Grid–double-helicate interconversion

Abstract

An interconversion between a binuclear Cu^I double helicate and a tetranuclear Cu^II grid is reported. The passage from the Cu^I double helicate to the Cu^II grid occurs through oxidation of Cu^I into Cu^II or through displacement of Cu^I by Cu^II. The conversion of the Cu^II grid into the Cu^I double helicate occurs through treatment of the grid with triflic acid, reduction of Cu^II with ascorbic acid, and neutralization with triethylamine. During the studies, in order to ascertain the structure of Cu^I complexes, a heteroleptic binuclear Cu^I double helicate was generated.