Hydrotris(3-mesitylpyrazolyl)borato-copper(i) alkyne complexes: synthesis, structural characterization and rationalization of their activities as alkyne cyclopropenation catalysts

The use of the bulky hydrotris(3-mesitylpyrazolyl)borate anionic ligand has allowed the synthesis of stable Tp(Ms)Cu(alkyne) complexes (alkyne = 1-hexyne, 1, phenylacetylene, 2, and ethyl propiolate, 3). The spectroscopic and structural features of these compounds and their relative reactivity have been examined, indicating the existence of a low π back-bonding from the copper(I) centre to the alkyne. Ligand exchange experiments have shown that terminal alkyne adducts are more stable than internal alkyne analogues. In good accordance with this, the previously reported alkyne cyclopropenation reaction catalysed by the Tp(x)Cu complexes can be rationalized and correlated with their relative stability.