The molecular structure of [Cu2(PAP)(OH)(IO3)3]•4H2O (PAP = 1,4-di(2′-pyridyl)aminophthalazine) has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. [Cu2(PAP)(OH)(IO3)3]•4H2O belongs to the space group P21/c with a = 7.266(1), b = 15.269(1), c = 25.870(1) Å, β = 96.40(I)°, V = 2852.2 Å3, Z = 4. The copper coordination geometry lies between a square pyramid and a trigonal bipyramid and the two copper(II) centres are bridged by three groups: N2 (phthalazine), hydroxide, and bidentate iodate, in a structure which is analogous to that reported for [Cu2(PAP)(OH)Cl3]•1.5H2O. Replacing the chlorine bridge by iodate has the effect of forcing the two metal centres further apart, thus creating a larger Cu—O—Cu bridge angle. This increase in oxygen bridge angle (101° to 114°) is also reflected in the enhanced antiferromagnetic exchange (−2J(Cl) = 201 cm−1, −2J(IO3) = 335 cm−1). Other groups of varying size (e.g. Br, NO3, SO4) can act as bridges between the two copper centres in systems of this sort with the resultant variation in copper–copper separation and oxygen bridge angle.

Thompson, L. K. (1983). Structure and magnetism in a hydroxy bridged binuclear copper(II) system with a “tunable” binuclear centre. Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 61(3), 579–583.