Copper(II) complexes with chiral reduced Schiff bases: Helical self-assembly via intermolecular C–H⋯O interactions

Copper(II) complexes having the general formula [Cu(Ln)2] with the N,O-donor reduced Schiff bases N-(2-hydroxy-5-X-benzyl)-(R)-α-methylbenzylamine and N-(2-hydroxy-5-X-benzyl)-(S)-α-methylbenzylamine (X = Cl and Br) (HLn) are described. These chiral complexes crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric P212121 (X = Cl) and P21 (X = Br) space groups. In each case, self-assembly via intermolecular C–H⋯O interaction leads to a supramolecular helical superstructure.

Graphical abstractSyntheses, characterization and X-ray structures of copper(II) complexes with chiral reduced Schiff bases are described. Intermolecular C–H⋯O interaction assisted self-assembly of each of these complex molecules provides helical superstructure.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide