The trivalent copper complex of a conjugated bis-dithiocarbazate Schiff base: stabilization of Cu in three different oxidation states.

The new tribasic N(2)S(2) ligand H(3)ttfasbz has been synthesized by condensation of 4-thenoyl 2,2,2-trifluoroacetone and S-benzyl dithiocarbazate. On complexation with copper(II) acetate, spontaneous oxidation to the Cu(III) oxidation state is observed, and the complex [Cu(ttfasbz)] has been isolated and characterized structurally. Reduction to the EPR active Cu(II) analogue has been achieved chemically and also electrochemically, and in both cases, the process is totally reversible.