Preparation of three new 4′-phenyl-terpyridine–copper(II) complexes containing nicotinate or iso-nicotinate ligands

Three new copper(II) complexes [Cu(4′-Ph-trpy)(nicotinate)] A and [Cu(4′-Ph-trpy)(iso-nicotinate)] B–C, where 4′-Ph-trpy is 4′-phenyl-2,2′:6′2″-terpyridine, were synthesized. X-ray crystal structures of these compounds demonstrated that the coordination-driven self-assembly of copper(II) complexes with a tridentate ligand, 4′-Ph-trpy, connected by the 3- and 4-pyridinecarboxylate bridging ligands (nicotinate and iso-nicotinate respectively), have a pentacoordinate stereochemistry, which generates a regular square pyramid geometry. It is demonstrated that these geometrically controlled compounds generate two kinds of supramolecular architectures, mainly, those modulated by the pyridinecarboxylate ligand such as 1-D chains formed via intermolecular interactions with the iso-nicotinate ligand, and a 1-D coordination polymer when the nicotinate ligand is used.

► A pentacoordinate stereochemistry was found at the metal centers.
► Cu atoms generate a regular square pyramid geometry.
► Geometrically controlled compounds generated two kinds of supramolecular architectures.