Spectroscopic properties of some mixed ligand copper(II) complexes of N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine and ethanediamine and its alkylated derivatives

IR, EPR and electronic spectral studies have been made on a series of complexes with general formula [M(dien)L](BØ₄)₂nH₂O (M = Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), dien = N-(2-aminoethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine, L = ethanediamine (en), Me₄en, Et₂en, Me = methyl, Et = ethyl, BØ₄ = tetraphenylborate, n = 0 or 2] taking copper(II) as a magnetic probe in polycrystalline and solution forms to obtain stereochemical information. A five-coordinate square-based pyramidal (SBP) geometry with CuN₃N′₂ moiety having moderately covalent metal-ligand σ-bonds is found to exist in unalkylated mixed ligand complexes. Among alkylated complexes [Cu/Cd(dien)(Me₄en)](BØ₄)₂ is found to possess two species having tetrahedral and SBP with trigonal bipyramidal distortion geometries unlike the other alkylated complexes which have indicated the presence of one species having SBP coordination geometry with varying degrees of trigonal bipyramidal distortions and metal-ligand σ-bond strengths. EPR studies in dilute dmf and pyridine solutions of copper(II) complexes indicated the presence of solute-solvent interaction.     

A novel binuclear copper(II) complex with fumarate and 1,10-phenanthroline

A MeOH solution of 1,10-phenanthroline reacts with Cu(fum)[fum = (OOCCH = CHCOO)^2–] to yield a novel binuclear copper(II) unsaturated dicarboxylate complex of general formula [Cu₂(fum)(phen)₄](fum) · 11H₂O, whose crystal structure has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Two copper(II) atoms are bridged by a fumarate group, and each copper(II) atom is coordinated to two 1,10-phenanthroline molecules in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal configuration. The i.r. spectrum shows the presence of the monodentate carboxylate ligand. The electronic reflectance spectrum in the solid state suggest that the d–d transitions of the complex is in a trigonal bipyramidal ligand field. The temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility studies suggest that a weak ferromagnetic interaction exists between the two copper(II) atoms when the temperature exceeds 130 K.     

Cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 5-(2-carboxyphenylazo)-2-thiohydantoin

A new series of hexacoordinate cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes of 5-(2-carboxyphenylazo)-2-thiohydantoin HL having formulae [LM(OAc)(H₂O)₂] · nH₂O (M = Co^II, Cu^II and Ni^II), [LMCl(H₂O)₂] · nH₂O (M = Co^II and Ni^II), [LCuCl(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O, [LCu(H₂O)₃](ClO₄) and [LCu(HSO₄)(H₂O)₂] were isolated and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductivities and magnetic susceptibilities, and by i.r., electronic and e.s.r. spectral measurements, as well as by thermal (t.g. and d.t.g.) analyses. The i.r. spectra indicate that the ligand HL behaves as a monobasic tridentate towards the three divalent metal ions via an azo-N, carboxylate-O and thiohydantoin-O atom. The magnetic moments and electronic spectral data suggest an octahedral geometry for Co^II complexes, distorted octahedral geometry for both Ni^II and Cu^II complexes with a dimeric structure for [LCuCl(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O through bridged chloro ligands. The X-band e.s.r. spectra reveal an axial symmetry for the copper(II) complexes with unsymmetrical M_s = ± 1 signal and G-parameter less than four for the dimeric [LCuCl(H₂O)]₂ · 2H₂O. The thermogravimetry (t.g. and d.t.g.) of some complexes were studied; the order and kinetic parameters of their thermal degradation were determined by applying Coats–Redfern method and discussed.     

