Polynuclear complexes of the pendent-arm ligand 1,4,7-tris(acetophenoneoxime)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane

The ligand 1,4,7-tris(acetophenoneoxime)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (H(3)L) has been synthesized and its coordination properties toward Cu(II), Ni(II), Co(II), and Mn(II) in the presence of air have been investigated. Copper(II) yields a mononuclear complex, [Cu(H(2)L)](ClO(4)) (1), cobalt(II) and manganese(II) ions yield mixed-valence Co(III)(2)Co(II) (2a) and Mn(II)(2)Mn(III) (4) complexes, whereas nickel(II) produces a tetranuclear [Ni(4)(HL)(3)](2+) (3) complex. The complexes have been structurally, magnetochemically, and spectroscopically characterized. Complex 3, a planar trigonal-shaped tetranuclear Ni(II) species, exhibits irregular spin-ladder. Variable-temperature (2-290 K) magnetic susceptibility analysis of 3 demonstrates antiferromagnetic exchange interactions (J = -13.4 cm(-1)) between the neighboring Ni(II) ions, which lead to the ground-state S(t) = 2.0 owing to the topology of the spin-carriers in 3. A bulk ferromaganetic interaction (J = +2 cm(-1)) is prevailing between the neighboring high-spin Mn(II) and high-spin Mn(III) ions leading to a ground state of S(t) = 7.0 for 4. The large ground-state spin value of S(t) = 7.0 has been confirmed by magnetization measurements at applied magnetic fields of 1, 4 and 7 T. A bridging monomethyl carbonato ligand formation occurs through an efficient CO(2) uptake from air in methanolic solutions containing a base in the case of complex 4.     

Co-ordination chemistry of amino pendant arm derivatives of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

The binding properties of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ([9]aneN3) to metal cations can be adapted through sequential functionalisation of the secondary amines with aminoethyl or aminopropyl pendant arms to generate ligands with increasing numbers of donor atoms. The new amino functionalised pendant arm derivative of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ([9]aneN3), L1, has been synthesised and its salt [H2L1]Cl2 characterised by X-ray diffraction. The protonation constants of the ligands L1-L4 having one, two or three aminoethyl or three aminopropyl pendant arms, respectively, on the [9]aneN3 framework, and the thermodynamic stabilities of their mononuclear complexes with CuII and ZnII have been investigated by potentiometric measurements in aqueous solutions. In order to discern the protonation sites of ligands L1-L4, 1H NMR spectroscopic studies were performed in D2O as a function of pH. While the stability constants of the CuII complexes increase on going from L1 to L2 and then decrease on going from L2 to L3 and L4, those for ZnII complexes increase from L1 to L3 and then decrease for L4. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes [Cu(L1)(Br)]Br, [Zn(L1)(NO3)]NO3, [Cu(L2)](ClO4)2, [Ni(L2)(MeCN)](BF4)2, [Zn(L4)](BF4)2.MeCN and [Mn(L4)](NO3)2.1/2H2O have been determined. In both [Cu(L1)(Br)]Br and [Zn(L1)(NO3)]NO3 the metal ion is five co-ordinate and bound by four N-donors of the macrocyclic ligand and by one of the two counter-anions. The crystal structures of [Cu(L2)](ClO4)2 and [Ni(L2)(MeCN)](BF4)2 show the metal centre in slightly distorted square-based pyramidal and octahedral geometry, respectively, with a MeCN molecule completing the co-ordination sphere around NiII in the latter. In both [Zn(L4)](BF4)2.MeCN and [Mn(L4)](NO3)2.1/2H2O the metal ion is bound by all six N-donors of the macrocyclic ligand in a distorted octahedral geometry. Interestingly, and in agreement with the solution studies and with the marked preference of CuII to assume a square-based pyramidal geometry with these types of ligands, the reaction of L4 with one equivalent of Cu(BF4)2.4H2O in MeOH at room temperature yields a square-based pyramidal five co-ordinate CuII complex [Cu(L6)](BF4)2 where one of the three propylamino pendant arms of the starting ligand has been cleaved to give L6.     

