Synthesis, characterization, and comparison of two new copper(II) complexes containing Schiff-base and diazo ligands as new catalysts in CuAAC reaction

Abstract Two copper(II) complexes were synthesized through the reaction of Cu(OAc) 2 ·H 2 O with a Schiff-base ligand (1-(((3,4-dichlorophenyl)imino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol) and a diazo ligand (1-((3,4-dichlorophenyl)diazenyl)naphthalen-2-ol) in methanol. The complexes and ligands were characterized employing elemental analysis and electronic spectra. In addition, the ligands were fully characterized by using several 1D and 2D NMR techniques. Single crystal X-ray crystallography was also used for the characterization of some of these materials. Due to finding out the effect of Schiff-base and diazo ligands nature on the catalytic activity, the complexes were catalytically compared in one-pot azide-alkyne cycloaddition reaction in water. Furthermore, computational studies were performed on ligands and complexes for further understanding of the relationship between structure, bonding, and reactivity of these new materials.