Synthesis and structure of metal complexes containing zwitterionic N-hydroxyimidazole ligands

Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of N-hydroxyimidazoles were synthesised by reacting simple metal perchlorate salts with the imidazole ligand in alcohol and formulated with a metal:ligand ratio of 1:2. The X-ray crystal structures of five complexes (four Cu(II) and one Zn(II)) were obtained and each showed the two trans, N-hydroxyimidazole ligands forming six-membered, chelate rings with the metal. Both of the NO chelating, neutral N-hydroxyimidazole ligands are in the zwitterion form, with the uncoordinated imidazole imine N atom being protonated and the oxime O atom deprotonated. In the solid state the complexes form hydrogen-bonded supramolecular structures.

Graphical abstractCu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of N-hydroxyimidazoles formulate with a metal:ligand ratio of 1:2. The two trans, N-hydroxyimidazole ligands form six-membered, chelate rings with the metal. Both of the NO chelating, neutral N-hydroxyimidazole ligands are in the zwitterion form, with the uncoordinated imidazole imine N atom being protonated and the oxime O atom deprotonated.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide