Synthesis, DNA-binding and photocleavage studies of [Ru(phen)2(pbtp)] and [Ru(bpy)2(pbtp)] (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene)

Based on the ligand dppz (dppz = dipyrido-[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine), a new ligand pbtp (pbtp = 4,5,9,11,14-pentaaza-benzo[b]triphenylene) and its polypyridyl ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(phen)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (1) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and [Ru(bpy)₂(pbtp)]²⁺ (2) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The DNA-binding of these complexes were investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The experimental results indicate that both complexes 1 and 2 bind to CT-DNA in classical intercalation mode, and can enantioselectively interact with CT-DNA. It is interesting to note that the pbtp ruthenium(II) complexes, in contrast to the analogous dppz complexes, do not show fluorescent behavior when intercalated into DNA. When irradiated at 365 nm, both complexes promote the photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA.     

Photophysical Properties and Photochemical Behaviour of Ruthenium(II) complexes containing the 2,2′-bipyridine and 4,4′-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridine ligands

The temperature dependence of the emission lifetime of the series of complexes Ru(bpy)_n(4,4′-dpb) (bpy = 2,2′bipyridine, 4,4′-dpb = 4,4′-diphenyl-2,2′-bipyridine) has been studied in propionitrile/butyronitrile (4:5 v/v) solutions in the range 90–293 K. The obtained photophysical parameters show that the energy separation between the metal-to-ligand charge tranfer (³MLCT) emitting level and the photoreactive metal-centered (³MC) level changes across the series (ΔE = 3960, 4100, 4300, and 4700 cm^?1 for Ru(bpy)), Ru(bpy)2(4,4′-dpb)²⁺, Ru(bpy)(4,4′-dpb), and Ru(4,4′-dpb), respectively, where ΔE is the energy separation between the minimum of the ³MLCT potential curve and ³MLCT – ³MC crossing point. Comparison between spectral and electrochemical data indicated that the changes in ΔE are due to stabilization of the MLCT levels in complexes containing 4,4′-dpb with respect to Ru(bpy)²⁺₃. The photochemical data for the same complexes (as I^? salts) have been obtained in CH₂Cl₂ in the presence of 0.01M Cl^? upon irradiation at 462 nm. The complexes containing 4,4′-dpb are more photostable than Ru(bpy). Comparison between the data for thermal population of the ³MC photoreactive state and those for photochemistry indicated that the overall photochemical process is governed by (i) a thermal redistribution between the emitting and photoreactive excited states, and (ii) mechanistic factors, likely related to the size of the detaching ligand.     

Structurally characterized group 4 metal alkoxides modified with the pyridyl-based ligands 2-mercapto pyridine n-oxide and 3,3′-dihydroxy-2,2′-bipyridine

An investigation of a series of substituted pyridyl-based ligands was undertaken using 2-mercapto pyridine n-oxide (H-2MPO) and 3,3′-dihydroxy-2,2′-bipyridine (H₂-OBPy) as the modifying reagents of a series of titanium alkoxides. The resultant products were identified as (2MPO)₂Ti(OR)₂ [OR = OCHMe₂ (1), OCH₂CMe₃ (2), OCMe₃ (3)] and [(OR)₂M(μ_c-OBPy)]₃ where MOR = TiOCH₂CMe₃ (4) along with ZrOCMe₃ (5) from Zr(OCMe₃)₄ (μ_c = chelating bridging). The structure of 1–3 were found to adopt similar monomeric structures with octahedrally (Oh) bound Ti metal centers using two terminal OR and two chelating 2MPO derivatives. Switching to the OBPy ligand, cyclic trinuclear species with Oh bound metals that employed two terminal OR and two μ_c-OBPy ligands were isolated. The two rings of the bridging OBPy were rotated such that one O and one N from different rings chelate to a single metal. The synthesis and characterization of these compounds and comparison to appropriate literature species are presented.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure determination of platinum(IV) complexes containing, bipyridine derivatives and chloride, [Pt(5,5′-dmbipy)Cl4] and [Pt(6-mbipy)Cl4]

The complex [Pt(5,5′-dmbipy)Cl₄] (1) (5,5′-dmbipy is 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) was prepared from the reaction of H₂PtCl₆·6H₂O with 5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine in methanol. The same method was employed to make [Pt(6-mbipy)Cl₄] (2) (6-mbipy is 6-methyl-2,2′-bipyridine). Both complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–Vis, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopy. Their solid state structures were determined by the X-ray diffraction method.     

