Pyridine-derived dinuclear copper complexes: Synthesis, structure, characterization, and reactivity with small molecules

Metal-metal distances in bimetallic complexes play an important role in modulating reactivity. However, many
\ndinucleating ligands predetermine an intermetallic distance with the incorporation of a rigid bridging unit that
\nbonds to both metal centers. To investigate the influence of ligand flexibility on the reactivity of dinuclear
\ntransition metal complexes, a flexible, robust, pyridine-derived ligand framework that supports a range of
\nmetal-metal distances was synthesized. Using this ligand, a dinuclear copper(I) complex has been
\nsynthesized and characterized in soln. and the solid state, revealing the ligand's flexible geometry and the
\nmetals' coordinative lability. The complex's reactivity with small mols., including oxygen and carbon dioxide, has
\nalso been investigated.