Low-dimensional compounds containing cyano groups. XVI. (Dicyanamido-kappaN1)bis(1,10-phenanthroline-kappa(2)N,N')copper(II) tetrafluoridoborate.

The title compound, [Cu{N(CN)(2)}(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)]BF(4), was prepared as part of our study of the shape of coordination polyhedra in five-coordinated copper(II) complexes. Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals that the structure consists of [Cu{N(CN)(2)}(phen)(2)](+) cations (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) and BF(4)(-) anions. The Cu centre is five-coordinated in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal manner by four N atoms of two phen ligands and one N atom of a dicyanamide anion, which is coordinated in the equatorial plane at a distance of 1.996 (2) A. The two axial Cu-N(phen) distances have similar values [average 1.994 (6) A] and are shorter than the two equatorial Cu-N(phen) bonds [average 2.09 (6) A]. This work demonstrates the effect of ligand rigidity on the shape of coordination polyhedra in five-coordinated copper(II) complexes.