title: Metal-free and dicopper(II) complexes of Schiff base [2 + 2] macrocycles derived from 2,2'-iminobisbenzaldehyde: syntheses, structures, and electrochemistry.
abstract: Three new bis-terdentate Schiff base [2 + 2] macrocycles (H(2)L(Et), H(2)L(Pr), and H(2)L(Bu)) have been prepared in high yields by 1:1 condensation of 2,2'-iminobisbenzaldehyde with 1,2-diaminoethane, 1,3-diaminopropane, and 1,4-diaminobutane, respectively. Metalation of these macrocycles yields the corresponding dicopper(II) acetate (1, 2, and 3) and tetrafluoroborate (4, 5, and 6) complexes. The structures of H(2)L(Et), H(2)L(Pr), H(2)L(Bu), [Cu(II)(2)L(i)(OAc)(2)]·solvents (where i is Et, Pr or Bu) and [Cu(II)(2)L(Pr)(DMF)(4)] (BF(4))(2)·0.5H(2)O are reported. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding is a feature of the metal-free macrocycles. The copper(II) centers in [Cu(II)(2)L(i)(OAc)(2)]·solvents are four coordinate, and the macrocycles have U-shaped (Et, Bu) or stepped (Pr) conformations. Complex 5 crystallizes with two dimethylformamide (DMF) molecules bound per five coordinate copper(II) center. Electrochemical studies revealed ligand based oxidations for all of the macrocycles and complexes. Complexes 1 and 2 undergo two quasi-reversible oxidations in DCM which are associated with the deposition of a visible film on the electrode after multiple scans in this oxidative region, suggestive of electropolymerization. Complexes 4-6, studied in MeCN, have Cu(II) → Cu(I) redox potentials at more positive potentials than for 1-3.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry and the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Otago, P.O. Box 56, Dunedin 9054, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Scott A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.forename: Sally
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Brooker