Structure, magnetism and oxygen reduction reaction in mixed-valent Cu (I)?Cu(II) complex supported by benzimidazole derivative

As we all know, the Cu complexes have been extensively studied as synthetic models because of their different valences. Here, the organic ligand of 1-methyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)methanol (HL) was used to react with Cu(ClO4)2?6H2O in CH3CN, we successfully obtained a mix valent copper complex [CuII(L1)2][CuI(HL)2]?ClO4 (1) under 60 ?C. The structure analysis suggested that the Cu1 ion was coordinated with two nitrogen atoms from two HL ligands, which two ligands without removing H ions. The Cu2 ion was coordinated with two oxygen ions and two nitrogen atoms from two L1 ligands, which two ligands with removing H ions. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) test showed that the valence state of Cu1 ion was +1, and the Cu2 ion was +2. The magnetic susceptibility was exhibited ferrimagnetism with g = 2.04. The electrocatalytic results suggested that CuIICuI species reacted with O2 to give a superoxide radical intermediate for complex 1.

Automated summary

Through the reaction of an organic ligand with copper ions under temperature conditions, a mixed valent copper complex was successfully prepared. Structural analysis, XPS testing, magnetic susceptibility, and electrocatalytic results confirmed the structure and properties of the complex.