Axial addition in diastereoisomeric [Cu(Me8[14]ane)](ClO4)2 complexes:: antifungal and antibacterial activities

A series of diastereoisomeric square planar copper(II) perchlorate complexes, [Cu(Me-8[14] ane)](ClO4)(2), undergo axial addition reactions with H2O, NCS- NO2- and NO3- to yield the octahedral species trans-[(CuLX2)-X-1](ClO4)(n) (L-1 = isomeric Me-8[14] ane; X = H2O, NCS, NO2 or NO3; n = 2 when X = H2O; n = 0 when X = NCS, NO2 or NO3). The products have been characterized on the basis of analytical, spectroscopic, magnetic and conductance data. Some derivatives are unstable in open air and may react with adventious H2O to form diaquo complexes. Antifungal and antibacterial activities of the uncomplexed ligands, the square planar copper( II) complexes and their axial addition products have been investigated against a range of phytopathogenic fungi and bacteria.