Syntheses,structures, and spectroscopic properties of copper(II) and cobalt(III) complexes containing 1,4,7-tribenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligand

Three new complexes [CuL(N₃)₂] (1), [CuL(SCN)₂] (2), and [CoL(SCN)₃] (3) (L?=?1,4,7-tribenzyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Complex 1 crystallizes in monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with unit cell parameters a?=?14.105(7), b?=?8.999(5), c?=?21.603(11)?Å, β?=?100.470(7)°. While 2 crystallizes in triclinic space group P-1 with unit cell parameters a?=?9.6380(16), b?=?10.6993(18), c?=?15.798(3)?Å, α?=?106.636(3), γ?=?116.478(3)°. Complex 3 crystallizes in trigonal space group P–3c1 with unit cell parameters a?=?14.744(3), b?=?14.744(3), c?=?16.098(4)?Å, γ?=?120°. Elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis spectra of complexes 1–3 and ESR spectra of complexes 1–2 were also determined.     

Nickel(II) complex with 1,4,7-tris(2-aminoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane

A nickel(II) complex, [Ni(taetacn)](ClO₄)₂ ? H₂O, where taetacn = 1,4,7-tris(2-aminoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane was synthesized. The crystal structure was determined by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction method at 293 K. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pna2₁ with a = 16.004(2) Å, b = 10.186(1) Å, c = 13.937(2) Å, V = 2271.9(5) ų, D_x = 1.56 g cm^?3, D_m = 1.59 g cm^?3 (floatation method), and Z = 4. The R₁ [I > 2σ(I)] and wR₂ (all data) values are 0.0636 and 0.1672, respectively, for all 4845 independent reflections. The compound is composed of octahedral nickel(II) cation with three 2-aminoethyl pendant groups of taetacn, tetrahedral ClO ₄ ^? anion, and a water molecule of crystallization. Electronic spectra are consistent with the octahedral geometry. Temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility (4.5–300 K) can be interpreted considering the zero-field splitting of the nickel(II) ion (g = 2.14, D = 3.72 cm^?1, and Nα = 300 × 10^?6 cm³ mol^?1). Cyclic voltammetry in DMF showed quasi-reversible and irreversible oxidation waves (E_pa = 0.54 V, E_pc = 0.45 V; E_pa = 1.16 V, E_pc = 0.71 V vs. Ag/Ag⁺).     

Coordination chemistry of a novel tetramacrocyclic ligand derived from 1,4,7-triazacyclononane: synthesis,structure, and properties of nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes

A new polynucleating ligand, 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene (Ldur), has been prepared and characterized as its dodecahydrobromide salt. Addition of base to an aqueous solution of this salt and 4 molar equivalents (m.e.) of a Ni(II) salt produces a mixture of bi- and trinuclear complexes, which can be separated by cation-exchange chromatography (CEC) and crystallized as [Ni2Ldur](ClO4)(4).2H2O (1) and [Ni3Ldur(H2O)6](ClO4)(6).9H2O (2). The "full capacity" tetranuclear complex, [Ni4Ldur(H2O)12](ClO4)(8).8H2O (3), is obtained by slow addition of Ldur to a refluxing aqueous solution of excess Ni2+ ions, followed by CEC purification. Treatment of Ldur with 4 m.e. of a copper(II) salt produces exclusively the tetranuclear complex, [Cu4Ldur(H2O)8](ClO4)(8).9H2O (4), while reaction with only 2 m.e. of Cu2+ ions yields the binuclear complex, [Cu2Ldur](ClO4)(4).4H2O (5). The X-ray structures of complexes 1,2,4, and [Cu2Ldur](ClO4)(4).3H2O (5') have been determined; all are monoclinic, P2(1)/c: for 1, a = 9.497(3) A, b = 13.665(5) A, c = 19.355(6) A, beta = 100.57(2) degrees, V = 2469(1) A3, and Z = 2; for 2, a = 22.883(7) A, b = 15.131(6) A, c = 20.298(8) A, beta = 97.20(3) degrees, V = 6973(4) A3, and Z = 4; for 4, a = 16.713(7) A, b = 16.714(6) A, c = 14.775(11) A, beta = 108.24(5) degrees, V = 3920(4) A3, and Z = 2; and for 5', a = 9.5705(1) A, b = 13.0646(1) A, c = 20.1298(2) A, beta = 103.1618(8) degrees, V = 2450.81(4) A3, and Z = 2. The metal centers in 1 and 5' lie in distorted octahedral environments, each facially coordinated by two of the triamine rings of Ldur, the cation in each case being centrosymmetric. In 2, one of the nickel(II) centers is similarly sandwiched by two triamine rings, while the other two nickel(II) centers are each coordinated by a single triamine ring from the ligand, with their distorted octahedral coordination spheres each being completed by three water molecules. In 4, the four triamine rings of Ldur bind to separate copper(II) centers, with two water molecules occupying the remaining two sites of the distorted square pyramidal (SP) coordination spheres, the cation again being centrosymmetric.     

