Solvent-controlled formation of monomeric and dimeric species containing Cu(II) acetate and 4-phenylpyridine

Three copper(II) acetate complexes with 4-phenylpyridine (4-Phpy), namely [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)2(H2O)2] (1), [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)2(H2O)1.5] (2) and [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)]2 (3), were synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods. Experimental conditions as solvent or temperature determine the species obtained. Crystal and molecular structure of 2 was determined by X-ray diffraction. Compound 2 presents a singular structure, containing two crystallographic independent mononuclear units [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)2(H2O)2] (2A) and [Cu(MeCO2)2(4-Phpy)2(H2O)] (2B) in its unit cell and each of these forms an independent 1-D chain through H-bonding.