Investigations on the spin-crossover complex [Fe(bzimpy)2](ClO4)2 and its Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ analogues

Summary A series of transition metal complexes [M(bzimpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ (M=Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺;bzimpy=2,6-bis(benzimidazol-2-yl)pyridine) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV-Vis and far-IR spectroscopy. The electronic spectra of [Ni(bzimpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ in solution and solid state reveal a ligand field splitting parameter ₀ in the range of 11470 cm^–1 to 11840 cm^–1. The simultaneous existence of two species with distinct spin state is found for [Fe(bzimpy)₂](ClO₄)₂ by means of variable temperature far-IR measurements. Assignments of the observed far-IR bands are given on the basis of the investigations of the variation of the metal ion in [M(bzimpy)₂](ClO₄)₂.This paper is dedicated to Professor Ulrich Wannagat on the occasion of his 70^th birthday with warmest personal wishes.     

Complexes of 2,6-diacetylpyridine dioxime (dapdoH2). Crystal structures of [M(dapdoH2)2](ClO4)2 (M = Cu and Mn)

The family of compounds [M(dapdoH₂)₂](ClO₄)₂ (dapdoH₂ = diacetylpyridine dioxime; M = Mn, Co, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn) were prepared and their properties studied and compared with the literature. The X-ray crystal structures of [Mn(dapdoH₂)₂](ClO₄)₂, (1), and [Cu(dapdoH₂)₂](ClO₄)₂, (5), are reported. Both exhibit the expected coordination sphere with six nitrogen atoms coordinated to the central metal, but each shows deformation from pseudo-octahedral geometry. In the case of (1), this takes the form of a significant tilting of one ligand, while in (5) the ligands are twisted toward each other, reducing the dihedral angle between them to 72°. In both cases, hydrogen bonding between the perchlorate ions and the oxime O–H groups links the units into chains. Attempts to prepare and crystallize the corresponding anions led to isolation of the oxidized products.     

Mono- and bimetallic platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes containing fluorinated benzothiolates

The new mononuclear palladium(II) and platinum(II) [M(p-SC₆F₄(CF₃))₂(dppe)] complexes M = Pd 1a, Pt 2a; [M(o-SC₆H₄(CF₃))₂(dppe)] M = Pd 1d, Pt 2d as well as the previously known [M(SC₆F₅)₂(dppe)] M = Pd 1b, Pt 2b and [M(p-SC₆HF₄)₂(dppe)] M = Pd 1c, Pt 2c, have been used as metalloligands for the preparation of the heteroleptic bimetallic complexes [M₂(μ-SRf)₂(dppe)₂](SO₃CF₃)₂ M = Pd, Rf = p-C₆F₄(CF₃) 3a, C₆F₅3b, p-C₆HF₄3c, o-C₆H₄(CF₃) 3d; M = Pt, Rf = p-C₆F₄(CF₃) 4a, C₆F₅4b, p-C₆HF₄4c and o-C₆H₄(CF₃) 4d. Variable temperature ¹⁹F NMR experiments show that the fluorothiolate bridged bimetallic compounds are fluxional in solution whereas mononuclear complexes are not. The solid state X-ray diffraction structures of [Pd(p-SC₆HF₄)₂(dppe)] (1c), [Pt(SC₆F₅)₂(dppe)] (2b) and [Pt(o-SC₆H₄(CF₃))₂(dppe)] (2d) show square-planar coordination around the metal centers. The solid state molecular structure of the compound [Pt₂(μ-o-SC₆H₄(CF₃))₂(dppe)₂](SO₃CF₃)₂ (4d), exhibit a planar [Pt₂(μ-S)₂] ring with the sulfur substituents in an anti configuration.     

