Two solvatomorphic forms of a copper complex formulated as Cu(L¹)(ClO₄)₂·1.2H₂O and Cu(L¹)(ClO₄)₂, where L¹ is 3,10-C-meso-3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-octa­methyl-1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclo­tetra­decane

Two copper complex solvatomorphs, namely (3,10-C-meso-3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-octa­methyl-1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclo­tetradecane)bis­(perchlorato-[kappa]O)copper(II) 1.2-hydrate, [Cu(ClO₄)₂(C₁₈H₄₀N₄)]·1.2H₂O, (I), and (3,10-C-meso-3,5,7,7,10,12,14,14-octa­methyl-1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclo­tetradecane)bis­(perchlor­ato-[kappa]O)copper(II), [Cu(ClO₄)₂(C₁₈H₄₀N₄)], (II), are described and compared with each other and with a third, already reported, anhydrous diastereomer, denoted (III). Both compounds present very similar centrosymmetic coordination environments, with the Cu^II cation lying on an inversion centre in a distorted 4+2 octa­hedral environment, defined by the macrocyclic N₄ group in the equatorial sites and two perchlorate groups in trans-axial positions [one of the perchlorate ligands in (I) is partially disordered]. The most significant difference in mol­ecular shape is seen in the orientation of the perchlorate anions, and the influence of this on the intra­molecular hydrogen bonding is discussed. The (partially) hydrated state of (I) favours the formation of chains along [011], while the anhydrous character of (II) and (III) promotes loosely bound structures with low packing indices.

Three transition-metal complexes with the macrocyclic ligand meso-5,7,7,12,14,14-hexa­methyl-1,4,8,11-tetra­aza­cyclotetra­decane (L): [Cu(ClO₄)₂(L)], [Zn(NO₃)₂(L)] and [CuCl(L)(H₂O)]Cl

The three title transition-metal complexes display a distorted 4+2 octahedral environment for the cation, with the macrocycle defining the base. The effect of the different axial ligands in the intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding is discussed.