Dramatic tuning of ligand donor properties in (Ttz)CuCO through remote binding of H+ (Ttz = hydrotris(triazolyl)borate)

Abstract

Complexes with bulky hydrotris(triazolyl)borate (Ttz) ligands, TtzCuCO, were used to probe how acids change the donor properties of Ttz ligands. (TtzBu,Me)CuCO shows four distinct protonation states and a gradual increase in the CO stretch. The increased electrophilic nature of the Cu center upon protonation leads to enhanced C-H activation catalysis. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.