(phen)₂(OH)₂(CO₃)₂]^2– complex anions and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules. In both the centrosymmetric dinuclear cation and anion, the Cu atoms are coordinated by two N atoms of one phen ligand, three O atoms of two μ‐OH groups and respectively one H₂O molecule or one CO₃^2– anion to complete distorted [CuN₂O₃] square‐pyramids with the H₂O molecule or the CO₃^2– anion at the apical position (equatorial d(Cu–O) = 1.939–1.961 Å, d(Cu–N) = 2.026–2.051 Å and axial d(Cu–O) = 2.194, 2.252 Å). Two adjacent [CuN₂O₃] square pyramids are condensed via two μ‐OH groups. Through the interionic hydrogen bonds, the dinuclear cations and anions are linked into 1D chains with parallel phen ligands on both sides. Interdigitation of phen ligands of neighboring 1D chains generated 2D layers, between which the hydrogen bonded water molecules are sandwiched.     

Phenylcarbamoylated β‐CD: π‐Acidic and π‐basic chiral selectors for HPLC

Two types of chiral stationary phases for HPLC based on π‐acidic or π‐basic perphenylcarbamoylated β‐CDs were synthesized. The relative structural features of the two effective chiral selectors are discussed and compared in both normal‐phase and RP modes. In addition, the nature and concentration of alcoholic modifiers were varied for optimal separation in normal phase and the structural variation of the analytes was also examined. The results showed that hydrogen bonding, steric effect and π‐acidic–π‐basic interaction contributed greatly to enantioseparation. Upon comparison, some of the differences in the separation behavior of the two types of chiral stationary phases might be due to the π‐acidic or π‐basic phenylcarbamate groups.     

An Azelaato‐bridged Dinuclear Copper(II) Complex, [Cu2(phen)2(C9H14O4)2] · 6 H2O (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

The title compound [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₉H₁₄O₄)₂] · 6 H₂O was prepared by the reaction of CuCl₂ · 2 H₂O, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen), azelaic acid and Na₂CO₃ in a CH₃OH/H₂O solution. The crystal structure (monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 22.346(3), b = 11.862(1), c = 17.989(3) Å, β = 91.71(1)°, Z = 4, R = 0.0473, wR² = 0.1344 for 4279 observed reflections) consists of centrosymmetric dinuclear [Cu₂(phen)₂(C₉H₁₄O₄)₂] complexes and hydrogen bonded H₂O molecules. The Cu atom is square‐planar coordinated by the two N atoms of the chelating phen ligand and two O atoms of different bidentate bridging azelaate groups with d(Cu–N) = 2.053, 2.122(2) Å and d(Cu–O) = 1.948(2), 2.031(2) Å. Two azelaate anions bridge two common Cu atoms via the terminal O atoms (d(C–O) = 1.29(2) Å; d(C–C) = 1.550(4)–1.583(4) Å). Phen ligands of adjacent complexes cover each other at distances of about 3.62 Å, indicating π‐π stacking interaction, by which the complexes are linked to 1 D bands.     

Mononuclear Pervanadyl (VO2+) Complexes with Tridentate Schiff Bases: Self‐assembling via C–H…oxo and π‐π Interactions

Pervanadyl (VO₂⁺) complexes with N‐(aroyl)‐N′‐(picolinylidene)hydrazines (HL = Hpabh, Hpath and Hpadh; H stands for the dissociable amide hydrogen) are described. The Schiff bases were obtained by condensation of 2‐pyridine‐carboxaldehyde with benzhydrazide (Hpabh), 4‐methylbenzhydrazide (Hpath) and 4‐dimethylaminobenzhydrazide (Hpadh), respectively. The reaction of [VO(acac)₂] and HL in acetonitrile in air affords the complexes of general formula [VO₂L]. The diamagnetic nature and EPR silence confirm the +5 oxidation state of vanadium in these complexes. Infrared spectra of the complexes are consistent with the enolate form of the coordinated ligands. Electronic spectra show charge transfer bands in the range 486–233 nm. The complexes are redox active and display an irreversible reduction (–0.64 to –0.72 V vs. Ag/AgCl). The crystal structures of all the complexes have been determined. In each complex, the metal centre is in a distorted trigonal‐bipyramidal N₂O₃ coordination sphere formed by the pyridine‐N, the imine‐N and the deprotonated amide‐O donor L^– and two oxo groups. The planar ligand satisfies one equatorial and two axial positions. The other two equatorial positions are occupied by the two oxo groups. In the solid state, the molecules of each of the three complexes form a chain‐like arrangement via the azomethine‐H…oxo interactions. Interchain weak π‐π interactions lead to two dimensional networks for [VO₂(pabh)] and [VO₂(path)]. On the other hand, [VO₂(padh)] forms a two‐dimensional network through interchain N‐methyl‐H…oxo interactions.