Vibrational spectra and reinvestigation of the crystal structure of a polymeric copper(II)–orotate complex, [Cu(μ-HOr)(H2O)2]n: The performance of new DFT methods, M06 and M05-2X, in theoretical studies

Abstract

The crystal and molecular structure of a polymeric Cu(II)–orotate complex, [Cu(μ-HOr)(H2O)2]n, has been reinvestigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction. It is shown that several synergistic interactions: two axial Cu–O interactions; intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds; and π–π stacking between the uracil rings contribute to the stability of the crystal structure. The Raman and FT-IR spectra of the title complex are reported for the first time. Comprehensive theoretical studies have been performed by using three unrestricted DFT methods: B3LYP; and the recently developed M06, and M05-2X density functionals. Clear-cut assignments of all the bands in the vibrational spectra have been made on the basis of the calculated potential energy distribution, PED. The very strong Raman band at 1219cm−1 is diagnostic for the N1-deprotonation of the uracil ring and formation of the copper–nitrogen bond, in this complex. The Cu–O (carboxylate) stretching vibration is observed at 287cm−1 in the IR spectrum, while the Cu–N (U ring) stretching vibration is assigned to the strong Raman band at 263cm−1. The molecular structure and vibrational spectra (frequencies and intensities) calculated by the M06 functional method are very similar to the results obtained by the B3LYP method, but M06 performs better than B3LYP in calculations of the geometrical parameters and vibrational frequencies of the interligand O–H⋯O hydrogen bonding. Unfortunately, the M05-2X method seriously overestimates the strength of interligand hydrogen bond.