Binuclear copper(II) complexes of xylyl-bridged bis(1,4,7-triazacyclononane) ligands

Copper(II) complexes of three bis(tacn) ligands, [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-X)Cl(4)] (1), [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-X)(H(2)O)(4)](ClO(4))(4).H(2)O.NaClO(4) (2), and [Cu(2)(T(2)-p-X)Cl(4)] (3), were prepared by reacting a Cu(II) salt and L.6HCl (2:1 ratio) in neutral aqueous solution [T(2)-o-X = 1,2-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene; T(2)-m-X = 1,3-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene; T(2)-p-X = 1,4-bis(1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-ylmethyl)benzene]. Crystals of [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-X)(NPP)(mu-OH)](ClO(4)).H(2)O (4) formed at pH = 7.4 in a solution containing 2 and disodium 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (Na(2)NPP). The binuclear complexes [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-XAc(2))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (5) and [Cu(2)(T(2)-m-XAc(2))(H(2)O)(2)](ClO(4))(2).4H(2)O (6) were obtained on addition of Cu(ClO(4))(2).6H(2)O to aqueous solutions of the bis(tetradentate) ligands T(2)-o-XAc(2) (1,2-bis((4-(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)methyl)benzene and T(2)-m-XAc(2) (1,3-bis((4-(carboxymethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclonon-1-yl)methyl)benzene), respectively. In the binuclear complex, 3, three N donors from one macrocycle and two chlorides occupy the distorted square pyramidal Cu(II) coordination sphere. The complex features a long Cu...Cu separation (11.81 A) and intermolecular interactions that give rise to weak intermolecular antiferromagnetic coupling between Cu(II) centers. Complex 4 contains binuclear cations with a single hydroxo and p-nitrophenyl phosphate bridging two Cu(II) centers (Cu...Cu = 3.565(2) A). Magnetic susceptibility studies indicated the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions between the metal centers (J = -275 cm(-1)). Measurements of the rate of BNPP (bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate) hydrolysis by a number of these metal complexes revealed the greatest rate of cleavage for [Cu(2)(T(2)-o-X)(OH(2))(4)](4+) (k = 5 x 10(-6) s(-1) at pH = 7.4 and T = 50 degrees C). Notably, the mononuclear [Cu(Me(3)tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) complex induces a much faster rate of cleavage (k = 6 x 10(-5) s(-1) under the same conditions).     

