Synthesis and characterization of planarly chiral nonbridged bis(1-R-indenyl) zirconium dichloride complexes and X-ray structure of rac-[(η-C9H6-1-C(CH3)2---o-C6H4---OCH3)2ZrCl2]·THF

Reactions of the lithium salts of 3-substituted indenes 1, 2 with ZrCl₄(THF)₂ gave two series of nonbridged bis(1-substituted)indenyl zirconocene dichloride complexes. Fractional recrystallization from THF–petroleum ether furnished the pure racemic and mesomeric isomers of [(η⁵-C₉H₆-1-C(R¹)(R²)---o-C₆H₄---OCH₃)₂ZrCl₂]·nTHF (R¹=R²=CH₃, n=1, rac-1a and meso-1b; R¹=CH₃, R²=C₂H₅; n=0.5 or 0, rac-2a and meso-2b), respectively. Complex 1a was further characterized by X-ray diffraction to have a C₂ symmetrically racemic structure, where the six-member rings of the indenyl parts are oriented laterally and two o-CH₃O---C₆H₄---C(CH₃)₂--- substituents are oriented to the open side of the metallocene (Ind: bis-lateral, anti; Substituent: bis-central, syn). The four zirconocene complexes are highly symmetrical in solution as characterized by room temperature ¹H-NMR, however ¹H–¹H NOESY of meso-1b shows that some of the NOE interactions arise from the two separated indenyl parts of the same molecule, which can only be well explained by taking into account the torsion isomers in solution.     

Synthesis, molecular structure, and polymerization reactivity of ethylenebis(1,3-dimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride

An ethylene-bridged zirconocene complex bearing methyl substituents only on the cyclopentadienyl carbons adjacent to bridge point, ethylenebis(1,3-dimethylcyclopentadienyl)zirconium dichloride (5) was synthesized. Crystal structure of 5 was determined. The complex, 5, when activated with MAO, shows better comonomer incorporation ability than [Ph₂C(Fluo)(Cp)]ZrCl₂ in the ethylene–norbornene copolymerization but it is not better than rac-Et(Ind)₂ZrCl₂ for the ethylene-1-hexene copolymerization in terms of activity and comonomer incorporation.     

Effect of silane-modified silica/MAO-supported Et[Ind]2ZrCl2 metallocene catalyst on copolymerization of ethylene

Effect of SiCl₄-modified silica/MAO-supported Et[Ind]₂ZrCl₂ metallocene catalyst on copolymerization of ethylene with -olefins was investigated. Effect of SiCl₄ on activities was diminished with higher -olefins. Molecular weights of copolymers decreased with SiCl₄ modification. SiCl₄ modification also resulted in a lower molecular weight distribution. ¹³C NMR showed that ethylene incorporation in all systems gave copolymers with similar triad distribution. In addition, a narrow branching distribution can be achieved with SiCl₄ modification.     

Ethylene homo- and copolymerization using (nBuCp)2ZrCl2 grafted on silica modified with different spacers

(nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂ was grafted on a series of modified silica and evaluated in ethylene/1-hexene copolymerization and their performance was compared with the homogenous system and with that resulting from its immobilization on bare silica. Silica was modified by polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS), Me₃SiCl, Ph₃SiOH, SnCl₄, isodrin and aldrin. (nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂ grafted on PMHS-modified silica afforded the catalyst with the highest activity. Comonomer incorporation, melting point and polydispersity was shown to be dependent on the catalyst nature. Bimodality was observed in the case of ethylene homopolymerization employing PMHS-silica-based catalysts.     

