Synthesis, characterization, single crystal X-ray structure, EPR and theoretical studies of a new hybrid inorganic-organic compound [Cu(Hdien)2(H2O)2](pnb)4·4H2O and its structural comparison with related [Cu(en)2(H2O)2](pnb)2

A new hybrid inorganic-organic compound [Cu(Hdien)2(H2O)2](pnb)4·4H2O (1) (where pnb = p-nitrobenzoate), in which the tridentate ligand diethylenetriamine (dien) shows an unusual coordination behavior acting as a bidentate ligand when present in its monoprotonated form (Hdien+) has been synthesized by the reaction of copper(II) p-nitrobenzoate and slight excess of dien in methanol-water mixture (4:1v/v). Re-crystallization of the violet precipitated product from hot water gave single crystals suitable for X-ray diffraction studies. The newly synthesized compound 1 has been characterized by spectroscopic techniques (UV-Vis, FT-IR, EPR), and theoretical methods (DFT and MRCI/SORCI). Single crystal X-ray structure determination revealed the existence of the cationic species [Cu(Hdien)2(H2O)2]4+, four p-nitrobenzoate as counter anions and four water molecules are present as solvent of crystallization. Packing analyses of title compound as well as of the structurally similar [Cu(en)2(H2O)2](pnb)2, 2 has shown similarities in the crystalline architecture that both hybrid inorganic-organic compounds is stabilized by various non-covalent interactions such as N-H⋯O, C-H⋯O, O-H⋯O etc.