Synthesis and coordination behavior of Cu(I) bis(phosphaethenyl)pyridine complexes

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