Synthesis, crystal structures, and properties of inorganic-organic hybrid complexes constructed from copper(II) macrocyclic fragment

Reaction of a macrocyclic copper(II) complex [Cu(L)](ClO₄)₂ · 3H₂O (I) (L = 1,3,10,12,16,19-hexaazatetracyclotetracosane) with a hexapod carboxylate ligand H₆TTHA (H₆TTHA = 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-triamine hexaacetic acid) and a tripod carboxylate ligand H₃TATB (H₃TATB = 4,4′,4″-S-triazine-2,4,6-triyl-tribenzoic acid) yielded two mononuclear copper(II) complexes [Cu(L)][H₄TTHA] · 4H₂O (II) and [Cu(L)][HTATB] · 4H₂O (III). The complexes I–III have been structurally characterized. The crystal structures of complexes II and III show the copper(II) ion has a distorted pentacoordinate square-pyramidal geometry with two secondary and two tertiary amines from the macrocyclic complex [Cu(L)]²⁺ and one oxygen atom from the carboxylate ligand group at the axial position. The UV-Vis spectra are utilized to discuss the hydrolysis of the complex II.     

Assembling of copper(II) dipicolinate complexes

The role of ancillary ligands, namely imidazole (im), pyridine (py), 2,2′-bipyridine (bpy) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) in the assembly of copper(II) dipicolinate complexes are presented. Mononuclear complexes are observed in the case of monodentate ligands. The mononuclear complex [Cu(im)₃L]·4H₂O (1) (L = dipicolinate anion) has a distorted octahedral structure with Z′ = 2, whereas [CuL(py)(H₂O)]·2H₂O (2) adopts distorted square pyramidal geometry. The bidentate ligands bpy and phen favor the formation of dinuclear complexes. The dinuclear complex [CuL(bpy)(μ-L)Cu(bpy)(H₂O)]·9H₂O (3) has one carbonyl oxygen atom of a carboxylate group of dipicolinate acting as a bridging ligand to the copper site that is devoid of a coordinated water molecule. The complex has an angle of 83.55° between the plane of L and bpy attached to one copper site, whereas it has an angle of 78.13° between the plane L and bpy attached to the other copper site. A 1,10-phenanthroline containing dinuclear copper(II) dipicolinate complex, [Cu(phen)(H₂O)(μ-L)Cu(phen)₂][CuL₂]·12H₂O (4), has been structurally characterized. It has an unusual carboxylate bridge.     

Copper complexes of two isomeric NS2-macrocycles

Two isomeric NS₂-macrocycles incorporating a xylyl group at ortho (o -L) and meta (m -L) positions were employed and their copper complexes (1?C5) were prepared and structurally characterized. The copper(II) nitrate complexes [Cu(L)(NO₃)₂] (1: L = o -L, 2: L = m -L) for both ligands were isolated. In each case, the copper center is five-coordinated with a distorted square pyramidal geometry. Despite the overall geometrical similarity, 1 and 2 show the different ligand conformation due to the discriminated packing pattern. Reaction of o -L with copper(II) perchlorate afforded complex 3 containing two independent complex cations [Cu(o -L)(H₂O)(DMF)(ClO₄)]⁺ and [Cu(o -L)(H₂O)(DMF)]²⁺; the coordination geometry of the former is a distorted octahedron while the latter shows a distorted square pyramidal arrangement. In the reactions of copper(I) halides (I or Br), o -L gave a mononuclear complex [Cu(o-L)I] (4) with a distorted tetrahedral geometry, while m -L afforded a unique exodentate 2:1 (ligand-to-metal) complex [trans-Br₂Cu(m-L)₂] (5) adopting a trans-type square-planar arrangement.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of three new copper(II) complexes with a tridentate amine and its Schiff bases

