Copper(II) complexes containing hemilabile tridentate ligand as chromotropic probes

Abstract

Two copper(II) complexes with the general formula [Cu(L)(H₂O)](ClO₄)₂ (1) and [Cu(L)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), where L=3-((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)amino)propanamide, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, UV–vis spectroscopy techniques and molar conductance measurements. The crystal structures of the complexes were identified by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The tridentate ligand L acts as an N₂O-donor through the nitrogen atoms of the pyridine and amine moieties as well the oxygen atom of the amide group. The copper(II) ions in both complexes have distorted octahedron structures so that the Cu(II) ion in 1 is coordinated by an aqua ligand and a tridentate ligand defining the basal plane, and by two oxygen atoms of the perchlorate ions occupying the axial positions. However, two ligands L are coordinated to the copper(II) ion in 2, where four nitrogen atoms of pyridine and amine groups occupy the equatorial positions and two oxygen atoms of the amide moieties exist in the apices. The chromotropism (halo-, solvato- and ionochromism) of both complexes were studied using visible absorption spectroscopy. The complexes are soluble in water and organic solvents and display reversible halochromism. The solvatochromism property is due to structural change followed by solvation of the vacant sites of the complexes. The complexes demonstrated obvious ionochromism and are highly sensitive and selective towards CN⁻ and N₃⁻ anions in the presence of other halide and pseudo-halide ions.

Keywords:

• Copper(II)
• chromotropism
• hemilabile ligand
• tridentate ligand

Acknowledgement

We are grateful for the financial support of University of Mazandaran of the Islamic Republic of Iran.