Ni(II), Pd(II), Cu(II) And Zn(II) complexes with N-(2-Pyridyl)Carbonylaniline (L), Syntheses and X-Ray Crystal structures of [Cu(L)2(H2O)2](No3)2, [Cu(L)2(H2O)2](Clo4)2 and [Zn(L)2(H2O)2](Clo4)2

Reaction of the N-(2-pyridyl)carbonylaniline ligand (L) with Cu(NO₃)₂, Cu(ClO₄)₂, Zn(ClO₄)₂, Ni(NO₃)₂ and PdCl₂ gives complexes with stoichiometry [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂, [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂, [Zn(L)₂(H₂O)₂] (ClO₄)_2, [Ni(L)₂(H₂O)Cl](NO₃) and PdLCl₂. The new complexes were characterized by elemental analyses and infrared spectra. The crystal structures of [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂, [Cu(L)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂, and [Zn(L)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂ were determined by X-ray crystallography. The cation complexes [M(L)₂(H₂O)₂] contain copper(II) and zinc(II) with distorted octahedral geometry with two N-(2-pyridyl)carbonylaniline (L) ligands occupying the equatorial sites. The hexa-coordinated metal atoms are bonded to two pyridinic nitrogens, two carbonyl oxygens and two water molecules occupying the axial sites. Both the coordinated water molecules and uncoordinated amide NH groups of the N-(2-pyridyl)carbonylaniline (L) ligands are involved in hydrogen bonding, resulting in infinite hydrogen-bonded chains running in one and two-dimensions.     

New biimidazole and bibenzimidazole derivatives: mono and binuclear palladium(II) or platinum(II) complexes and heterobinuclear palladium(II)-rhodium(I) or platinum(II)-rhodium(I) complexes

Novel neutral biimidazolate or bibenzimidazolate palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes of the type M(NN)₂(dpe) [M = Pd, Pt; (NN)₂^2? = BiIm^2?, BiBzIm^2?. dpe = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino) ethane] have been obtained by reacting MCl₂(dpe) with TI₂(NN)₂. Complexes M(NN)₂(dpe) which are Lewis bases react with HClO₄ or [M(dpe)(Me₂CO)₂](ClO₄)₂ to yield, respectively, mononuclear cationic complexes of general formula [M{H₂(NN)₂](dpe) (M = Pd, Pt; H₂(NN)₂ = H₂BiIm, H₂BiBzIm) and homobinuclear palladium(II) or platinum(II) cationic complexes of the type [M₂{μ - (NN)₂}(dpe)₂](ClO₄)₂. Reactions of M(BiBzIm)(dpe) with [Rh(COD) (Me₂CO)_X](ClO₄) render similar heterobinuclear palladium(II)-rhodium(I) and platinum(II)-rhodium(I) cationic complexes, of general formula [(dpe)M(μ-BiBzIm)Rh(COD)](ClO₄) (M = Pd, Pt; COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). Di- and mono-carbonyl derivatives [(dpe)M(μ-BiBzIm)Rh(CO)L](ClO₄) (M = Pd, Pt; L = CO, PPh₃) have also been prepared. The structures of the resulting complexes have been elucidated by conductance studies and IR spectroscopy.     

Preparation and crystallographic characterization of Pd(II) complexes containing imidobis(diphenylthiophosphinato) ligand

The reactions of PdCI₂(L-L) [L-L = Ph₂PCH₂PPh₂(dppm), Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂(dppe) and Ph₂PCH₂CH₂CH₂PPh₂(dppp)] with equivalent amount of (Ph₂P(S)NHP(S)Ph₂)(dppaS₂) gave the complexes [Pd(L-L)(dppaS₂-H)]ClO₄ [L-L = dppm (1), dppe (2), dppp (3)]. The different synthetic route was used for complex 2 by using of Pd(dppe)Cl₂ and K[N(PSPh₂)₂] as starting materials (2a). All of these complexes have been characterized ³¹P{¹H} NMR, IR and elemental analyses. The complexes 2, 2a and 3 were crystallographically characterized. The coordination geometry around the Pd atoms in these complexes distorted square planar. Six membered dppaS₂-H rings are twist boat conformations in three complexes.     

