Copper(II) complexes of thioether containing an azoimidazolyl system. X-ray structure of Cu(SEtaaiNEt)Cl2 (SEtaaiNEt = 1-ethyl-2-{(o-thioethyl)phenylazo}imidazole)

The arylthioether diazonium ion is coupled with imidazole to synthesize tridentate imidazolylazothioether-based NN′S ligands. The reaction of CuCl2 · 2H2O with NN′S ligands has synthesized penta-coordinated Cu(NN′S)Cl2 compounds. The structure has been confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study in one case and also by other spectroscopic and magnetic properties. α-Diimine (N,N) ligands react with Cu(NN′S)Cl2 to prepare ternary complexes, [Cu(NN′S)(N,N)]2+. Cu(NN′S)Cl2 show a CuII/CuI couple (∼0.2 V versus Ag/AgCl). Ternary complexes show a CuII/CuI potential at ∼0.3 V versus Ag/AgCl.

Graphical abstractA new series of tridentate NN′S ligands has been synthesized by coupling of the thioalkyl-aryldiazonium ion with imidazole and subsequent alkylation. Copper(II) complexes Cu(NN′S)Cl2 are synthesized and structurally characterized. Ternary complexes are also reported.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide