Synthesis, single crystal structure and DNA cleavage studies on first 4N-ethyl substituted three coordinate copper(I) complex of thiosemicarbazone

A copper(I) complex [Cu(CETH)2Cl] (Ia), where CETH = cuminaldehyde-4-ethyl-3-thiosemicarbazone (I), is prepared and structurally characterised. The complex crystallizes in orthorhombic space group pna2(1) with the unit cell parameters; a = 9.8598(14) Å, b = 15.411(2) Å, c = 0.817(3) Å, V = 2055.9(4) Å3 and Z = 4. The neutral complex has the copper(I) centre bonded to two thioketonic sulphur donor in η1-S bonding mode and one chloride giving ‘Y’ shape geometry. The complex is diamagnetic and exhibits a copper to ligand charge transfer bands at 351 and 398 nm in dimethylformamide. The complex shows quasireversible cyclic voltammetric response at 0.41 V (ΔEp = 300 mV) at 50 mVS−1 in DMF for the Cu(II)/Cu(I) oxidation couple. Complex Ia shows marginal nuclease activity with pUC18 DNA in the presence of reducing agent (Dithiotretal) and hydrogen peroxide.