Methyl- and methoxysalicylatocopper complexes with 2-ethylbenzimidazole

Four new compounds of formulae [Cu(3-Mesal)₂(etbzim)₂] (1), [Cu(4-Mesal)₂(etbzim)₂] (2), [Cu(4-MeOsal)₂(etbzim)₂] (3), [Cu(5-MeOsal)₂(etbzim)₂] (4) where 3- or 4-Mesal = 3- or 4-methylsalicylate anionic ligand, 4- or 5-MeOsal = 4- or 5-methoxysalicylate anionic ligand, etbzim = 2-ethylbenzimidazole) have been prepared and characterised by elemental analysis and available spectral methods (EPR, UV-vis and IR spectra). EPR spectra of all measured complexes are axial symmetry. Other spectral methods led to conclusion that all prepared complexes probably contain the etbzim ligand coordinated in equatorial plane together with the asymmetrically bonded salicylato anions thus giving {CuN₂O₂O’O”} chromophore. The supposed structural motive for all prepared complexes might be simmilar to those benzoate complexes with benzimidazole [Cu(4-OHbz)₂(bzim)₂] and [Cu(4-Mebz)₂(bzim)₂] (4-OHbz = 4-hydroxybenzoate, 4-Mebz = = 4-methylbenzoate), but similarity with polymeric salicylate complex [Cu(sal)₂(bzim)₂]_n cannot be excluded.