Bis(dimethylamino)trifluoromethylsulfonium Salze: [CF3S(NMe2)2]+[Me3SiF2]‐, [CF3S(NMe2)2]+[HF2]‐ und [CF3S(NMe2)2]+[CF3S]‐

Bis(dimethylamino)trifluoro sulfonium Salts: [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺[Me₃SiF₂]^‐, [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺ [HF₂]^‐ and [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺[CF₃S]^‐ From the reaction of CF₃SF₃ with an excess of Me₂NSiMe₃ [CF₃(NMe₂)₂]⁺[Me₃SiF₂]^‐ (CF₃‐BAS‐fluoride) ( 5 ), from CF₃SF₃/CF₃SSCF₃ and Me₂NSiMe₃ [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺‐ [CF₃S]^‐ ( 7 ) are isolated. Thermal decomposition of 5 gives [CF₃S(NMe₂)₂]⁺ [HF₂]^‐ ( 6 ). Reaction pathways are discussed, the structures of 5 ‐ 7 are reported.     

Synthesis of Substituted Pyrrolo[3,4‐a]carbazoles

The cycloaddition between N‐protected 3‐{1‐[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]ethenyl}‐1H‐indoles and substituted maleimides (= 1H‐pyrrole‐2,5‐diones) yielded substituted pyrrolo[3,4‐a]carbazole derivatives bearing an additional succinimide (= pyrrolidine‐2,5‐dione) moiety either at C(5a) or C(10b) depending on the type of the protection group at the indole N‐atom. Derivatives substituted at C(10b) were isolated when the protection group, Me₃Si or Boc (^tBuOCO), was eliminated during the reaction (Schemes 2 and 3), whereas a substitution at C(5a) was observed when an electron‐withdrawing group, Tos (4‐MeC₆H₄SO₂) or pivaloyl (Me₃CCO), was not eliminated (Scheme 1). Complex results were found in reactions between 1‐(trimethylsilyl)‐3‐{1‐[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]ethenyl}‐1H‐indole, in contrast to formerly reported results (Scheme 3). Some derivatives of 1H,5H‐[1,2,4]triazolo[1′,2 : 1,2]pyridazino[3,4‐b]indole‐1,3(2H)‐dione were obtained from reactions with 4‐phenyl‐3H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐3,5(4H)‐dione (Scheme 2). All structures were established by spectroscopic data, by calculations, and one representative structure was confirmed by an X‐ray crystallographic analysis (Fig.). Finally, the formation of the different structure types was discussed, and compared with similar reactions reported in the literature.     

The preparation and x-ray structure of [P(C2H5)4]+[N3]− and the attempted preparation of [PH4]+[N3]−

Tetraethylphosphonium azide, [P(C₂H₅)₄ ]⁺[N₃ ]⁻, was prepared from tetraethyl phosphonium bromide and silver azide. Single crystals of [P(C₂H₅)₄ ]⁺[N₃ ]⁻ were grown from dichloromethane/THF (10:1) solution. The structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. [P(C₂H₅)₄ ]⁺[N₃ ]⁻ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C 2/c with Z = 4 and unit cell dimensions a = 12.961(6), b = 6.835(3), c = 12.378(6) Å, and β = 100.57(4)°. The attempted preparation of phosphonium azide [PH₄]⁺[N₃]⁻ from phosphonium iodide and silver azide lead instead to the formation of PH₃ and HN₃. The instability of [PH₄]⁺[N₃]⁻ with respect to PH₃ and HN₃ is in accord with thermodynamic considerations according to which the reaction PH₃(g) and HN₃(g) to yield [PH₄ ]⁺[N₃ ]⁻ is thermodynamically unfavorable. (Non SI units employed: kcal ≈ 4.184 J, Å = 10⁻¹⁰ m.) © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 9:129–132, 1998     

Pertechnetyl Fluorosulfate, [TcO3]+[SO3F]−

A one step synthesis of [TcO₃]⁺[SO₃F]^? is reported. The compound is volatile at room temperature and has according to calculations a tetrahedral coordination around Tc and a monodentate SO₃F group. In the solid state the [SO₃F]^? anion bridges three [TcO₃]⁺ cations, and vice versa. Space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, lattice dimensions at 173 K: a = 695.4(11), b = 808.6(12), c = 893.3(14) pm, β = 97.36(8)°.     

