Deepika Virendra Karade / Chemistry & Biochemistry / Faculty Mentor: Rasika Dias
Our study unveils the remarkable influence of phenanthroline-based ligands with bulky aryl groups on the synthesis and in-depth exploration of ethylene complexes of copper(I), silver(I), and gold(I). Through meticulous structural analysis, we present compelling data, including [{2,9-bis(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-1,10-phenanthroline}M(C2H4)][SbF6] (M = Cu, Ag, Au), supplemented by the discovery of a copper(I)-ethylene complex featuring a highly fluorinated ligand. Of particular note is the profound effect of gold(I) on the ethylene moiety, as evidenced by striking upfield coordination shifts observed in the carbon signals of NMR spectra and the consequential lengthening of the ethylene C=C bond. In contrast, silver(I) demonstrates the weakest bond formation with ethylene among the series of isoleptic, group 11 metal-ethylene complexes investigated. Moreover, our preliminary catalytic investigations illuminate the exceptional potential of copper complexes, particularly those harboring weakly coordinating supporting ligands, as robust catalysts for C(sp3)–H functionalization via trifluoromethyl carbene insertion. These findings not only advance our understanding of metal-ligand interactions but also underscore the promising role of these complexes in catalysis, offering new avenues for efficient and selective organic transformations.
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