Cyclovoltammetric and spectroscopic characterization of optically active cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes with the Schiff base derived from (N,N′)-(1R,2R)-(?)-cyclohexylenediamine and 2-hydroxyacetophenone

The Schiff base prepared by reacting (–)-(1R,2R)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine with 2-hydroxyacetophenone was used as a ligand for Co^II and Cu^II. The coordination compounds were studied by u.v.–vis. absorption and by circular dichroism (c.d.) spectroscopy in solution. The complexes are four-coordinated in a slightly distorted square planar symmetry. The distortion from planarity is a main factor influencing the chiral surroundings of the metal ion. The d–d and c.t. transitions are consistent with the observed distortion, which arises from intramolecular interactions between the methyl groups attached to the Schiff base imine carbon and hydrogen atoms of the cyclohexane ring. The electrochemical properties of the Co^II and Cu^II complexes were observed in MeCN but investigations revealed weaker oxygen activation than of Co^II analogue with salicylaldehyde. The Cu^II complex is reduced in H₂O to Cu^I which disproportionates to Cu^II and Cu⁰.