Approaches to wired terpyridine: Bithienyl alkynyl derivatives of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine and their ruthenium(II) complexes

Two approaches to the formation of ruthenium(II) complexes containing ligands with conjugated 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (tpy), alkynyl and bithienyl units have been investigated. Bromination of 4′-(2,2′-bithien-5′-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine leads to 4′-(5-bromo-2,2’-bithien-5′-yl)-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (1), the single crystal structure of which has been determined. The complexes [Ru(1)₂][PF₆]₂ and [Ru(tpy)(1)][PF₆]₂ have been prepared and characterized. Sonogashira coupling of the bromo-substituent with (TIPS)CCH did not prove to be an efficient method of preparing the corresponding complexes with pendant alkynyl units. The reaction of 4′-ethynyl-2,2′:6’,2″-terpyridine with 5-bromo-2,2′-bithiophene under Sonogashira conditions yielded ligand 2, and the heteroleptic ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(2)(tpy)][PF₆]₂ has been prepared and characterized.     

2-Benzothiazolylthioacetic acid and 4,4′-bipyridine as ligands in designing low-dimensional coordination polymers: Synthesis, architectures and magnetic properties

The combined use of 4,4′-bipyridine (4,4′-bipy) and 2-benzothiazolylthioacetic acid (HBTTAA) as ligands with Mn(II), Cd(II), Co(II) and Cu(II) ions afforded six polymeric complexes, namely {[Mn₃(BTTAA)₄(4,4′-bipy)₄](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O}_n (1), [Mn(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]_n (2), [Cd(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)₂]_n (3), [Cd(BTTAA)(4,4′-bipy)(NO₃)(H₂O)]_n (4), [Co(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)(H₂O)₂]_n (5) and [Cu(BTTAA)₂(4,4′-bipy)]_n (6). All these complexes have been characterized by a combination of analytical, spectroscopic and crystallographic methods. Complex 1 is a novel 2D network formed by two different 4⁴ grid networks, whereas isomorphous complexes 2 and 3 exhibit a 2Dl coordination architecture formed by the same 4⁴ grid network. In 4–6, extended 1D chains are formed, with the 4,4′-bipy molecules acting as rigid rod-like links between adjacent metal centers. The carboxylato groups of BTTAA in these complexes exhibit four different coordination modes, namely monodentate, chelating, bridging and bridging-chelating modes. The magnetic properties of 1, 2, 5 and 6 were investigated in the temperature range 2.0–300.0 K. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show weak antiferromagnetic interactions in these complexes.     

Electrochemical behaviour of [Ru(L)(CO)2Cl2] [Ru(L)(CO)Cl3][Me4N] and [Ru(L)(CO)2(CH3CN)2][CF3SO3]2 complexes (L = 2,2′- bipyridine or 4,4′-isopropoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridine)

The clectrochemical behaviour of the complexes [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂Cl₂], [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N] and [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ (L = 2,2′-bipyridine or 4,4′-isopropoxycarbonyl-2,2′-bipyridine) has been investigated in CH₃CN. The oxidation of [Ru(L)(CO)₂Cl₂] produces new complexes [Ru^III(L)(CO)(CH₃CN)₂Cl]²⁺ as a consequence of the instability of the electrogenerated transient Ru^III species [Ru^III(L)(CO)₂Cl₂]⁺. In contrast, the oxidation of [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N] produces the stable [Ru^III(L)(CO)Cl₃] complex. In contrast [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ is not oxidized in the range up to the most positive potentials achievable. The reduction of [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂Cl₂] and [Ru^II(L)(CO)₂(CH₃CN)₂][CF₃SO₃]₂ results in the formation of identical dark blue strongly adherent electroactive films. These films exhibit the characteristics of a metal-metal bond dimer structure. No films are obtained on reduction of [Ru^II(L)(CO)Cl₃][Me₄N]. The effect of the substitution of the bipyridine ligand by electron-withdrawing carboxy ester groups on the electrochemical behaviour of all these complexes has also been investigated.     

