Binding properties of solvatochromic indicators [Cu(X)(acac)(tmen)] (X = PF6- and BF4-, acac- = acetylacetonate, tmen = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine) in solution and the solid state

The solvatochromic indicator [Cu(acac)(tmen)(H2O)] center dot PF6 (1 center dot H2O) has been synthesized and crystallographically characterized. 1 center dot H2O binds an H2O molecule at the Cu(II) axial site, while the PF6- anion is coordination free. The binding properties of [Cu(PF6)(acac)(tmen)] (1) and [Cu(BF4)(acac)(tmen)] (2) have been investigated in solution and the solid state. The donor number of the PF6- anion (DNPF6) was determined from the UV-vis spectra of 1 in 1,2-dichloroethane. The value of DNPF6 of the PF6- anion is slightly larger than that of the tetraphenylborate anion (BPh4-), which is known as a noncoordinating anion. In the solid state, 1 and 2 reversibly bind and release H2O molecules at the Cu(II) axial sites. The coordinated H2O molecules in 2 are more easily removed than those in 1 because of the strong Lewis basicity of the BF4- anion compared to the PF6- ion. The lower melting point of 1 versus 2 is attributed to the loose binding of the PF6- anions to the Cu(II) centers, which induces the dynamic nature of the crystal.