Bridging Stability and Reactivity: Novel Dinucleating Ligand With Rigid Backbone Stabilizes a Cu 2 O 2 Side‐On Peroxido Structure

European Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, vol. 29

Abstract

Following the goal to move chemical reactions toward more sustainable approaches, this work focuses on selective oxidative conversions of organic substrates. Inspired by the enzyme tyrosinase, a copper model complex was designed and synthesized. The ligand design was derived from previous research within this group, resulting in a dinucleating tridentate bis(pyrazolyl)methane ligand with an aromatic group as the bridging unit. Oxygenation of the corresponding Cu(I) precursor complex leads to the formation of a Cu 2 O 2 species at room temperature. In addition to its catalytic activity towards selected phenolic substrates, this species exhibits remarkable stability towards temperature and water. Characterization via UV/Vis spectroscopy and mass spectrometry indicates the formation of a side‐on µ‐η 2 :η 2 ‐peroxido species. The exceptional stability of this Cu 2 O 2 complex might pave the way for new and versatile applications of tyrosinase model complexes.

Authors 4

1. Rosalie Dalhoff Aachen Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Aachen DE Germany

2. Christine Charlotte Müller Aachen Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Aachen DE Germany

3. Alexander Hoffmann Aachen Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Aachen DE Germany

4. Sonja Herres‐Pawlis corresponding Aachen Institute of Inorganic Chemistry

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Inorganic Chemistry RWTH Aachen University Aachen DE Germany