Preparation, characterisation and structures of copper(II) complexes of anasymmetric anti-cancer drug analogue

A series of copper(II) complexes of the anti-cancer drug analogue 1,5-bis(2 -pyridylmethylene)thiocarbonohydrazide (H2L) was synthesized from acid solu tion. The single crystal structures of two asymmetric, binuclear, complexes [{Cu-2(HL)(H2PO4)(2)}(2)][NO3](2). 2H(2)O and [{Cu-2(HL)(CF3CO2)(3)}(2)] a nd two mononuclear, monomeric complexes [Cu(H3L)(H2O)][ClO4](3). 2H(2)O and [Cu(H3L)(NO3)(2)]NO3 were solved. The binuclear complexes are dimeric with three-atom anion bridges. Selective removal of one copper ion gives mononu clear monomers. The primary magnetic exchange is between copper(II) centres within a planar binuclear unit with weaker interactions via anion or sulfu r bridges.