Cu(II) complexes of N-propyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide

Cu(II) complexes have been prepared with N-propyl-2-picolinamine N-oxide(PA) employing the perchlorate, tetrafluoroborate, nitrate, chloride and bromide salts. The following unique solids have been isolated and characterized: Cu(PA)₂X₂ (X = ClO₄^?, BF₄^? and NO₃^?) and Cu(PA)X₂ (X = Cl^?, Br^?). Characterization has been accomplished primarily by IR, electronic and ESR measurements of the solid state since considerable alteration of the complexes occurs on dissolution. PA bonds as a bidentate ligand via its N-oxide oxygen and amine nitrogen in all of the complexes. Anion coordination occurs in the halogen complexes and the nitrate ions appear to be bound to Cu(II) as monodentate ligands in Cu(PA)₂(NO₃)₂. In addition, there appears to be a rhombic distortion of the CuO₂N₂ chromophore of the perchlorate and tetrafluoroborate solids which is probably due to the steric requirements of the propyl substituents.