Copper(I)-dioxygen reactivity in a sterically demanding tripodal tetradentate tren ligand: Formation and reactivity of a mononuclear copper(II) end-on superoxo complex

Abstract

Reaction of a copper(I) complex supported by a sterically demanding tripodal tetradentate ligand, HIPT 3tren, and O 2 gave a mononuclear copper(II) end-on superoxo complex. Spectroscopic (UV/Vis, resonance Raman, ESR, and 1H-NMR) and DFT studies have been performed. The O 2-binding process as well as the reaction toward external substrates have been investigated kinetically to demonstrate the unique behavior of the copper(II) end-on superoxo complex, which may occur as a result of the existence of the hydrophobic core around the copper coordination sphere created by the HIPT 3tren ligand. Copyright © 2012 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.