Coupling selectivity in the radical‐controlled oxidative polymerization of 4‐phenoxyphenol catalyzed by (1,4,7‐triisopropyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane)copper(II) complex

Various effects on the coupling selectivity of the oxidative polymerization of 4‐phenoxyphenol catalyzed by (1,4,7‐triisopropyl‐1,4,7‐triazacyclononane)copper(II) halogeno complex [Cu(tacn)X₂] are described. With respect to the amount of the catalyst and the nature of the halide ion (X) of Cu(tacn)X₂, the coupling selectivity hardly changed. The Cu(tacn) catalyst possessed a turnover number greater than 1860. As the temperature of the reaction and the polarity of the reaction solvent were elevated, the C O coupling at the o‐position increased, but the C C coupling was not involved. For the polymerization in toluene at 80 °C, poly(1,4‐phenylene oxide), obtained as a methanol‐insoluble part, showed the highest number‐average molecular weight of 4000 with a melting point (T_m) of 195 °C. Only a slight change in the coupling selectivity was observed in the presence or absence of hindered amines as the base. Surprisingly, however, the C O selectivity decreased from 100 to 24% with less hindered amines, indicating that the selectivity drastically changed from a preference for C O coupling to a preference for C C coupling. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 4792–4804, 2000     

An efficient heterogeneous cross‐coupling of aryl iodides with diphenylphosphine catalyzed by copper (I) immobilized in MCM‐41

The heterogeneous cross‐coupling reaction of aryl iodides with diphenylphosphine was achieved in toluene at 115 °C in the presence of 10 mol% of phenanthroline‐functionalized MCM‐41‐supported copper (I) complex (Phen‐MCM‐41‐CuI) with Cs₂CO₃ as base, yielding various unsymmetric triarylphosphines in good to excellent yields. This protocol can tolerate a wide range of functional groups and does not need the use of expensive additives or harsh reaction conditions. This heterogeneous Cu (I) catalyst exhibited the same catalytic activity as homogeneous CuI/Phen system, and could easily be recovered by a simple filtration of the reaction solution and recycled up to seven times without significant loss of activity.     

Transfer hydrogenation of ketones catalysed by half‐sandwich (η6‐p‐cymene) ruthenium(II) complexes incorporating benzoylhydrazone ligands

Neutral half‐sandwich η⁶‐p ‐cymene ruthenium(II) complexes of general formula [Ru(η⁶‐p ‐cymene)Cl(L)] (HL = monobasic O, N bidendate benzoylhydrazone ligand) have been synthesized from the reaction of [Ru(η⁶‐p ‐cymene)(μ‐Cl)Cl]₂ with acetophenone benzoylhydrazone ligands. All the complexes have been characterized using analytical and spectroscopic (Fourier transform infrared, UV–visible, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR) techniques. The molecular structures of three of the complexes have been determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, indicating a pseudo‐octahedral geometry around the ruthenium(II) ion. All the ruthenium(II) arene complexes were explored as catalysts for transfer hydrogenation of a wide range of aromatic, cyclic and aliphatic ketones with 2‐propanol using 0.1 mol% catalyst loading, and conversions of up to 100% were obtained. Further, the influence of other variables on the transfer hydrogenation reaction, such as base, temperature, catalyst loading and substrate scope, was also investigated.     

N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium(II) complex supported on magnetic mesoporous silica for Heck cross‐coupling reaction

