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Nucleophilicity at copper(-I) in a compound with a Cu–Mg bond

Author

Listed:
  • Ross A. Jackson

    (University of Bath)

  • Nicholas J. Evans

    (University of Bath)

  • Dawid J. Babula

    (University of Bath
    University of Bath)

  • Thomas M. Horsley Downie

    (University of Bath)

  • Rex S. C. Charman

    (University of Bath)

  • Samuel E. Neale

    (University of Bath)

  • Mary F. Mahon

    (University of Bath)

  • David J. Liptrot

    (University of Bath)

Abstract

Copper is ubiquitous as a structural material, and as a reagent in (bio)chemical transformations. A vast number of chemical reactions rely on the near-inevitable preference of copper for positive oxidation states to make useful compounds. Here we show this electronic paradigm can be subverted in a stable compound with a copper-magnesium bond, which conforms to the formal oxidation state of Cu(-I). The Cu-Mg bond is synthesized by the reaction of an N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligated copper alkoxide with a dimeric magnesium(I) compound. Its identity is confirmed by single-crystal X-ray structural analysis and NMR spectroscopy, and computational investigations provide data consistent with a high charge density at copper. The Cu-Mg bond acts as a source of the cupride anion, transferring the NHC-copper fragment to electrophilic s-, p-, and d-block atoms to make known and new copper-containing compounds.

Suggested Citation

  • Ross A. Jackson & Nicholas J. Evans & Dawid J. Babula & Thomas M. Horsley Downie & Rex S. C. Charman & Samuel E. Neale & Mary F. Mahon & David J. Liptrot, 2025. "Nucleophilicity at copper(-I) in a compound with a Cu–Mg bond," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-56544-z
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-56544-z
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