Synthesis, characterization and X-ray diffraction of [Cu(malonate)(phen)2]2·17H2O complex

Mixed ligand complex, [Cu(malonate)(phen)2]2·17H2O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), was synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, infrared spectrum, thermo-gravimetric analyses and single X-ray crystallography. In the complex, copper atom displayed a five coordinated environment. It bonded with four nitrogen atoms of 1,10-phenanthroline and one oxygen atom of malonate group in a distorted square pyramidal arrangement. The crystal structure of the complex was determined by X-ray single crystallography using X-ray diffraction technique 100(2) K with a AXS SMART APEX (Bruker) diffractometer, Mo Kα radiations (λ = 0.71073 Å), R = 0.0642 and 0.0989. Orthorhombic unit cell parameters are: a = 13.1888(11) Å, b = 14.8458(12) Å, c = 16.7159(14) Å, V = 2975.8(4) Å, Dx = 2, 1.516 Mg/m3 and Mr = 1358.26. Thermal decomposition of the complex was studied under inert atmosphere.

► The copper complex exists in dimeric form along with 17 water molecules of crystallization.
► Copper ion displays a five coordinated distorted square pyramidal environment.
► The average bond length values of Cu–N and Cu–O are almost the same as reported for same type of complexes in literature.
► The complex is of triclinic geometry.
► All water molecules are hydrogen bonded with one another or with oxygen atoms of the carboxylate group.