Synthesis, crystal structure and DFT calculations on 2,6-diisopropylphenylcopper; its use in the preparation of dichloro-2,6-diisopropylphenylphosphine

The homoleptic aryl copper reagent [Cu4Dipp4] (Dipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenyl) has been prepared and structurally characterized by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. Its tetrameric structure differs in significant details from that of the previously reported [Cu4Tripp4] (Tripp = 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl). The electronic structure of the cluster has been probed through B3LYP/6311G(2d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G calculations on [Cu4Ph4] constrained to D2d symmetry. The utility of the new copper reagent is demonstrated by the preparation of pure DippPCl2, for which the crystal structure is also reported.

Graphical abstractIn the crystal, the molecules consist of a planar trapezoid of Cu atoms in which each edge is bridged by the ipso carbon atoms of the perpendicularly disposed 2,6-diisopropylphenyl groups. These C atoms are displaced above (left, right) and below (top, bottom) the plane defined by the Cu atoms.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide