Two non-linear azide containing heteronuclear complexes: crystal structure and thermal decomposition

Bis-N,N′(salicylidene)-2,2′-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (LDMH2) has a high tendency to form polynuclear complexes. Two trinuclear complexes were obtained using this ligand and azide ions; (CuLDM)2 · Mn(N3)2 · (DMF)2, [(C19H20N2O2Cu)2 · Mn(N3)2 · (C3H7NO)2] and (CuLDM)2 · Cd(N3)2 · (DMF)2, [(C19H20N2O2Cu)2 · Cd(N3)2 · (C3H7NO)2]. The structures were identified with X-ray methods. TG and DSC methods were also employed to these complexes. Studies showed the (CuLDM)2 · Mn(N3)2 · (DMF)2 and (CuLDM)2 · Cd(N3)2 · (DMF)2 to be non-linear. Also μ-bridges were not encountered for the azide ions but were seen to form between the Cu and other metal via phenolic oxygens. Thermal analysis showed exothermic degradation of the azide ions destroying the trinuclear structure. Although azide containing structures show explosive characteristics, this was not observed for the present compounds.