Novel mixed-valence Cu compounds formed by Cu(II) dimers with double oximato bridges: in situ formation of anionic layer [Cu2(SCN)3]n(n-).

Two new N3O donor ketoxime Schiff bases (HL(1) and HL(2)) have been synthesized by condensing N,N-dimethylethylenediamine with diacetylmonoxime and benzilmonoxime, respectively in a 1:1 ratio. Reaction of Cu(ClO4)2·6H2O with HL(1) resulted in a discrete oximato-bridged dinuclear Cu(II) complex Cu2(L(1))2(H2O)22 (1). The same reaction in presence of NaSCN affords the complex {[Cu(II)2(L(1))2][Cu(I)4(μ(1,3)-SCN)4(μ(1,1,3)-SCN)2]}n (2), where partial Cu(II)→Cu(I) reduction is observed. In 2, arrays of Cu(II)2(L(1))2 cationic units are inserted in between 2D {Cu(I)4(SCN)6}n layers and connected via μ(1,1,3)-SCN(-) links, thus forming a 3D network. On the other hand, reaction of Cu(CH3COO)2 and HL(2) in the presence of NaSCN gave rise to a mixed-valence pentanuclear cluster {[Cu(II)2(L(2))2(NCS)]2[Cu(I)(SCN)(μ(1,1)-SCN)(μ(1,3)-SCN)]} (3) where Cu(II) is also partly reduced to Cu(I). In compound 3, two cationic Cu(II)2(L(2))2(NCS) units are bridged by the anionic Cu(I)(SCN)3 unit through long Cu-SCN linkages. The ligands and the complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, UV/Vis and IR spectroscopy. The complexes are further characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction and variable temperature magnetic (VTM) studies. Finally a complete magneto-structural correlation has been established between compounds 1-3 and all the characterized Cu dimers with a double NO bridge.