Thermal and spectral studies of 5-(phenylazo)-2-thiohydantoin and 5-(2- hydroxyphenylazo)-2-thiohydantoin complexes of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II)

Complexes of 5-(phenylazo)-2-thiohydantoin (L¹) and 5-(2-hydroxyphenylazo)-2-thiohydantoin (HL²) with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) salts have been synthesised and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, magnetic susceptibility, UV-Vis, IR, ESR and TG studies. The magnetic and spectral data suggested octahedral geometry for [L¹M(OAc)₂(H₂O)₂]·xH₂O {M=Ni^ll and Cu^ll} and [L¹CuCl₂(H₂O)]·H₂O (dimeric form for the latter), trigonal bipyramidal geometry for [L²Co(OAc)(H₂O)]·2H₂O, square pyramidal geometry for [L²Ni(OAc)(H₂O)]·H₂O and square planar geometry for [L²CuCl]·2H₂O. TG studies confirmed the chemical formulations of these complexes and showed that their thermal degradation takes place in three to five steps, depending on the type of the ligand and the geometry of the complex. The kinetic parameters (n, E^#, A, ΔH^#, ΔS^# and ΔG^#) of the thermal decomposition stages were computed using the Coats-Redfern and other standard equations and are discussed.     

Synthesis and characterisation of nickel(II), cobalt(II), manganese(II), copper(II), zinc(II), dioxouranium(VI) and dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of tridentate dibasic ONO donor Schiff bases derived from 2-benzothiazolecarbohydrazide and salicylaldehyde/2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde

Summary The syntheses of several new coordination complexes of nickel(II), cobalt(II), manganese(II), copper(II), zinc(II), dioxouranium(VI) and dioxomolybdenum(VI) with new Schiff bases derived from 2-benzothiazolecarbohydrazide and salicylaldehyde or 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde are described. These complexes have been characterised by elemental analyses, electrical conductance, magnetic susceptibility, molecular weight, i.r. and electronic spectra. The Schiff bases behave as dibasic and tridentate ligands coordinating through the ONO donor system and form complexes of the types NiL · 3H₂O, MnL · 2H₂O, CoL · 2H₂O, CuL, ZnL · H₂O, UO₂L · MeOH and MoO₂L · MeOH (where LH₂ = Schiff base). The copper(II) complexes exhibit subnormal magnetic moments indicating the presence of an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction, whereas the nickel(II), cobalt(II) and manganese(II) complexes behave normally at room temperature. Zinc(II), dioxouranium(VI) and dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes are diamagnetic; the zinc (II) complexes are tetrahedral, the copper(II) complexes are square planar, all the other complexes are octahedral. Thev(C=N),v(C-O),v(N-N) andv(C-S) shifts have been measured in order to locate the Schiff base coordination sites.     

Mixed‐Ligand Complexes of Copper(II) with α‐Hydroxycarboxylic Acids and 1,10‐Phenanthroline

Eight new two‐ligand complexes of copper(II) with 1,10‐phenanthroline and one of four different α‐hydroxy‐carboxylic acids (glycolic, lactic, mandelic and benzylic) were prepared. The complexes of general formula [Cu(HL)₂(phen)] · nH₂O (HL = monodeprotonated acid) ( 1 – 4 ) were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic and EPR spectroscopy, magnetic measurements and thermo‐gravimetric analysis. The complexes of general formulae [Cu(HL)(phen)₂](HL) · H₂L · nSolv [ 1 a (HL = HGLYO^–, n = 1, Solv = MeCN) and 3 a (HL = HMANO^–, n = 0)] and [Cu(L)(phen)(OH₂)] · nH₂O [ 2 a (L = LACO^2–, n = 4) and 4 a (L = BENO^2–, n = 2)] were characterized by X‐ray diffractometry. In all these latter a pentacoordinated copper atom has a basically square pyramidal coordination polyhedron, the distortion of which towards a trigonal bipyramidal configuration has been evaluated in terms of the parameter τ. In 1 a and 3 a there are three forms of α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid: a monodentate monoanion, a monoanionic counterion, and a neutral molecule lying in the outer coordination sphere; in 2 a and 4 a the α‐hydroxycarboxylic acid is a bidentate dianion coordinating through carboxyl and hydroxyl oxygens.     