Synthese und Eigenschaften von [Ph2(Carb)P]AlCl4 (Carb = 2,3‐Dihydro‐1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐yliden) – ein stabiler Carben‐Komplex des dreiwertigen Phosphors [1]

Synthesis and Properties of [Ph₂(Carb)P]AlCl₄ (Carb = 2,3‐Dihydro‐1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene) – a Stable Carbene Complex of Trivalent Phosphorus [1] 2,3‐Dihydro‐1,3‐diisopropyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene ( 7 , Carb) reacts with chlorodiphenylphosphane to give the cationic phosphane [Ph₂(Carb)P]Cl ( 10 ) which is transferred to the more stable salt [Ph₂(Carb)]AlCl₄ ( 13 ) on treatment with AlCl₃. The cationic phosphane selenide [Ph₂(Carb)PSe]AlCl₄ ( 14 ) is obtained from 13 and selenium. Spectroscopic and structural data indicate [Ph₂(Carb)P]⁺ to be a cationic analogue of Ph₃P. The X‐ray structure of 13 is reported.     

Chloro‐N′,N′‐dimethylformamidinium‐(dimethylcyanamid)trichloroberyllat, [Me2NC(Cl)NH2]+[BeCl3(NCNMe2)]−

Chloro‐N′,N′‐dimethylformamidinium‐(dimethylcyanamide)trichloroberyllate, [Me₂NC(Cl)NH₂]⁺[BeCl₃(NCNMe₂)]^? Chloro‐N′,N′‐dimethylformamidinium‐(dimethylcyanamide)trichloroberyllate, [Me₂NC(Cl)NH₂]⁺[BeCl₃(NCNMe₂)]^? was prepared from BeCl₂ with two equivalents of dimethylcyanamide in CH₂Cl₂ suspension. The compound was characterized by X‐ray crystallography and by IR spectroscopy. Space group , Z = 2, lattice dimensions at 193 K: a = 620.7(1), b = 744.9(2), c = 1520.3(3) pm, α = 96.87(2)°, β = 100.41(2)°, γ = 100.17(2)°, R₁ = 0.0443. Cations and anions form N–H…Cl hydrogen bridges along [010].     

The synthesis of tetraphenylarsonium azide, [Ph4As]+[N3]−, and the attempted preparation of tetraphenylarsonium azidodithiocarbonate, [Ph4As]+[SCSN3]−

Tetraphenylarsonium azide was prepared from the reaction of tetraphenylarsonium chloride monohydrate and sodium azide in aqueous solution. [Ph₄As]⁺[N₃]⁻ crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P_nma with Z = 4 and unit cell dimensions a = 16.539(2), b = 10.879(2), and c = 12.671(2) Å. The preparation of the compound [Ph₄As]⁺[SCSN₃]⁻ was also attempted; however, it was found that at temperatures ≥0°C, this compound always decomposed into the tetraphenylarsonium thiocyanate, [Ph₄As]⁺[SCN]⁻. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 10: 325–329, 1999     

Phosphaniminato-Trichloroselenate(II): Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von [SeCl(NPPh3)2]+SeCl3− und [Me3SiN(H)PMe3]2+[Se2Cl6]2−

