Aryl-Linked Salicylaldoxime-Based Copper(II) Helicates and “Boxes”: Synthesis, X‑ray Analysis, and Anion Influence on Complex Structure

The synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of both “metal-only” and anion encapsulated salicylaldoxime-based complexes utilizing a new 1,3-xylyl strap are described. X-ray crystallographic analysis reveals that the aromatic spacer restricts the confirmation flexibility of the resulting complexes leading to dicopper­(II) double helicate and dicopper­(II) 2 + 2 “box” structural forms. The choice of the structural motif is influenced by the anion present, with the copper­(II) nitrate-containing complex [NO₃⊂(Cu₂L³₂)]­(NO₃)₃, 4, adopting a double helicate form, whereas the analogous copper­(II) bromide complexes [2Br⊂(Cu₂L³₂)]­(Br)₂, 5, and [2Br⊂(Cu₂L³₂)]­(BF₄)₂, 6, both adopt 2 + 2 “box” structural configurations. Spectroscopic analysis has shown an enhancement in the binding strength of ClO₄^– over the anions SO₄^2– and NO₃^–. The enhanced rigidity caused by the use of the 1,3-xylyl spacer in this series of complexes has favored the formation of the “double loaded” dibromide complex.