Synthesis and Reactions of Copper(I) Complexes of Methoxytris(2-pyridyl)methane Tripod Ligands with 6-Alkoxy, 6-Aryloxy or 6-Arylsulfanyl Substituent on One Leg

Copper(I) complexes of methoxybis(2-pyridyl)(6-X-2-pyridyl)methane tripod ligands, where X is either methoxy, 4-t-butylphenoxy or 4-t-butylphenylsulfanyl substituent, were synthesized. The equilibrium between [Cu(ligand)]+, [Cu(ligand)2]+, solvated Cu+ ion and the metal-free ligand was examined by 1H NMR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. These complexes reacted with carbon dioxide to give Cu(II) complexes.