Phosphorane Iminato-Trichloroselenates(II): Syntheses and Crystal Structures of [SeCl(NPPh₃)₂]⁺SeCl₃^? and [Me₃SiN(H)PMe₃]₂⁺[Se₂Cl₆]^2? [SeCl(NPPh₃)₂]⁺SeCl₃^? has been synthesized by the reaction of Se₂Cl₂ with Me₃SiNPPh₃ in acetonitrile solution, forming orangered crystals, whereas red crystals of [Me₃SiN(H)PMe₃]₂⁺[Se₂Cl₆]^2? were obtained by the reaction of Me₃SiNPMe₃ with SeOCl₂ in acetonitrile solution. Both complexes were characterized by X-ray structure determinations. [SeCl(NPPh₃)₂]⁺SeCl₃^?: Space group P2₁/n, Z = 4, structure solution with 7 489 observed unique reflections, R = 0.057. Lattice dimensions at ?60°C: a = 1 117.0; b = 2 241, c = 1 407.5 pm, β = 95.61°. In the cation [SeCl(NPPh₃)₂]⁺ the selenium atom is φ-tetrahedrally coordinated by the chlorine atom and by the nitrogen atoms of the phosphorane iminato ligands, whereas the anion SeCl₃^? has a T-shaped structure with φ-trigonal-bipyramidale surrounding of the selenium atom. [Me₃SiN(H)PMe₃]₂⁺[Se₂Cl₆]^2?: Space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, structure solution with 2 093 observed unique reflections, R = 0.080. Lattice dimensions at ?70°C: a = 956, b = 828, c = 1 973 pm, β = 93.80°. The structure consists of [Me₃SiN(H)PMe₃]⁺ ions and planar [Se₂Cl₆]^2? anions, in which the selenium atoms are bridged nearly symmetrically by two chlorine atoms.     

AlCl3 · 2NH3 – eine Verbindung mit der Kristallstruktur eines Tetraammindichloroaluminium-tetrachloroaluminats – [AlCl2(NH3)4]+[AlCl4]−

ACl₃ · 2NH₃ – a Compound with the Crystal Structure of a Tetraammine Dichloroaluminiumtetrachloroaluminate – [AlCl₂(NH₃)₄]⁺[AlCl₄]^? Ammoniates of aluminiumchloride AlCl₃ · xNH₃ are in discussion as starting materials for the synthesis of aluminiumnitride. Therefore the reactions of melts of monoamminealuminiumchloride with ammonia were investigated. They react at 150°C within 10 min with one mole of ammonia to the diammoniate, [AlCl₂(NH₃)₄]⁺[AlCl₄]^?. The pure compound can be obtained by sublimation at 200°C in vacuumline apparatus. X-ray structure determination on [AlCl₂(NH₃)₄]⁺[AlCl₄]^? was carried out: see “Inhaltsübersicht”.     

Synthesis and Properties of the Weakly Coordinating Anion [Me3NB12Cl11]−

The weakly coordinating anion [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? has been prepared by a simple two‐step procedure. The anion [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? is easily obtained in batches of up to 20 g by chlorination of the known [H₃NB₁₂H₁₁]^? anion with SbCl₅ at about 190 °C and subsequent N‐methylation with methyl iodide. Starting from Na[Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁], several synthetically useful salts with reactive cations ([NO]⁺, [Ph₃C]⁺, and [(Et₃Si)₂H]⁺) were prepared. Full spectroscopic (NMR, IR, Raman, TGA, MS) characterization and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies confirmed the identity and purity of the products. The thermal, chemical, and electrochemical stability as well as the basicity of the [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? anion is similar to that of the structurally related weakly coordinating 1‐carba‐closo‐dodecaborate and closo‐dodecaborate anions. The facile preparation of the [Me₃NB₁₂Cl₁₁]^? anion and its ideal chemical and physical properties make it a cheap alternative to other classes of weakly coordinating anions.     

[Bis(imidazolyl)–BH2]+[Bis(triazolyl)–BH2]− Ionic Liquids with High Density and Energy Capacity

[Bis(imidazolyl)–BH₂]⁺[bis(triazolyl)–BH₂]^? and [bis(imidazolyl)–BH₂]⁺[tris(triazolyl)–BH]^? were synthesized, the cations and anions of which were functionalized with B?H groups and azoles. As B?H groups contribute to the hypergolic activity and azole groups improve the energy output, the resulting ionic liquids exhibited ignition delay times as low as 20 ms and energy outputs as high as 461.1 kJ mol^?1. In addition, densities (1.07–1.22 g cm^?3) and density‐specific impulse (≈360 s g cm^?3) values reached a relatively high level. These ionic liquids show great promise as sustainable rocket fuels.     

