Synthesis, crystal structure and imine bond activation of a copper(II) Schiff base complex

A new copper(II) complex [Cu(HL)(ClO₄)](ClO₄) (1), where HL is a multidentate Schiff base N,N′-(2-hydroxypropane-1,3-diyl)bis(pyridine-2-aldimine), is prepared, structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography and its spectral and electrochemical properties studied. The complex forms a one-dimensional chain in the solid state structure in which the monomeric Cu(HL) units are linked by the perchlorate ligand. The complex has an axially elongated six coordinate geometry (4+2) with a CuN₄O₂ core in which the Schiff base ligand displays a tetradentate mode of bonding in the basal plane. The axial ligand is perchlorate with a significantly long Cu–O bond of ca. 2.6 Å. The one-electron paramagnetic complex displays a cyclic voltammetric response for the Cu(II)/Cu(I) couple at 0.01 V versus SCE in MeCN–0.1 M TBAP. The azomethine bond of the Schiff base in 1 on treatment with H₂O₂ undergoes oxidative conversion to form a bis(picolinato)copper(II) · dihydrate species through the formation of an amido intermediate as evidenced from the solution infrared spectral studies.