Synthesis,spectroscopy and thermal analysis of nickel(II), palladium(II) and copper(II) complexes with N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-oxamide

Summary The new complexes K₂[Ni(H₂heo)₂]·3H₂O, K₂[Pd-(H₂heo)₂], K₂[Cu(heo)]·3H₂O and [Cu₂(heo)·2H₂O] {heo = [(CONCH₂CH₂O)₂]^4-} were prepared and characterized by chemical analyses, conductivity measurements, thermogravimetry, magnetic susceptibility and i.r. and u.v. spectroscopy.Monomeric square planar structures with MN₄ coordination spheres are found for the nickel and palladium complex anions.For copper, two different complexes were identified. In slightly alkaline media, a green insoluble nonelectrolyte [Cu₂(heo)·2H₂O] was prepared; the two copper(II) centres are bridged by the tetra-deprotonated ligand in a trans-planar configuration with the H₂O molecules strongly coordinated to the copper(II). The copper(II) monomer has been prepared in strong alkaline media, this anion also contains the tetra-deprotonated ligand in a planar trans form.     

Synthesis and spectral studies of copper(II), nickel(II), cobalt(II) and vanadyl(II) complexes of tridentate Schiff bases of 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-3-oxo-N,1-diphenyl-5-(phenylmethylene)-2-naphthalenecarboxamide

Summary Metal(II) chelates of Schiff bases derived from the condensation of 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro-3-oxo-N,1-diphenyl-5-(phenylmethylene)-2-naphthalenecarboxamide with o-aminophenol (KAAP), o-aminothiophenol (KAAT) or o-aminobenzoic acid (KAAB) have been prepared and characterized. The complexes are of the type [M(N₂X)]₂ for M = Cu^II and M(NX)₂·nH₂O for M = Ni^II, Co^II and VO^II (X = phenolic oxygen, thiophenolic sulphur or carboxylic oxygen; n = 0 or 2). Conductivity data indicate that the complexes are non-ionic. The Schiff bases behave as dibasic tridentate ligands in their copper(II) complexes and as monobasic bidentate ligands in their nickel(II), cobalt(II) and vanadyl(II) complexes. The subnormal magnetic moments of the copper(II) complexes are ascribed to an antiferromagnetic exchange interaction arising from dimerization. Nickel(II) and cobalt(II) complexes are trans octahedral whereas vanadyl(II) complexes are square pyramidal     

Copper(II), nickel(II) and zinc(II) complexes ofN,N′, N″, N‴-tetra(2-cyanoethyl)-1,4,8, 12-tetra-azacyclopentadecane

Summary Reaction of 1,4,8, 12-tetra-azacyclopentadecance ([15])-aneN₄) with an excess of acrylonitrile gives theN-tetracyanoethylated ligand (L). Several new complexes of this ligand with nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) have been prepared and characterised. The complexes can be formulated [NiL]_n(ClO₄)_2n, [ML](ClO₄)₂ (M=Cu^II and Zn^II), [NiL(NCS)₂], [NiLCl₂], [CuL](NO₃)₂ and [NiL]_n(NO₃)_2n·2H₂O. Spectral, magnetic and conductivity data are reported and possible structures are considered.     

Dibromido(dimethyl sulfoxide‐κO)(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)copper(II)

The solvent effect on the molecular structures of copper(II) complexes produced from the reaction between CuBr₂ and 1,10‐phenanthroline is evident. The momomeric title compound, [CuBr₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)(C₂H₆OS)], which consists of discrete units, is produced from this reaction in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), whereas a polymeric copper(II) compound is known to be produced from the same reaction in the poor coordinating solvent ethanol. The geometry around the copper(II) ion in the title compound is best described as trigonal–bipyramidal distorted square‐based pyramidal, with a τ value of 0.37. The two phenanthroline N atoms, the DMSO O atom and one of the Br atoms occupy the four basal positions, while the second Br atom occupies the axial position. The magnetic susceptibility data also indicate that the title compound is monomeric, but there is still a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between paramagnetic copper(II) centers via the intermolecular `Cu—Br...Br—Cu' contact pathway.     