Polymerization of MMA by oscillating zirconocene catalysts, diastereomeric zirconocene mixtures, and diastereospecific metallocene pairs

Characteristics of methyl methacrylate (MMA) polymerization using oscillating zirconocene catalysts, (2-Ph-Ind)₂ZrX₂ (X = Cl, 1; X = Me, 2), mixtures of rac- and meso-zirconocene diastereomers, (SBI)ZrMe₂ [3, SBI = Me₂Si(Ind)₂] and (EBI)ZrMe₂ [4, EBI = C₂H₄(Ind)₂], as well as diastereospecific metallocene pairs, rac-4/Cp₂ZrMe₂ (5) and rac-4/CGCTiMe₂ [6, CGC = Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)(t-BuN)], are reported. MMA polymerization using the chloride catalyst precursor 1 activated with a large excess of the modified methyl aluminoxane is sluggish, uncontrolled, and produces atactic PMMA. On the other hand, the polymerization by a 2/1 ratio of 2/B(C₆F₅)₃ or 2/Ph₃CB(C₆F₅)₄ is controlled and produces syndiotactic PMMA. Mixtures of diastereomeric ansa-zirconocenes 3 or 4 containing various rac/meso ratios, when activated with B(C₆F₅)₃, yield bimodal PMMA; this behavior is attributed to the meso-diastereomer that, in its pure form, affords bimodal, syndio-rich atactic PMMA. For MMA polymerization using diastereospecific metallocene pairs, rac-4/5 and rac-4/6, the isospecific catalyst site dominates the polymerization events under the conditions employed in this study, and the aspecific and syndiospecific sites are largely nonproductive, thereby forming only highly isotactic PMMA.     

α-Zirconium phosphonates as new supports for metallocene catalysts

Homoleptic and mixed -zirconium phosphonates (ZrPs) -Zr(O₃PR)₂ (R = Me, Buⁿ, Buⁱ, Hex, Oct and Ph) and -Zr(O₃PR¹)_2−x(O₃PR²)_x were readily prepared in high yields from zirconyl choride and the corresponding phosphonic acids in suitable solvent mixtures under hydrothermal conditions at low fluoride concentrations. They form crystalline aggregates consisting of platelets from ca. 10–20 monolayers thickness, with well-defined surface structures. Impregnation with Cp₂ZrCl₂ by sublimation or slurry methods provided the first examples of ZrP-supported alkene polymerization catalysts. Crystal morphology and interlayer spacing are unaffected by the impregnation process. Solid-state NMR spectroscopy provides evidence for the integrity of the adsorbed metallocene structure. Covalent attachment of Cp^*ZrCl₃ to functionalized ZrPs of the type -Zr(O₃PR¹)_1.8(O₃PC_nH_2nOH)_0.2 is similarly possible. The new catalysts polymerize ethene with good to excellent activities under mild conditions, even at remarkably low methylalumoxane/zirconocene ratios of 10:1. The polymer is obtained as free-flowing particles, which reflect the morphology of the catalyst supports.     

Study of the supported zirconocene catalysts by means of UV/vis and DRIFT spectroscopy

UV/vis in diffusion reflection mode (DRS) and DRIFT spectroscopy have been used to study the surface zirconocene species formed at the interaction of Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrCl₂ and Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrMe₂ complexes with the MAO/SiO₂ support. Effect of additional activation of these catalysts with TIBA has been studied as well.

Structure of type [Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrMe]⁺[MeMAO]⁻ (C) is formed at the reaction of Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrMe₂ complex with MAO/SiO₂ (a.b. at 456 nm in UV/vis spectra). Interaction of this complex with TIBA results in the formation of new structure (D) with a.b. at 496 nm in UV/vis spectra.

The surface species of different composition and structures are formed at interaction of Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrCl₂ complex with MAO/SiO₂. The ratio between these species depends on the zirconium content in the Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrCl₂/MAO/SiO₂ catalysts. According to the DRIFTS data (CO and ethylene adsorption) and ethylene polymerization data these catalysts contain active ZrMe bonds but activity of these catalysts at ethylene polymerization is low. Interaction of Me₂Si(Ind)₂ZrCl₂/MAO/SiO₂ with TIBA leads to the formation of the new cationic structure of type (D) with a.b. at 496 nm in UV/vis spectra and great increasing of activity at ethylene polymerization.     

