The structure of [Cu(bipy)3][Cu(bipy)(ala)(ClO4)2]ClO4 � a Compound with Two Different Coordination Modes in the same Complex

The paper describes the solid state structure of a compound of composition [Cu(bipy)3][Cu(bipy)(ala) (ClO4)2]ClO4, in which both the cation and anion are octahedral complex species with copper(II) as coordination center. The cation contains three chelate rings formed by bipy; the anion contains in the quatorial plane a CuONC2 chelate ring formed by the alaninato ligand and a CuN2C2 chelate ring formed by bipy, with two monodentate perchorato ligands in axial positions completing the six-coordination. In the crystal p-p stackings lead to a supramolecular self-assembled structure.