Magnetic mesoporous silica was prepared via embedding magnetite nanoparticles between channels of mesoporous silica (SBA‐15). The prepared composite (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA) was then reacted with 3‐chloropropyltriethoxysilane, sodium imidazolide and 2‐bromopyridine to give 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐iumpropyl‐functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA as a supported pincer ligand for Pd(II). The functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica was further reacted with [PdCl₂(SMe₂)₂] to produce a supported N‐heterocyclic carbene–Pd(II) complex. The obtained catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement and X‐ray diffraction. The amount of the loaded complex was 80.3 mg g^?1, as calculated through thermogravimetric analysis. The formation of the ordered mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 was confirmed using low‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Also, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the Pd(II) complex on the magnetic support. The prepared magnetic catalyst was then effectively used in the coupling reaction of olefins with aryl halides, i.e. the Heck reaction, in the presence of a base. The reaction parameters, such as solvent, base, temperature, amount of catalyst and reactant ratio, were optimized by choosing the coupling reaction of 1‐bromonaphthalene and styrene as a model Heck reaction. N‐Methylpyrrolidone as solvent, 0.25 mol% catalyst, K₂CO₃ as base, reaction temperature of 120°C and ultrasonication of the catalyst for 10 min before use provided the best conditions for the Heck cross‐coupling reaction. The best results were observed for aryl bromides and iodides while aryl chlorides were found to be less reactive. The catalyst exhibited noticeable stability and reusability.     

Preparation and spectroscopic characterization of iron(II) and copper(II) complexes of a functionalized crown ether

Condensation between 4′-aminobenzo-15-crown-5- and 4-antipyrinecarboxaldehyde yielded the functionalized crown ether (L = 1,5-dimethyl-4-[(2,3,5,6,8,9,11,12-octahydro-1,4,7,10,13-benzopentaoxacyclopentadecin-15-ylimino)methyl]-2-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-pyrazol-3-one). A 1:1 (Na⁺:L) complex has been prepared. The reaction of Fe(II) and Cu(II) salts with L gave complexes of composition [Fe(L)Cl₂] and [Cu(L)₂Cl₂]. Heteronuclear complexes [Fe(L)Cl₂Na]ClO₄ and [Cu(L)₂Cl₂Na]ClO₄ have also been synthesized from the reactions of [Fe(L)Cl₂] and [Cu(L)₂Cl₂] with NaClO₄. The compounds have been characterized by microanalyses and spectroscopic methods.     

Synthesis and Magnetic Studies of Copper (II)‐Manganese (II) Heterobinuclear Complexes with an Oxamido Bridge

Four new copper (II)‐manganese (II) heterobinuclear complexes bridged byN, N'‐bis[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl)]oxamido dianion (dmoxæ) and end‐capped with 1, 10‐phenanthroline (phen), 5‐methyl‐1, 10‐phenanthroline (Mephen), diaminoethane (en) or 1,3‐di‐aminopropane (pn). respectively, namely, [Cu(dmoxae)MnL₂] (CIO₄)₂ (L=phen, Mephen, en, pn), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, electronic spectral studies, and molar conductivity measurements. The electronic reflectance spectrum indicates the presence of spin exchange‐coupling interaction between bridged copper(II) and manganese (II) ions. The cryomagnetic measurements (4.2‐300 K) of [Cu(dmoxae)Mn(phen)₂](CIO₄)₂ (1) and [Cu(dmoxae)Mn(Mephen)₂](CIO₄)₂(2) complexes demonstrated an antiferromagnetic interaction between the adjacent manganese(II) and copper (II) ions through the oxamido‐bridge within each molecule. On the basis of spin Hamiltonian, H= ‐ 2JS₁. S₂. the magnetic analysis was carried out for the two complexes and the spin‐coupling constant (J) was evaluated as ?35.9 cm^?1 for 1 and ‐ 32.6 cm^?1 for 2. The influence of methyl substitutions in the amine groups of the bridging ligand on magnetic interactions between the metal ions of this kind of complexes is also discussed.     

Nickel(II) complexes bearing pyrazolylpyridines: synthesis,structures and ethylene oligomerization reactions

Reactions of 2‐bromo‐6‐(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine ( L1 ) and 2,6‐bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine ( L2 ) with NiCl₂ and NiBr₂ led to the formation of their respective metal complexes [NiCl₂(L1)] ( 1 ), [NiBr₂(L1)] ( 2 ) and [NiBr₂(L2)] ( 3 ) in moderate to high yields. The complexes were characterized using elemental analyses, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction for 2 . The solid‐state structure of 2 confirmed the bidentate coordination mode of L1 and formation of a monometallic compound. Activation of the nickel(II) pre‐catalysts with methylaluminoxane afforded active catalysts in the ethylene oligomerization reaction to produce mainly butenes (84–86%). In contrast, activation of nickel(II) pre‐catalyst 2 with ethylaluminium dichloride resulted in partial Friedel–Crafts alkylation of the toluene solvent by the preformed oligomers. Complex structure, nature of co‐catalyst employed, type of solvent and reaction conditions influenced the catalytic behaviour of these pre‐catalysts. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Highly stable magnetically separable copper nanocatalyst as an efficient catalyst for C(sp2)–C(sp) and C(sp2)–C(sp2) cross‐coupling reactions