Three new mononuclear complexes of copper(II), viz. [Cu(L)(N₃)Cl] (1), [Cu(L′)(H₂O)]ClO₄ (2) and [Cu(L″)] (3) where L = N-(3-aminopropyl)-N-methylpropane-1,3-diamine, L′ = 2-(N-{3-[(3-aminopropyl)(methyl)amino]propyl}ethanimidoyl)phenolate ion and L″ = 2,2′-{(methylimino)bis[propane-3,1-diylnitrilo(1E)eth-1-yl-1-ylidene]}diphenolate ion, have been prepared. The synthesis of complex 1 has been achieved by reacting copper chloride with the triamine (L) and sodium azide in a 1:1:1 M ratio. The other two compounds have been synthesized by the reaction of copper perchlorate with the same triamine, L, plus 2-hydroxyacetophenone in a molar ratio of 1:1:1 (for 2) and 1:1:2 (for 3), so that the respective tetradentate and pentadentate Schiff bases HL′ and H₂L″ are formed in situ to bind the copper(II) ions. The complexes have been characterized by microanalytical, spectroscopic and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Structural studies reveal that the mononuclear units of all the three complexes adopt a distorted square pyramidal geometry and are held together by either intermolecular H-bonding (in 1 and 2) or C-H?π interactions (in 3) to form supramolecular networks in the solid state.     

Synthesis,structure, and magnetic properties of heterotrimetallic tetranuclear complexes

Two novel heterotrimetallic tetranuclear complexes [Cu(H₂L)(CH₃OH)]₂Gd(DMF)Fe(CN)₆·2H₂O·DMF (1) and [Cu(H₂L)(CH₃OH)]₂Tb(H₂O)_0.57(DMF)_0.43Fe(CN)₆·5.5H₂O (2) are reported (H₄L = N,N′-ethylenebis(3-hydroxysalicylidene)). The central Ln(III) ion is surrounded by two neutral [Cu(H₂L)(CH₃OH)] moieties, forming a Cu₂Ln trinuclear unit. The [Fe(CN)₆]^3? anion is weakly coordinated to one Cu(II) ion of [Cu(H₂L)(CH₃OH)] through a cyanide nitrogen atom with the N–Cu distance of ca. 3.2 Å. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the presence of overall ferromagnetic interactions in complexes 1 and 2. The magnetic coupling constant in complex 1 is J _Cu1Gd1 = 4.54 cm^?1 and J _Cu2Gd1 = 7.97 cm^?1 based on \( \hat{H} = - 2J_{\text{Cu1Gd1}} \hat{S}_{\text{Cu1Gd1}} - 2J_{\text{Cu2Gd1}} \hat{S}_{\text{Cu2Gd1}} \) . Dynamic AC magnetic susceptibility studies reveal that complex 2 shows frequency-dependent out-of-phase signals, typical of single molecule magnet behavior. The energy barrier for complex 2 under a 2 kOe applied DC magnetic field is 13 K.     

Heterometallic complexes of macrocyclic oxamide with polycarboxylates: Syntheses,crystal structures,and magnetic properties

Three complexes with the formula [Co(Ip)(CuL)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (I), [Co(Ip)(NiL)(H₂O)₂] · H₂O (II), [Co(CuL)₂(Hbtc)(H₂O)] (III), (H₂Ip = m-isophthalic acid; H₂L = 2,3-dioxo-5,6,14,15-dibenzo-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclo-pentadeca-7,13-dien; H₃Btc = 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid) were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV spectroscopy. Single-crystal X-ray analyses reveal that the complexes I and II contain neutral heterometallic binuclear CoM (for I and II, M = Cu, Ni, respectively) moieties, and complex III contains discrete neutral trinuclear CoCu₂ moieties. The structures of I–III consist of two-dimensional supramolecular architecture formed by strong O-H…O intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of complex I were investigated and discussed in detail.     

Synthesis, characterization and structures of copper(II) complexes containing carboxylate and sulfonate groups

Four copper(II) complexes containing Schiff base and reduced Schiff base ligands derived from pyridine-2-aldehyde and amino acid containing carboxylate and sulfonate functional groups (N-(2-pyridylmethylene)-amino acid and N-(2-pyridylmethyl)-amino acid, (amino acids = ??-alanine and aminoethanesulfonic acid) namely, [Cu(Pbals)(H₂O)₂]ClO₄·H₂O 1, [Cu(Pbal)(ClO₄)(H₂O)] 2, [Cu₂(Paes)₂(ClO₄)₂]·2H₂O 3, and [Cu(Pae)(H₂O)]·ClO₄·H₂O 4 have been synthesized and characterized. The structural features of carboxylate and sulfonate donor groups have been elucidated. These copper(II) complexes demonstrate different coordination behaviour of the carboxylate and sulfonate groups. Carboxylate groups in complexes 1 and 2 bridge the metal centers and facilitate the formation of 1D helical coordination polymeric structures. In compound 3, the sulfonate groups bridge the metal centers to form a discrete dinuclear complex. In 4, the sulfonate groups link the neighbouring metal centers to form a 1D coordination polymeric structure.     

