Complexes between copper(I) halides and 1,2-phenylenediamine

Two copper(I) compounds containing 1,2-phenylenediamine have been prepared and characterised by means of crystal structure determination. The compounds catena-μ-1,2-phenylenediamine(acetonitrile)chlorocopper(I) (1) and catena-μ-1,2-phenylenediamine(acetonitrile)bromocopper(I) (2) are isostructural, bridging to form chains being effected solely by the aromatic amine and not by halide. Neither compound is prone to decomposition by loss of acetonitrile, the reason for this being apparent from inspection of their crystal structures.