Mixed-ligand complexes of copper(I) with Schiff base and triphenylphosphine: Effective catalysts for the amination of aryl halide

Some copper(I) complexes of the type [Cu(L)(PPh3)2]X (1–4) [where L = 2-chloro-(5-trifluoromethyl-phenyl)-pyridine-2-ylethylene-amine; X = Cl−, CN−, ClO4− and BF4−] have been prepared by the condensation of 3-amino-4-chloro-benzotrifluoride with 2-acetylpyridine followed by the reaction with [Cu(MeCN)2(PPh3)2]Cl, [Cu(MeCN)2(PPh3)2]CN, [Cu(MeCN)2(PPh3)2]ClO4 and [Cu(MeCN)2(PPh3)2]BF4. All the complexes 1–4 were characterized on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, UV–visible and 1H NMR spectral studies. The representative complex of the compound 3 has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction which reveals that the central copper(I) ion assumes highly distorted tetrahedral geometry. All the complexes worked as effective catalyst for the amination of aryl halide.