Bonding properties and electronic structures of glycylglycinato copper(II) complexes. Molecular structure of acetylhistaminegly-cylglycinatocopper(II) dihydrate

Summary Mixed ligand diglycinatocopper(II) complexes of the Cu(glygly)L·nH₂O type, where glygly stands for [NH₂-CH₂ CONCH₂CO₂]^2– and L for imidazole (n = 1.5), N-methylimidazole (n = 1), 2-methylimidazole (n = 2), 4-methylimidazole (n = 2), 4-phenylimidazole (n = 2), N-acetylhistamine (n = 2) and NH₃ (n = 2), were prepared and characterized by elemental analyses, i.r., vis. and e.p.r. spectroscopic measurements. The molecular structure of [Cu(glygly)(achmH)]·2H₂O (achmH = acetylhistamine) was determined using three dimensional XRD data. The structure consists of distorted square planar [Cu(glygly)-(achmH)] units interconnected via the peptide oxygen at the apex to complete a square pyramidal structure, Cu—O-(peptide) 2.477(2) Å. The H₂O molecules, not binding directly to the copper ion, involve in intermolecular hydrogen bonding with the copper units. The dianionic glygly ligand and the imidazole ring bind strongly to the central copper ion with Cu—N(amino) 2.045(6) Å, Cu—N-(peptide) 1.891(5) Å, Cu—O(carboxylate) 2.001(4) Å and Cu—N(imidazole) 1.956(5) Å. The dihedral angle between the imidazole nucleus and the CuN₃O xy plane is 6.0°. Similar structures with a CuN₃O coordination plane are proposed for the imidazole complexes, based on spectroscopic data. The bonding properties of the glygly ligand and the unidentate imidazole ligands are elucidated and discussed with reference to the electronic structures of the complexes deduced from Gaussian analyses.     

Synthesis and characterization of nickel(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), manganese(II), zinc(II), zirconium(IV), dioxouranium(VI) and dioxomolybdenum(VI) complexes of a new Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and 5-methylpyrazole-3-carbohydrazide

Summary Synthesis of a new Schiff base derived from salicylaldehyde and 5-methylpyrazole-3-carbohydrazide, and its coordination compounds with nickel(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), manganese(II), zinc(II), zirconium(IV), dioxouranium(VI) and dioxomolybdenum(VI) are described. The ligand and the complexes have been characterized on the basis of analytical, conductance, molecular weight, i.r., electronic and n.m.r. spectra and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The stoichiometries of the complexes are represented as NiL · 3H₂O, CoL · 2H₂O, CuL, MnL · 2H₂O, ZnL · H₂O, Zr(OH)₂(LH)₂, Zr(OH)₂L · 2MeOH, UO₂L · MeOH and MoO₂L · MeOH (where LH₂ = Schiff base). The copper(II) complex shows a subnormal magnetic moment due to antiferromagnetic exchange interaction while the nickel(II), cobalt(II) and manganese (II) complexes show normal magnetic moments at room temperature. The i.r. and n.m.r. spectral studies show that the Schiff base behaves as a dibasic and tridentate ligand coordinating through the deprotonated phenolic.oxygen, enolic oxygen and azomethine nitrogen.     

Metal-cinnamic acids interactions. Part III. Synthesis and study of copper(II) complexes of 3, 4- and 3, 5-dimenthoxycinnamic acid

Summary Copper(II) complexes derived from substituted cinnamic acids 3, 4-dimethoxycinnamic acid (3, 4-DMCH) and 3, 5-dimethoxycinnamic acid (3, 5-DMCH), of the formula [Cu(3, 4-DMC)₂]·H₂O (1), [Cu(3, 5-DMC)₂]·H₂O (2) were prepared. The magnetic properties of the complexes suggest dimeric structures typical of copper(II) acetate monohydrate-like complexes. X-band e.s.r. spectra of polycrystalline samples at low temperature are typical of triplet state systems S=1. Their ability to catalyze the aerial oxidation of 3, 5-di-t-butylcatechol was measured spectrophotometrically at 30°C. The complexes are models for oxidases.     