Alkylidinphosphane und -arsane. I [P ≡ C?S]−[Li(dme)3]+ – Synthese und Struktur

Alkylidynephosphanes and -arsanes. I [P ≡ C? S]^?[Li(dme)₃]⁺ – Synthesis and Structure O,O′-Diethyl thiocarbonate and bis(tetrahydrofuran)-lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanide dissolved in 1,2-dimethoxyethane, react below 0°C to give ethoxy trimethylsilane and tris(1,2-dimethoxyethane-O,O′)lithium 2λ³-phosphaethynylsulfanide – [P≡C? S]^? [Li(dme)₃]⁺ – ( 1a ). Apart from bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfane or carbon oxide sulfide, dark red concentrated solutions of λ³-phosphaalkyne 1 are also obtained from reactions of carbon disulfide with bis(tetrahydrofuran)-lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)phosphanide or with the homologous lithoxy-methylidynephosphane ( 2 ) [1]. The ir spectrum shows two absorptions at 1762 and 747 cm^?1 characteristic for the P≡C and C? S stretching vibrations. The nmr parameters {δ(³¹P) ? 121.3; δ(¹³C) 190.8 ppm; ¹J_CP 18.2 Hz} resemble much more values of diorganylamino-2λ³-phosphaalkynes than those of bis(1,2-dimethoxyethane-O,O′)lithoxy-methylidyne-phosphane ( 2a ). As found by an X-ray structure analysis (P2₁/c; a = 1192.6(16); b = 1239.1(19); c = 1414.8(26) pm; β = 105.91(13)° at ?100 ± 3°C; Z = 4 formula units; wR = 0.064) of pale yellow crystals (mp. + 16°C) isolated from the reaction with O,O′-diethyl thiocarbonate, the solid is built up of separate [P≡C? S]^? and [Li(dme)₃]⁺ ions. Typical bond lengths and angles are: P≡C 155.5(11); C? S 162.0(11); Li? O 206.4(17) to 220.3(20) pm; P≡C? S 178.9(7)°.     

The Protonation of HSO3F: Preparation and Characterization of Fluorodihydroxyoxosulfonium Hexafluoroantimonate [H2SO3F]+[SbF6]−

Sulfurtrioxide reacts with the superacidic solutions XF/SbF₅ (X=H, D) to form the corresponding salts [X₂SO₃F]⁺[SbF₆]^?, which are the protonated forms of fluorosulfuric acid. The salts have been characterized by vibrational spectroscopy and a single‐crystal structure analysis. [H₂SO₃F]⁺[SbF₆]^? crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (no. 14) with four formula units in the unit cell. The crystal structure possesses a distorted tetrahedral O₃SF skeleton of the cations, which are linked with two strong hydrogen bridges to [SbF₆]^? anions and forms a one‐dimensional chain. The crystal structure and the vibrational spectra are compared to the quantum‐chemical‐calculated free [H₂SO₃F]⁺ cation. Additionally, an [H₂SO₃F(HF)₂]⁺ unit was calculated at the RHF/6‐311⁺⁺G(d,p) level to simulate H???F hydrogen bridges found in the solid state.     

From Ion‐Like Ethylzinc Aluminates to [EtZn(arene)2]+[Al(ORF)4]− Salts

Attempts to prepare previously unknown simple and very Lewis acidic [RZn]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salts from ZnR₂, AlR₃, and HO?R^F delivered the ion‐like RZn(Al(OR^F)₄) (R=Me, Et; R^F=C(CF₃)₃) with a coordinated counterion, but never the ionic compound. Increasing the steric bulk in RZn⁺ to R=CH₂CMe₃, CH₂SiMe₃, or Cp*, thus attempting to induce ionization, failed and led only to reaction mixtures including anion decomposition. However, ionization of the ion‐like EtZn(Al(OR^F)₄) compound with arenes yielded the [EtZn(arene)₂]⁺[Al(OR^F)₄]^? salts with arene=toluene, mesitylene, or o‐difluorobenzene (o‐DFB)/toluene. In contrast to the ion‐like EtZn(η³‐C₆H₆)(CHB₁₁Cl₁₁), which co‐crystallizes with one benzene molecule, the less coordinating nature of the [Al(OR^F)₄]^? anion allowed the ionization and preparation of the purely organometallic [EtZn(arene)₂]⁺ cation. These stable materials have further applications as, for example, initiators of isobutene polymerization. DFT calculations to compare the Lewis acidities of the zinc cations to those of a large number of organometallic cations were performed on the basis of fluoride ion affinity. The complexation energetics of EtZn⁺ with arenes and THF was assessed and related to the experiments.     