Electrochemical, spectroelectrochemical and theoretical studies on the reduction and deprotonation of the photovoltaic sensitizer [(H3-tctpy)Ru(NCS)3] (H3-tctpy=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4,4′,4′′-tricarboxylic acid)

The electrochemical reduction of the black dye photosensitizer [(H₃-tctpy)Ru^II(NCS)₃]⁻ (H₃-tctpy=2,2′:6′,2′′-terpyridine-4,4′,4′′-tricarboxylic acid) used in photovoltaic cells has been found to be a complex process when studied in dimethylformamide. At low temperatures, fast scan rates and at a glassy carbon electrode, the chemically reversible ligand based one-electron reduction process [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻+e⁻[(H₃-tctpy√⁻)Ru(NCS)₃]²⁻ is detected. This process has a reversible half-wave potential (E^r_1/2) of −1585±20 mV versus Fc/Fc⁺ at 25°C. Under other conditions, a deprotonation reaction occurs upon reduction, which produces [(H_3−x-tctpy^x−)Ru(NCS)₃]^(1+x)− and hydrogen gas. Mechanistic pathways giving rise to the final products are discussed. The E^r_1/2-value for the ligand based reductions of the deprotonated complex is 0.70 V more negative than for [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻. Consequently, data obtained from molecular orbital calculations are consistent with the reaction [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻+e⁻→[(H₂-tctpy⁻)Ru(NCS)₃]²⁻+1/2H₂ yielding the monodeprotonated complex as the major product obtained after electrochemical reduction of [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻. The E^r_1/2-values for the metal based Ru^II/III process differ by 0.30 V when data obtained for the protonated and deprotonated forms of the black dye are compared. Electronic spectra obtained during the course of experiments in an optically transparent thin layer electrolysis configuration are consistent with the overall reaction scheme proposed on the basis of voltammetric measurements and molecular orbital calculations. Reduction studies on the free ligand, H₃-tcpy, are consistent with results obtained with [(H₃-tctpy)Ru(NCS)₃]⁻.     

Preparation and photoluminescence characteristics of polysiloxane pendant tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium (II) complex

Polysiloxanes containing pendant tris(2,2′-bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complex (Ru(bpy)3²⁺) were prepared by reaction of polysiloxane-pendant 2,2′-bipyridine (PSiO-bpy) with cis-Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂. In methanol solution, the polymer pendant Ru(bpy)3²⁺ showed absorption maximum at 456nm and emission maximum at around 609nm, both of which are shifted to longer wavelength than the monomeric Ru(bpy)₃²⁺. The lifetime τ₀ of the excited polymer complex with low Ru(bpy)3²⁺ content was almost the same as that of the monomeric one in methanol (830ns), but τ₀ of the polymer with higher complex content was shorter because of a concentration quenching. In a solid state, τ₀ was much shorter (306–503ns) than that in a methanol solution contrary to the conventional polymeric system. Higher complex content in the polymer film caused higher glass transition temperature (Tg), but shorter τ₀. These results indicate concentration quenching in the polymer film. The excited polymer pendant Ru(bpy)3²⁺ was quenched by oxygen, and the relative emission intensity followed the Stern-Volmer equation. In a methanol solution the quenching rate constant (k_q) was the same order of magnitude as the monomeric complex, and independent of the complex content in the polymer. In a film, k_q was higher for the polymer with higher complex content.     

