Convenient synthesis of copper (I) thiolates and related compounds

Copper (I) salts of various anions including thiolates, diethyl dithiocarbamate, diethyl dithiophosphate, trithiocyanurate, 1-cyano-3-methylisothiourea, 2-aminothiazole, and tetrakis(1-imidazolyl)borate are conveniently synthesized by reducing copper (II) sulfate in aqueous ammonia. The addition of phosphine ligands to several of the products is demonstrated, and the crystal structure of [Cu2(MBT)2(DPPE)3] · Et2O (MBT = 2-mercaptobenzothiazolate, DPPE = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane) is reported.