Why are the {Cu4N4} rings in Copper (I) Phosphinimide Clusters [Cu{μ-N=PR3}]4 (R = NMe3 or Ph) Planar?

Thomas P. Robinson, Richard D. Price, Matthew G. Davidson, Mark A. Fox, Andrew L. Johnson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

13 Citations (SciVal)
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Abstract

The copper phosphinimide complexes [Cu{-N=PR3}]4 (1, R = NMe2 and 2, R = Ph) were obtained in good yields from the reactions of Cu[Mes] (Mes = mesityl, C6H2Me3-2,4,6) with the corresponding iminophosphoranes, HNPR3. The molecular structures of 1 and 2 reveal the presence of planar eight-membered {Cu4N4} rings which contrasts with the saddle-shaped {M4N4} rings found in related metal phosphinimide complexes. According to computations, there is negligible aromaticity in the planar {Cu4N4} rings in 1 and 2 and the saddle shape observed in related {M4N4} rings is due to steric factors.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5611-5619
JournalDalton Transactions
Volume44
Issue number12
Early online date12 Feb 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Mar 2015

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