New uranyl complex with imidazolidine-2-one [UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(Imon)<Subscript>4</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)](ClO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>: Structure and some properties

A complex of uranyl perchlorate with imidazolidine-2-one as the molecular ligand, [UO₂(Imon)₄(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (I), was synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. The coordination number of the uranium atom is 7. The nearest environment of the uranyl ion includes four O atoms of the imidazolidine-2-one molecules and one O atom of the water molecule. The perchlorate anions are outer-sphere ligands. The crystals are monoclinic: space group P2₁/c; a = 16.294(3) Å, b = 16.135(3) Å, c = 9.987(2) Å, = 97.69 (3)°, V = 2603.0 (9) ų, (calcd) = 2.117 g/cm³, Z = 4. The IR and luminescence spectra of the complex were recorded.Translated from Koordinatsionnaya Khimiya, Vol. 30, No. 12, 2004, pp. 919–924.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by Andreev, Antipin, Budantseva, Tuchina, Serezhkina, Fedoseev, Yusov.     

Syntheses and characterization of some new 2-picolylpalladium(II) complexes

The 2-picolylpalladium(II) complex [{Pd(CH₂Py)Cl(PPh₃)}₂] (CH₂Py=2-picolyl) (I), prepared from 2-picolyl chloride and [Pd(PPh₃)₄], was treated with lithium bromide, silver acetate, 4-picoline (pic) and silver perchlorate, thallium acetylacetonate{Tl(acac)}, sodium dimenthyldithiocarbamate-water-(1/2) {Na(dmdc). 2 H₂O}, and 1,2-bis(diphenylphospino)ethane (dppe) to yield [{PdBr(CH₂Py)(PPh₃)}₂] (II), [{Pd(CH₂Py)OAc(PPh₃)}₂] (III), [{Pd(Ch₂Py)(pic)(PPh₃)}₂](ClO₄)₂ (IV), [Pd(CH₂Py)(acac)(PPh₃)] (V), [Pd(CH₂Py)(dmdc)(PPh₃)] (VI), and [Pd(Ch₂Py)Cl(dppe)] (VII), respectively. Halogen abstraction from VII using silver perchlorate afforded an ionic complex [{Pd(CH₂Py)(dppe)}₂](ClO₄)₂ (VIII). It was concluded that the 2-picolyl groups in these eight complexes are σ-bonded to palladium, and that in the dinuclear complexes I, II, III, IV, and VIII, they serve as bridging ligands.     

Palladium(II) iminophosphine complexes

New complexes of general formula [PdCl₂(NP)] (NP = o-Ph₂PC₆H₄-CH=N-R; R = Me, ⁱ Pr, ^t Bu, NH-Me) and [Pd(NP)₂](ClO₄)₂ (NP = o-Ph₂PC₆H₄-CH=N-R; R = Me, ⁱ Pr) have been prepared by directly reacting the precursor PdCl₂(PhCN)₂ with iminophosphines (NP) in 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios respectively. When the chloro-complex [PdCl₂(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄-CH=N ⁱ -Pr)] was treated with CF₃SO₃Ag in MeCN, the labile complex [Pd(o-Ph₂PC₆H₄-CH=N ⁱ -Pr)(MeCN)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂ was obtained in good yield. The reactivity of the new precursor towards a variety of neutral N- and P-donor ligands (py, PMe₂Ph, PMePh₂, PEt₃, bipy, dppe, 2-thpy) has been studied. The new complexes were characterized by partial elemental analyses and by spectroscopy (i.r., ¹H- and ³¹P-n.m.r.). The molecular structure of the aquo-complex [Pd(NP)(2-thpy)(H₂O)](CF₃SO₃)₂ has been determined by a single-crystal diffraction study, showing that the iminophosphine acts as a chelating ligand with coordination around the palladium atom slightly distorted from square-planar geometry.     

Complexes of metal ions with phosphorus or arsenic containing ligands,part XX. Chelates ofo-phenylenebis(diarylarsines) with palladium(II) and platinum(II) halides,pseudohalides and perchlorates

