Copper(II) complexes of 2-halo-3-methylpyridine: synthesis, structure, and magnetic behaviour of Cu(2-X-3-CH(3)py)2X'2 [X, X' = chlorine or bromine; py = pyridine

An isocoordinate family of compounds has been generated with the general formula (2-X-3-methylpyridine)(2)CuX'(2), where X, X' = Cl or Br. While each forms trans-ligand compounds, they vary in copper coordination geometry, canting of the pyridine rings and magnetic behavior. The copper bromide analogues exhibit weak ferromagnetic interactions whereas the copper chloride analogues exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions. Each compound has been characterized by IR, powder X-ray diffraction, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and temperature dependent magnetic susceptibility.