Electron transfer induced topological reorganisations in copper complexes of N-tetrasubstituted tetraazamacrocycles

The electrochemical reduction of penta- and hexacoordinated copper(I) complexes deriving from N-tetraalkyl substituted cyclams bearing functionalised side arms with coordinating groups generates very labile copper(I) derivatives. The topological reorganisations of the coordination shell induced by electron transfer can be depicted as successive and reversible decoordination processes associated with a modification of the configuration of the cyclam moiety. They are compared to the dynamic scheme observed upon reduction of tetramethylcyclam analogues.