Synthesis and coordination behavior of CuI bis(phosphaethenyl)pyridine complexes

Abstract

Cu^I complexes bearing BPEP as a PNP-pincer type phosphaalkene ligand undergo effective bonding interactions with SbF₆⁻ and PF₆⁻ as non-coordinating anions to give [Cu(SbF₆)(BPEP)] and [Cu₂(BPEP)₂(μ-PF₆)]⁺, respectively [BPEP = 2,6-bis(1-phenyl-2-phosphaethenyl)pyridine]. NMR and theoretical studies indicate a reduced anionic charge of the μ-PF₆ ligand, which is induced by the strong π-accepting ability of BPEP.