A tetrameric copper(I) alkoxide with a π-tethered ligand: 2-allyl-6-methylphenoxocopper(I)

The complex 2-allyl-6-methylphenoxocopper(I) has been prepared by reaction between mesitylcopper(I) and 2-allyl-6-methylphenol. Crystallographic studies show that the compound is tetrameric with a distorted cubane-type copper(I)-oxygen core, and with additional π-coordination of the ligand to copper through the alkene functionality (ν(CC)=1520 cm−1). The ligands thus act both as chelates and as bridges between adjacent copper(I) centres. Copper(I) exhibits trigonal pyramidal coordination geometry with CuC distances to the CC group of 1.976(9) and 2.017(11) Å and CuO distances of 1.973(6), 2.021(6) and 2.577(6) Å, respectively.