Low-dimensional compounds containing cyano groups. X. (Dicyanamido-kappaN1)bis(1,10-phenanthroline-kappa2N,N')copper(II) perchlorate.

The title compound, [Cu(C(2)N(3))(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)]ClO(4), represents a relatively rare class of compounds with dicyanamide coordinated in a monodentate manner. The structure is formed by the Cu{N(CN)(2)}(phen)(2) complex cation (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) and an uncoordinated ClO(4)(-) anion. The Cu atom is five-coordinate, with a slightly distorted trigonal-bipyramidal environment. The dicyanamide ligand is coordinated through one nitrile N atom in the equatorial plane, at a distance of 2.033 (6) angstroms from the metal. The two axial Cu-N distances are similar [mean 1.999 (4) angstroms] and are substantially shorter than the remaining two equatorial Cu-N bonds [mean 2.087 (1) angstroms].