Summary Two ditertiaryarsines,o-phenylenebis(diphenylarsine), (pdpa) ando-phenylenebis(di-p-tolylarsine), (pdta) yield some new complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II). These are: square planar M(pdta)X₂ · nCH₂Cl₂, [M = Pd, X = Cl, Br or NCS; M = Pt, X = Cl]; [Pt(A-A)₂] X₂ · nCH₂Cl₂, [(A-A) = pdta, X = Cl, NCS or ClO₄; (A-A) = pdpa, X=ClO₄] and [M₂(A-A)₂(NCS)₂] (ClO₄)₂ · nCH₂Cl₂, [M = Pd, (A-A) = pdta; M = Pt, (A-A) = pdpa]; distorted octahedral M(pdta)₂-X₂nCH₂Cl₂, [M = Pd, X = I; M = Pt, X = Br or I] and [Pd(pdta)₂(H₂O)₂](ClO₄)₂, and five coordinate [M(A-A)₂X] ClO₄ · nCH₂Cl₂, [M = Pd, Pt, (A-A) = pdta, X = I; M = Pt, (A-A) = pdpa, X = Br or I]. The [M₂(A-A)₂(NCS)₂] (ClO₄)₂ · nCH₂Cl₂ complexes are novel in the sense that they contain bridging thiocyanate together with ionic perchlorate. The stereochemical assignments have been made on the basis of i.r. and u.v. spectra as well as conductance data.     

Synthesis and structure of a seven electron triangular cluster complex [Mo3S4Cl3(dppe)2(PEt3]

The triangular six-electron cluster complex [Mo₃S₄Cl₄(PEt₃) _x (thf)₅] produced by the excision reaction of Mo₃S₇Cl₄ with triethypholsphine is reduced by magnesium at – 20°C. Subsequent addition of dppe (=1,2-his(diphenylphosphino)ethane) to the reduced species affords a seven-electron triangular cluster complex [Mo₃S₄Cl₃(dppe)₂(PEt₃)]. The complex crystallizes in the space groupCm witha=17.170(6),b-19.878(6),c = 13.289(5) = 121.73(2)°,V = 3858(2) A³, andZ = 2. The structure shows an almost equilateral triangle of three molybdenum atoms capped by a Sulfur atom and bridged by three sulfur atoms. The Mo Mo distances, ranging from 2.804(1) to 2.809(1) A are elongated ca. 0.04 A as compared with lose of a six-electron cluster complex with drape ligands. Two molybdenum atoms have a chlorine and a dppe ligands, and the other molybdenum atom bas a chlorine and a triethylphosphine ligands. The UV-Vis spectrum has a characteristic broad hand centered at 1410 n m, which is not observed for six-electron clusters. The ESR spectrum indicates the presence of an unpaired electron consistent with the formulation of the compound as a seven-electron cluster.Dedicated to Professor fiaxi Lu on the occasion of his 80th birthday.     

Synthesis,crystal structures and physical properties of two terephthalate-bridged copper(II) and nickel(II) complexes

Two ₂-terephthalate (tp) bridged complexes, [Cu₂(tp)(pren)₄](ClO₄)₂ (pren = 1,3-diaminopropane) (1) and [Ni₂(tp)(pren)₄(Him)₂](ClO₄)₂ (Him = imidazole) (2), have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray single-crystal structural analysis. In the discrete dinuclear [Cu₂(tp)(pren)₄]²⁺ cation of complex (1), each Cu^II atom has a square-pyramidal geometry, being coordinated by four nitrogen atoms (avg. 2.031 Å) from two pren ligands at the basal plane and one oxygen atom [2.259(3) Å] from a bis-monodentate tp group at the axial position. In the discrete dinuclear [Ni₂(tp)(pren)₄(Him)₂]²⁺ cation of complex (2), each Ni^II center is coordinated by five nitrogen atoms [Ni—N 2.069(3)–2.109(2) Å] from one Him group and two pren groups, and completed by one oxygen atom [Ni—O 2.138(3) Å] from a bis-monodentate tp group to furnish a distorted octahedron. Magnetic susceptibility studies show that the pair of metal atoms, although being separated by >11.5 Å, exhibit weak intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions in complexes (1) (g = 2.07 and J = –3.4 cm^–1) and (2) (g = 2.10 and J = –0.7 cm^–1). The electrochemical behaviors of the complexes have also been studied by cyclic voltammogram processes.     

