Rational (supra)molecular design and catalytic activity of cagelike Cu4-based phenylsilsesquioxanes

Abstract

Extensive (19 examples) family of cagelike Cu₄-phenylsilsesquioxanes allowed to accentuate general regilarities of their structural organization. An influence of (i) size of external alkaline metal ion (from Li to Cs) and (ii) nature of bridging linkers (including smallest posible, water, species) on self-aassembly/supramolecular assembling of such Cu₄-building blocks has been shown. Cu₄K₄-based complex has been evaluated as precatalyst in the oxidation of alkanes (cyclohexane,n-heptane, methylcyclohexane) and alcohols. Radical species take part in the oxidation of alkanes.