Synthesis and Characterisation of a Conjugated Polycarbonyl Ligand and its Cu(II) Complex

Abstract

A new polycarbonyl compound (H2L) with the carbonyl groups bonded to a conjugated system has been prepared by the Claisen-Schmidt condensation between terephthalaldehyde and methyl acetoacetate under specified conditions. Analytical, IR, 1H NMR and mass spectral data clearly support the existence of the compound predominantly in the keto form with a very small percentage of enol content. Dibasic tetradentate coordination of the compound in its Cu(II) complex has been established on the basis of analytical and spectral data.