Reactivity of Copper(I) Complexes Supported by Tripodal Nitrogen-containing Tetradentate Ligands toward Gaseous Diatomic Molecules, NO, CO and O2

Abstract

A series of Cu(I) complexes supported by nitrogen-based tetradentate ligands were examined for their reactivity toward nitric oxide (NO). The copper complexes generated the corresponding Cu(II)-nitrite complexes in the presence of an excess molar amount of NO. Higher reactivity of the Cu(I) complex toward NO was observed with more negative Cu(I/II) redox potential, as their reactivity toward O₂ and CO. [Cu^I(tepa)]⁺ with the most positive oxidation potential only reacts with NO among the diatomic gaseous molecule (NO, O₂, and CO) examined in this study. DFT studies explained that the reactivity of Cu–NO complex is the key of the selectivity rather than its coordination bond stability.