Syntheses,structures and properties of copper(II) complexes with thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (H2Tda) and nitrogen-containing ligands

Five copper(II) complexes with thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylic acid (H₂Tda): Cu(Tda)(H₂O)⋅(H₂O)₂ (1), Cu(Tda)(im)₂⋅(H₂O) (2), Cu(Tda)(im)₄ (3), [Cu(Tda)(py)₂]_n (4) and [Cu(Tda)(bipy)(H₂O)]_n⋅n[Cu(Tda)(bipy)(H₂O)₂]⋅2nH₂O (5) (im=imidazole, py=pyridine and bipy=2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesised and their spectroscopic and thermal properties investigated. Three of them (3, 4 and 5) are structurally characterised and the Cu atom is in five coordinate, distorted square pyramidal environments. The thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate molecule is monodentate in 3 in which the molecular structure is stabilised by intermolecular hydrogen bonding involving two of the four non-coordinated nitrogen atoms of the imidazole ligands and carboxylate groups from adjacent Tda²⁻. In 4 the thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate ion is bridging tridentate and bonded to three copper atoms to form a chain polymer with alternating 16-membered ring bridged by two Tda²⁻ and an 8-membered ring bridged by two carboxylates. Complex 5 comprises discrete [Cu(Tda)(bipy)(H₂O)₂] (5a), one dimensional zig–zag chain of [Cu(Tda)(bipy)(H₂O)]_n (5b) and water molecules of crystallization. The thiophene-2,5-dicarboxylate molecule is monodentate in 5a and involved in intermolecular stacking interactions with 2,2'-bipyridine rings, and bidentate in 5b to bridge [Cu(bipy)(H₂O)] to form a one dimensional zig–zag chain.     

Preparation,crystal structures and spectroscopic characterization of oxalate copper(II) complexes containing the nitrogen ligands 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and di(2-pyridyl)sulfide

The preparation, crystal structures and spectroscopic characterization of four oxalate copper(II) complexes containing the 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (Mebpy) or di(2-pyridyl)sulfide (DPS) nitrogen ligands namely [μ-(ox){Cu(Mebpy)(NO₃)(H₂O)}₂] (1), [μ-(ox){Cu(Mebpy)(ClO₄)(H₂O)}₂] (2), [μ-(ox){Cu(DPS)(H₂O)}₂](ClO₄)₂ (3) and [Cu(DPS)(ox)(H₂O)] · 2H₂O (4) are described. X-ray diffraction measurements have shown that complexes 1–3 are binuclear, in which the oxalate anion bridges two Cu(II) centers, while the complex (4) is mononuclear and the oxalate anion adopts the terminal bidentate chelating coordination mode. In 1 and 2 the Cu(II) sites display a distorted octahedral geometry (4+2 environment) and in compounds 3 and 4 the Cu(II) centers exhibit a slightly distorted square pyramidal geometry. In addition, complexes 1 and 2 present a 2D supramolecular arrangement through hydrogen bonds between coordination water molecules and nitrate or perchlorate anions and π-stacking interaction between the pyridyl rings of Mebpy nitrogen ligands.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of Three New Polynuclear Cu(II) Complexes Based on the Methoxybenzoate Isomers

In this paper, self-assembly reactions of copper(II) ions, methoxybenzoate isomers and 2,2′-bipyridine yield two copper-oxygen polynuclear complexes: [Cu₂(bpy)₂(2-C₈H₇O₃)₃]·(2-C₈H₇O₃)·14H₂O 1, [Cu₄(bpy)₄(H₂O)(OH)₄]·4(3-C₈H₇O₃)·17H₂O 2, and a simple mononuclear complex [Cu(bpy)(H₂O)(4-C₈H₇O₃)₂] 3. (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, C₈H₇O₃ = methoxybenzoate ion). Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses reval that compound 1 is a dinuclear copper(II) complex which bridged by three carboxylate groups, and 2 presents a discrete step-like tetra-nuclear copper Cu₄O₄ core. Compound 3 shows a square pyramidal mononuclear geometry. The magnetic susceptibility of complex 1 measured from 2 to 300 K, revealed an antiferromagnetic interaction between the Cu(II) ions. Furthermore, the results about IR spectra and thermal analyses were discussed.     

