One-dimensional chain copper(II) complex: Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and catalytic activity in the epoxidation of styrene

• DOI: 10.1016/j.poly.2011.12.039
• Publication Date: 2012-01-17T07:38:10Z
• Authors: Debraj Saha; Tanmoy Maity; Tirthankar Dey; Subratanath Koner
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 0104 chemical sciences

Abstract Two new copper(II) complexes, [Cu(HL1)(NO3)] (1) (H2L1 = 1-(N-ortho-hydroxyacetophenimine)-ethane-2-ol) and {[Mg(H2O)6][Cu(pydca)2]·2H2O}n (2) (H2pydca = 2,5-pyridine dicarboxylic acid) have been synthesized and characterized. X-ray crystal structure analysis reveals that the geometry of complex 1 is square planar, where copper(II) centers are linked through a weak coordination by the nitrate O atoms occupying two axial positions, resulting a helical chain structure. Complex 1 crystallizes in the chiral space group P21. There is no chiral center in the Schiff-base ligand of 1, its helical structure develops due to the formation of a NO3− bridged chain through an asymmetric arrangement. Complex 2 is a 1D chain in which the copper(II) ions are connected by bridging carboxylato ligands. The [Mg(H2O)6]2+ moiety occupies the inter-chain space. Epoxidation reactions of styrene and substituted styrenes are homogeneously catalyzed by complexes 1 and 2 with H2O2 as the oxidant.