Metal content determination in polymerization catalysts by direct methods

Metal contents in polymerization catalysts were comparatively determined by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Catalysts were prepared by grafting metallocene onto bare silica or onto silica chemically modified with methylaluminoxane (MAO). Catalysts were compressed as self-supporting pellets (RBS and XRF), or mounted on adhesive copper tape (XPS). The proximity of the mass of the atomic nuclei did not allow resolution by RBS of the signals corresponding to Zr and Nb, nor Si and Al in catalyst systems such as (nBuCp)₂ZrCl₂/Cp₂NbCl₂/MAO/SiO₂. On the other hand, Zr, Nb, Si and Al lines were completely resolved in an XRF spectrum. For supported metallocenes on bare silica, XPS measurement was ca. 40% higher than that obtained by RBS. Silica-supported zirconocene showed good agreement in Zr content determination by XRF and RBS.     

La-NMR-spektroskopie an allyllanthan(III)-komplexen

¹³⁹La-NMR chemical shifts were measured for several anionic complexes of formulae Li(C₄H₈O₂)_3/2 [La(ν³-C₃H₅)₄], [Li(C₄H₈O₂)₂][Cp′_nLa(ν³-C₃]H₅)_4−n] (Cp′ = Cp(ν⁵-C₅H₅); n = 1, 2 and Cp′ = Cp * (ν⁵-C₅Me₅); N = 1) and Li[R_nLa(ν³-C₃H₄)₄−n] (R = N(SiMe₃)₂; n = 1, 2 and R = CCsIMe₃; n = 4), as well as for neutral compounds for formulae La(ν³-C₃H₅)₃L_n (L = (C₄H₈O₂)_1.5, (HMPT)₂, TMED), Cp′_nLa(ν³-C₃H₅)_3−n (Cp′= Cp(ν⁵-Cp₅H₅), Cp *(ν⁵-C₅Me₅); n = 1, 2) and La(ν³-C₃H₂)₂X(THF)₂ X = Cl, Br, I). Typical ranges of the ¹³⁹La-NMR chemical shifts were found for the different types of complex independent of number and kind of organyl groups directly bonded to lanthanum.

Zusammenfassung

¹³⁹La-NMR-Spektroskopie wurde an einer Reihe anionischer Allyllanthanat(III)-Komplexe der Zusammensetzung ]- [La)ν³-C₃H₅)₄, [Li(C₄H₈)₂][Cp′_nLa(ν³-C₃H₅)_4−n(Cp′ = Cp(ν⁵-C₅H₅); n = 1, 2 und Cp′ = Cp * (ν⁵-C₅Me₅); N = 1) und Li[R_nLa(ν³-C₃H₅)_4−n (R = B(SiMe₃)₂; n = 1, 2 und R = CCSiMe₃; n = 4 sowie neutraler Allyllanthan(III)-Komplexe der Zusammensetzung La(ν³-C₃H₅)₃L_n (L_n = (C₄H₈O₂)_1.5, (HMPT)₂, TMED), Cp′_n, La(ν³-C₃H₅)_3−n (Cp′ = Cp(ν⁵-C₅H₅), Cp * (ν⁵- Cp₅Me₅); n = 1, 2) und La(ν³-Cp₃H₅)₂X(THF)₂ (X = Cl, Br, I) durchgefürt. In Abhängikeit von der Anzahl und der Art der am Lanthan gebundenen Gruppen wurden für die verschieden Komplextypen charakteristische Resonanzbereiche ermittelt.     

Organotin-oxometalate coordination polymer catalyzed oxyfunctionalization of monoterpenes

The organotin-oxometalate coordination polymers [(nBu₃Sn)₂MO₄]·nH₂O (where, M = Mo or W) were prepared by the interaction of nBu₃SnCl with sodium salts of molybdate or tungstate and tested in oxyfunctionalization of monoterpenes with urea hydroperoxide (UHP) as an oxidizing agent. The oxyfunctionalization of monoterpenes gave commercially important products such as epoxides, ketones and hydroxyl derivatives. Among the two catalyst, organotin-oxomolybdate [(nBu₃Sn)₂MoO₄] showed higher activities and epoxide selectivities under selected liquid phase oxyfunctionalization conditions with most of the monoterpenes such as limonene, -pinene, β-pinene, carene, camphene, gerniol and linalool. The integrity of the organotin-oxometalates polymers were confirmed by X-ray diffraction BET surface area, FT-IR, FT-Raman, SEM, TG/DTA and MAS NMR (¹³C, ¹¹⁹Sn) analysis. The effects of reaction parameters on limonene conversions and product selectivities have been studied in detail using [(nBu₃Sn)₂MoO₄] catalyst. There was no leaching of the active catalyst into the reaction medium and catalyst was recyclable without loss in its activity in the oxidation reaction.     