Synthesis and spectral studies ofN-2-pyridinylcarbonyl-2-pyridinecarxoximidate copper(II) complexes

Summary Dimeric and polymeric copper(II) complexes containing BPCA (N-2-pyridinylcarbonyl-2-pyridinecarboximidate), having general formulae Cu(BPCA)X·nH₂O (X=Cl, Br, NCS, NCO, N₃, or CN) and Cu₂(BPCA)₂-X·nH₂O [X=oxalate anion (OX), chloranilate anion (CA) or the dianion of 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinone (DHBQ)] have been synthesized by the copper(II)-assisted hydrolysis of 2, 4, 6-tris(2-pyridyl)-1, 3, 5-triazine. Spectroscopic results indicate five-coordinate, approximately square-pyramidal, geometry around the copper(II) ion. Half-field absorption in the M _s=±2 region of the X-band e.p.r. powder spectra has been observed for the dimeric species.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activity studies of copper(II)–metal(II) binuclear complexes of dipyridylglyoxal bis(2-hydroxybenzoyl hydrazone)

A new series of copper(II) mononuclear and copper(II)–metal(II) binuclear complexes [(H₂L)Cu] ? H₂O, [CuLM] ? nH₂O, and [Cu(H₂L)M(OAc)₂] ? nH₂O, n = 1–2, M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), or Zn(II), and L is the anion of dipyridylglyoxal bis(2-hydroxybenzoyl hydrazone), H₄L, were synthesized and characterized. Elemental analyses, molar conductivities, and FT-IR spectra support the formulation of these complexes. IR data suggest that H₄L is dibasic tetradentate in [(H₂L)Cu] ? H₂O and [Cu(H₂L)M(OAc)₂] ? nH₂O but tetrabasic hexadentate in [CuLM] ? nH₂O (n = 1–2). Thermal studies indicate that waters are of crystallization and the complexes are thermally stable to 347–402°C depending upon the nature of the complex. Magnetic moment values indicate magnetic exchange interaction between Cu(II) and M(II) centers in binuclear complexes. The electronic spectral data show that d–d transitions of CuN₂O₂ in the mononuclear complex are blue shifted in binuclear complexes in the sequences: Cu–Cu > Cu–Ni > Cu–Co > Cu–Zn, suggesting that the binuclear complexes [CuLM] ? nH₂O are more planar than the mononuclear complex. The structures of complexes were optimized through molecular mechanics applying MM ⁺force field coupled with molecular dynamics simulation. [(H₂L)Cu] ? nH₂O, [CuLM] ? nH₂O, and the free ligand were screened for antimicrobial activities on some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial species. The free ligand is inactive against all studied bacteria. The screening data showed that [CuLCu] ? H₂O > [(H₂L)Cu] ? H₂O > [CuLZn] ? H₂O > [CuLNi] ? 2H₂O ≈ [CuLCo] ? H₂O in order of biological activity. The data are discussed in terms of their compositions and structures.     

Synthesis and magnetism of 6-nitrobenzimidazolate and imidazolate-bridged copper(II) complexes

Summary Four new trinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu(phen)-(NBzIm)] (ClO₄) (1), [Cu(bpy)(NBzIm)](ClO₄) (2), [Cu-(Me₂-bpy)(NBzIm)](Ac)·1/2H₂O (3) and [Cu(Me₂-bpy)-(Im)](ClO₄)·1/2H₂O (4) (phen = 1, 10-phenanthroline, bpy = 2,2-bipyridine, NBzIm = 6-nitrobenzimidazolate ion, Im=imidazolate ion) have been prepared and characterized by variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements. A weak antiferromagnetic spin exchange interaction operates between copper(II) ions, exchange integrals evaluated as J =-23.82 cm^-1 for (1); and J=-21.91 cm^-1 for (2).     

Preparation, characterization and crystal structures of copper(II) hexaazamacrotetracyclic complexes with organic ligands

The reaction of [Cu(L)](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O (L=1,3,10,12,16,19-hexaazatetracyclo[17,3,1,1^12.16,0^4.9]tetracosane) with NaN₃ and Na₂tp yields mononuclear and dinuclear copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L)(N₃)](ClO₄) (1) and [Cu(L)(μ-tp)](ClO₄) · 2H₂O (2). These complexes have been characterized by X-ray crystallography, electronic absorption, cyclic voltammetry and magnetic susceptibility. The crystal structure of (1) shows that the copper(II) ion has a distorted square-pyramidal geometry with the two secondary and two tertiary amines of the macrocycle and one nitrogen atom from the azide group coordinating the axial position. The copper(II) ions in (2) are bridged by the terephthalate anion to form a dinuclear complex, in which each copper(II) ion reveals a distorted square-pyramid with four nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and the oxygen atom of bridging tp ligand. Cyclic voltammetry of the complexes gives two one-electron waves corresponding to Cu^II/Cu^III and Cu^II/Cu^I processes. The magnetic susceptibility measurement for (2) exhibits a weak antiferromagnetic interaction between copper(II) centers with a 2J value of −2.21 cm⁻¹ (H = −2JΣS₁ · S₂). The electronic spectra and electrochemical behavior of the complexes are significantly affected by the nature of the organic ligands.     