A copper catalyst has been explored as an efficient and recyclable catalyst to effect Sonogashira and Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions. After modification of 2‐(((piperazin‐1‐ylmethyl)imino)methyl)phenol (PP) on the surface of amorphous silica‐coated iron oxide (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Cl) magnetic core–shell nanocomposite, copper(II) chloride was employed to synthesize the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@PP‐Cu catalyst, affording a copper loading of 1.52 mmol g⁻¹. High yield, low reaction times, non‐toxicity and recyclability of the catalyst are the main merits of this protocol. The catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, and vibrating sample magnetometry.     

Synthesis,characterization and in vitro biological activity of cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) Schiff base complexes derived from salicylaldehyde and D,L‐selenomethionine

New cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes of Schiff base derived from D,L ‐selenomethionine and salicylaldehyde were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectra, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements and biological activity. The analytical data showed that the Schiff base ligand acts as tridentate towards divalent metal ions (cobalt, copper, zinc) via the azomethine‐N, carboxylate oxygen and phenolato oxygen by a stoichiometric reaction of M:L (1:1) to form metal complexes [ML(H₂O)], where L is the Schiff base ligand derived from D,L ‐selenomethionine and salicylaldehyde and M = Co(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II). ¹H NMR spectral data of the ligand and Zn(II) complex agree with proposed structures. The conductivity values between 12.87 and 15.63 S cm² mol^?1 in DMF imply the presence of non‐electrolyte species. Antibacterial and antifungal results indicate that the metal complexes are more active than the ligand. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Chelate complexes of some NNO tridentate Schiff bases with iron(II), cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II)

Summary The Schiff bases a-(C₅H₄N)CMe=NNHCOR (R = Ph, 2-thienyl or Me), prepared by condensation of 2-acetylpyridine with the acylhydrazines RCONHNH₂, coordinate in the deprotonated iminol form to yield the octahedral complexes, M[NNO]₂ M = Co or Ni; [NNOH] = Schiff base and the square-planar complexes, Pd[NNO]Cl. The Schiff bases also coordinate in the neutral keto form yielding the octahedral complexes (M[NNOH]2)Z2 (M = Ni, Co or Fe; Z = C104, BF₄ or N03) and complexes of the type M[NNOH]X2 (M = Ni, Co, Fe or Cu; X = Cl, Br or NCS). Spectral and x-ray diffraction data indicate that the complexes M[NNOH]X2 (M = Ni or Fe) are polymeric octahedral, as are the corresponding cobalt complexes having R = 2-thienyl. However, the cobalt complexes Co[NNOH]X2 (X = CI or Br; R = Ph or Me) and the copper complexes Cu[NNOH]CI₂ (R = Ph, 2-thienyl or Me) are five-coordinate, while the thiocyanato complex Co[NNOH](NCS)₂ (R = 2-thienyl) is tetrahedral.     

Synthesis and Structures of Arene Ruthenium (II)–NHC Complexes: Efficient Catalytic α‐alkylation of ketones via Hydrogen Auto Transfer Reaction

A panel of six new arene Ru (II)‐NHC complexes 2a‐f , (NHC = 1,3‐diethyl‐(5,6‐dimethyl)benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene 1a , 1,3‐dicyclohexylmethyl‐(5,6‐dimethyl)benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene 1b and 1,3‐dibenzyl‐(5,6‐dimethyl)benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene 1c ) were synthesized from the transmetallation reaction of Ag‐NHC with [(η⁶‐arene)RuCl₂]₂ and characterized. The ruthenium (II)‐NHC complexes 2a‐f were developed as effective catalysts for α‐alkylation of ketones and synthesis of bioactive quinoline using primary/amino alcohols as coupling partners respectively. The reactions were performed with 0.5 mol% catalyst load in 8 h under aerobic condition and the maximum yield was up to 96%. Besides, the different alkyl wingtips on NHC and arene moieties were studied to differentiate the catalytic robustness of the complexes in the transformations.     