Self-assembly directed by C-H activation: Synthesis and characterization of [(CpIr)2(R-NC-Ph-CNR)]2(4,4-bipyridine)2·(OTf)4 (R = Ph, Me)

Self-assembly of a novel class of bis-imine-cyclometalated macrocycles [(Cp^∗Ir)₂(Ph-NC-Ph-CN-Ph)]₂(4,4′-bipyridine)₂·(OTf)₄ (3a) and [(Cp^∗Ir)₂(Me-NC-Ph-CN-Me)]₂(4,4′-bipyridine)₂·(OTf)₄ (3b) was directed by double-site C-H activations of aromatic bis-imine substrates. Two synthetic routes were established, using either (i) binuclear cyclometalated complexes (Cp^∗Ir)₂L1Cl₂ (1a) and (Cp^∗Ir)₂L2Cl₂ (1b) or (ii)4,4′-bipyridine(bpy)-bridged complex (Cp^∗IrCl₂)₂(bpy) (2) as starting materials. All the products were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and EA. Isomers were found in macrocyclic complexes, which were thermodynamically stable from reversible transformation in days. Highly robust structure of the cyclometalated macrocycles was indicated by the existence of stable isomer pairs. One isomer of 3b was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It was a rare case for half-sandwich metallosupramolecular macrocycles that weak interactions between macrocycles and OTf ions were fully captured in detail, and were demonstrated to be essential for the maintenance of tunnel structures of macrocycles in crystal packing.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) coordination polymers supported by functionalized dicarboxylate ligands

Four new coordination polymers of cobalt(II) and nickel(II) with functionalized dicarboxylate ligands, namely, [Co^IIL¹(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)] (1), [Ni^IIL¹(2,2′-bpy)(H₂O)]·H₂O (2), [Co^II₂(L²)₂(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)] (3) and [Ni^II₂(L²)₂(2,2′-bpy)₂(H₂O)] (4), where H₂L¹ = 2,5-dibenzoylterephthalic acid, H₂L² = 4,6-bis(4-methylbenzoyl)isophthalic acid and 2,2′-bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex 1 exhibits a zigzag chain with a C–Hπ interaction between the phenyl ring proton and the phenyl ring of an adjacent chains to form a 2D supramolecular sheet. Complex 2 contains two helical chains which extend into 2D via a C–Hπ interaction between the pyridine ring proton and the pyridine ring. Complexes 3 and 4 are isomorphous with helical chains that extend in the same direction and further link to one another by supramolecular forces into a 2D structure. Moreover, magnetic and luminescence properties have been investigated for 1 and 2, respectively.     

Theoretical studies upon the electronic structures and spectroscopic properties for a series of luminescent terpyridyl platinum(II) phenylacetylide complexes

A comprehensive calculations were carried out to get a deep insight into the ground- and excited-state electronic structures and the spectroscopic properties for a series of [Pt(4-X–trpy)CCC₆H₄R]⁺ complexes (trpy = 2,2′,6′,2″-terpyridine; X = H, R = NO₂ (1), Cl (2), C₆H₅ (3) and CH₃ (4); R = Cl, X = CH₃ (5) and C₆H₅ (6)). MP2 (second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation) and CIS (single-excitation configuration interaction) methods were employed to optimize the structures of 1–6 in the ground and excited states, respectively. The investigation showed that substituted phenylacetylide and trpy ligands only give rise to a small variation in geometrical structures but lead to a sizable difference in the electronic structures for 1–6 in the ground and excited states. The introduction of electron-rich groups into the phenylacetylide and/or terpyridyl ligands produces two different low-lying absorptions for 1 and 2–6, i.e., Pt(5d) → π^*(trpy) metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) mixed with π → π^*(CCPh) intraligand charge transfer (ILCT) for 1 and Pt(5d)/π(CCPh) → π^*(trpy) charge transfer (MLCT and LLCT) for 2–6. Remarkable electronic resonance on the whole Pt–CCPh–NO₂ moiety for 1 may be responsible for the difference. Solvatochromism calculation revealed that only LLCT/MLCT transitions showed the solvent dependence, consistent with the experimental observations.     

