Search

The new pyridine–amine ligand, meophdpa (bis(dipyridylmethyl)-4-methoxyaniline) was synthesised and reacted with copper(II) perchlorate. The X-ray crystal structure of the resulting complex revealed a monomeric copper(II) site, with the copper bound to the three ligand nitrogens in a relatively unusual meridional fashion, as well as a chloride and a water molecule. The sixth coordination site was, unexpectedly, occupied by a phenyl ring hydrogen atom. Graphical abstract A new pyridine–amine ligand has been prepared and its reaction with copper perchlorate characterised. An interesting phenyl-H–Cu interaction was observed.

Two functionalised calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(2-pyridylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (L1) and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(2-pyridylmethoxy)-26,28-dibutoxycalix[4]arene (L3), were prepared and characterised. The copper(I) complexes of both calix[4]arenes were synthesised and their reactivities were analysed and compared. The presence of the metal induced a radical in the case of L1 whereas no such radical was observed in the metal complex of ligand L3.

Functionalisation of calix[4]arene at both the wide and narrow rims leads to the formation of compounds containing bipyridyl, via an amide linkage, at the wide rim and having either a butyl chain, a benzyl group or an alkyl ester functionality at the narrow rim. All compounds were characterised using 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopies. Initial binding studies with Ru(bipy)2Cl2 are reported.