Structural, FTIR, thermal and dielectric studies of gel grown manganese–copper mixed levo tartrate crystals

•Copper–Manganese (Cu–Mn) mixed levo tartrate crystals are characterized.•Unit cell parameters change in unsystematic manner with the content of Cu and Mn.•FT-IR spectra suggested the presence of functional groups.•Thermogravimetry shows decomposition as dehydration and then into oxide.•Dielectric constant decreased as the frequency increased.

Pure manganese tartrate and copper tartrate compounds find various applications. In the present study, manganese–copper mixed levo tartrate crystals of different compositions have been grown by single diffusion gel growth technique in silica hydro gel. Purple blue colored mainly dendrite type crystals with orthorhombic system were grown. From EDAX analysis, the estimation of the presence of copper and manganese was made in the crystal. The coloration of the crystals as well their unit cell dimensions changed with the contents of copper and manganese. The presence of various functional groups was confirmed from FTIR spectra and the effect of composition of the crystals on the spectra was identified. The crystals were found to be hydrated and thermally unstable. Results are discussed.