Synthesis, spectral characterization and crystal structure of N-2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde-N′-4-nitrobenzoyl hydrazone and its square planar Cu(II) complex

A new aroyl hydrazone, N-2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde-N′-4-nitrobenzoyl hydrazone (H2L) and its mixed ligand Cu(II) complex [CuLpy] [py, pyridine] have been prepared. The ligand is characterized by elemental analysis, electronic, infrared and NMR spectral studies and the complex by electronic, infrared, EPR spectral studies and the magnetic susceptibility data. The structures of the compounds were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Both the ligand and the Cu complex crystallize into a triclinic lattice with a space group of PĪ. From the crystal studies, it is concluded that the ligand molecule exits in the keto form in the solid state, while at the time of complexation, it tautomerises into the enol form. The complex is formed by the double deprotonation of the ligand molecule—both the phenolic and the enolic protons.