Hetero-metallic frameworks of [Pd(CN)4] and Cu(II) with triamines: A rare example of a tetracyanometallate bridged 2D coordination polymer

Four cyano bridged Cu(II)–Pd(II) heterometallic complexes, [Cu(dpt)Pd(CN)₄]_n (1), {[Cu₂(medpt)₂Pd(CN)₄](ClO₄)₂ · 3H₂O}_n (2), {[Cu₂(dien)₂Pd(CN)₄](ClO₄)₂ · 2CH₃OH}_n (3) and {[Cu₂(iPrdien)₂Pd(CN)₄](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O}_n (4) [dpt = 3,3′-iminobispropylamine; medpt = 3,3′-diamino-N-methyldipropylamine; dien = diethylenetriamine and iprdien = N′-isopropyldiethylenetriamine] have been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, magnetic measurement and thermal study. Complexes 1, 2 and 3 are 1D coordination polymers, while 4 presents a 2D network. In 1, the cis-directed cyanide ligands of [Pd(CN)₄]²⁻ anions link two Cu(dpt) units to form a neutral coordination polymer, whereas in 2, 3 and 4, all the cyanide groups of [Pd(CN)₄]²⁻ take part in bonding with four adjacent Cu(II) ions, resulting in cationic coordination polymers counterbalanced by perchlorate anions. The structures are compared with those of analogous [Ni(CN)₄]²⁻ derivatives. The magnetic behavior shows antiferromagnetic interactions in all the complexes.     

Carbonyl cationic rhodium(I) and iridium(I) complexes with sulphur donor and triphenylphosphine ligands

Summary The reaction of previously reported Rh^I and Ir^I cationic complexes towards carbon monoxide and triphenylphosphine has been studied. Carbonyl rhodium(I) mixed complexes of the formulae [Rh(CO)L₂(PPh₃)]ClO₄, (L=tetrahydrothiophene(tht), trimethylene sulfide(tms), SMe₂, or SEt₂), [(CO)(PPh₃)Rh{-(L-L)}₂Rh(PPh₃)(CO)](ClO₄)₂ (L-L= 2,2,7,7-tetramethyl-3,6-dithiaoctane (tmdto), (MeS)₂(CH₂)₃ (dth), or 1,4-dithiacyclohexane (dt), [Rh(CO)L(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄ (L= tht, tms, SMe₂, or SEt₂), and carbonyl iridium(I) complexes of the formulae [Ir(CO)₂(COD)(PPh₃)]ClO₄, [Ir(CO)(COD)(PPh₃)₂]ClO₄, [(CO)(COD)(PPh₃) Ir{-(L-L)} Ir(PPh₃)(COD)(CO)](ClO₄)₂ (L-L = tmdto or dt), [(CO)₂ (PPh₃)Ir(-tmdto)Ir(PPh₃)(CO)₂](ClO₄)₂, [(CO)₂(PPh₃) Ir(-dt)₂Ir(PPh₃)(CO)₂](ClO₄)₂, were prepared by different synthetic methods.     

Rhodium(I) and rhodium(III) arene complexes with N-carbazolyltriphenylphosphinegold(I) and other polycyclic arene ligands

The new heteronuclear arene complexes [(COD)Rh(μ-cbz)AuPPh₃]ClO₄, [{(COD)Rh}₂(μ-cbz)AuPPh₃](ClO₄)₂, [(C₅Me₅)Rh(μ-cbz)AuPPh₃](ClO₄)₂ and [{C₅Me₅) Rh}₂(μ-cbz)AuPPh₃](ClO₄)₄ (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene, cbz = carbazolyl), and the mononuclear arene complexes [(COD)Rh(arene)]ClO₄ (arene = tetralin, biphenyl, fluorene, indene, 9,10-dihydroanthracene or carbazole) have been prepared by reaction of the acetone solvated complexes [(COD)Rh(Me₂CO)_x]ClO₄ or [(C₅Me₅)Rh(Me₂CO)₃](ClO₄)₂ with (cbz)AuPPh₃ or the appropriate polycyclic arene ligand.     