Copper(II) complexes with N,N-dimethylbiguanide

The N,N-dimethylbiguanide (HDMBG) complexes [Cu₂(HDMBG)₂Cl₄] (1) and respectively [Cu(HDMBG)₂]Cl₂·2H₂O (2) exhibit in vitro antimicrobial activity. The complexes were characterised by IR, electronic as well as EPR spectra. The IR spectra of complexes show the pattern of N,N-dimethylbiguanide coordinated as chelate. The electronic and EPR data are in agreement with a square pyramidal stereochemistry for (1) and a square planar one for (2). The in vitro qualitative and quantitative antimicrobial activity assays showed that the complexes exhibited variable antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp. and Enterobacter sp.) isolated from the hospital environment. The thermal analysis has evidenced the thermal intervals of stability and also the thermodynamic effects that accompany them. The thermal behaviour in nitrogen is complex according to TG and DTA curves including melting, dehydration as well as compounds decomposition.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of two new copper(II) complexes with 3-oxapentane-1,5-diamine using different molar ratio

The reactions of copper(II) nitrate with 3-oxapentane-1,5-diamine (Oda) were investigated under different molar ratio. In the case of a 1: 1 molar ratio of copper(II) nitrate and Oda, the mononuclear complex [Cu(Oda)(NO₃)₂] (I) was obtained. In contrast, the treatment of copper(II) nitrate with twice Oda afforded inorganic polymer {[Cu(μ-Oda)(Oda)] · (NO₃)₂} _n (II). The molecular structures of the two new complexes were determined from the elemental analyses, IR spectra and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (CIF files CCDC nos. 828193 (I) and 828018 (II)). Two Cu(II) complexes were both five-coordinated and forming a distorted square-base pyramidal geometry. Two complexes are stabilized by the intermolecular hydrogenbond.     

Interplay of coordinative and supramolecular interactions in directing the crystal structures of copper(II)-ofloxacin complexes under co-ligand intervention

Assemblies of ofloxacin (Hoflo) with Cu(II), in the presence of the organonitrogen ligands, such as 2,2′-bipyridyl (bpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dmbpy), and 8-hydroxyquinoline (hq), under similar conditions, yield a series of three coordination complexes, [Cu(oflo)(bpy)(H₂O)](ClO₄)(H₂O)_1.5 (1), [Cu(Hoflo)(dmbpy)(ClO₄)](ClO₄)(H₂O)₂ (2), and [Cu(oflo)(hq)](ClO₄)(H₂O)₂ (3). All three complexes have been structurally determined and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. All of the Cu(II) atoms adopt the similar square pyramidal coordination geometries. However, when considering the longer Cu–O contacts in 2, its coordination geometry turns out to be distorted octahedral and a binuclear motif is afforded. The results reveal that, distinct extended network architectures of 1D (for 1) and 2D (for 2 and 3) are further constructed with the aid of weak secondary interactions of H-bonding and aromatic stacking, by introducing various heterocyclic co-ligands. The thermal stabilities of the complexes are described and discussed.     

The coordination chemistry of mono and bis(di-2-pyridylamine)copper(II) complexes: preparation,characterization and crystal structures of [Cu(L)(NO2)2], [Cu(L)(H2O)2(SO4)], [Cu(L)2(NCS)](SCN)·0.5DMSO and [Cu(L)2(SCN)2]

