Pyridine-derived dinuclear copper complexes: Synthesis, structure, characterization, and reactivity with small molecules

Metal-metal distances in bimetallic complexes play an important role in modulating reactivity. However, many dinucleating ligands predetermine an intermetallic distance with the incorporation of a rigid bridging unit that bonds to both metal centers. To investigate the influence of ligand flexibility on the reactivity of dinuclear transition metal complexes, a flexible, robust, pyridine-derived ligand framework that supports a range of metal-metal distances was synthesized. Using this ligand, a dinuclear copper(I) complex has been synthesized and characterized in soln. and the solid state, revealing the ligand's flexible geometry and the metals' coordinative lability. The complex's reactivity with small mols., including oxygen and carbon dioxide, has also been investigated.