Imine hydrolysis reactions in copper(II) complexes of NN′-ethylenebis-(thiophen-2-carbaldimine) and -(pyridine-2-carbaldimine)

Abstract

The hydrolysis of copper(II) complexes containing the ligands NN′-ethylenebis-(thiophen-2-carbaldimine) and -(pyridine-2-carbaldimine) has been studied. Two distinct reactions, involving each imine function in turn, have been observed for the former and, with evidence provided by the other ligand, have allowed a reassessment of the reasons for the occurrence of hydrolysis in Cu^II complexes. An electronic basis, with initial polarisation of the imine groups, is suggested.