An unusual [4 + 4 + 4] bishelical complex, Cu3(H2L)(L)·2H2O [H4L′ = N,N′-bis(3-hydroxysalicylidene)-1,4-diaminobutane]: synthesis and crystal structure

Abstract

An electrochemical cell [Cu₍₊₎|MeCN + H₄L|Pt_(–)] (H₄L = title ligand), yielded powdery [Cu₂(L)(H₂O)]_n and crystalline Cu₃(H₂L)(L)·2H₂O; the crystal structure of the latter shows an unusual helicate with an isosceles triangle core assembled by two µ-phenoxo bridges [Cu···Cu 3.413(3) and 3.858(3) Å], in which tetracoordinated Cu ions are in tetrahedrally distorted square planar environments.