A copper(II) complex of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane featuring acetate pendant: an efficient DNA cleavage agent

A new water-soluble copper(II) complex, Cu(TACNA)Br?·?0.375H₂O (1) [TACNA?=?1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N-acetate], has been synthesized to serve as artificial nucleases. The X-ray crystal structure of 1 indicates that one bromide and an oxygen from acetate pendant coordinate to copper(II) in addition to the nitrogen atoms in the TACN macrocycle, resulting in a five-coordinate complex with square-pyramidal geometry. The interaction of 1 with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) has been investigated by UV absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, and the mode of ct-DNA binding for 1 has been proposed. In the absence of external agents, supercoiled plasmid DNA cleavage by 1 was performed under aerobic condition; the influences on DNA cleavage of different complex concentrations and reaction times were also studied. The cleavage of plasmid DNA likely involves oxidative mechanism.     

Two new copper(II) complexes containing the benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid anion and 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

Two new copper(II) complexes, [Cu(tacn)(H₂BTC)₂]·2H₂O (1) and [Cu(tacn)(H₂BTC)(H₂O)](H₂BTC)·5H₂O (2), where H₂BTC^– = the benzene-1,3,5-tricarboxylic acid anion and tacn =1,4,7-triazacyclononane, have been synthesized and their structures determined. Copper(II) ions of both (1) and (2) are five-coordinate with three nitrogen atoms of tacn and two oxygen atoms of either H₂BTC^– or H₂O. Hydrogen bonds in these two complexes result in them being differently packed in the crystal cell.     

Controlling the binding of dihydrogen using ruthenium complexes containing N-mono-functionalised 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligand systems

Pendant arm macrocycles derived from 1,4,7-triazacyclononane were reacted with RuHCl(CO)(PPh(3))(3) and RuHCl(PPh(3))(3) to yield air-stable cationic ruthenium hydrides that were characterised by a variety of techniques, including X-ray crystallography. Protonation of the metal hydride complexes with a proton source yielded eta(2)-dihydrogen complexes. The lifetime of the dihydrogen ligand was effected by a judicious choice of ancillary ligands.     

Copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes of schiff bases

Summary The isolation of complexes of some nickel(II) and copper(II) salts with the Schiff base derived from 2-aminobenzimidazole and 4-methylbenzaldehyde (abimbz) is reported. They are of the general type M(abimbz)₂X₂ (M=Ni or Cu; X=Cl, Br, or ClO₄). The compounds have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, i.r., electronic and e.p.r. spectral studies and magnetic measurements. The i.r. spectra show that the ligand is bidentate through the tertiary nitrogen of the imidazole ring and the exocyclic imine nitrogen. Possible structures for the complexes are suggested.     

Structure and magnetism of heptanuclear complexes formed on encapsulation of hexacyanoferrate(II) with the Mn(II) and Ni(II) complexes of 1,4-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane

The reaction of [Mn(dmptacn)OH(2)](2+) and [Ni(dmptacn)OH(2)](2+) (dmptacn = 1,4-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) with each cyano ligand on ferricyanide results in the assembly of heteropolynuclear cations around the cyanometalate core and reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II). In [[Mn(dmptacn)CN](6)Fe][ClO(4)](8) x 5H(2)O (1) and [[Ni(dmptacn)CN](6)Fe][ClO(4)](8) x 7H(2)O (2), ferrocyanide is encapsulated by either six Mn(II) or Ni(II) dmptacn moieties. These same products are obtained when ferrocyanide salts are used in the synthesis instead of ferricyanide. A binuclear complex, [[Mn(dmptacn)](2)CN][ClO(4)](3) (3), has also been formed from KCN and [Mn(dmptacn)OH(2)](2+). For both Mn(II) and Ni(II), the use of the pentadentate dmptacn ligand facilitates the formation of discrete cations in preference to networks or polymeric structures. 1 crystallizes in the trigonal space group R3 macro (No. 148) with a = 30.073(3) A, c = 13.303(4) A, and Z = 3 and is composed of heptanuclear [[Mn(dmptacn)CN](6)Fe](8+) cations whose charge is balanced by perchlorate counteranions. Weak H-bonding interactions between neighboring heptanuclear cations and some perchlorate counterions generate an infinite 1D chain of alternating [[Mn(dmptacn)CN](6)Fe](8+) and ClO(4)(-) ions running along the c-axis. Complex 3 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn (No. 60) with a = 16.225(3) A, b = 16.320(2) A, c = 18.052(3) A, and Z = 8 and is composed of binuclear [[Mn(dmptacn)](2)CN](3+) cations in which the cyano-bridged Mn(II) centers are in a distorted trigonal prismatic geometry. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements have revealed the presence of a weak ferromagnetic interaction between the paramagnetic Mn(II) centers in 1, mediated either by the -NC-Fe-CN- bridging units or by Mn-NH...ClO(4-)...NH-Mn intercluster pathways.     