Competitive Coordination of the Uranyl Ion by Perchlorate and Water ‐ The Crystal Structures of UO2(ClO4)2·3H2O and UO2(ClO4)2·5H2O and a Redetermination of UO2(ClO4)2·7H2O

By slow evaporation of solutions containing UO₂(ClO₄)₂ and an excess of HClO₄, single crystals of [UO₂(ClO₄)₂(H₂O)₃] ( 1 ) and [UO₂(H₂O)₅](ClO₄)₂ ( 2 ) were obtained and their structures were determined. From similar solutions prepared from stoichiometric amounts of UO₃ and perchloric acid, crystals of [UO₂(H₂O)₅](ClO₄)₂·2H₂O ( 3 ) were obtained. The trihydrate (monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 545.44(1) pm, b = 1811.09(5) pm, c = 1032.46(2) pm, β = 90.016(1)°) consists of uranyl ions, which are coordinated by two monodentate perchlorate ions and three water molecules. The pentahydrate (monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 529.35(2) pm, b = 1645.43(6) pm, c = 1480.18(6) pm, β = 99.847(1)°) contains uranyl ions coordinated by five water molecules. The same structural unit can be found in the heptahydrate, whose structure was re‐determined (orthorhombic, Pbcn, a = 920.9(3) pm, b = 1067.9(3) pm, c = 1445.7(3) pm). In this structure, two molecules of water of crystallization are present.     

Diamine complexes of nickel(II) nitrate: X-ray single crystal structural analysis of trans-[NiL2(NO3)2] [L = 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine]

Trans-[NiL₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (pale blue) (1), trans-[NiL₂(NO₃)₂] (dark blue) (2), [L = 1-(2-aminoethyl)piperidine] and trans-[NiL₂ (H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (blue) (3) [L = 1-(2-aminoethyl)pyrrolidine] have been prepared. Complexes (1) and (3) upon heating undergo deaquation-anation yielding trans-[NiL₂(NO₃)₂] (dark blue) (2) and cis-[NiL₂(NO₃)](NO₃) (blue) (3a), respectively. The X-ray single crystal structure of complex (2) has been determined.     

Synthesis, structure and properties of two bimetallic compounds [Co(bpy)2 (NiL)] (ClO4)2 and {[Co(phen)3](NiL)}(ClO4)2 containing a macrocyclic oxamide ligand

Two compounds, [Co(bpy)₂(NiL)](ClO₄)₂ (1)and {[Co(phen)₃](NiL)}(ClO₄)₂ (2), have been synthesized: (H₂L=2,3-dioxo-5,6,14,15-dibenzo-1,4,8,12-tetraazacylotetradeca-7,12-diene, bpy=2,2-bypyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Compound (1) contains a discrete binuclear [Co(bpy)₂(NiL)]²⁺ cation, while compound (2) is composed of [Co(phen)₃]²⁺ cations and NiL neutral fragments. The magnetic properties of compound (1) have been dealt with by isotropic one-ion approximation of the Co^II ion with a spin--orbit coupling in an O_h symmetry environment. The electronic spectra of these two compounds have also been discussed.     

Copper(II) complexes of tetradentate N2S2 donor sets: Synthesis,crystal structure characterization and reactivity

Two mononuclear and one dinuclear copper(II) complexes, containing neutral tetradentate NSSN type ligands, of formulation [Cu^II(L¹)Cl]ClO₄ (1), [Cu^II(L²)Cl]ClO₄ (2) and [Cu^II₂(L³)₂Cl₂](ClO₄)₂ (3) were synthesized and isolated in pure form [where L¹ = 1,2-bis(2-pyridylmethylthio)ethane, L² = 1,3-bis(2-pyridylmethylthio)propane and L³ = 1,4-bis(2-pyridylmethylthio)butane]. All these green colored copper(II) complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The dinuclear copper(II) complex 3 changed to a colorless dinuclear copper(I) species of formula [Cu^I₂(L³)₂](ClO₄)₂,0.5H₂O (4) in dimethylformamide even in the presence of air at ambient temperature, while complexes 1 and 2 showed no change under similar conditions. The solid-state structures of complexes 1, 2 and 4 were established by X-ray crystallography. The geometry about the copper in complexes 1 and 2 is trigonal bipyramidal whereas the coordination environment about the copper(I) in dinuclear complex 4 is distorted tetrahedral.