Synthese und Kristallstrukturen von heteronuklearen AgI/FeII‐Koordinationspolymeren: (Me3PhN)2[Ag2Fe(SCN)6], (Me3PhN)6[Ag6Fe3(ECN)18] (E = S,Se) und (Me3PhN)4[Ag2Fe(SCN)8]

The reaction of AgSCN with (Me₃PhN)₃[Fe(NCS)₆] in DMF yields two‐dimensional polymeric, heteronuclear complexes (Me₃PhN)₂[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₆] ( 1 ) and (Me₃PhN)₆[Ag₆Fe₃(SCN)₁₈] · CH₂Cl₂·DMF ( 2a ) with bridging SCN^? ligands, whereas additional (Me₃PhN)(SCN) leads to (Me₃PhN)₄[Ag₂Fe(SCN)₈] ( 3 ) with a one‐dimensional structure. The selenocyanato complex 2b , homologous to 2a , could also be prepared. Single crystal X‐ray structure determinations show, that the Ag⁺ ions in 1 and 2a are coordinated tetrahedrally by four S atoms, in 3 by one N and three S atoms of the bridging SCN^? ligands; six N atoms of the SCN^? or SeCN^? ligands bind to Fe²⁺ in an octahedral arrangement.     

B−B Bond Nucleophilicity in a Tetraaryl μ‐Hydridodiborane(4) Anion

The tetraaryl μ‐hydridodiborane(4) anion [ 2 H]^? possesses nucleophilic B?B and B?H bonds. Treatment of K[ 2 H] with the electrophilic 9‐H‐9‐borafluorene (HBFlu) furnishes the B₃ cluster K[ 3 ], with a triangular boron core linked through two BHB two‐electron, three‐center bonds and one electron‐precise B?B bond, reminiscent of the prominent [B₃H₈]^? anion. Upon heating or prolonged stirring at room temperature, K[ 3 ] rearranges to a slightly more stable isomer K[ 3 a ]. The reaction of M[ 2 H] (M⁺=Li⁺, K⁺) with MeI or Me₃SiCl leads to equimolar amounts of 9‐R‐9‐borafluorene and HBFlu (R=Me or Me₃Si). Thus, [ 2 H]^? behaves as a masked [:BFlu]^? nucleophile. The HBFlu by‐product was used in situ to establish a tandem substitution‐hydroboration reaction: a 1:1 mixture of M[ 2 H] and allyl bromide gave the 1,3‐propylene‐linked ditopic 9‐borafluorene 5 as sole product. M[ 2 H] also participates in unprecedented [4+1] cycloadditions with dienes to furnish dialkyl diaryl spiroborates, M[R₂BFlu].     

3,4‐Lutidinium salts with the diiodidoaurate(I) anion: structure of [(3,4‐lut)2H]+·[AuI2]− and of two polymorphs of [(3,4‐lut)2H+]2·[AuI2]−·I−

Reactions between potassium tetraiodidoaurate(III) and pyridine (py, C₅H₅N) or 3,4‐lutidine (3,4‐dimethylpyridine, 3,4‐lut, C₇H₉N) were tested as possible sources of azaaromatic complexes of gold(III) iodide, but all identifiable products contained gold(I). The previously known structure dipyridinegold(I) diiodidoaurate(I), [Au(py)₂]⁺·[AuI₂]⁻, ( 3 ) [Adams et al. (1982). Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 485 , 81–91], was redetermined at 100 K. The reactions with 3,4‐lutidine gave three different types of crystal in small quantities. 3,4‐Dimethylpyridine–3,4‐dimethylpyridinium diiodidoaurate(I), [(3,4‐lut)₂H]⁺·[AuI₂]⁻, ( 1 ), consists of an [AuI₂]⁻ anion on a general position and two [(3,4‐lut)₂H]⁺ cations across twofold axes. Bis(3,4‐dimethylpyridine–3,4‐dimethylpyridinium) diiodidoaurate(I) iodide, [(3,4‐lut)₂H⁺]₂·[AuI₂]⁻·I⁻, ( 2 ), crystallizes as two polymorphs, each forming pseudosymmetric inversion twins, in the space groups P2₁ and Pc (but resembling P2₁/m and P2/c), respectively. These are essentially identical layer structures differing only in their stacking patterns and thus might be regarded as polytypes.     

