Complex of copper(II) with phenoxo and hexamethylphosphoramide ligands and its decomposition

The 2,4,6-trichlorophenoxo–hexamethylphosphoramide(HMPA)–copper(II) complex was isolated by the reaction of copper(II) chloride with 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, sodium methoxide, and HMPA in methanol solvent under an atmosphere of nitrogen. This complex has the composition of Cu·HMPA·2(C₆H₂Cl₃O). The molecular weight determination was consistent with the copper(II) complex of binuclear structure. The infrared, electronic, and ESR spectra and magnetic susceptibility of the copper(II) complex are discussed in relation to its structure. Decomposition of the copper(II) complex in refluxing benzene yielded poly(dichlorophenylene oxide), coupling product of the 2,4,6-trichlorophenoxo ligand of the copper(II) complex. Electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements on the copper(II) complex in the solid state in a degassed sealed tube at 120 ± 5°C indicated that the phenoxy radical was generated during the period of decomposition and the intensity of the ESR spectra based on copper(II) ion decreased with the measurement time. From these ESR spectra, a possible initial step involving one electron transfer of the decomposition of the 2,4,6-trichlorophenoxo–HNPA–copper(II) complex is discussed.