The crystal structures of two mono(dpyam)copper(II) complexes, [Cu(dpyam)(NO₂)₂] (1) and [Cu(dpyam)(H₂O)₂(SO₄)] (2) and two dithiocyanate compounds containing bis(dpyam)copper(II) units, [Cu(dpyam)₂(NCS)](SCN)·0.5DMSO (3) and [Cu(dpyam)₂(SCN)₂] (4) have been determined by X-ray crystallography. The second orthorhombic form of the monomeric Cu(II) complex 1 was obtained by the reaction of di-2-pyridylamine (dpyam) with CuCl and NaNO₂ in water–methanol solution. Each copper(II) ion in 1 exhibits a tetrahedrally-distorted square base of the CuN₂O₂ chromophore, with off-the-z-axis coordinated nitrito groups weakly bound in approximately axial positions. Complex 2 is an example of a polymeric copper(II) derivative containing the bidentate bridging sulfate ligand in the long-bonded axial positions. Each copper(II) ion in 2 shows an elongated tetragonal octahedral stereochemistry. The CuN₄N′ chromophore of 3 involves a square-based pyramidal structure, slightly distorted towards a trigonal bipyramidal stereochemistry, τ=0.13. One of the SCN⁻ anions is bonded to the copper(II) ion via the N atom in the axial position of the square pyramid. Complex 4 is centrosymmetric and octahedrally elongated, with the SCN⁻ anions coordinating in axial positions via the S atom. The structures of complexes 1–4 and their ESR and electronic reflectance spectra are compared with those of related complexes.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and electrochemical properties of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes with two unsymmetrical N2O2 Schiff base ligands

Nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of two unsymmetrical tetradentate Schiff base ligands [Ni(Me-salabza)] (1), [Cu(Me-salabza)] (2) and [Ni(salabza)] (3), {H₂salabza = N,N′-bis[(salicylidene)-2-aminobenzylamine] and H₂Me-salabza = N,N′-bis[(methylsalicylidene)-2-aminobenzylamine]}, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The crystal structures of 2 and 3 complexes have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Both copper(II) and nickel(II) ions adopt a distorted square planar geometry in [Cu(Me-salabza)] and [Ni(salabza)] complexes. The cyclic voltammetric studies of these complexes in dichloromethane indicate the electronic effects of the methyl groups on redox potential.     

Synthesis, characterization, and biological properties of N-phenolato-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide and its binuclear copper(II) complexes

A new asymmetric N,N′-bis(substituent)oxamide ligand, N-phenolato-N′-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)oxamide (H₃pdmapo), and two of its binuclear Cu(II) complexes with different terminal ligands, namely [Cu₂(pdmapo)(phen)(H₂O)](ClO₄) (1) and [Cu₂(pdmapo)(bpy)(CH₃OH)](ClO₄) (2), where phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of both complexes have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both structures contain binuclear Cu(II) cationic complexes with pdmapo^3? ligands. The asymmetric pdmapo^3? ligands bridge two Cu(II) atoms in the cis conformation and the Cu···Cu separations through the oxamide bridge are 5.2046(18) and 5.207(2) Å for complexes 1 and 2, respectively. The coordination environments of the two Cu(II) atoms in each binuclear complex are different. The copper occupying the inner site of the pdmapo^3? ligand is four-coordinated in a CuN₃O distorted square-planar environment, while the other is five-coordinated in a square pyramid geometry. In complex 1, O–H···O and C–H···O hydrogen bonds link the complex into a one-dimensional chain. In complex 2, O–H···O hydrogen bonds link the molecules to form a dimer, together with two types of strong π–π interactions, giving a two-dimensional network structure. The cytotoxicities and DNA-binding properties of H₃pdmapo and the two complexes were studied. The experimental evidence suggests that the ligand binds to DNA via a groove binding mode, while the binuclear complexes bind intercalatively to DNA.     

Synthesis,crystallographic and spectroscopic characterization and magnetic properties of dimer and monomer ternary copper(II) complexes with sulfonamide derivatives and 1,10-phenanthroline. Nuclease activity by the oxidative mechanism