Mixed-ligand fluorocuprates(II). Synthesis and characterisation of [CuF3L(H2O)2]− containing amino acids as coligands

Complex species of the type NH₄[CuF₃L(H₂O)₂] · nH₂O (L = glycine, n = 1; 1-alanine, n = 0) have been prepared by reacting hydrated copper(II) oxide, CuO · nH₂O, with the amino acids in the presence of bifluoride, HF₂ ^–, in aqueous solution. The order of addition of the ligands, fluoride and amino acids is crucial to the synthesis. A reaction solution pH lower than the isoelectric point of the respective amino acids seems to favour the formation of mixed-ligand fluoro complexes. Occurring as zwitterions, the amino acids in the complexes have been shown to be bonded to the copper(II) centre via the carboxyl (—COO^–) moiety representing an unexpected non-chelated form of the coligands. Magnetic moments and e.s.r. data are consistent with six-coordinate copper(II) complexes.     

Cobalt(II,III) and copper(II) complexes of 3-(2-furylidene) hydrazino-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine

A new series of cobalt(II, III) and copper(II) complexes of 3-(2-furylidene) hydrazino-5,6-diphenyl-1,2,4-triazine (L) having formulae LM^IIX₂, L₂M^IIX₂ and LCo^IIIX₃, (X = Cl, OAc or ClO₄; M^II = Co^II or Cu^II) were isolated and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductances, magnetic moments and i.r., electronic and e.s.r. spectral measurements. The i.r. spectra indicated that the ligand, L, behaves as a neutral bidentate towards divalent metal ions via a triazine-N, and azomethine-N, and acts as a tridentate towards cobalt(III) via the same two nitrogen atoms and the furan-O. The magnetic moments and electronic spectral data suggest a pseudo-tetrahedral geometry for [L₂Co]Cl₂, a diamagnetic tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry for [LCoCl₃], [LCo(OAc)₃] · 4H₂O and [LCo(H₂O)₃](ClO₄)₃ and a dimeric square pyramidal geometry for both [LCuCl₂] and [LCu(OAc)₂] · 2H₂O through bridged chloro and acetato ligands, respectively. The ligand field parameters (B, 10Dq and ) were evaluated from the electronic spectral data and magnetic moments and related to the bonding of the complexes. The X-band e.s.r. spectra showed three g values with large magnetic anisotropy for [L₂Co]Cl₂ in accordance with pseudo-tetrahedral Co^II complexes; axial pattern for [LCuCl₂], [LCu(OAc)₂] · 2H₂O and [L₂Cu(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ with two g values and a signal due to M _s = ±2 transition for both chloro and acetato copper(II) complexes.     

Cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes with 4-amino-6-methyl-5-oxo-3-phenylamino-1,2,4-triazine

Summary Cobalt(II) and nickel(II) complexes of 4-amino-6-methyl-5-oxo-3-phenylamino-1,2,4-triazine (ATAZ), MX₂(ATAZ)₂ · 2 H₂O (M = Co or Ni; X = Cl, Br, I or NCS), have been isolated. The electronic spectra, magnetic moments and i.r. spectra of the compounds have been studied.Pseudo-octahedral environments are proposed for the complexes: [MX₂(ATAZ)₂]. 2 H₂O (M = Ni or Co; X = Cl or Br) and [CoI₂(ATAZ)₂(H₂O)₂], and apseudo-tetrahedral structure for [NiX₂(ATAZ)₂] · 2 H₂O (X = I or NCS) and [Co(NCS)₂-(ATAZ)₂] · 2 H,O. However, [CoX₂(ATAZ)₂]. 2 H₂O (X = Cl or Br) give acetone solutions containing tetrahedral cobalt(II).