Abstract
An efficient way to generate [(L)CuO](+) complexes with a number of monodentate and bidentate ligands (L) from their [(L)Cu(ClO3)](+) precursors by electrospray ionization was herein explored. Further, we studied [(L)CuO](+) with L = 9,10-phenanthraquinone, 1,10- phenanthroline, and acetonitrile in detail.
The signature of these terminal copper-oxo complexes was found to be elimination of the oxygen atom upon collisional activation. We investigated and compared their reactions with water, ethane, ethylene, and 1,4-cyclohexadiene.
The [(MeCN)CuO](+) complex oxidized water and performed C-H activation and hydroxylation of ethane. The complexes with bidentate ligands did not react with water and oxidized only larger hydrocarbons.
All the investigated complexes showed comparable reactivities in the oxygen-transfer reaction with ethylene.