Synthesis and crystal structure of a mixed-ligand zinc(II) complex derived from ethyl (2,6-dimethylphenylcarbamoyl) formate and 1,10-phenanthroline

A mixed-ligand zinc(II) complex, [Zn(Hpma)(phen)Cl] (where Hpma– = N-(2,6-dimethylphenyl)oxamate and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been prepared by the reaction of zinc chloride, ethyl (2,6-dimethylphenylcarbamoyl)formate (Hdmp) and 1,10-phenanthroline under basic conditions in dimethylformamide. The structure of the complex was characterised by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR, UV-Vis absorption and X-ray crystallography. The metal complex crystallises in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c) and is composed of the five-coordinate zinc ion in a distorted spherical square pyramidal geometry. Stabilisation of single crystals occurs through hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions. KEY WORDS: Zinc(II), N-(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)oxamate, 1,10-Phenanthroline, Crystal structure, Hydrogen bonding, π-π Stacking, Mixed-ligand Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2023, 37(4), 891-900. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v37i4.7