An Unprecedented Dodecanuclear Copper(II) Complex Derived from an Unsymmetrical Schiff-Base Ligand

A novel discrete dodecanuclear Cu(II) complex, [Cu12L62(OH)(6)]-center dot 2CH(3)CN (1) has been synthesised using an N2O3, donor unsymmetrical Schiff base ligand derived from the condensation of 1,3-diamino-2-propanol with salicylaldehyde and o-hydroxyacetophenone. Single crystal X-ray diffraction study indicates that each deprotonated ligand chelates two Cu(II) centres which are also bridged by alkoxo oxygen; six such Binuclear units are joined by alkoxo and phenoxo groups of the ligand as well as hydroxo bridges to form the dodecanuclear structure. Magnetic studies indicate predominating antiferromagnetic coupling interactions between the paramagnetic Cu(II) centres.