[DBU‐H]+ and H2o as effective catalyst form for 2,3‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidin‐4(1H)‐ones: A DFT Study

DFT investigations are carried out to explore the effective catalyst forms of DBU and H₂O and the mechanism for the formation of 2,3‐dihydropyrido[2,3‐d]‐pyrimidin‐4(1H)‐ones. Three main pathways are disclosed under unassisted, water‐catalyzed, DBU and water cocatalyzed conditions, which involves concerted nucleophilic addition and H‐transfer, concerted intramolecular cyclization and H‐transfer, and Dimroth rearrangement to form the product. The results indicated that the DBU and water cocatalyzed pathway is the most favored one as compared to the rest two pathways. The water donates one H to DBU and accepts H from 2‐amino‐nicotinonitrile ( 1 ), forming [DBU‐H]⁺‐H₂O as effective catalyst form in the proton migration transition state rather than [DBU‐H]⁺‐OH^?. The hydrogen bond between [DBU‐H]⁺···H₂O··· 1 ^? decreases the activation barrier of the rate‐determining step. Our calculated results open a new insight for the green catalyst model of DBU‐H₂O. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Chirale Halbsandwich‐Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl‐Rhodium(III)‐ und Iridium(III)‐Komplexe mit Schiff‐Basen aus Salicylaldehyd und α‐Aminosäureestern [1]

Chiral Half‐sandwich Pentamethylcyclopentadienyl Rhodium(III) and Iridium(III) Complexes with Schiff Bases from Salicylaldehyde and α‐Amino Acid Esters [1] A series of diastereoisomeric half‐sandwich complexes with Schiff bases from salicylaldehyde and L‐α‐amino acid esters including chiral metal atoms, [(η⁵‐C₅H₅)(Cl)M(N,O‐Schiff base)], has been obtained from chloro bridged complexes [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)(Cl)M(μ‐Cl)]₂ (M = Rh, Ir). Abstraction of chloride from these complexes with Ag[BF₄] or Ag[SO₃CF₃] affords the highly sensitive compounds [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(N,O‐Schiff base]⁺X^? (M = Rh, Ir; X = BF₄, CF₃SO₃) to which PPh₃ can be added under formation of [(η⁵‐C₅Me₅)M(PPh₃)(N,O‐Schiff base)]⁺X^?. The diastereoisomeric ratio of the complexes ( 1 ‐ 7 and 11 ‐ 12 ) has been determined from NMR spectra.     

Easy Access to the Copper(III) Anion [Cu(CF3)4]−

CuCl or pre‐generated CuCF₃ reacts with CF₃SiMe₃/KF in DMF in air to give [Cu(CF₃)₄]^? quantitatively. [PPN]⁺, [Me₄N]⁺, [Bu₄N]⁺, [PhCH₂NEt₃]⁺, and [Ph₄P]⁺ salts of [Cu(CF₃)₄]^? were prepared and isolated spectroscopically and analytically pure in 82–99 % yield. X‐ray structures of the [PPN]⁺, [Me₄N]⁺, [Bu₄N]⁺, and [Ph₄P]⁺ salts were determined. A new synthetic strategy with [Cu(CF₃)₄]^? was demonstrated, involving the removal of one CF₃^? from the Cu atom in the presence of an incoming ligand. A novel Cu^III complex [(bpy)Cu(CF₃)₃] was thus prepared and fully characterized, including by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The bpy complex is highly fluxional in solution, the barrier to degenerate isomerization being only 2.3 kcal mol^?1. An NPA study reveals a huge difference in the charge on the Cu atom in [Cu(CR₃)₄]^? for R=F (+0.19) and R=H (+0.46), suggesting a higher electron density on Cu in the fluorinated complex.