Three dinuclear and one mononuclear copper(II)-1,10-phenanthroline ternary complexes, [Cu(L1)(phen)(OH)]₂ (1), [Cu(L2)(phen)(OH)]₂·3H₂O (2), [Cu(L3)(phen)(OH)]₂ (3) and [Cu(L4)₂(phen)(H₂O)] (4), with thiadiazole sulfonamide derivative ligands: HL1 (N-(5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)naphthalene-1-sulfonamide), HL2 (N-(5-ethylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide), HL3 (N-(5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)benzenesulfonamide) and HL4 (N-(5-ethyl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)-4-methylbenzenesulfonamide) have been synthesized and characterized. In the four complexes each copper atom is five-coordinated. The structure of complexes 1, 2 and 3 consists of a dimeric unit with a C2 symmetry axis, where both coppers are bridged by two hydroxo anions. Magnetic measurements show that the dimer complexes are ferromagnetic according to the Cu–O–Cu angles. Cleavage experiments using pUC18 plasmid DNA in the presence of H₂O₂/ascorbic acid as an activating agent show that the title complexes are potent artificial chemical nucleases, the order of efficiency being 3 > 2 ∼ 1 > 4. Control cleavage experiments indicated that the dimer complexes are stronger artificial nucleases than the [Cu(phen)₂]²⁺ complex under the same experimental conditions, while the monomer 4 has a lower nuclease activity than the [Cu(phen)₂]²⁺ complex. The inhibition of the cleavage process in the presence of reactive oxygen intermediate scavengers suggests that the hydroxyl radical and the superoxide anion are reactive species for the breakage of the DNA strands.     

Crystallization method controlled trinuclear or ion-pair Manganese(III)-porphyrin-based heterobimetallic complexes: Synthesis,spectra characterization,and crystal structure

Cyanide-bridged trinuclear heterometallic Ag(I)-Mn(III) complex {[Mn(TClPP)(H₂O)]₂[Ag(CN)₂]}₂ · 2Br · 2C₃H₆O · 3H₂O (I) and ion-pair complex {[Mn(TClPP)(CH₃OH)₂][Ag(CN)₂]} · 0.5H₂O (II) have been synthesized with [Mn(TClTPP)(H₂O)₂]Br (H₂TClTPP = meso-tetra(4-chlorophenyl)porphyrin) as assembling segment and K[Ag(CN)₂] as building block by using different crystallization method. These two complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and X-ray structure determination. In the trinuclear complex I, [Ag(CN)₂]^? as bidentate ligand coordinates with the two central Mn(III) atom of [Mn(TClPP)(H₂O)₂]⁺ through its two trans cyanide groups to form the complex cation of [Mn(TClPP)(H₂O)]₂[Ag(CN)₂]⁺, which further constructs the neutral complexes with the help of one Br^? as balanced anion. For the ion-pair complex II composed by free [Mn(TClPP)(CH₃OH)₂]⁺ cation and free [Ag(CN)2]^? anion, it can be linked into one-dimensional supramolecular structure with the dependence of the intermolecular O-H...N and O-H...O hydrogen bond interactions.     

Synthesis,structure and in vitro antiproliferative activities of oxamido‐bridged dicopper(II) complexes: A comparative study of experimental evidence and molecular docking of DNA/protein binding

Two μ‐oxamido‐bridged dicopper(II) complexes, namely [Cu₂(hmpoxd)(H₂O)(phen)](ClO₄) ( 1 ) and [Cu₂(papo)(H₂O)(phen)](ClO₄)·2H₂O ( 2 ), where H₃hmpoxd and H₃papo represent N‐(2‐hydroxy‐5‐methylphenyl)‐N′‐[3‐(dimethylamino)propyl]oxamide and N‐(2‐hydroxylphenyl)‐N′‐(3‐aminopropyl)oxamide, respectively, and phen represents 1,10‐phenanthroline, were synthesized. Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography and other methods revealed that the two copper(II) ions in complex 1 are bridged by the cis‐hmpoxd^3? with Cu···Cu separation of 5.1896(7) Å, in which the inner (Cu1) and outer (Cu2) copper(II) atoms are located in square‐planar and square‐pyramidal geometries, respectively. To evaluate the effects of bridging ligand hydrophobicity on DNA/protein binding and potential anticancer activities, comparative studies of the reactivity towards herring sperm DNA and protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) as well as cytotoxicity of complex 1 with our previously reported complex 2 were conducted theoretically and experimentally. The results indicate that the two complexes can interact interactively with DNA, and bind to BSA via the binding sites Trp213 for 1 and Trp134 for 2 . Interestingly, the in vitro anticancer activities and DNA/protein binding affinities consistently follow the order of 1 > 2 .