A Combined Experimental and Theoretical Study on the Formation of a Cyclic Tetrameric Water Cluster and a Similar Type of Cyclic Cluster in Copper(II) Schiff Base Complexes

Insight into non-covalent interactions in a [Cu(N3)4]2- bridged hetero-pentanuclear copper(II)/sodium complex with special emphasis on the strong CH···π[Cu(N3)4] interactions

The swastika-shaped anion, [Cu(N3)4]2- in the pentanuclear hetero-metallic copper(II)-Sodium complex, [(CuLNa)2(µ-N3)2Cu(N3)2] (1), where H2L = N,N'-bis(3-ethoxysalicylidene)-2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine (N2O4 donor compartmental Schiff base) is nearly planar and provides a π-basic surface adequate...

Synthesis and characterization of a mononuclear zinc(ii) Schiff base complex: on the importance of C-H⋯π interactions

A zinc(ii) complex, [ZnL(H₂O)]·H₂O {H₂L = 2,2′-[(2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl)bis(nitrilomethylidyne)]bis[6-ethoxyphenol]} has been synthesized and characterized by UV-vis and IR spectroscopy. The structure of the complex has been confirmed by X-ray crystallography and the noncovalent interactions characterized using Hirshfeld surface analysis. In addition to the conventional H-bonds involving the Zn-coordinated and non-coordinated water molecules, interesting C–H⋯π interactions between the H-atoms belonging to aliphatic part of the ligand (2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediyl) and the Zn-coordinated aromatic rings are established. These interactions have been studied using DFT calculations (PBE0-D3/def2-TZVP) and characterized using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surfaces and the noncovalent interaction (NCI) plot index analyses.

The strength of the C–H⋯π interaction in the solid state of [ZnL(H₂O)]·H₂O has been evaluated using DFT calculations and also analysed using the MEP surface and NCI plot index computational tool.

Theoretical insights on the encapsulated hydronium ion mediated supramolecular assembly of nickel(ii) Schiff base complexes: strong hydrogen bonding interaction due to charge transfer from the lone pair of oxygen to the antibonding orbital of the O–H bond

Strong hydrogen bonding interactions are observed in a hydronium ion trapped nickel(ii) Schiff base complex. The energetics regarding these interactions which provide the stability to the supramolecular structure are analysed by DFT calculations.

Phenoxido mediated antiferromagnetic and azide mediated ferromagnetic coupling in two dinuclear ferromagnetic nickel(ii) complexes with isomeric Schiff bases: a theoretical insight on the pathway of magnetic interaction

Two relatively rare mixed phenoxo and azide bridged dinuclear nickel(ii) complexes have been discussed. Both complexes show strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions and exhibit ferromagnetic exchange coupling.

Design and catalytic studies of structural and functional models of the catechol oxidase enzyme

The catechol oxidase activity of three copper/bicompartmental salen derivatives has been studied. One mononuclear, [CuL] (1), one homometallic, [Cu₂L(NO₃)₂] (2), and one heterometallic, [CuMnL(NO₃)₂] (3) complexes were obtained using the ligand H₂L = N,N'-bis(3-methoxysalicylidene)-1,3-propanediamine through different synthetic methods (electrochemical, chemical and solid state reaction). The structural data indicate that the metal ion disposition models the active site of type-3 copper enzymes, such as catechol oxidase. In this way, their ability to act as functional models of the enzyme has been spectrophotometrically determined by monitorization of the oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to 3,5-di-tert-butyl-o-benzoquinone (3,5-DTBQ). All the complexes show significant catalytic activity with ratio constants (k_obs) lying in the range (223-294) × 10^-4 min^-1. A thorough kinetic study was carried out for complexes 2 and 3, since they show structural similarities with the catechol oxidase enzyme. The greatest catalytic activity was found for the homonuclear dicopper compound (2) with a turnover value (k_cat) of (3.89 ± 0.05) × 10⁶ h^-1, which it is the higher reported to date, comparable to the enzyme itself (8.25 × 10⁶ h^-1).

An insight into the non-covalent Pb⋯S and S⋯S interactions in the solid-state structure of a hemidirected lead(ii) complex

A hemi-directed copper(ii)/lead(ii) complex has been synthesized and characterized. The energy of chalcogen–chalcogen and tetrel bonding interactions in this complex was analyzed by DFT calculations.

Methylene spacer regulated variation in supramolecular assembly of zinc(ii) dicyanamide complexes with reduced Schiff base ligands: synthesis, structure and DFT study

Three tetranuclear zinc dicyanamide complexes with three potential hexadentate reduced Schiff base ligands have been synthesized and characterized. The DFT study is devoted to the analysis of the competition between C–H⋯π and π⋯π interactions.

