Synthesis, characterization and reactivity of copper(I) imidazole complexes based on a cavitand ligand design

Two new cavitand-based imidazolyl ligands and their corresponding copper(I) complexes are reported; the tris(imidazole) complex is substitutionally inert while the bis(imidazole) complex readily reacts with CO, PMe3, N-3(-) and SCN-.