Copper(I)-anilide complex [Na(phen)3][Cu(NPh2)2]: an intermediate in the copper-catalyzed N-arylation of N-phenylaniline

Complex [Na(phen)₃][Cu(NPh₂)₂] ( 2 ), containing a linear bis(N‐phenylanilide)copper(I) anion and a distorted octahedral tris(1,10‐phenanthroline)sodium counter cation, has been isolated from the catalytic C? N cross‐coupling reaction with the CuI/phen/tBuONa (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) catalytic system. Complex 2 can react with 4‐iodotoluene to produce 4‐methyl‐N,N‐diphenylaniline ( 3 a ) with 70.6 % yield. In addition, 2 can work as an effective catalyst for C? N coupling under the same reaction conditions, thus indicating that 2 is the intermediate of the catalytic system. Both [Cu(NPh₂)₂]^? and [Cu(NPh₂)I]^? have been observed by in situ electron ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) under catalytic reaction conditions, thus confirming that they are intermediates in the reaction. A catalytic cycle has been proposed based on these observations. The molecular structure of 2 has been determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of penta-coordinated copper(II) complexes with hydrazido based ligand and imidazole as auxiliary ligand

The reaction of (Z)-2-(phenyl(2-(pyridin-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl)pyridine (L) and copper(II) salt in methanol yields a series of five pentacoordinated mononuclear complexes. The molecular formulations of these complexes are as [Cu(L)(ImH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (1), [Cu(L)(2-MeImH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2), [Cu(L)(2-EthImH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (3), [Cu(L)(BenzImH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (4) and [Cu(L)(2-MeBenzImH)₂](ClO₄)₂ (5) (where ImH ​= ​Imidazole, 2-MeImH ​= ​2-Methylimidazole, 2-EthImH ​= ​2-Ethylimidazole, BenzImH ​= ​Benzimidazole, 2-MeBenzImH ​= ​2-Methylbenzimidazole). The room temperature magnetic moment values are in the range 1.79–1.81 B ​M. The conductance measurements suggest that they are electrolytic in nature. The DFT calculations were performed to get information about the structures of the complexes. The copper(II) centre in all complexes is a Penta-coordinated. The proligand has NNN donor sites viz., two pyridine N and one azomethine N atoms, whereas co-ligand coordinates through pyridine N atom forming two five-membered chelate rings. The τ₅ values of these complexes are in the range 0.177–0.495. Both pro and co-ligands are neutral. X-band Epr spectral measurements have been carried out to authenticate the paramagnetic behaviours of all complexes. The stability of the copper(II) centre was examined using cyclic and differential pulse Voltammetry. The IC₅₀ and SOD activity values for all complexes reveal that they are good SOD active complexes. The IC₅₀ value of present complexes remains in the range 26–43 ​μM.     

An efficient and recyclable silica‐supported carbene–Cu(II) catalyst for the oxidative coupling reaction of terminal alkynes with H‐phosphonates under base‐free reaction conditions

The oxidative coupling reactions of terminal alkynes with H‐phosphonates were explored using SiO₂−NHC−Cu(II) (5.0 mol%) as catalyst at room temperature under base‐free reaction conditions. The reactions of a variety of terminal alkynes with H‐phosphonates generated the corresponding alkynylphosphonate products in good to excellent yields. In addition, SiO₂−NHC−Cu(II) could be recovered and recycled for six consecutive trials without significant loss of its reactivity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Structurally rigid bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes: Structures and kinetic studies in ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone

