Characterization of copper(II) complexes of N4,N4-disubstituted thiosemicarbazones of 2-acetylpyridine by combined evaluation of electronic and ESR parameters

Copper(II) complexes of 2-acetylpyridine 4,4-dimethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (L′H) and 2-acetylpyridine 4-(4-methylpiperidinyl)-3-thiosemicarbazone (LH) of the general formula CuLX (where L is a deprotonated ligand and X = F−, Cl−, Br−, I−, OAc− and NO−3) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility measurements between 93 and 298 K in the polycrystalline state, i.r. spectra, electronic spectra, conductivity measurements and ESR spectra recorded in the polycrystalline state, in chloroform and dimethylformamide solution at room temperature and at 77K. The molar conductivities measured in dimethylformamide for all complexes show them to be non-electrolytes. The terdentate character of the ligands in all the complexes is inferred from i.r. spectral studies. The i.r. spectra also confirm the monodentate nature of the polyatomic anions such as nitrate and acetate. The electronic spectra in Nujol mulls, chloroform or dimethylformamide solution suggest planar geometry for all of the complexes. The calculated ESR parameters show an axial dx2−y2 ground state and suggest coordination through sulphur in agreement with the i.r. results. Little change in the value of g with temperature indicates no significant change in planarity of these four coordinated species. ESR spectra in solution at room temperature and 77 K also suggest a strong covalent environment with strong in-plane sigma and pi bonds provided by the ligands.