A new copper(II) complex containing triclopyr: one-pot crystallization, structure, conformation and Hirshfeld surface analyses

Abstract A new copper(II) complex [Cu(3,5,6-tcpa)(2,2′-bipy)Cl] (1) has been obtained through the one-pot hydrothermal reaction of copper chloride dihydrate with triclopyr (systematic name 2-((3,5,6-trichloropyridin-2-yl)oxy)acetic acid, abbreviation 3,5,6-Htcpa) and 2,2′-bipyridine (2,2′-bipy) coligands. 1 has crystallized in triclinic crystal system, P 1 ‾ $\overline{1}$ space group. The central copper(II) ion displayed a distorted square–pyramidal geometry and was connected by one chlorido co-ligand (Clˉ), one 3,5,6-tcpa anionic chelator and one chelating 2,2’-bipy ligand to afford a mononuclear structure. 1 is further extended into a 3D network by the non-covalent interactions of H⋯Cl, H⋯O hydrogen bonds, aromatic π⋯π stacking together with Cl⋯Cl halogen bond interactions. The co-crystallization process, the crystal structure of 1 as well as the Hirshfeld surface analysis for 1 have been analyzed and described. In addition, the flexible conformation of phenoxy methylene group among 1, triclopyr acid and its previously reported co-crystallized compound also have been carefully compared and discussed.