A simple Cu(II) complex of phenolic oxime: synthesis, crystal structure, supramolecular interactions, DFT calculation and catecholase activity study

A copper (II) complex [Cu(4-MeO-salox)(2)](1) based on saloxime ligand was synthesized and characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The geometry was further emphasized by DFT optimization. The complex was found to be pseudo-macrocyclic mononuclear having square planer geometry. The complex 1 shows two types of supramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions and forms the multi-dimensional framework with the help of CH∙∙∙O, OH∙∙∙O and π∙∙∙π(chelate) interactions. The complex 1 performs as efficient catalyst in catecholase activiy having good turnover number (TON), k(cat) = 22.97 h(−1) where TON is the number of catechol molecules converted into quinone by catalyst molecule i.e 1 in a unit time.