Stabile Bis(η-alkin)MCl2-komplexe; Darstellung und reaktivität

The synthesis and reactivity of {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂} MCl₂ (M = Fe: 3a; M = Co: 3b; M = Ni: 3c) is described. The complexes 3 are accessible by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃) ₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with equimolar amounts of MCl₂ (2) (M = Fe, Co, Ni). 3a reacts with the organic chelat ligands 2,2′-dipyridyl (dipy) (4a) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) (4b) in THF at 25°C to afford in quantitative yields (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) and [Fe(dipy)₂]Cl₂ (5a) or [Fe(phen)₂]Cl₂ (5b). 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n[Ag^IHal]_n (7) (Hal = Cl, Br) react with {(η⁵ -C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CCSiMe₃)₂}FeCl₂ (3a), by replacement of the FeCl₂ building block in 3a, to yield the compounds {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(C CSiMe₃)₂}Cu^IHal (8) or {(η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂Ti(CSiMe₃)₂}Ag^IHal (9) (Hal = Cl, Br), respectively. In 8 and 9 each of the two Me₃SiCC-units is η²-coordinated to monomeric Cu^I Hal or Ag^IHal moieties. Compounds 8 and 9 can also be synthesized by the reaction of (η⁵-C₅H₄SiMe₃)₂ Ti(CSiMe₃)₂ (1) with 1/n[Cu^IHal]_n (6) or 1/n [Ag^IHal]_n (7) in excellent yields. All new compounds have been characterized by analytical and spectroscopic data (IR, ¹H-NMR, MS). The magnetic moments of compounds 3 were measured.     

Modified silicas as supports for single-site zirconocene catalysts

The reactivity of Cp₂ZrCl₂ towards partially dehydroxylated silica was evaluated and the effects of chemical modification of this silica were studied. Different modified silicas were prepared by reaction of the original partially dehydroxylated silica with silicon ethers, EtOSiMe₃ and (Me₃Si)₂O, or a silazane, (Me₃Si)₂NH. The resulting materials were activated with MAO and the catalytic systems were evaluated in ethylene polymerization. The different reactions were monitored by FT-IR spectroscopy. The catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis as well as by infrared and UV–vis spectroscopy. Grafting of organosilanes occurs by reaction with reactive siloxane bridges. The new SiR₃ groups formed on the surface react with Cp₂ZrCl₂ to form volatile ClSiMe₃ and oxo zirconium species. These latter species are active, after the addition of MAO, in ethylene polymerization. The effects caused by changing the nature of the modifier in the grafting reaction with the metallocene, as well as the catalytic activities of the resulting materials, are presented and discussed.     

Supported metallocene catalysts—interactions of (n-BuCp)2HfCl2 with methylaluminoxane and silica

The species on supported olefin polymerisation catalysts consisting of (n-BuCp)₂HfCl₂, methylaluminoxane (MAO) and dehydroxylated silica were identified by EXAFS and UV-Vis spectroscopy. Whereas the reaction of (n-BuCp)₂HfCl₂ with silica leads to a product containing HfO and HfSi non-bonded interactions with concurrent loss of Hf---Cl bonds, the reaction of (n-BuCp)₂HfCl₂ with silica pretreated with methylaluminoxane yields a mixture of several hafnocene species. The bonding features of (n-BuCp)₂HfCl₂ and (n-BuCp)₂HfCl₂/SiO₂ are still present to some extent but with new interactions consistent with hafnocene cation formation. The relative proportions of these species depend strongly on the method of the catalyst preparation.     