Four bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine Zn(II) and Cu(II) carboxylate complexes have been structurally elucidated and used as initiators in the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐carprolactone (ε‐CL). Reactions of bis(3,5‐dimethyl‐pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine ( L1 ) with the appropriate Zn(II) and Cu(II) carboxylates afforded the corresponding complexes; [Zn(L1)(C₆H₅COO)₂] ( 1 ), [Zn(L1)(2‐Cl‐C₆H₄COO)₂] ( 2 ), [Zn(L1)(OAc)₂] ( 3 ) and [Cu(L1)(OAc)₂] ( 4 ) in moderate to good yields. Molecular structures of compounds 1 , 2 , 3 confirmed the presence of one tridentate bound ligand L1 in the metal coordination sphere and two carboxylate anions to give five coordination number around Zn(II) and Cu(II) atoms. Complexes 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 initiated the ROP of ε‐CL at 110 °C to give polymers of moderate molecular weights. Kinetic analyses of the ROP reactions indicate pseudo ‐first‐order dependency on ε‐CL monomer and initiator. ¹H NMR and mass spectral data established a coordination insertion mechanistic pathway and behaviour of 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 as initiators in the ROP of ε‐CL. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Zn(II) and Cu(II) unsymmetrical formamidine complexes as effective initiators for ring‐opening polymerization of cyclic esters

A series of Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes were synthesized using unsymmetrical N,N′‐ diarylformamidine ligands, i.e. N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐N′‐2,6‐dichorophenyl)‐formamidine ( L1 ), N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐N′‐phenyl)‐formamidine ( L2 ), N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐N′‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl)‐formamidine ( L3 ) and N‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐N′‐(2,6‐diisopropylphenyl)‐formamidine ( L4 ). The complexes, [Zn₂( L1 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 1) , [Zn₂( L2 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 2 ), [Zn₂( L3 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 3 ), [Zn₂( L4 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 4 ), [Cu₂( L1 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 5 ), [Cu₂( L2 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 6 ), [Cu₂( L3 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 7 ) and [Cu₂( L4 )₂(OAc)₄] ( 8 ), were prepared via a mechanochemical method with excellent yields between 95 ‐ 98% by reacting the metal acetates and corresponding ligands. Structural studies showed that both complexes are dimeric with a paddlewheel core structure in which the separation between the two metal centres are 2.9898 (8) and 2.6653 (7) Å in complexes 3 and 7 , respectively. Complexes 1 – 8 were used in ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone (ε‐CL) and rac‐lactide (rac‐LA). Zn(II) complexes were more active than Cu(II) complexes, with complex 1 bearing electron withdrawing chloro groups being the most active (k_app = 0.0803 h^‐1). Low molecular weight poly‐(ε‐CL) and poly‐(rac‐LA) ranging from 1720 to 6042 g mol^‐1, with broad molecular weight distribution (PDIs, 1.78 – 1.87) were obtained. Complex 2 gave reaction orders of 0.56 and 1.52 with respect to ε‐CL and rac‐LA, respectively.     

Three new mixed‐ligand copper(II) complexes containing glycyl‐l‐valine and N,N‐aromatic heterocyclic compounds: Synthesis,characterization, DNA interaction,cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity

Three novel copper(II) complexes, [Cu(Gly‐l ‐Val)(HPBM)(H₂O)]·ClO₄·H₂O ( 1 ), [Cu(Gly‐l ‐Val)(TBZ)(H₂O)]·ClO₄ ( 2 ) and [Cu(Gly‐l ‐Val)(PBO)(H₂O)]·ClO₄ ( 3 ) (Gly‐l ‐Val = glycyl‐l ‐valine anion, HPBM = 5‐methyl‐2‐(2′‐pyridyl)benzimidazole, TBZ = 2‐(4′‐thiazolyl)benzimidazole, PBO = 2‐(2′‐pyridyl)benzoxazole), have been prepared and characterized with elemental analyses, conductivity measurements as well as various spectroscopic techniques. The interactions of these copper complexes with calf thymus DNA were explored using UV–visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism, thermal denaturation, viscosity and docking analyses methods. The experimental results showed that all three complexes could bind to DNA via an intercalative mode. Moreover, the cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the MTT method, and the antimicrobial activity of these complexes was tested against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The results showed that the activities are consistent with their DNA binding abilities, following the order of 1 > 2 > 3 .     

