A Stable and Photoreactive Copper-Iodide Cubane Suitable for Direct Post-Functionalization

Tetranuclear copper-iodide cluster consisting of a {Cu4I4} cubane and diphenylphosphine ligand has been found as a highly stable precursor for further post-functionalization through hydrophosphination reaction. UV irradiation of the cluster in the presence of various alkenes allows direct functionalization of the latter, giving access to a wide range of copper cubane complexes, a source of molecular diversity for luminescent materials. Such a strategy provided access to the first example of water-soluble luminescent cubane copper iodide.

Automated summary

A tetranuclear copper-iodide cluster has been identified as a stable precursor for further post-functionalization, allowing the direct functionalization of alkenes and providing access to a wide range of luminescent copper cubane complexes, including the first example of water-soluble luminescent cubane copper iodide.