Phosphodiester cleavage properties of copper(II) complexes of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane ligands bearing single alkyl guanidine pendants

Three new metal-coordinating ligands, L(1)·4HCl [1-(2-guanidinoethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane tetrahydrochloride], L(2)·4HCl [1-(3-guanidinopropyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane tetrahydrochloride], and L(3)·4HCl [1-(4-guanidinobutyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane tetrahydrochloride], have been prepared via the selective N-functionalization of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) with ethylguanidine, propylguanidine, and butylguanidine pendants, respectively. Reaction of L(1)·4HCl with Cu(ClO(4))(2)·6H(2)O in basic aqueous solution led to the crystallization of a monohydroxo-bridged binuclear copper(II) complex, [Cu(2)L(1)(2)(μ-OH)](ClO(4))(3)·H(2)O (C1), while for L(2) and L(3), mononuclear complexes of composition [Cu(L(2)H)Cl(2)]Cl·(MeOH)(0.5)·(H(2)O)(0.5) (C2) and [Cu(L(3)H)Cl(2)]Cl·(DMF)(0.5)·(H(2)O)(0.5) (C3) were crystallized from methanol and DMF solutions, respectively. X-ray crystallography revealed that in addition to a tacn ring from L(1) ligand, each copper(II) center in C1 is coordinated to a neutral guanidine pendant. In contrast, the guanidinium pendants in C2 and C3 are protonated and extend away from the Cu(II)-tacn units. Complex C1 features a single μ-hydroxo bridge between the two copper(II) centers, which mediates strong antiferromagnetic coupling between the metal centers. Complexes C2 and C3 cleave two model phosphodiesters, bis(p-nitrophenyl)phosphate (BNPP) and 2-hydroxypropyl-p-nitrophenylphosphate (HPNPP), more rapidly than C1, which displays similar reactivity to [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+). All three complexes cleave supercoiled plasmid DNA (pBR 322) at significantly faster rates than the corresponding bis(alkylguanidine) complexes and [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+). The high DNA cleavage rate for C1 {k(obs) = 1.30 (±0.01) × 10(-4) s(-1) vs 1.23 (±0.37) × 10(-5) s(-1) for [Cu(tacn)(OH(2))(2)](2+) and 1.58 (±0.05) × 10(-5) s(-1) for the corresponding bis(ethylguanidine) analogue} indicates that the coordinated guanidine group in C1 may be displaced to allow for substrate binding/activation. Comparison of the phosphate ester cleavage properties of complexes C1-C3 with those of related complexes suggests some degree of cooperativity between the Cu(II) centers and the guanidinium groups.     

Ruthenium complexes of 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane for atom and group transfer reactions

