SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND ELECTROCHEMISTRY OF A BINUCLER COPPER(II) COMPLEX OF SCHIFF-BASE DERIVED FROM 2-AMINOMETHYL-BENZIMIDAZOLE AND SALICYLALDEHYDE

A dinuclear Cu-II compound (Cu(2)L(2)(2+)) with the phenoxide form of N-salicylidine 2-aminomethyIbenzimidazole has been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, UV-visible, IR and variable temperature ESR spectra, magnetic moment and electrochemical studies. Thermal studies indicate that the decomposition takes place in two stages. Lowering of ESR peak intensity with lowering in temperature indicates the dimeric nature of the compound. A stopped flow kinetic study indicated that the acid catalysed decomposition of the compound occurred via two consecutive steps, thus providing further evidence for the dimeric nature of the compound. Evidence of equilibrium NH deprotonation of the benzimidazole moiety of Cu(2)L(2)(2+) at 0.005 less than or equal to [OH-], mol dm(-3) less than or equal to 0.02 is presented.