Mononuclear metal (II) complexes of a Bis(organoamido)phosphate ligand with antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli

A new tripodal ligand [PO(NH²MePy)₃] ( L ) (²MePy = 2‐(4‐methyl pyridyl)) have been synthesized by treating phosphorous oxychloride with 2‐Amino‐4‐methylpyridine in toluene under refluxing condition. The ligand was appeared as a white solid and characterized by several standard analytical and spectroscopic techniques such as FT‐IR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C{¹H} and ³¹P{¹H}) and ESI‐MS spectroscopy. The ligand ( L ) undergone metal‐assisted hydrolysis of one P–N bond when treated it with hydrated metal nitrates, M(NO₃)₂·xH₂O (M = Zn, Cu, Co and Ni) under hydrothermal reaction condition in DMF‐H₂O (1:1). This results in the formation of four mononuclear complexes [{PO₂(NH²MePy)₂}₂M] [M = Zn ( 1 ), Cu ( 2 ), Co ( 3 ), Ni ( 4 )], where ligand ( L ) hydrolyses to a anionic bis(organoamido)phosphate, [PO₂(NH²MePy)₂]⁻. All complexes were completely characterized by various analytical techniques and their solid state molecular structures were established by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. All complexes are isostructural with a metal (II) ion situating at the centre of a distorted octahedron. Two tridentate [PO₂(NH²MePy)₂]⁻ ligands are coordinated to metal(II) ion through N‐ and O‐donor atoms, thus neutralizing the charge of the complex. Optical properties of all complexes in solid state have been studied. Moreover, antimicrobial activities of complexes 1 – 4 have been explored. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of such compounds investigated for their antimicrobial activities.     

Synthesis and Structure of Copper(II) Nitrate Complexes with 2, 6‐Bis(pyrazolyl)pyridine

Three mononuclear copper(II) complexes of copper nitrate with 2, 6‐bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine ( bPzPy ) and 2, 6‐bis(3′,5′‐dimethylpyrazol‐1‐yl)pyridine ( bdmPzPy ), [Cu(bPzPy)(NO₃)₂] ( 1 ), [Cu(bPzPy)(H₂O)(NO₃)₂] ( 2 ) and [Cu(bdmPzPy)(NO₃)₂] ( 3 ) were synthesized by the reaction of copper nitrate with the ligand in ethanol solution. The complexes have been characterized through analytical, spectroscopic and EPR measurements. Single crystal X‐ray structure analysis of complexes 1 and 2 revealed a five‐coordinate copper atom in 1 , whereas 2 contains a six‐coordinate (4+2) Cu^II ion with molecular units acting as supramolecular nodes. These neutral nodes are connected through O–H ··· O(nitrate) hydrogen bonds to give couples of parallel linear strips assembled in 1D‐chains in a zipper‐like motif.     

2,5‐Bis(2‐(diphenylphosphino)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ligands and their Cu(I) complexes for Sonogashira coupling reaction

Two diphosphane ligands – 2,5‐bis(2‐(diphenylphosphino)‐5‐R)phenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole ( L1 , R = H, L2 , R = OMe) and their binuclear complexes, L1Cu and L2Cu , were prepared and characterized. The molecular structures of L1Cu and L2Cu , as perchlorate salts, were established by X‐ray crystallography, which showed them to be binuclear complexes with each Cu atom tetrahedrally coordinated by two P atoms and two N atoms. The ligands and their Cu(I) complexes catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reactions of iodobenzene with phenylacetylene in the presence of K₂CO₃ under Pd‐free conditions. Coupling reactions catalyzed by L1 or L2 with Cu(MeCN)₄ClO₄ in situ exhibited better yields than those by the corresponding Cu(I) complexes L1Cu or L2Cu . Detailed studies showed L1 or L2 with Cu(MeCN)₄ClO₄ to be suitable catalysts for the coupling reaction of terminal alkynes and aryl halides. The coupling reactions of aryl iodides with electron‐withdrawing groups showed better results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.