Diminishing accessibility of electrophilic nickel(ii) centres due to incorporation of a methylene spacer in the pendant side arm of a series of heterotrinuclear nickel(ii)/sodium complexes: a DFT study using a homodesmotic equation

The ethoxy groups have a dual effect in hindering the attack of the pseudo-halides on the nickel(ii) centre and also in stabilizing the complex by intra-molecular interactions.

Phosphatase-mimicking activity of a unique penta-nuclear zinc(ii) complex with a reduced Schiff base ligand: assessment of its ability to sense nitroaromatics

A penta-nuclear zinc(ii) complex has been synthesized and characterized. The complex has shown good phosphatase-mimicking activity, which has been evaluated spectrophotometrically. The complex also behaves as a sensor for the detection of nitroaromatics via turn-off fluorescence response.

Formation of a tetranuclear supramolecule via non-covalent Pb⋯Cl tetrel bonding interaction in a hemidirected lead(ii) complex with a nickel(ii) containing metaloligand

A hetero-nuclear nickel(ii)/lead(ii) complex has been synthesized and characterized. The tetrel bonding interactions established between the σ-hole at the hemi-coordinated lead(ii) and the electron rich chlorido ligand has been analyzed by DFT study.

A mixed phenoxo and end-on azide bridged dinuclear copper(ii) Schiff base complex: synthesis, structure, magnetic characterization and DFT study

The magnetic properties of a dinuclear copper(ii) Schiff base complex with dissimilar bridges have been investigated through some theoretical calculations (DFT) using suitable modeled structures.

σ-Hole halogen bonding interactions in a mixed valence cobalt(iii/ii) complex and anti-electrostatic hydrogen bonding interaction in a cobalt(iii) complex: a theoretical insight

Supramolecular interactions in the solid state structures of a mixed valence cobalt(ii/iii) complex and a cobalt(iii) complex have been studied using DFT calculations.

One pot synthesis of two cobalt(iii) Schiff base complexes with chelating pyridyltetrazolate and exploration of their bio-relevant catalytic activities

Two new cobalt(iii) tetrazolato complexes [Co(L¹)(PTZ)(N₃)] (1) and [Co(L²)(PTZ)(N₃)] (2) {where H₂L¹ = 2((3-(methylamino)propylimino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol, H₂L² = 2((3-(dimethylamino)propylimino)methyl)-6-ethoxyphenol and HPTZ = 5-(2-pyridyl)tetrazole}, have been synthesized via in situ 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction of 2-cyanopyridine and sodium azide in the presence of cobalt(ii) nitrate hexahydrate and respective Schiff bases in the open atmosphere. The structures of both complexes have been confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Features of noncovalent interactions in the solid state of both complexes have been studied by means of DFT and MEP calculations and characterized using Bader's theory of “atoms in molecules” (AIM). These complexes act as biomimetic catalysts promoting the aerobic oxidation of 3,5-di-tert-butylcatechol (3,5-DTBC) to the corresponding o-benzoquinone at room temperature. The reaction follows Michaelis–Menten enzymatic reaction kinetics with turnover numbers of ∼0.030 s⁻¹ in an acetonitrile–methanol (2 : 1) mixture. Both complexes are also reactive towards aerobic oxidation of o-aminophenol in acetonitrile–methanol (2 : 1) with turnover numbers ∼0.095 s⁻¹.

Two cobalt(iii) tetrazolato complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Noncovalent interactions have been analysed by DFT and MEP calculations and characterized using Bader's theory of AIM. Both complexes catalyze the aerial oxidation of 3,5-DTBC and OAPH.

End-on cyanate or end-to-end thiocyanate bridged dinuclear copper(ii) complexes with a tridentate Schiff base blocking ligand: synthesis, structure and magnetic studies

Two new dinuclear Schiff base copper(ii) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. Copper(ii) centres are ferromagnetically coupled in1and antiferromagnetically coupled in2.

Formation of a water-mediated assembly of two neutral copper(ii) Schiff base fragments with a Cu2(NCS)4moiety: exploration of non-covalent C–H⋯π(bimetallo ring) interactions

The energetic features of dimer formation and water encapsulation in an interesting copper(ii) Schiff base complex, [(CuL)₂⊂(H₂O)][Cu₂(μ_1,3-NCS)₂(NCS)₂], have been studied using DFT calculations.