Distinct Reactivity Modes of a Copper Hydride Enabled by an Intramolecular Lewis Acid

We disclose a 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) ligand featuring an appended boron Lewis acid. Metalation with Cu(I) affords a series of tetrahedral complexes including a boron-capped cuprous hydride. We demonstrate distinct reactivity modes as a function of chemical oxidation: hydride transfer to CO2 in the copper(I) state and oxidant-induced H2 evolution as well as alkyne reduction.

Automated summary

Researchers disclosed a ligand with an appended boron Lewis acid and successfully synthesized a series of tetrahedral complexes, including a boron-capped cuprous hydride, by metalation with Cu(I). Different reactivity modes were demonstrated depending on the chemical oxidation state, including hydride transfer to CO2 in the copper(I) state, oxidant-induced H2 evolution, and alkyne reduction.