Crystal structure and antimicrobial properties of a copper(II) complex with 1,10-phenanthroline and azide co-ligand

A novel Cu(II) complex with mixed ligands, [azido-bis(1,10-phenanthroline-k2N,N′)copper(II)]nitrate hydrate has been synthesized and was characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The central Cu(II) atom is five coordinate with four N atoms of two 1,10-phenanthroline molecules and one terminal N atom from an azide anion, giving a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with a CuN5 chromophore. The molecular structure of the compound is consolidated by H-bonding and face-to face π-π stacking between the aromatic rings of 1,10-phenanthroline ligand. The ligands, metal salt, and the complex were also evaluated for their antimicrobial activities in vitro.