With support by macrocyclic tertiary amine ligand 1,4,7-trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (Me₃tacn), a number of mononuclear metal–ligand multiple bonded complexes have been isolated. Starting with a brief summary of these complexes, the present review focuses on ruthenium-oxo and -imido complexes of Me₃tacn. A family of monooxoruthenium(IV) complexes [Ru^IV(Me₃tacn)O(N–N)]²⁺ (N–N = 2,2′-bipyridines) and a cis-dioxoruthenium(VI) complex cis-[Ru^VI(Me₃tacn)O₂(CF₃CO₂)]⁺ have been isolated, and the structures of [Ru^IV(Me₃tacn)O(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) and cis-[Ru^VI(Me₃tacn)O₂(CF₃CO₂)]ClO₄ have been determined by X-ray crystallography. Oxidation of [Ru^III(Me₃tacn)(NHTs)₂(OH)] (Ts = p-toluenesulfonyl) with Ag⁺ and electrochemical oxidation of [Ru^III(Me₃tacn)(H₂L)](ClO₄)₂ (H₃L = α-(1-amino-1-methylethyl)-2-pyridinemethanol) are likely to generate ruthenium-imido complexes supported by Me₃tacn. DFT calculations on cis-[Ru^VI(Me₃tacn)O₂(CF₃CO₂)]⁺ and proposed ruthenium-imido complexes have been performed. Complexes [Ru^IV(Me₃tacn)O(N–N)]²⁺ are reactive toward alkene epoxidation, and cis-[Ru^VI(Me₃tacn)O₂(CF₃CO₂)]⁺ efficiently oxidizes various organic substrates including concerted [3+2] cycloaddition reactions with alkynes and alkenes to selectively afford α,β-diketones, cis-diols, or CC bond cleavage products. Related oxidation reactions catalyzed by ruthenium Me₃tacn complexes include epoxidation of alkenes, cis-dihydroxylation of alkenes, oxidation of alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, and arenes, and oxidative cleavage of CC, CC, and C–C bonds, all of which exhibit high selectivity. Ruthenium Me₃tacn complexes are also active catalysts for amination of saturated C–H bonds.     

The complexing properties of 1,4,7-tris(dihydroxyphosphorylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane

The complexation of 1,4,7-tris(dihydroxyphosphorylmethyl)-1,4,7-triazacyclononane with metal ions, differing in both charge and ionic radius, was studied. This complexing agent is selective relative to cations of a given ionic radius. The stability of the complex increases with increasing charge and polarizability of the cation.Translated from Izvestiya Akademii Nauk SSSR, Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 4, pp. 917–919, April, 1990.     

The synthesis, structure and properties of copper(II) complexes of asymmetrically functionalized derivatives of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane

Reaction of 1-propylamino-4-acetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L1), 1-benzyl-4-acetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L2) and 1-benzyl-4-propylamino-1,4,7-triazacyclononane (L3) with a copper(II) salt gave Na2[CuL1](ClO4)3(1a), [CuL2]Cl (2) and [Cu2L32](ClO4)4.5H2O (3), respectively. [CuL4]ClO4 (4) was formed by reacting 1-formyl-4-ethylacetato-1,4,7-triazacyclononane with cupric chloride in aqueous solution. The X-ray crystal structures of the complexes reveal that the ligands generate distorted square pyramidal or square planar coordination environments about the Cu(II) centre, but in three complexes (1b, 3 and 4) weak interactions to an oxygen atom from a perchlorate anion and, in the case of 4, also to an amide nitrogen leading to tetragonally elongated octahedral Cu(II) geometries. In 4, the formyl group is found to reduce the coordinating ability of the macrocyclic nitrogen to which it is attached, as evidenced by the weak CuN interaction. The formation of five-membered chelate rings on coordination of the ligands further contributes to the distortion from the ideal geometries. The crystal lattices contain a number of novel supramolecular features. 1a contains a negatively charged sodium perchlorate chain of composition [Na2(ClO4)3]x(x-), with a complex series of Na-O-Na bridges flanked by [CuL1]+ units, while 3 contains highly complex hydrogen bonded sheets approximately 20 A thick that stack through van der Waals interactions. One-dimensional chains comprised of copper complexes are found in 2 and 4, and are held together by hydrogen bonds in 2 and acetate bridges between the copper cations in 4. The solution EPR spectra indicate that the copper(II) centres exist in isolated distorted square pyramidal (possibly square planar for 4) environments, while in the solid state there is evidence for the existence of weak exchange and dipole-dipole coupling for some complexes.