Synthesis and characterization of tris(triphenylphosphane)copper(I) nitrate dimer and its applications as precursor of copper oxide nanorods

The physico-chemical properties of tris(triphenylphosphane)copper(I) nitrate dimer (1) have been investigated. 1 exists as dimer in which one nitrate group acts as a bridge between two Cu(I) centers to complete the tetrahedral coordination about the metal while another nitrate is present as an anion to neutralize the [{(Ph3P)3Cu}2NO3]+ cation. The thermal behavior of the compound is assessed by TGA analysis. The compound sublimes, without premature side decompositions, at 295 °C. Residue analysis indicates that the compound can be a potential precursor for nanostructured copper oxides. TEM images for the decomposed product indicate the formation of rods in the nanometer range.