Copper(II) complexes with barbiturate derivatives: Synthesis, characterization and catalytic applications

Abstract Barbiturate derivatives were prepared by the reaction of 5-formylbarbiturates and primary aryl amines. The corresponding copper(II) complexes were synthesized by treatment of copper(II) acetate monohydrate with the prepared barbiturate derivatives. All the novel compounds were characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic methods. The structures of 3b and 3j were determined with X-ray crystallography. The X-ray crystallographic studies revealed that complexes 3b and 3j are 2-D coordination polymers. Also, the catalytic activities of the copper(II) complexes were examined for the peroxidative oxidation of cyclohexane under mild conditions. The results showed that the yields of the oxidation products were in the range 11.3–22.1%, depending upon the complex used and the promoter.