茂钛催化剂的苯乙烯间规聚合

比较了几种庞钛化合物/甲基铝氧烷/三甲基铝均相催化剂的苯乙烯间规聚合,认为茂基三正丙氧基钛[CpTi(O－n－Pr)₃]是苯乙烯间规聚合的良好催化剂[催化效率：ω_ps·ω_Ti^-1=4×10⁴g·g^-1]．探索了催化剂浓度、单体浓度、聚合温度和时间对苯乙烯聚合的影响．聚合反应产物用佛丁酮萃取,沸丁酮不可溶级分大于95％,经¹³CNMR分析该级分为间规聚苯乙烯．     

Interaction between Pd and Ag on the surface of silica

Palladium, silver and palladium–silver catalysts supported on silica were prepared by coimpregnation of support with solution of AgNO₃ and Pd(NO₃)₂. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), temperature programmed reduction (TPR), time of flight ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), chemisorption of carbon monoxide and were tested in the reaction of selective oxidation of glucose to gluconic acid.

XRD and TPR studies have shown that an interaction between Pd and Ag on the surface of silica after oxidation at 500 °C and reduction at 260 °C leads to the formation of solid solutions.

ToF-SIMS images of the surface of 5% Ag/SiO₂ catalyst after oxidation at 500 °C and reduction at 260 °C show that Ag atoms supported on silica are not distributed homogenously but tend to form regions of enhanced Ag concentration. Positive ions images of the surface of 5% Pd/SiO₂ catalyst also display regions of enhanced concentration of Pd atoms, but they are more homogenously distributed on silica.

ToF-SIMS peak intensity ratio ¹⁰⁸Pd⁺/¹⁰⁷Ag⁺ for bimetallic 5% Pd–5% Ag/SiO₂ catalysts has a lower value than that obtained for physical mixture 5% Pd/SiO₂–5% Ag/SiO₂ which indicates that the surface of bimetallic catalyst is enriched with silver atoms.     

Immobilization of η-cyclopentadienyltris(dimethylamido)zirconium polymerization catalysts on a chlorosilane- and HMDS-modified mesoporous silica surface: a new concept for supporting metallocene amides towards heterogeneous single-site-catalysts

The modification of a mesoporous silica surface with Si(Ind)(CH₃)₂Cl and the immobilization of CpZr(NMe₂)₃ on this surface was studied via IR-spectroscopy. To reduce side reactions, the indenyl-modified silica was reacted with hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) under IR-control before the CpZr(NMe₂)₃-immobilization. The role of the hydroxyl group protection with HMDS is discussed. The surface modifications have been repeated via Schlenk technique at the same conditions and the surface modifications were studied with ¹³C CP MAS–NMR, ¹H MAS–NMR, elemental-, SEM- and BET-analysis. The surface species of the resulting catalysts are discussed. The precatalysts have been treated with methylaluminoxane (MAO) (Al:Zr (mol:mol)=500:1) and the resulting Zr contents (leaching-effect) are discussed. All catalysts have been tested in ethylene and propylene polymerization.     

Effect of “topotactic” reduction product of molybdenum disulfide on catalytic activity of metallocene catalyst for olefin polymerization

N,N-Dimethylanilinium salt of molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) was developed as a novel cocatalyst for metallocene catalysts. The cocatalyst is composed of N,N-dimethylanilinium ion as a cationic part and “topotactic” reduction product of MoS₂, obtained by acquisition of an electron by neutral host lattice of MoS₂ without structural alteration, as an anionic part. In ethylene polymerization, addition of the N,N-dimethylanilinium salt of MoS₂ to the bis(indenyl)zirconium dichloride (Ind₂ZrCl₂)/triethylaluminum (Et₃Al) catalyst improved the catalytic activity per mmol of Ind₂ZrCl₂. The catalytic activity of this system activated by addition of the cocatalyst depended significantly on the amount of the cocatalyst and the N,N-dimethylanilinium ion content in the cocatalyst. Poly(ethylene) and poly(ethylene-co-1-hexene) obtained with the metallocene catalyst activated by addition of the cocatalyst have typical features such as narrow molecular weight distribution and narrow composition distribution like polymers obtained with conventional metallocene catalysts.     