Synthesis and structure of mixed-metal thiolate complex Cp′Cr(CO)2(μ-SBu)Pt(PPh3)2: Side-on-coordination of Cr–S double bond with platinum

The reaction of [Cp′Cr(CO)₂(μ-SBu)]₂ (1) (Cp′ = MeC₅H₄) with (PPh₃)₂Pt(PhCCPh) gives Cp′Cr(CO)₂(μ-SBu)Pt(PPh₃)₂ (2) which could be regarded as a product of the substitution of acetylene ligand at platinum by a monomeric chromium–thiolate fragment. According to the X-ray diffraction analysis 2 contains single Cr–Pt (2.7538(15)) and Pt–S (2.294(2) Å) bonds while Cr–S bond (2.274(3) Å) is shortened in comparison with ordinary Cr–S bonds (2.4107(4)–2.4311(4) Å) in 1. The bonding between Cr–S fragment and platinum atom is similar to the olefine coordination in their platinum complexes.     

Preparation and luminescence properties of tris(bipyridine) ruthenium(II)-containing vinyl polymers: Ru(bpy)2 (poly-6-vinyl-2,2′-bipyridine)Cl2 and Ru(bpy)2(poly-4-methyl-4′-vinyl-,2,2′-bipyridine)Cl2

Ruthenium (II) complex-containing polymers were prepared and characterized by absorption and luminescence spectra, luminescence quantum yield, and luminescence lifetime. The polymers are Ru(bpy)₂(poly-6-vinyl-2,′2-bipyridine)CI₂ ( 1 ) and Ru(bpy)₂(poly-4-methyl-4′-methyl-4′ -vinyl-2,2′-bipyridine)CI₂ ( 2 ). The absorption spectra and luminescence spectra of polymers 1 and 2 were substantially the same as that of Ru(bpy)₃CI₂. The lifetime of polymers 1 and 2 was similar to that of the respective monomer model compounds. The lifetime of polymer 1 was very short (ca. 13 ns) in comparison to Ru(bpy)₃CI₂ (660 ns), whereas the lifetime of polymer 2 (660 ns) was similar to that of Ru(bpy)₃CI₂. The temperature-dependency of the lifetime was discussed in terms of Watts' model.     

Solid state coordination chemistry of copper(II)/α-hydroxycarboxylato/2,2′-bipyridine systems

Four new two-ligand complexes of copper(II) with 2,2′-bipyridine and one of three different α-hydroxycarboxylic acids (lactic, H₂LACO; 2-methyllactic, H₂MLACO; and mandelic, H₂MANO) were prepared. Complexes 1–3 of general formula [Cu(HL)₂(bipy)]·nH₂O (HL=monodeprotonated acid), were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic and EPR spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and thermogravimetric analysis. Complexes 1 (HL=HLACO, n=2), 2 (HL=HMLACO, n=1) and 3a (the result of attempted recrystallization of 3, of formula [Cu(HMANO)(bipy)₂](HMANO)·H₂MANO·CH₃CN were studied by X-ray diffractometry. The copper atom is in an elongated, tetragonally distorted octahedral environment in 1 and 2 and in 3a has a coordination polyhedron intermediate between a square pyramid and a trigonal bipyramid, as evaluated in terms of the parameter τ. In 1 and 2 the α-hydroxycarboxylato ligand is bidentate and monoanionic but in 3a there are three forms: a monodentate monoanion, a monoanionic counterion, and a neutral molecule.     

Synthesis,characterization, electrochemical and photophysical properties of bimetallic complexes of rhenium(I) and osmium(II)

Monometallic and bimetallic diimine complexes of rhenium(I) and osmium(II), [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(4,4′-bpy)](PF₆) I, [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(4,4′-bpy)Re(bpy)(CO)₃](PF₆)₂II, [Cl(bpy)₂Os(4,4′-bpy)](PF₆) III and [Cl(bpy)₂Os(4,4′-bpy)Os(bpy)₂Cl](PF₆)₂IV, and a new heterobimetallic complex of rhenium(I) and osmium(II) [(CO)₃(bpy)Re(4,4′-bpy)Os(bpy)Cl](PF₆)₂V (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; 4,4′-bpy = 4,4′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by various spectral techniques. The photophysical properties of all the complexes have been studied and a comparison is made between the heterobimetallic and corresponding monometallic and homobimetallic complexes. Emission and transient absorption spectral studies reveal that excited state energy transfer from the rhenium(I) chromophore (∗Re) to osmium(II) takes place. The energy transfer rate constant is found to be 8.7 × 10⁷ s⁻¹.     

