Initial use of 1,1′-oxalyldiimidazole for inorganic synthesis: Decomposition of the ligand as a means to the preparation of an imidazole- and oxalate(-2)-containing, 1D copper(II) complex

The use of 1,1′-oxalyldiimidazole, (im)COCO(im), for the synthesis of coordination complexes is explored for the first time. The [Cu2(O2CMe)4(H2O)2]/(im)COCO(im) reaction system in 96% EtOH yields the new, 1D coordination polymer [Cu(ox)(Him)2]n (1), where Him is the neutral imidazole and ox2− is the oxalate(-2) ligand. A mechanism for the hydrolytic decomposition of the ligand is proposed. Complex 1 comprises neutral, zigzag chains with the η1:η1:η1:η1:μ (2.1111 using Harris notation) ox2− ligand bridging two neighboring CuII centers; two cis Him groups complete a Jahn–Teller distorted octahedral geometry at the metal. The dc, variable-temperature magnetic susceptibility data for the complex reveal antiferromagnetic CuII⋯CuII exchange interactions.