Mixed ligand tris-chelate of copper(II) with N,N-donor ligands - Synthesis, structure and spectra of [Cu(en)(phen)2]X2·2phen·8H2O (X = Cl-, NO3-)

► [Cu(phen)2(en)2]2+ ion is synthesized and characterized in two crystals. ► Crystallization is aided by extensive non-bonded interactions. ► The equatorial plane is occupied by en ligand. ► Spectra consistent with the tetragonally elongated Cu(II) polyhedron.