The anion recognition properties of Schiff base or its reductive system based on 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives

Two novel artificial receptors, 2,2′-bipyridine derivatives containing phenol group, have been designed and synthesized. The interaction of the receptors containing Schiff base or its reductive system with biologically important anions was determined by UV–vis and ¹H NMR titration experiments. Results indicate that receptors 1 and 2 show the strong binding ability for dihydrogen phosphate (H₂PO₄⁻), fluoride (F⁻), acetate (AcO⁻) and almost no binding ability for chloride (Cl⁻), bromide (Br⁻), iodide (I⁻). At the same time, the strongest binding ability of receptor 1 for H₂PO₄⁻ among studied anions is not influenced by the existence of other anions; as well as receptor 2 for F⁻. In addition, the binding ability of receptor 1 (Schiff base system) with various anions is stronger than that of receptor 2 (the reductive Schiff base system) due to the difference of electronic effect.     

Synthesis,structure and reactivity of novel palladiumdichloride-2,2′-bipyridine with 4,4′-bis(fluorous-ponytail)

With the readily available fluorous alkanols R_fCH₂OH, a series of novel fluorous-ponytailed bpy ligands, 4,4′-bis(R_fCH₂OCH₂)-2,2′-bpy (1a–e), were prepared and treated with [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] to result in the corresponding novel Pd complexes [PdCl₂(4,4′-bis(R_fCH₂OCH₂)-2,2′-bpy)] (2a–e) where R_f = n-C₃F₇ (a), HCF₂(CF₂)₃ (b), HCF₂(CF₂)₇ (c), n-C₈F₁₇ (d), n-C₁₀F₂₁ (e). The new ligands and Pd complexes were spectroscopically characterized by multi-nuclei NMR (¹H, ¹⁹F and ¹³C), FTIR and high resolution mass (FAB). The structure for the Pd complex 2b, the first with fluorinated ponytails on bpy and not on phosphine, was also established by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The TGA data of both ligands and Pd complexes indicated that the Pd-complexes were resistant to higher temperatures than the corresponding ligands. The Pd catalysts derived from 2a–c showed an almost quantitative conversion and could be reused for eight runs with Heck reactions, in that the products and unspent reactants were directly removed by distillation. With the highest fluorine content in the series, Pd complex 2e was successfully applied in the Heck reaction using the fluorous biphasic catalysis strategy.     

The C–HCl2Cu(II) synthon in the structural direction and assembly of supramolecular complexes with the 3,3′-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine ligand and its N-substituted derivatives

Three new Cu(II) supramolecular complexes [Cu(L₁)Cl₂]·2DMF (1), [Cu(L₂)Cl₂] (2) and [Cu(L₃)Cl₂]·DMF (3) (L₁ = 3,3′-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine, L₂ = 3,3′- bis(N-ethyl-2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine and L₃ = 3,3′-bis(N-benzyl-2-benzimidazolyl)-2,2′-dipyridine) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra and single crystal X-ray diffraction. X-ray structural analysis of L₁, L₂·3.5H₂O and L₃·H₂O indicates that all three ligands adopt the trans conformation with the two benzimidazole fragments located on opposite sides of the dipyridyl backbone. While in complexes 1–3, all the ligands display the cis conformation and behave as bidentate chelating reagents to coordinate with Cu(II). The inorganic chloride ions always act as a reliable hydrogen bonded acceptor in these structures, and the resulting C–HCl₂Cu supramolecular synthons play a significant role in the formation and stabilization of the structures. Moreover, additional non-covalent interactions, such as C–Hπ, are also identified to extend the discrete (0-D) or low-dimensional (1-D) motifs into high-dimensional architectures.