Synthesis and structures of copper(II) anion-bridged aggregates and chains: Control over molecular shape

Di-2-pyridyl ketone (dpk) can complex metal ions in its activated [(NC5H4)(2)C(OR)(OH)] or non-activated form. In its activated form it displays a dinucleating behaviour as manifested by the compounds [{Cu-2[(NC5H4)(2)C(OEt)O]Cl-3(EtOH)}(2)] and [{Cu-2[(NC5H4)(2)C(OMe)O]Cl-3}(infinity)] (which also possess halide bridges). These compounds have been structurally characterised using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. In its non-activated form it acts as a simple bidentate chelate. The X-ray analysis of [{Cu(dpk)(NO3)(2)}(infinity)] revealed an anion-bridged structure where bridging nitrate groups link the copper centres. The pi-stacking arrangements of these compounds are also considered.