From polyoxometalates to polyoxoperoxometalates and back again; potential applications

This short review is concerned with sustainable chemistry and recent research progress in catalysis systems for the use of aqueous hydrogen peroxide or dioxygen. Some achievements in the development of catalysts for epoxidations and for carbon–carbon bond cleavage are presented. Special emphasis is placed on fully inorganic systems, some with the dimeric moiety [M₂O₂(μ-O₂)₂(O₂)₂], (M = V, Mo, W) which have more scope than those containing organic ligands or supports, however robust. Oxoperoxometalate species with or without assembling ligands can be used for homogeneous, two-phase and phase-transfer catalyses and to prepare mesoporous materials (M-MCM-41, M-SBA-15, etc.) and supported catalysts for effective immobilization of activated metal peroxo complexes. Moreover, the decomposition of molybdenum and vanadium oxoperoxo species in water and phosphoric acid leads to an elegant method for preparing H_3+n[PMo_12−nV_nO₄₀]·aq (n = 2–9) at room temperature, avoiding the tedious synthesis with diethyl ether extraction. Spectrometric, structural and reactivity data on the precursor complexes lead to a more rational approach to catalysis systems and to the discovery of novel classes of precursors and/or catalysts for the selective transfer of oxygen to organic substrates.     

Synthesis and characterisation of the methylene-inserted mixed-chalcogenide compounds Fe2(CO)6(μ-SeCH2Te) and Fe2(CO)6(μ-SCH2Te)

The methylene-bridged, mixed-chalogen compounds Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-SeCH₂Te) (1) and Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-SCH₂Te) (3) have been synthesised from the room temperature reaction of diazomethane with Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-SeTe) and Fe₂(CO)₆(μ-STe), respectively. Compounds 1 and 3 have been characterised by IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ⁷⁷Se and ¹²⁵Te NMR spectroscopy. The structure of 1 has been elucidated by X-ray crystallography. The crystalsare monoclinic,space group P2₁/n, A = 6.695(2), B = 13.993(5), C = 14.007(4)Å, β = 103.03(2)°, V = 1278(7) ų, Z = 4, D_c = 2.599 g cm⁻³ and R = 0.030 (R_w = 0.047).     

Solid-state static Cu and P CP/MAS NMR, and liquid-state EXAFS studies on copper(I) O,O′-dialkyldithiophosphate cluster compounds: Formation of the copper(I) O,O′-di-iso-amyldithiophosphate cluster compound on the surface of synthetic chalcocite

Polycrystalline octa-nuclear copper(I) O,O′-di-i-propyl- and O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate cluster compounds, {Cu₈[S₂P(OR)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} where R = ⁱPr and ⁱAm, were synthesized and characterized by ³¹P CP/MAS NMR at 8.46 T and static ⁶⁵Cu NMR at multiple magnetic field strengths (7.05, 9.4 and 14.1 T). The symmetries of the electronic environments around the P sites were estimated from the ³¹P chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) parameters, δ_aniso and η. Analyses of the ⁶⁵Cu chemical shift and quadrupolar splitting parameters for these compounds are presented with the data being compared to those for the analogous octa-nuclear cluster compounds with R = ⁿBu and ⁱBu. The ⁶⁵Cu transverse relaxation for the copper sites in {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} was found to be very different, with a relaxation time, T₂, of 590 μs (Gaussian) and 90 μs (exponential), respectively. The structures of {Cu₄[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₄} and {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱPr)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} cluster compounds in the liquid- and the solid-state were studied by Cu K-edge EXAFS. The disulfide, [S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₂, was obtained and characterized by ³¹P{¹H} NMR. The interactions of the disulfide and of the potassium O,O′-di-i-amyldithiophosphate salt with the surfaces of synthetic chalcocite (Cu₂S) were probed using solid-state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy and only the presence of copper(I) dithiophosphate species with the {Cu₈[S₂P(OⁱAm)₂]₆(μ₈-S)} structure was observed.